The Church in the News December 26, 2001 Stories from the news media that include reference to the Church. Missionaries in Argentina are Safe — Deseret News Church officials have confirmed the safety of all missionaries serving in Argentina. Missionaries in the areas affected by political uncertainty and rioting have been instructed to stay in their apartments. Local Church leaders are closely monitoring the situation. Missionaries Serve, Even on Christmas Day — Washington Post Elder Kevin Tallman and Elder Matthew Weight are serving missions in Washington D.C. On Christmas Day, they were up at 6:30 a.m. as usual for scripture study before beginning the day's activities. They visited a recently baptized woman, took gifts to a poor family they are teaching, and later took a break to telephone their families. The article talks positively about their activities and their commitment to the work. The Church and the Olympics — Salt Lake Tribune / Additional story A group called the "Interfaith Roundtable," sponsored by the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 Olympics, has been working behind the scenes for nearly four years to bring together majority and minority religious figures to serve the needs of Olympic athletes and visitors of all faiths. The group includes Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists, as well as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In other efforts to clarify its teachings, the Church has produced a video titled Mormonism: Myths and Realities that will be used during the games. Many Churches Try to Revive Tithing — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Many churches are trying to revive the concept of tithing. Among the several sects discussed in this article, the Latter-day Saint position is noted positively. Elder Brad Chadwick, who is serving a mission in Milwaukee, is quoted as saying he learned tithing from his parents and plans to continue the 10-percent pledge throughout his life. Elder Chadwick said he does not view it as a sacrifice: "You're helping the church's work go forward," he said. "And when you do that, you're doing God's work." Renowned Tenor Serves in Many Settings — Deseret News Michael Ballam is serving as an "at-large music missionary" -- a roving ambassador of goodwill with a remarkable tenor voice. The world-renowned operatic singer loves to share his talent, whether on the stage, in firesides, in university classes, or in more private settings such as hospitals, prisons, and nursing homes. President Thomas S. Monson said of him: "He's got a heart of gold. He does it quietly. He doesn't make a show of it. He believes in music and goodness." Impressions of Religious Life in Russia — Provo Daily Herald / Additional story Michael and Lisa Kelly and their six children recently returned from Moscow, Russia where Michael had been serving as mission president. In this article, they share their feelings about the experience and the people they came to love during their three years of service, as well as the attitude of the Russian people towards religion. The Kelly family was amazed by the strength, doctrinal understanding, and commitment of many of the Church members living in the country. Latter-day Saint Couple Make Toys for Children — Deseret News Charlie and Donna Cooley retired from Southern Utah University several years ago, but are staying busy with other activities. As a stake Relief Society president, Sister Cooley visited Primary Children's Medical Center to check on the need for quilts, and discovered a great need for children's toys. Soon the Cooleys had founded Happy Factory, a nonprofit organization that makes wooden toys to give to children around the world. Church Ranch Experiments with Shrimp Farming — Palm Beach Post With many citrus farms struggling in Florida, some growers are turning to a new crop: freshwater shrimp. There are currently two major shrimp farms testing the viability of the business. The article mentions a third group: Deseret Ranch, owned by the Church, a 300,000-acre cattle ranch headquartered in St. Cloud, south of Orlando. The ranch is experimenting with shrimp and recently had its first shrimp harvest of 14,000 pounds. Serving Christmas Dinner to the Poor — Salt Lake Tribune Church members were among the 200 volunteers who joined with a Jewish congregation in Salt Lake City to serve Christmas dinner to homeless and low-income men, women and children. The event was aimed at promoting world peace, and also included Islamic and Catholic volunteers.