May 2009 Ensign

ward throughout the Church. I sus- pect they have been felt in some way This Is Your by each of us, whether personally— through members of our families or extended families—or through some- one we know. Phone Call Brethren, there is no organization BISHOP RICHARD C. EDGLEY better able to respond to the challenges of humanity than the priest- First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric hood of the Most High God. We have the organization. Stake presidents, We now call upon you to mobilize our priesthood quorums bishops, elders quorum presidents, in response to the employment and financial challenges and high priests group leaders—we now call upon you to mobilize our facing our members. priesthood quorums in response to the employment and financial challenges facing our members. Consider this your personal phone call. Now is the news media—comment on how the time to rally around, lift up, and quickly the Church is able to mobilize help the families in our quorums who so many who are willing to help. They may be in distress. ask, “How do you do it?” The response Opportunities abound, and yours to this question can be simply stated as is the opportunity and responsibility “We are prepared, we have organiza- of marshaling the Lord’s resources. tion, we have empathy, and we have Among our quorum members, you charity.” It usually just takes a few will likely find those who know of job phone calls from presiding authorities openings and others who are skilled to local leaders to mobilize hundreds at writing résumés or assisting in and sometimes thousands of individu- interview preparation. Regardless of als to go to the rescue of their fellow titles or skills, you will find a brother- brothers and sisters in distress. hood committed to bear one Tonight I wish to speak of another another’s burdens. challenge to which we have opportu- President Monson tells the story nities to respond, and brethren, this is of a retired executive named Ed your phone call. This challenge is not who lived the example of a quorum y brethren of the priesthood, one of natural causes; however, its member. On one occasion President in recent years we have wit- effects are real and are being felt glob- Monson was speaking with Ed and Mnessed many emergencies ally. And while we are optimistic about asked him, “ ‘Ed, what are you doing and natural disasters throughout the the future, we continue—as we have in the Church?’ He replied, ‘I have world. Among them have been hurri- for decades—to espouse the funda- the best assignment in the ward. My canes, wildfires, earthquakes, and a mental principle that we are our responsibility is to help men who are devastating tsunami. brother’s keeper. unemployed find permanent employ- The Church has responded to Elder Robert D. Hales has recently ment. This year I have helped 12 of these and many other disasters in observed: “The economic clouds that my brethren who were out of work to marvelous ways. Groups of members have long threatened the world are obtain good jobs. I have never been have quickly mobilized to go and now fully upon us. The impact of this happier in my entire life.’ ” President help those in need. They all felt good economic storm on our Heavenly Monson continues, “Short in stature, knowing they were blessing the lives Father’s children requires a gospel ‘Little Ed,’ as we affectionately called of others through their service. vision of welfare today more than him, stood tall that evening as his Often, individuals who are not of ever before.”1 The unemployment eyes glistened and his voice quavered. our faith—members of other churches, and financial wakes of this storm are He showed his love by helping those relief organizations, governments, and splashing over every stake and every in need. He restored human dignity. MAY 2009 53 help gather needed tools and supplies to equip the new shop. Almost everyone in the quorum could at least help clean the old barn. They shared their ideas with Phil; then they shared their plan with the members of their quorum. The barn was cleaned and renovated, the tools gathered, and all was put in order. Phil’s Auto was a success and eventu- ally moved to better and more permanent quarters—all because his quorum brothers offered help in a time of cri- sis. Priesthood quorums can and must make a difference. Many wards and stakes have called employment specialists to provide bishops and quorum leaders with additional support. Do not hesitate to call upon them for help. In many areas of the Church, we have established employment resource centers. The staff in these centers have been trained to assist you with your quorum, ward, and stake employment needs. Their close relationships with employers will be an asset with career development and employment. The Church’s Deseret Industries thrift stores offer employment and education opportunities to people of all backgrounds. Those with special needs are given the opportunity for rehabilitation, training, and job place- ment. Where available, Deseret Industries can be a valuable resource. Bishops, the sisters have a role in He opened doors for those who knew from his job. He was devastated by this effort. Because of the economy, not how to do so themselves.”2 this turn of events. many mothers are finding it necessary There are many ways bishops and On hearing about Phil’s job loss, to make budget and other living quorum members can help to relieve his bishop, Leon Olson, and his elders adjustments. Some are even finding it the suffering and anxiety of the unem- quorum presidency prayerfully con- necessary to leave the home to find ployed. Phil’s Auto of Centerville, sidered ways they could help Phil get work. The Relief Society sisters, with Utah, is a testament of what priest- back on his feet. After all, he was a fel- their specially endowed, compassion- hood leadership and a quorum can low quorum member, a brother, and ate hearts, can help. They can help accomplish. Phil was a member of he needed help. They concluded that identify the needy. They can teach. an elders quorum and worked as a Phil had the skills to run his own busi- They can babysit, console, comfort, mechanic at a local automobile repair ness. One of the quorum members and encourage. They can make a shop. Unfortunately, the repair shop offered that he had an old barn that difference. where Phil worked experienced eco- perhaps could be used as a repair Now, let me say a few words to nomic trouble and had to let Phil go shop. Other quorum members could those of you who are currently 54 San Juan, San Juan, Argentina unemployed. The responsibility for priesthood quorum to set in motion as I am now teaching you. Go and finding employment or improving those forces and facilities which will bring in those people now on the your employment rests with you. equip the needy member to provide plains.”4 Continued guidance comes from the on a continuing basis for himself and As a result of President Young’s Lord through regular fasting and his family.”3 call to action, wagons with teams of prayer. Your quorum leaders, bish- In October 1856, during a general mules, men to drive them, and flour ops, specialists, and employment conference, President Young learned and other supplies were immediately resource center staff will help in that two handcart companies, the sent to rescue the people stranded on your efforts. We fear, however, Martin company and the Willie com- the plains. that often priesthood leaders are pany, were traveling late in the season Brethren, this is your phone call. unaware of your situation. Speak up! and would face harsh winter weather This is our phone call. May the Lord Let them know you are looking for on the plains of the western United bless us all with the same sense of work. And bishops and priesthood States. He stood at the pulpit as a urgency to answer the call today to leaders, rise up and let the brother- prophet of God and declared: bring in our people from these eco- hood of the priesthood engage “Many of our brethren and sisters nomic challenges as He did in the themselves in the wonderful oppor- are on the plains with hand-carts, . case of the handcart companies is my tunity to truly be a quorum, a broth- and they must be brought here, we prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, erhood, a brother’s keeper. must send assistance to them. amen. ■ President Gordon B. Hinckley, This community is to send for them NOTES while a member of the Quorum of and bring them in. 1. Robert D. Hales, “A Gospel Vision of the Twelve Apostles, said: “That is my religion; that is the dic- Welfare: Faith in Action,” in Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance “I am satisfied, my brethren, that tation of the Holy Ghost that I pos- (booklet, 2009), 1. there is enough of expertise, of knowl- sess, it is to save the people. 2. Thomas S. Monson, “To the Rescue,” Liahona, July 2001, 59; Ensign, May edge, of strength, of concern in every “I will tell you all that your faith, 2001, 50. priesthood quorum to assist the trou- religion, and profession of religion, 3. Gordon B. Hinckley, “Welfare bled members of that quorum if these will never save one soul of you in the Responsibilities of the Priesthood Quorums,” Ensign, Nov.

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