W01 Essay: Credo Statement - I am my brother’s keeper

 Fabrice Tshiyoyi Banyingela

Professor Shelby Scoffield - BYU Idaho

ENG 301 Advanced Writing & Research

18 September 2021

 

I am my brother’s keeper

            Looking out for others' interests is the simple language people that focuses on what eternity holds for us should have as a credo. One way the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter Days Saints demonstrate this virtue is during the Mormon Helping Hand.

I had the opportunity to lead my unit as the Elders Quorum President to clean a community school center in the area of Wattville, Benoni. We managed to clean the classrooms, offices, toilets, and paint the entire center. It was a cool activity, everyone seemed to enjoy it. Spending few hours of our time assisting our fellowmen.

As we continue with our activity, two young ladies approached us and asked “can we also joined you?” with a smile, I replied, “yes, you can”. Then followed another question, “how much are you paying for this job?” My next answer didn’t please them. Realizing that all these people working for free was really shocking to them. Despite the effort of explaining to them that we do this to show love to our Heavenly Father by serving our neighbors, was a piece of new knowledge to them to the extent of responding “Ayikho into yamahala” in the Zulu language which translates as “There is nothing for free.” The saddest part of this incident is that we discovered later that these two investigators were actual students at the school we renovated.

I am happy to understand and believe that all our actions on earth are recorded in heaven. When helping and carrying for others, we do that with no intention of whatsoever payments in return. It is true that we need to work and through our labor, we shall survive, nevertheless, we need to frequently spare time to spend with our loved ones, care for the poor and needy, especially during this Covid-19 pandemic.

The scriptures have a common purpose to convince all people that Jesus is the Christ and by following His example, we will become perfect like Him. It is therefore aberrant that we serve our nations as Jesus Christ did in order to create a perfect brotherhood around us. Most of our parents, teachers, and elders have taught us the best virtues, disciplines, and ways of acting as good citizens. No matter how small or big a project may be, there will always be joy in giving and serving. The beneficiary is relaxed from the suffering caused by social problems, and the provider has attained a philanthropic objective – improving the wellbeing of humankind.

Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes, I am my brother’s keeper, I am responsible for my brother. When my brother is lost and screaming for help, I have to rescue him. I cannot just retreat and go to my house when my brother is injured or bleeding. As we have learned this principle from our church, it is our responsibility to teach the next generation to succor the needy, befriend the lonely, fed the hungry, and nurse the sick.

As we listen to the inner voice of doing good all the time, we will be overwhelmed to see the kind of help we get when we are in need. We never know the exact time tribulations will hit our lives, and for that, this is the moment to be our brother’s keepers. This is the time to help without judging people by the color of their skin, gender, or age. Like during our 2018 Mormon Helping Hand activity, the place didn’t matter, only our determination counted in making that place a conducive environment for the learners. 

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