An overwhelming task with incredible work
lay ahead. At one point, President Faust jested, “John, what
did you do in the pre-existence to deserve such a calling?”
Then he offered this prophetic counsel, “’Sometimes an opportunity
comes your way, perhaps once in a lifetime, to truly do something
that will make a difference in people’s lives. That has happened
to you. If you seize the opportunity you can render a great
service to thousands of people’” (60).
Elder Carmack saw the program for its
timely inspiration; he knew it was from God. He gathered
the right people — individuals who were prepared — and simply
went to work. Immediately encouraged by generous donations
and grateful recipients, he writes, “We … learned that young
people from many lands had been praying for the kind of help
PEF brought. For example, one said: ‘I asked the Lord what
I could do, then PEF answered my prayers.’ Perhaps the young
people of the Church prayed PEF into existence. One of them
testified: ‘The Lord has given us this. We were prepared
to receive it.’ This seems a true insight” (4).
In Historical Context
In telling the PEF story, Elder Carmack
has wisely placed it in its historical context. The Church
had developed programs of similar intent before. In 1850
Brigham Young introduced the Perpetual Emigrating Fund
so “those of limited means could borrow enough money to allow
them to come to Utah with their families. After establishing
themselves, they would repay their loans as best they could
… replenishing the fund and enabling others to enjoy the same
privilege” (13). An estimated 100,000 Saints were helped
by the original PEF. Many became exceptional contributors
to their communities and the Church. The genius of both old
and new programs is in the adjective “perpetual.” By asking
individuals to repay loans, funds perpetuate. President Hinckley
knew the PEF acronym would remind seasoned members of opportunity
and hope for those without.
Elder Carmack also gives a brief history
of the Church Welfare Program, originally known as the Church
Security Plan, instituted by President Harold B. Lee in 1936.
The premise of this program was to “help the people help themselves”
(42). It grew out of hard times set off by the Depression.
Self-reliance was a principle of revelation and it worked.
It is still successfully yielding independent, unburdened
individuals. President Hinckley knew this type of system
was the necessary foundation for a new PEF. He explained,
“They [program participants] will enjoy a wonderful sense
of freedom because they have improved their lives, not through
a grant or gift, but through borrowing and then repaying.
They can hold their heads high in a spirit of independence.’”
(162)
Simply giving money to individuals, Elder
Carmack says, undermines the principles upon which PEF is
based. The Church’s goal is to help its members overcome
the tendency to expect something for nothing. When members
are self-reliant they can freely give, serve and share.
A perfect example of how the program is
working is found in this brief introduction to a young couple
in Colombia, Andres and Adriana. Notice the amount of increased
income furthered education will bring to Andres. Also note
the purity and selflessness of their first financial goal.
“Andres works a full week, earning about
$125 per month, and attends school fulltime as well. Adriana
does what she can to help while awaiting their first baby.
Full of faith and serving in responsible Church callings,
they look forward to a ten-fold increase in income when Andres
graduates next year in telecommunications. Their first financial
goal? ‘We hope to refurbish an old van on our street and
take the whole neighborhood to Church!’” (54).
That humbling statement plucked a chord
of awe and gratitude deep within me for the Lord’s faithful
disciples around the world. PEF is making it possible for
Andres and Adriana to become self-sufficient so they, in turn,
can serve others and build the Kingdom — truly an inspired
plan.
How and Why It Works
PEF was originally launched in the countries
of Peru, Mexico and Chile. It was introduced to young people
of the Church through the Institute of Religion program.
Firesides were held to explain PEF to young men and women,
many of whom were returned missionaries. Too often missionaries
returned home after exceptional service and a taste of opportunity,
only to have great difficulty finding jobs and affording an
education.
An obvious problem was presenting itself.
PEF was the solution. Here is how it works. Young adults
are required to take a brief course in career training and
development to examine options and assess their abilities
relevant to needs within their communities. Applicants then
meet with institute directors and bishops to create an educational
plan, indicating choice of career, years of education needed,
and desired loan amount. PEF applicants promise to borrow
only the amount necessary to achieve their goals. They are
to “pay all their own room and board, stay in their own communities,
and find ways to pay as much of their own school expenses
as possible” (182).
Every applicant promises to repay their
loan. Applications are endorsed by a Bishop and sent to the
PEF Board for careful consideration. If the individual’s
plan does not make sense or seems to need some adjustments,
it is returned for further consideration. 90% of all applications
are approved.
Since the loan is to be repaid, a small
amount of interest begins to accrue after recipients complete
their training. This incentive encourages PEF participants
to repay their loans quickly. Many do so before they have
completed their schooling. With new contributions coming
in and loans constantly repaid, PEF can meet growing needs.
As the needs increase, the fund will increase.
Immediate success within pilot countries
allowed for the program to expand to greater areas of Southern
and Central America, Africa and other countries in need.
That is how the program works — but why
is it so successful? We know education is the key to opportunity,
but simply put, PEF is based on true principles. That is
why it works. Elder Carmack reiterates its scriptural foundation.
“One of the phrases we often hear and use in our prayers is:
‘Bless the poor and the needy.’ Surely we should constantly
pray for the poor and the needy, but isn’t there more to our
duty toward others than merely dashing off that phrase? PEF
has given church members and others a real and practical way
of helping young people raise themselves out of poverty into
the light of a bright ray of new hope” (5).
Referencing Doctrine and Covenants 52:40,
Elder Carmack cites this revelation to Joseph Smith: “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.”
We know how the Lord feels about the poor
and needy. What about His living prophet? To the brethren
during General Priesthood Meeting, October 6, 2001, President
Hinckley said, “We need to care for one another more diligently.
We need to make a little more effort to assist those who are
down at the bottom of the ladder. We need to give encouragement
and a lifting hand to men and women of faith and integrity
and ability, who can climb that ladder with a little help”
(41).
The principles of PEF are in keeping with
a divine decree that we minister to those in need. Well-meaning
prayers are not enough. As a result, the Lord is assisting
in this work.
Individual Voices
I made the mistake of assuming this book
would largely offer glimpses into the lives of those benefiting
from PEF. Anxious to read their personal stories, I wanted
to learn how their lives had been changed by this inspired
outreaching. The book, however, is almost entirely about
the program itself, how it was conceived and the principles
that support it. There are a few cameo appearances of young
men and women participating in the program, but they do not
make up the majority of the book. I was disappointed in this.
But as I continued to read, I began to realize this is probably
the right book for the right time. A more poignant narrative
of individual stories can and I hope will be published five
to ten years from now. At that point we will be able to see
the astounding impact PEF has had not just on individuals
and their families, but upon communities, the Church and the
world. This program is producing strong leaders for both
Church and civic purposes. It is meeting the need for priesthood
leadership in nations where it is difficult to find leaders
to meet burgeoning church membership.
Elder Carmack explains, “In years to come
we will see the tremendous changes this program will bring
to the lives of individuals and families. It will provide
leaders for the Church and build the economies and the strength
of the communities where these young people reside … PEF may
point the way for other organizations, including governments,
to raise the level of their communities and countries by establishing
comparable programs” (165).
Below are several testimonials from those
currently participating in PEF:
“I am studying law and doing my best.
I report regularly to my institute director. He is happy
that I am making all A’s. Some of my friends have been concerned
that they have to repay the loans if they borrow from PEF.
They asked me why President Hinckley requires us to repay
the loans. I answer: the priesthood directs the Church. If
we do what they counsel we will have stability and faith in
our lives. We will do best if we follow the priesthood.”
(171) —Aquatint
“I am so very grateful. I am repaying
the loan. I will not let the prophet down.’” (174) —Marila
(Marila is one of two women in Peru’s
most prestigious technical school.)
“I am studying to be an X-ray technician.
My family is very poor. I study at great sacrifice, working
during the day and going to school at night. I travel by
bicycle, often in the rain. My bishop is always at my side
to help me. I became excited about the equipment and I am
learning. My mission helped me a lot. Now I want to help
others.” (171) —Marco
“The Lord has opened the door — I am so
grateful — and I hope to repay my PEF loan before I graduate!”
(1) —Meriam, Philippines (Meriam will be a Web Designer.)
Upon Them Hath the Light Shined
Isaiah wrote, “The people that walked
in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the
land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”
(Isaiah 9:2) PEF has caused a bright light to shine upon
young adults and families that have dwelt in darkness and
economic despair. Their lives have been absent of hope, but
PEF is a ray of light upon them. In the first three years,
more than 10,000 loans were granted, and Elder Carmack expects
in six to seven years 65,000 loans will be approved.
A Bright Ray of Hope
is evidence that PEF came from God. Individuals who were
called to establish and develop it were prepared years in
advance by the Lord. Their stories are intriguing, their
service admirable. Similar to the insight provided by Glenn
L. Rudd’s book on the Church’s Welfare Program, John K. Carmack
has carefully captured the history of PEF as one of the Lord’s
most inspired programs. I look forward to a sequel that will
highlight the far-reaching effects of PEF through the telling
of individual stories. We are anxious to see how lives will
be forever changed by the shining of this great light.
For more information about the Perpetual
Education Fund or for giving opportunities, go to www.ldsces.org
