Readers Talk about Why They are Donating to Meridian Magazine

Readers Talk about Why They are Donating to Meridian Magazine

Many kind letters of support and enthusiasm have come pouring in from readers in many parts of the world. If you have been unsure about whether or not to contribute $10 to Meridian Magazine, please read some of the 24 letters included below—please don't miss the one titled: Ex-Monks for Meridian.

From Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

In addition to supporting with the small donation asked for, I want to say thanks!!! My husband and I have been living these past eleven years in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. We have been reading Meridian from the beginning and we love it, and all of you involved in it. It is amazing and wonderful to have such a wealth of articles on such a variety if subjects that come from our shared faith and convictions. There is so much good that has come into our lives, thus blessing our little family and our District here, through all of you at Meridian. Really, from our hearts, THANK YOU.

I am not LDS

Scot & Maurine,

"Preserving the moments that matter" is a catch phrase blinking on top of my screen. It seems that supporting your publication is a good idea, it's been done, and it should help prepetuate something simply good. An irony in this effort is that I am not LDS, and my wife detests Mormonism, but you I will support. Merry Christmas

Ex-Monks for Meridian

Dear Scot and Maurine, Brother and Sister: Meridian is indeed worth $1O.OO to us.  We are ex monks of the Eastern Orthodox church and are converts to the LDS church 1 year and 3 months now.  We lived in a Monastery for over 3O years and are in the Minot 2nd Ward, Minot , North Dakota . Bishop Veazey will attest we are indeed ex monks (long hair in pony tail and black robes).

I dare say, it is Meridian that has grounded us in the Faith, so I will gladly send you $2O.OO a year if need be...I do not have a credit card, so I am sending this money to your office in Fairfax Station, Virginia. I ask all your readers to pray and to trust the Lord. Do not fear anything in this economy, but to totally trust the Lord.  The Saints of God always stood by each other and these times should not be any different. You have fed us ex monks with the manna of Heavenly Truth for over 1 year and 3 months. You cannot put a price tag on Truth. The Gospel is true.

We ask Meridian Readers to subscribe to Meridian. We both are giving $2O.OO per year and we know that even in this economy, Our Father in Heaven will Bless you. Many of us can give up junk food, and snacks...we live the word of wisdom, but too much meat is not good and all junk food is not good for us, so I would encourage all readers to give up these things and cling to that which feeds the spirit and soul.

Thank You for Meridian ...We love you in His Restored church. 

Your Servants,
Elder (Brother) G. Michael McLaughlin
Elder (Brother) R. Joseph Tryon
Minot 2nd Ward- Minot, North Dakota
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Editors' Note: We have contacted Brothers Michael and Joseph and will be doing a story of their lives and conversion in a future issue of Meridian!

A Step on the Pathway Back

First of all, I'd like to thank you for your magazine. I'm a returned missionary from Southern California living in a remote area of central Thailand with my non-member husband and five children. We've only had the internet at home for about two years now (Yes, only 2-3 years!), but Meridian gave me a window back into the church. It's put me back in touch. I have no idea how far I'd have to drive to get to a sacrament meeting from where we live...we're so far from everything else. Your magazine has brought me a portion of the smiles, giggles, tears, deep insights, peace and warmth I've always found in sacrament meeting. It's filled a huge gap in my spiritual life and become a step on the pathway back.

--Debbie

Can you Add PayPal?

I would like to donate $10 but do not like to put a credit card number on the Internet. I would like to use PayPal or write a check. Can you give me an address to mail to (unless PayPal will work). Thanks! We appreciate your work and hope you'll be in a position to continue your great work!

--Loyal Reader

Editors' Note: A PayPal link has now been added to the page to make it easier for everyone to donate.

From Paris: Ten Years of Reading Almost Daily

Dear Scot: When you ask "What is Meridian worth to me," I am tempted to respond by another question, "how much am I willing to contribute to a Newsletter/Magazine that did so much for my spiritual and emotional welfare"?  

The French say that "culture is what remains when you have forgotten everything."  I did forget much of what I read from your website, but I know that ten years of reading - almost daily - your inspiring, entertaining and informative messages on my desktop made a better individual out of me.  I became more hopeful and stronger in the face of temptation, discouragement and adversity.  I was able to bless the lives of others through quoting articles from your magazine in my speeches.

About 32 years ago while serving a mission, I had the opportunity to baptize a lovely young couple with small children.  Watching such beautiful souls being converted became another confirmation to me that the gospel was true.  Getting closely acquainted with you and Maurine gave me the very same feeling.  I am confident that many of your readers will feel the same way as I do about supporting your efforts. 

May the Lord bless you abundantly for courageously contributing your talents for the building of His kingdom in these challenging times.   I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a most successful Year 2009 at the helm of your publication.

With warmest regards,

--Charles Defranchi
Paris, France

P.S.:  I just arrived in Finland for the Christmas break and this gets me to remember your outstanding coverage of the Temple consecration there (www.ldsmag.com/finland)

You Can Use Snail Mail

FYI: I mailed (via snail mail) a check for $20 today to support Meridian Magazine. I just wanted you to know I heard your plea for donations and DO believe your magazine is worth $20--I just didn't want to do it online. Thanks!

Editors' Note: Yes, you can donate to Meridian Magazine via Snail Mail by making a check out to: Meridian Magazine and sending it to:

Meridian Magazine
PO Box 94
Fairfax Station, VA 22032-0094

My Non-Member Wife Wants Us to Contribute $50

Hello, Sister Proctor: My non-member wife, Linda, wants us to donate fifty bucks.  Might you please offer a third form where readers can name the amount?  That's easier than donating several times. And you might be surprised:  you've never asked before, so you don't know if there are some who will donate significantly!

Merry Christmas and very highest regards,

--Eric Carlson
Edmonds, Washington

What is Really Going on in the World

Dear  Brother Proctor, I wanted to let you know Meridian Magazine is worth every penny of the $10 you are asking. I wish I could send more (sorry but I'm mailing my donation.)  I read the news everyday and then I go to Meridian to find out what is really going on in the world.

God Bless and Merry Christmas to you and yours.

--Bobbi Luttrell

Remote Country

I'm so grateful for the ongoing spiritual strength I receive from Meridian . Living is such a remote country area I don't have gospel support locally so your newsletters are really appreciated.

--Fran

From Down Under

Hi Scot and Maurine--I live in Australia and would love to make a donation to Meridian . I'm just checking that the email and link for payment are genuine. After all, in your article you said yourself that you've been hacked into twice! I'm just confirming that it really was you that sent out the request for donations. If so, I'll send a payment. Merry Christmas! Regards,

--Jill Antuar
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Tremendous Blessing

I have been reading for 10 years (Wow) and you have been a TREMENDOUS blessing to my life. My prayers are with you and I know, even through opposition, that you will be greatly blessed for the work you do.

--Cara and Scott Patterson

Firefox and IE

I tried and tried to submit a donation but it was repeatedly denied, in Firefox, which is the browser I always use. I did try IE and apparently it went through, but if you have fewer donations than you wish it's probably because that secure pay site won't work in Firefox, the preferred browser for many! You may want to note that somewhere.

--Janet Gerla

Editors' Note: If Firefox will not work, please try going through an IE Browser window. Thank you!

Kind Bishop

Dear Scot, Maurine and Staff, I just made a donation to your magazine because it seemed to me to be no different than helping a family in our own Ward when needed. I currently serve as Bishop and have passed along many of your articles to help inform, inspire, and uplift our members. Without daily updated resources like yours we cannot be adequately prepared for the world information onslaught of our beliefs and values. Thanks for the great work your entire staff is doing!

--Steve Long
New Oxford, PA

Happily Clicked on the $10 Donation

I always enjoy your collection of articles, links, information and ads.  It is a great connection to other LDS people, ideas and resources.  I happily clicked on the $10 donation link a few minutes ago, because I really enjoy most everything you publish.  Wish I could send more, but I had better not.  I do believe that, given the opportunity, I would feel great about sending another similar donation before 10 more years has lapsed!

--Marlene Keeley 
Smoot, Wyoming

Big Factor in Gospel Knowledge

Thank you for all you do to bring Meridian Magazine to us every day!  I have been reading your magazine since you first started, and my twin sister and I went on a church history tour with you (Scot) in 2001.  We still talk about it, and hope we can go on another tour with you someday.  I will gladly contribute money to help Meridian Magazine continue!  I was just saying to my sister the other day that I think Meridian Magazine has been one of the biggest factors in the gospel knowledge I've gained over the last 10 years. My brother-in-law teases me, because almost every day I say, "I was reading on Meridian today..." and tell my family what I learned.  I can't imagine the world without Meridian Magazine, especially in these troubled times.  I can't count the number of times when one of your articles has been exactly what I needed on a trying day. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the service you provide to us, and Merry Christmas!!

--Jennifer Southern

Still Active in My Heart

Thank you for asking for donations. I was happy to donate to your company. You see, I am currently an inactive member of the Church. Your magazine arrives in my in-box every day and keeps me connected to what is going on and tells me things I need to hear. Your stories inspire me, make me think about my life and my commitment to my family, work and the Gospel (while I'm inactive, I'm STILL active in my heart). Thank you for allowing me to support your very worthy efforts. I hope that my small donation of $20 helps offset some of the expenses you are having and that the overall donations are enough to see you through the rough spots. In this time of economic turmoil, it is important to keep in mind what is most important and to focus on that, rather than the negative. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

--Leisa Tucker
Las Vegas, Nevada

We Hurried to Send Our Donation

Scot and Maurine, Thank you for Meridian Magazine. Thank you for the opportunity to support your efforts. Like many, we are cutting back. We're ditching satellite TV, not eating out as much, etc. But I would have to be in serious economic stress to not be able to support Meridian . We cannot imagine the internet or our inboxes without your efforts. May God bless you and your family and your work. We hurried to send our donation. Good luck to you in the future.

Happily Donated

I happily just made a donation of $20 to your magazine. I love Meridian ! You guys are fabulous! May I suggest you add Paypal as another option for revenue? You'd be surprised at how much more response you'd receive! Take care and Merry Christmas and thanks again for all you do for all of us!

Warmly,

--Diane

Editors' Note: A PayPal link has now been added to the page to make it easier for everyone to donate.

You Have Meant So Much to Us

My husband and I will definitely donate to you and will gladly pay a charge for yearly service if your service comes to that. I can't tell you how much Meridian has meant to us all these years. This is the main way I get my news as I seldom watch TV. You all give such an unbiased opinion on the worldly news and I trust you to be truthful and accurate. We love Meridian and all of the authors. The pictures and the photo displays, ie the Nauvoo Temple , President Hinckley, World War II monument and dedication, etc. have meant so much to us. The Meridian Marketplace and businesses, the diet words of wisdom (namely Dr.

Bridell, the survival instructions from Carolyn Allen)--all of these have meant so much to us and are so appreciated. Thank you so much for all you've done and have been in our life.

Truly,

--Jeanine and Bob Lewis
Bowie, Maryland

Loved Your Magazine for a Number of Years

Dear Meridian Staff: I was planning to drop you a note this Christmas thanking you for the wonderful service you provide. I have loved your magazine for a number of years now and was happy to make a donation to something that fits my value system, knowing it will be well spent. I can't tell you how much I have appreciated your magazine. Thank you again and again.

--Penelope Anne Bernard
Canada

Tough Economic Times

Although these tough economic times have put a tight squeeze on my low income budget I consider $10 well spent to keep Meridian in my daily life. I use Meridian as my Home page and find it to be a comfortable, safe and informative place to navigate from each time I go on line. Keep up the good work!

--VJoyce Miles
California

Daily Vitamin to Me

YES! Meridian is worth more than $10 to me! However...I cannot donate until after Christmas. Please tell me I have until the end of the year to donate. This economic crisis has really put us in a hard place…but we can do $10. Meridian is a daily vitamin to me! You do such a tremendous job with it! I love it! Almost all my friends are daily readers too! :)

Meridian Worth More than Gold

Meridian Magazine is worth more than gold to me! I love the articles; you have made a wonderful thing! I gladly donated.

To read our original article: How Much Is Meridian Worth to You? Click here.