Our Thoughts and Prayers

Vivian and I have been following news accounts (San Francisco Chronicle app on my iPad) and Facebook postings about the horrible and devastating fires in Northern California.  While our home and families have seemed to escape the horrific consequences (so far) our hearts go out to those we know and do not know who have suffered loss of their homes, lives of family members and the displacement of so many thousands more based upon the accounts we've been following.  We have also read of so many accounts of heroic efforts to save and if not to save to comfort those who have lost so much.  Of course the courageous firefighters who are going beyond what seems so humanly possible to protect us all need to be recognized.  My brother is a retired firefighter and has done his share of fighting these types of fires in California so I am particularly sensitive to those who put their lives on the front line protecting us.  Thank you so very much

I see that so many agencies and churches and others are reaching out to help those in need.  I'm particularly aware of the stake presidents and bishops of the Santa Rosa, Napa, Fairfield and Ukiah California Stakes who have the front line responsible in our Church to provide the assistance and comfort to help their communities survive this disaster and build for the future.  Our prayers and support go out to Presidents Kitchen, Judd, Edman and Engstrom and their bishops and hundreds of members who are doing absolute best to provide assistance the way the Savior would have them do. To lift the burdens of those whose arms hang down and minister to each others' needs.  They truly are the Lord's representatives in their respective communities and deserve all our support and prayers.  Thank you especially to my stake president, Kory Judd and my bishop, Shawn Barlow.  And thanks to all of our stake and ward members who truly are angels to those whom they are serving.

Vivian and I were just reading some accounts posted on Mormon Times.  We were completely overwhelmed as we listened to a first hand account of one of the Santa Rosa bishops who lost his home and what it was like to be in the middle of the firestorm; not only for him but his neighbors.  Yet, in the midst of it all his faith was strong even though he lost so much.  His attention was on those who needed his assistance and service.  Another example of Christ-like attributes in action.  I'm aware of at least one high counselor if not two in the Napa Stake who lost their homes but are anxiously engaged in helping those in their stake and community.  Such great examples of rising above the fray and looking to serve others in need.  My testimony is strengthened in hearing these accounts.

We wish we could be there with you all to help and render service to those in need.  Our hearts are turned to you from Eastern Europe and our prayers are with you all, each and every day.  Our branch here in Kyiv even prayed for Northern California today.  May the Lord bless all in Northern California and keep them safe from further harm.  And continue to bless the first responders as well.