IDAHO FALLS - In the midst of a tough economy, the malls may look empty but the pews at church are full. As faith in the economy, jobs and even the government wavers, more people are coming here, looking for answers.

"I'm seeing an increase in attendance because people are coming with spiritual questions," says Dr. Dennis Falasco, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Idaho Falls.

Though the current situation might have a negative affect on peoples' wallets, it seems to have a positive affect on their faith.

"As people do start to focus on what's important, I think religion has come back into their lives and I think people that are coming are more devout, more sincere," says Scott Woolstenhulme, Bishop Ammon 28th ward.

And While the stock market weakens, peoples' sense of community seems to be stronger than ever. The Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership has seen an increased need for help, but to their surprise, the amount of people helping out has also increased.

"For one instance in my life I can be right there and people are starting to realize that. There is more sympathy, more empathy. The empathy is what I think is most important. You don't have to feel sorry for these people. Just understand that they don't want to be in that situation. They're not choosing to be in that situation. Circumstances beyond their control have put them in that situation," says Sheryl Bailey, EICAP.

Since most people know at least one person affected by the current economy, the situation is hitting closer to home. Those who are turning to their faith and their community to survive are learning valuable lessons. Lessons we can all apply to our own lives in good times and bad.

"Life has more to offer than paycheck to paycheck," says Falasco.

"There are tough times and tough times aren't a bad thing. It really helps us put our priorities in focus and as we really humble ourselves, it can be a really beneficial experience that can help us grow," says Woolstenhulme.

"People will go back to their old ways once this goes away but there's gonna be a few people, few more than there ever were that are gonna have that empathy, that are gonna have that understanding to think, I'm not gonna let that happen to my neighbor again," says Bailey.

In part 3 of "The good news about the bad news," we give you tips on how to improve your personal life in tough times. Stay tuned to Channel 3 Thursday night at 10.