"The Perpetual Education Fund"
Elder Richard E. Cook
August 6, 2002
What a blessing it is to belong to a Church that has a prophet who receives direction from God for the benefit of His children. One of the most remarkable examples of this direction was the establishment of the Perpetual Education Fund in April 2001.
I can see how this might have come about. Envision a hypothetical Personal Priesthood Interview between President Hinckley and the Lord sometime in late 2000 or early 2001--before April Conference. President Hinckley is reporting his stewardship as the President of the Church. He is explaining what has been accomplished in the last 10 years:
The Church has reached 11 million members.
In the last 10 years, more than 7000 wards and 700 stakes have been created to accommodate the growth of the Church.
Thirty-five temples were dedicated in 2000 bringing the total temples in use to over 100.
For the first time there are more members outside the US than inside.In the last ten years, the number of missionaries in the field has increased almost 50% to about 60,000.
In 2000, more than 5 million copies of the Book of Mormon were distributed.
Church curriculum is available in 175 languages.
The Family: A Proclamation to the World was released in 1995.
In 2000, plans are underway to introduce the Church to more than 3 billion viewers through 10,000 reports for the Winter Olympics.
There is unprecedented acceptance of the Church in most parts of the world.
I can hear the Lord saying, "That's wonderful progress! I commend you, but you need to do more. I see some major areas that need your attention. First, what are you doing about the poor among you? And second, what are you doing to prepare for leadership in the Church as it grows outside the United States?" The prophet announced to the world the Perpetual Education Fund at April Conference in the spring of 2001 and this program addresses these needs.
Let me share with you a portion of a film that has been prepared by the Perpetual Education Department to explain the Program:
Elder Eyring quoted the 38th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants illustrating that the Lord is just. There are many more scriptures that refer to our need to take care of the poor. Consider the following:
And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple. (Doctrine and Covenants 52:40)
And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine.
But it must needs be done in mine own way; and behold this is the way that I, the Lord, have decreed to provide for my saints, that the poor shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low. (Doctrine and Covenants 104:15-16)
And the Lord called his people ZION, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them. (Moses 7:18)
And behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (Matthew 19:16-22)
Through the years the Church has a solid history of taking care of the poor. In 1839, during Brigham Young's leadership in removing the saints from Missouri, he moved "that we this day enter into a covenant to stand by and assist each other to the utmost of our abilities in remaining from this state, and that we will never desert the poor and worthy till they shall be out of reach of the exterminating order of General Clark, acting for, and in the name of the state." (Edward Tulliege, History of the Church, Salt Lake City, 1884, p. 636).
After the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum, the Saints decided to migrate to the Rocky Mountains. In a conference in the Nauvoo Temple, President Young made the motion: "that we take all the Saints with us, to the extent of our ability, that is our influence and property." This motion was carried unanimously, whereupon President Young prophesied that God would bless them with the means to accomplish the resolution. As a result we have no record of anyone being left behind because they had no means to get to Utah.
In 1849 there were about 6000 members in the Salt Lake Valley but many more members were abroad, primarily in England. Under President Young's leadership a plan was devised to help these mostly poor members, but with valuable skills, come to Utah. This plan was called The Perpetual Emigration Fund. Under this plan, money was loaned to members that had no means to get to Utah. It was expected that when they got here they would pay off the loan. This was a revolving fund; as the money was returned it would then be reloaned to the next family of worthy saints to permit them to emigrate.
By the end of 1855, almost 22,000 members had been helped and by 1870 when the transcontinental railroad was completed, it was estimated about 50,000 people had been assisted.
The principal sources of funds were contributions of labor, produce, cash, livestock, and equipment by Church members in the Great Basin.
Is it any wonder that when Brigham Young died, the first thing mentioned of his long list of achievements was: "He has, under God, rescued thousands from poverty and raised them to independence." (Deseret News, August 20, 1877.)
On a more modest scale, the Church established the Education Fund on May 27, 1903. Under this program, loans were made, at a low interest rate, to assist in the promotion of advanced learning among the young people of the Church, and especially to help Church schoolteachers obtain a higher education. Church schoolteachers agreed to contribute ½ of 1% of their salaries to start the fund and the Church General Board of Education matched this contribution. As is turned out, this program helped many prominent leaders in the Church.
Given the scriptural and historical foundation of the Program, it is little wonder that when the Perpetual Education Fund was announced it literally resonated with the saints. I remember my own reaction as I sat in that Priesthood Meeting and the confirmation of the Spirit that I was hearing the prophet describe an inspired program.
Everywhere we go the Saints respond with warmth and enthusiasm, with favorable sentiment and general good will. People want to hear about the program in detail. Invariably, they indicate full support. Why? Because our people recognize this program is inspired.
I want to read a letter from a missionary that illustrates the feelings we see everywhere we go in the Church:
Dear Brothers of the Perpetual Education Fund:
This donation has been long time in the waiting. I promised myself on my mission that I would donate this amount to the Perpetual Education Fund on returning. However, for the past two months, temptation has kept me from it. Here is my meager donation made with a heart filled gratitude for all the Lord as done for me. If you don't mind I would like to share the story behind this letter.
When I was about a year into my mission I was in an area where we could not watch General Conference. Although we listened to a small portion via Internet we missed the session when President Hinckley announced the Perpetual Education Fund. About two or three weeks later I had the pleasure of training a new missionary from the MTC. With the new assignment of trainer come many responsibilities but also news from home. One day while waiting for lunch we began discussing General Conference. Out of the blue my companion began telling me of this new program the church had announced that would make possible for the poorer returned missionaries to go to school and receive an education. As soon as he described the fund to me, I broke down and cried. I mean I really cried. I felt an incredible sensation burning within my chest and I knew in an instant that it was from God. I knew in that instant that Gordon B. Hinckley was a prophet of God, and it came by way of revelation directly from our Heavenly Father. There was no doubt. I began to understand the love God has for all his children and his desire to help them in their struggles. I am not a rich man. I come from a good family that has what it needs. My parents through their hard work have set aside money to pay for my school. I decided that I could work to pay for a semester or two and donate a small portion to help my brothers from Latin and South America that I have grown to love with all my heart. The Lord has blessed me so much. I love Him with all my heart. May the Lord continue to bless you all as you continue to serve Him.
This letter was accompanied by a check for $5,000.
The Saints have opened their hearts and made contributions in many unique ways. The Fund has a wonderful start but we've got a long way to go. Let me share with you some of the letters that have accompanied the donations.
One family wrote saying that their dad made a deal with them that if each of the five children would each earn a specified amount for snowmobiles, then their dad would pay for the rest. After the Perpetual Education Fund was announced, they had a family council and talked about sacrifice and how richly they had been blessed. Together they decided to make a contribution to the Fund and forego the snowmobiles. The letter was accompanied by a sizeable check--the equivalent of five snowmobiles.
One woman came by the office and left an unusually valuable diamond ring. It was accompanied by a letter that said: Please have no alarm at this as we are extremely blessed in all ways. This is a gift from both my husband and myself, freely given and will not be missed. I could never wear this as I always felt it was 'too much' and am so pleased to have it here with you."
Then there's the handwritten letter from the 92-year-old sister together with a nice check.
Dear Brethren:
I am a 92-year-old widow and have turned over in my mind many times the desire I've had to contribute to the Perpetual Education Fund ever since it was announced by President Hinckley. Certainly it is a worthy cause and I do have a lot of compassion for all who have less than I do. My 5 girls feel I should do what I like. Somehow making the decision to contribute to the Church seems to make me the happiest.
I have seen the poverty in some of those countries and know that the situation there has not been over-estimated. I spent 2 years in the mission field over the very same period of time as President Hinckley was on his first mission.
My conscience insisted that I send it so I hope it will be worthwhile. I do pray for the success of this Program. I wanted to do this myself, so hope you'll overlook the mistakes in my writing and having to use lined paper. I neither see or hear very well but give thanks for all that I have and pray the Lord's blessings on all.
And I could go on and tell you about:
An institute in New Mexico that gave each student that wanted to participate a dollar and then, consistent with the parable of the talents, sent them out to make it grow. They raised an amazing amount for the Fund.
Perhaps you've noticed in obituary notices the request: In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Perpetual Education Fund.
The wonderful thing about the program is that it is more than a loan.
Let me illustrate what I'm talking about by telling you of Isis Avila, a 23-year-old returned missionary from Brazil who is becoming a computer network technician through a PEF loan.
When I was 15, I met the Church and it made me very happy. But my parents did not agree with my baptism and forced me to leave the house. It was hard because we had a very good financial situation. But I left and stayed with a member family. I never had a relationship with my family again. I never turned back, and worked very hard to have money to go on a mission. That helped me value my mission more than anything. When I returned, however, I did not have a penny or a place to live. I suffered much in those first few months. Would I ever have anything, any hope in my life? I fasted and prayed for the opportunity to help myself and others. Then I heard about the Perpetual Education Fund. It is such a blessing! I have learned much already in my courses and I believe I will be able to compete in the workplace. I intend to pay back my PEF loan as fast as I can so others may be blessed. I'm grateful to the members who donate funds. I have a strong feeling of gratitude for President Hinckley and I know that his love and concern are evidence of the sacred nature of his calling. I know that despite all challenges, we have to go forward with the hope of a better world.
We have many more stories like these.
Now let me tell you what has been accomplished to date with the earnings on the funds with which we have been entrusted. We cannot loan the principle; we can only loan the earnings on these amounts.
Now let me now show you a profile of the participants:
This program is going to have a profound impact on the Church; perhaps more of an impact than any of us realizes. It will bless families; it will bless the Church and it will bless the community. But, we are not there yet. The program is not fully funded, and we need the continual support and sacrifice of the saints.
I want to close with something that President Hinckley said in 1978. "I heard a man of prominence say the other day, 'I have amended the language of my prayers. Instead of saying bless the poor and the sick and the needy, I now say, Father, show me how to help the poor and sick and needy, and give me the resolution to do so."
I think we have been shown how we can help the poor and the needy. I pray that we'll have the resolution to do so!
In the name of Jesus Chris, amen.
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