By Leslie Pascua, Council of Presidents of 70

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

During my visit to India and Nepal, I saw a thriving community from Biratnagar, Nepal. Not only in terms of their relationship with each other, but also in their spiritual aspects. I have seen the flourishing relationship between Biratnagar and Sunsari, congregations from two different villages within Biratnagar District, Nepal.

I sensed the flourishing relationship among church members and the way they treated their neighbors regardless of their religion. Members of these two congregations where I visited twice were genuinely hospitable when they brought us to some of the houses of their neighbors and they warmly welcomed us like we have been friends for a while. What incredible hospitality from these villages!

I have observed the manifestation of the Kingdom of God, where those brothers and sisters from our congregations, including family, friends, and neighbors, are living in Shalom There is peace but justice and prosperity start to germinate as I see courageous and determined leaders in our congregation start to work together to organize themselves for their own upliftment, not only spiritually but for physical needs—for social and economic development to fight hunger and poverty. Germination of good seeds in these congregations started to happen. Leaders and volunteer members have started working together to prepare the land and look for the best seeds to be planted in that well-prepared soil.

When Adam Wade and I co-facilitated the formulation of the strategic direction of Biratnagar, we found it is very important for the people to deeply understand their own situation. So, we facilitated an asset and situational analysis to find out the real needs, concerns and capabilities of the entire community. It is hard sometime to prescribe medicine to a patient who does not really share the cause of the sickness. Even a doctor asks many questions to have an accurate assessment of a patient. We patiently asked many questions to the people in these congregations so we can help them identify their situation and concerns.

People from Biratnagar and Sunsari congregations were very honest and determined to work together for their own good. For the past few weeks, selected leaders and volunteers started to act together, and they are doing some of the preliminary work for the formalization of the local organization they will be forming, providing an alternative structure to support the families who are suffering from poverty and hunger. And they believe that working for social and spiritual mission is a representation of the wholistic mission of the church in that area, the same as the global church is doing. They shift their focus from individual gain to the common good, where resources are shared to ensure no one is in need and no one is left behind.

Prayer Phrase

“a new community…is being born” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:5).

Spiritual Community

Meditate on a time when you experienced true belonging—a moment when someone welcomed you, listened to you, encouraged you, or reminded you that you were not walking the journey of faith alone. Prayerfully consider the qualities that help build a Christ-centered community: hospitality, compassion, forgiveness, patience, courage, joy, and a willingness to walk alongside one another. Offer a prayer of gratitude for the communities that have shaped you and a prayer of commitment to help create spaces where all people can experience the love, peace, and presence of Christ.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.