by David E Bay, High Councilor

I recently attended a political convention. Due to problems with the technology that was supposed to count the votes, the meeting got extended to twice the length that was planned. The organizers were working diligently, nevertheless, they were not prepared for the technical failure that occurred. There was not a backup plan that was in place from the beginning. There was a great deal of frustration. The leaders of the event were struggling, they were just some regular people who got chosen to lead, but things did not work well. They were overwhelmed. Patience was wearing thin with those who were attending and trying to do their civic duty.

Also, this month, the world has watched as Russian troops have viciously attacked the people and cities of Ukraine. I am trying to comprehend how drastically life can change for millions in a short period of time.  

Particularly, I think of the saints who live in the city of Kyiv where the temple is. The temple there is closed for now of course. Brigham City is also the location of a House of the Lord. I wonder how we would respond if our city should see destruction and devastation like they have seen.

The Stake Council has been working on developing an Emergency Plan for the Stake. We are trying to set up systems and redundancies so that regardless of what occurs and who is impacted most, we can make sure that all the people who live in the boundaries of the Stake are accounted for and basic needs are taken care of.

The Lord has told us that if we are prepared, we shall not fear. History shows us that when disasters strike, people either pull together and work with each other or they begin to fight and quarrel and try to take away from those around them. Those who are prepared and have faith that God will take care of them are willing to share and recognize that somehow, things will work out. Faith and fear cannot exist in one person at the same time. Those who feel that there is not enough and are fearful are caught up in a fight to survive rather than being willing to cooperate. The concept of battling others to be the winner and let them be losers is directly opposed to the idea of working together so all can win.

Questions to Consider

• Are you prepared?
• First, what is the status of your faith?
  • Can you trust on God to help you and your family prepare for what may come?
• Next, what preparations have you made?
  • Will your preparations still be enough if the infrastructure is not working?
    • Power?
    • Water?
    • Sewer?
    • Natural Gas?
    • Communication?
    • Internet?
    • Do you have paper copies of information you will need?
    • Cash, if electronic transactions do not work?
• Most importantly, what is the next step that the Spirit tells you that you need to take to be more prepared?

I hope that all of us can move forward in faith to prepare for those things that may come. These are certainly exciting times as we come closer and closer to the time when Jesus Christ will return to the earth in glory.