The Church in Armenia-Georgia mission looks to the future with one eye, uniting the hearts of members in unity and love (see Mosiah 18:21). As we witness the rise of the Church of Christ, we can thank God that we are partakers of the triumph of the Lord’s work (see 2 Corinthians 2:14). As we participate in that work, let us remember that the Lord of the vineyard is also working with us (see Jacob 5:72), and he can give us strength in doing the work of building the Church of Christ.

Historically, we have thought that the church is a structure: temple, chapel, tabernacle, but the restored gospel helps us understand that the church is more than buildings and structures, the church is us, His saints. Sister Rayna I. Aburto, from the RS presidency, said about it:

“While talking to a friend going through a difficult time, I asked how he was surviving financially. In tears, he replied that his bishop was helping him using fast-offering funds. He added, “I don’t know where my family and I would be if it wasn’t for the Church.” I replied, “The Church is the members. They are the ones who willingly and joyfully give fast offerings to help those of us in need. You are receiving the fruits of their faith and determination to follow Jesus Christ.” (Reina .I Aburto, “We Are The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” April 2022 general conference.)

Realizing that we are the Church, we also understand that the body of Christ is not of one member, but of many members who must come together and unite their hearts, forces, minds and hands to accomplish the miracles of the Lord.

One such miracle happened recently in the city of Alaverdi, where the Church was able to provide humanitarian aid to many families affected by a hailstorm. With five loaves and two fish provided by the saints, Christ fed “five thousand” souls. Your wiling and cheerful offerings made a miracle in the lives of many. Let’s remember, we are the church, the saints of the Lord.

Sister Aburto tells another story of a young boy that teaches the importance of tithing: “When I was little, every time I gave one dollar in tithing, I thought that with that one dollar a whole meetinghouse would be built. Isn’t that silly?” Touched, she replied, “That is lovely! Did you picture them in your mind? “Yes!” he exclaimed.

“They were beautiful, and there were millions of them!” Thanks to the faithful tithe offering of such children, we have meeting places like Alaverdi, where many people came and learned about the Church of Christ. Remember, your tithing helps the Church rise up and come out of the wilderness (see D&C 5:14). Teach your children the blessings of offerings. All members who have income, regardless of age, pay tithes.

Tithing donations are also used in building temples. The Lord wants the saints to visit the temple, he wants the temples to come close to the saints, and he expects us to show our desire, our faith, our devotion through tithing. Paying tithing is an expression of faith, so in order to have a temple recommend and enter the house of the Lord, we must demonstrate our faith by paying a full tithe.

Offerings can be made in any way convenient for you, both in cash and in non-cash, but remember that every time you make non-cash donations, you help the branch leaders spend less time recording donations and more time for being with their families on Sundays. We recently conducted another training session for branch leaders, and we believe that if you follow the updated instructions for non-cash donations, your donations will be recorded in a timely manner.

God opens the windows of heaven for us both as individuals and as a church (see Malachi 3:10). Let us invoke His blessings upon us by showing our gratitude to the Lord with our donations, and let us open the windows of our homes to allow the blessings of the Lord enter our hearts, our houses, our cities and our nations.

In the Gospel Principles book we read the promises of the prophets that donations can give members power greater than any earthly power to lift them and help them, and they will have bread in their bowls, clothing on their backs and shelter over their heads. (see Gospel Principles Chapter 32).

Written by: President Poghosyan