Elizabeth Smart's family has been fasting and praying since the 14-year-old was abducted.
Their faith is helping them through an unbearable ordeal.
They say they have included Elizabeth's abductor in their prayers, hoping to soften his heart.
One of Elizabeth's cousins put it this way: We have our faith. God is the most important person on our side.
The LDS Church sent out a statement that expressed concern for Elizabeth.
Church leaders called on her abductor to release her unharmed and "welcomed" church members to help with the search effort and bring comfort to the family.
More than 1,000 volunteers are searching for the missing girl.
A $250,000 reward was posted for her safe return.
(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
June 6, 2002
