What The LDS Church Does That Will Blow Your Mind

Debates about doctrine and culture tend to dominate conversations about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Just like with many topics in society right now, focus is usually on the negative headlines. Yet beyond theology, there’s a track record of humanitarian and community work that is difficult to dispute. If you want to focus on the good, you'll most likely have to relearn it.

Conversations about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) often focus on culture or politics. What neighbor is rude or judge mental, which politician should know better. ECT. But beyond debate, there’s a track record of charitable service that is difficult to dispute.

In 2023, the Church provided more than $1.36 billion in charitable aid, supported by 6.2 million volunteer hours across 191 countries (Salt Lake Tribune). Projects included food security, clean water, refugee support, and emergency relief after disasters.

The Church operates Bishop’s Storehouses, which function like food banks, providing free groceries to anyone in need. Welfare Square in Salt Lake City—complete with a dairy, cannery, and bakery—is staffed mostly by volunteers and helps supply aid worldwide.

Tens of thousands of wheelchairs are distributed annually, along with support for global immunization campaigns against measles and polio. Clean water projects have brought wells and safe drinking water to communities in Africa, Asia, and beyond.

The Perpetual Education Fund provides low-interest loans for students in developing nations, while employment centers offer free career coaching. Addiction recovery programs, modeled on a 12-step system, are open to anyone.

Through JustServe.org, the Church connects volunteers of all faiths with local service projects (JustServe). Missionaries on service assignments assist in hospitals, food banks, and shelters.

Independent analysts at The Widow’s Mite note that LDS humanitarian spending has grown nearly fivefold from 2021 to 2023, now estimated at over $1 billion annually (The Widow’s Mite).

While debates about influence in Utah persist, the LDS Church’s consistent record of humanitarian aid, welfare programs, and global service is widely recognized—even by outside observers. For millions, these efforts provide not just help, but hope. Plus, the institution teaches all how to save for a rainy day. Read More: Provident living.