Emergency Preparedness / 2021 / October
October 2021 Message
Dear Stake,
There is usually always a message about preparedness in the General Conference talks. This recent October conference was no different. While there were no talks dedicated to specific preparedness efforts, such as food storage or 72-hour kits, President Nelson was clearly referring to being prepared for emergencies when he said, "when your spiritual foundation is built solidly upon Jesus Christ, you have no need to fear. As you are true to your covenants made in the temple, you will be strengthened by His power. Then, when spiritual earthquakes occur, you will be able to stand strong because your spiritual foundation is solid and immovable."
President Nelson's words echo Doctrine & Covenants 38:30, "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear," as well as the parable of the wise man who build his house upon a rock, making it strong enough to withstand floods (Matthew 7:24-25).
He goes on to say:
"It is now time that we each implement extraordinary measures -- perhaps measures we have never taken before -- to strengthen our personal spiritual foundations. Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures. My dear brothers and sisters, these are the latter days. If you and I are to withstand the forthcoming perils and pressures, it is imperative that we each have a firm spiritual foundation built upon the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. So I ask each of you, how firm is your foundation? And what reinforcements to your testimony and understanding of the gospel are needed?"
In the upcoming months, we will have some messages about practical emergency preparedness -- things like preparing for a winter ice storm, or saving money -- but this month we'd like to encourage each of you to take stock of your spiritual foundation, and heed the prophet's advice to reinforce yourself. Read his talk for more on his advice to start by visiting the temple.
We know that as you follow Jesus Christ's teachings and become more like him, you will be strengthened and able to withstand whatever spiritual storms may come your way.
Sincerely,
Chris and Holly Earls
Stake Emergency Preparedness Coordinators