by David E Bay, High Councilor

Last month, when we got some heavy snow, I decided to use my snowblower to clean my driveway and sidewalks. When I tried to start it nothing happened no matter how many times I tried. I was grateful for an electric starter instead of pulling a cord each time. However, months previously in the summer or fall, I had not taken care to see that the engine was properly prepared and in working order before the storm came. No matter how many times I cranked the engine it could not start. I had not prepared properly in the summer or fall for the winter storms.

In contrast to this, Tharon Bell shared with me one of their experiences while he and his wife, Holly, were serving as Church Humanitarian Missionaries in the Philippines on the northern part of the island of Luzon. They followed the promptings of the Holy Ghost and properly prepared for a storm.

Members of the church in a small branch introduced them to the small area hospital located in the city of Lasam. It had been built during World War II by the occupying Japanese army. Elder and Sister Bell were dismayed when they examined what the hospital was working with. The doctors and nurses were all trained and able to use modern medical equipment. Unfortunately, there was no working equipment to use. Mattresses on the metal World War II rusted bed frames had been replaced with sheets of cardboard. Oxygen distribution equipment had decayed and had not been repaired in decades. Other equipment was either broken or nonexistent.  Life-$aving and sustaining equipment was just not available.

Tharon explained to me that they requested appropriate hospital equipment. The application for a project for this hospital was tabled with the explanation that “there are just too many smaller hospitals and we just do not have the funding available to bring them all up to a workable standard”.

About a year after the beginning of this process, Elder Bell felt a particular urgency to resubmit the applications. This time, it led to this little hospital receiving adequate supplies and equipment.

Tharon and Holly came home to Brigham City, knowing success. The reason for the importance of this became obvious after their return. A major typhoon hit this northern Luzon area – causing much damage and many injuries. However, the hospital was in place and able to treat people and save lives rather than sending all life-threatening injuries on a 2.5-hour drive to the larger emergency hospital.

In comparing the two incidents, we can learn that when we hurry and take no care to prepare, we will not be ready when disaster hits. However, as we humbly seek to know the steps to take and persist despite obstacles, we can prepare for whatever eventualities may come. In this case, follow the example of the Bells and do not do as David Bay did.

Just like Elder Tharon Bell received critical revelation in the Philippines, President Nelson taught we can each receive revelation.

A special thanks to Tharon and Holly Bell for sharing their missionary experiences.