Update on L'Aquila

Today was a national day of mourning for the victims of the earthquake that happened in L'Aquila earlier this week. Some have had private funerals while many others were part of a mass funeral ceremony yesterday. Our prayers are with their families. How grateful we are for the atonement of Jesus Christ that we celebrate this Easter Sunday which makes all things right and whole again and which gives us hope and comfort that we will all be redeemed and will live again. My favorite talk from Conference last Sunday morning was by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. (If you go to the BYU.TV site, click on Sunday Morning session, then click on Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.) What a beautiful message reminding us of our Savior's sacrifice and how it touches each of our lives.

Many of you have written or called and asked what you can do to help. We've even had many returned missionaries who served under past presidents ask if they could come over and help with the cleanup. How sweet everyone has been all around the world in wanting to come and help their fellow brothers and sisters in L'Aquila!

The stake has asked local members to donate goods that can be taken to the residents who now live in tent cities, hotels, and sleeper cars on trains. These items will be collected at the stake center this week. Because it is difficult and expensive to send items to Italy, members who are not in Italy can donate money instead to the church's humanitarian fund, give extra for fast offerings, or specify on the donation slip that you wish the funds to be used for L'Aquila. The church always does a beautiful job of assessing the needs of those who are in need and then helping them with the basic essentials. (I'm not asking for donations, just suggesting a way that you can help if you wish.)

The church will continue to meet with the members and those on the rebuilding team to see how we can best help. Thanks for the outpouring of love and concern.