Latter-Day Saints Look To Church President For Guidance Through Pandemic
Apr 1, 2021, 10:39 PM
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The pandemic brought a sudden halt to all aspects of life, including the familiar forms of worship for people of faith. As they have in the past, Latter-day Saints looked for guidance from their prophet.
In the last year, everyone has had to learn to cope with the coronavirus pandemic, finding ways to deal with the tragedy of lives lost and schools, businesses, and churches all closed.
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it also meant they could no longer worship in their temples.
“How difficult was it to make the decision to close temples? That was painful. I was wracked with worry,” said Church President Russell M. Nelson.
The temples closed, but with 35 structures under various stages of construction and 28 additional temples announced, the work still went forward.
“In 2020, 21 temples (began construction). Ground was broken all over the world,” said Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
That sacred work went forward and so did other efforts.
“If we could just realize the pandemic never stops for people,” said Kate Rose Lee, a church member from Bountiful. “There’s always a pandemic for somebody in this world – and there’s always a need.”
Because of those needs, Latter-day Saints answered the call with financial and other donations.
“Last year, the financial contributions to fast offerings, and to the Humanitarian Fund of the church, reached an all-time high. 2020 was a record year,” said Bishop Gerald Causse, Presiding Bishop of the Church.
Church members were anxious to serve. In Utah, the opportunity came with Project Protect – a partnership between Intermountain Health, University of Utah Health and Latter-day Saint Charities.
“There was silence on the phone when the Intermountain vice-president said, ‘I think we should try for 5 million!’ and everyone just kind of thought, ‘Is that possible?’ and I didn’t hesitate.’ I said, ‘Absolutely! We can do this,’ because I have confidence in the Relief Society,” said Sharon Eubank, director of Latter-Day Saint Charities and first counselor in the general presidency of the Relief Society.
Hear from Latter-day Saints throughout the world who listened to President Nelson’s counsel during a KSL-TV special program, “Guided by a Prophet,” Sunday at noon on-air and streaming online.
