Alma 17:9

And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in the wilderness, and they fasted much and prayed much that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were possible, their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the truth, to the knowledge of the baseness of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct.

When we are in the wilderness of our lives, prayer and fasting are critical in keeping the Holy Ghost with us. God may not rescue us immediately from the wilderness, but he will not leave us comfortless or without guidance.

Alma 17:2

Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.

Keys to the complete and steadfast conversion of the sons of Mosiah were diligently searching the scriptures, fasting and praying for knowledge. It came not from seeing an angel but from doing the work. We gain testimonies the same way. And since God is no respecter of persons, he will bless our diligent efforts just as he blessed theirs.

Mosiah 4:27

And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.

The Lord's plan for caring for the poor is organized. He is not talking about giving to every panhandler, but to give in an organized and sustainable way. The "fast offering" is the order by which the Latter-day Saints keep this commandment. Once a month we fast for two meals and give the equivalent, or more, to the church to use to help the poor. When I was in high school and my dad was laid up in the VA hospital for a year, we needed help from the church, and it came through the fast offerings. I know this program works.