Not so fast

We had family home evening with the couples serving with us last night and the lesson was taught by Elder Paul Pieper of the seventy and member of the area presidency.  He is such a humble and approachable guy.  The area presidency has spent the last 6 weeks developing an area plan with the vision of building on the wonderful progress that has occurred here (1.3 million members and 34 missions) but to move Mexico into its role of not requiring resources but providing missionaries and financial help to other countries struggling.  Their approach is very interesting.  For Mexico to be self sufficient in finances there is a long way to go with tithing and fast offerings.  Their approach is to bring a better understanding and compliance with the law of the fast and tithing and offerings.  He explained that when a general authority goes to a stake conference to reorganize the presidency they bring with them information about the fasting offerings and tithing of the high council and bishops who they generally interview.  He said the sad thing is you wouldn't believe the number of bishops who pay very little fast offerings.  He spoke of a friend who told him that every Saturday evening before Fast Sunday they would meet as a family and discuss the possible purposes of their fast and then he would ask his children what they would be able to offer as fast offerings.  We spend a lot of time teaching our children about tithing but we skim over fast offerings.  We read in Matthew 17 where when Jesus returned from the mount of transfiguration there was the son of a follower who was ill and the apostles were not able to cure him.  They were told that this task required much fasting and prayer.  Fasting is powerful when done properly.   We then read in Isaiah 58 6-7 which talks about the power of fasting and how we should be helping those who are needy as we fast.  He promised us that the way to bring the Lord's blessings into our families is to properly live the law of the fast and allow our children to participate in the offerings - just as we teach them to pay tithing at a very young age.  Fasting will bring the Lord's blessings which will strengthen our faith which will allow us to be more active in church activity and bless our families.  He reminded us that fasting without a purpose is just going hungry.  If the key to strengthening the members in Mexico and bringing the Lord's blessings to this country is to fast with purpose and teach it to our families it will probably work in the United States and in your families as well.
Greg