The Corona Virus Pandmeic January-March 2020 so far............

I guess the first I remember hearing about the Corona virus is the first of January.  I heard news clips about how a city in China, WuHan, had this strange virus from some sort of animal and now  people were getting it and it was spreading rapidly.  President Trump ordered no flights in or out of China.  This city was quarintined.  It was all surreal watching it from Safford, Arizona, America.  But then the first of  February we heard the news that somehow the virus was now in Seattle, WA, and even one in Tempe, AZ.  Then reports of postivie cases all over the U.S. except for West Virgiania where Dallin and Sara are.  By the beginning of March there was a case in Pima, AZ just 15 minutes away from us.  In late February the first Presidency announced that our upcoming genereal conference in April would be closed to the public and only transferred over the internet.  That was so strange and made me feel grateful for a prophet, but it also felt like it was getting closer to me personally.  We have been preparing for this conference by learning more about the Restoration of the gospel, because this year is the 200 year anniversary of the First Vision.  Within the week, the prophet, President Nelson announced that no meetings at all would take place.  No Sunday, no midweek, or any kind of Church meetting.  About a year ago our Prophet and church leaders taught and have been teaching us how to do "home centered church,"  Our church meeting block went from 3 hours each Sunday, to 2 hours each Sunday with Relief Society/Priesthood and Sunday School being every other week.  We've been given a home study curriculum, "Come Follow Me."  They introduced this to the youth about 7 years ago, and then to the Primary and lastly the adult classes.  So now we are all doing the same curriculum.  My heart just exploded with gratitude and my testimony grew knowing that we have been prepared to spend some weeks, maybe months going without actual church meetings.  The Prophet, President Nelson, speaks to God on our behalf.  We have also been prepared from years and years of learning about prepardness and year supply.  The stores are empty of "essentails"  Toilet paper is gone, eggs are gone, oatmeal, cleaning supplies, had sanitizer.  All baking goods.  It is an ominus feeling to walk down the isles to see empty shelves.  It makes me wonder if we really do have everything we need, and what the future of this looks like.  I feel unsettled and a little out of sorts, because we are all supposed to be doing "social distancing" to help the spreading be less, but I just have Scott and I at home, so I don't really have anyone to fuss over.  All of our kids are adults and of course are taking care of themselves, it's just a mama thing I guess.  All of the schools in America are closed, bars, resturants, sports, concerts, any public gathering, even a lot of work has been shut down all across America and the world.  No traveling outside the US.  It's just crazy and I do feel anxiety about it, that's just my nature though.  Scott doesn't worry about it.  We live a mostly secluded life anyway.  We had our first "at home church meeting" on Sunday.  It was very nice until it wasn't.  I had these glorius expectations and Scott had his glorius expectaions and they kind of collided haha.  It all worked out, and

                                                                  

Russell M. Nelson

March 14 at 4:58 PM · 

My Message of Hope and Love for You

My dear friends, our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ know us, love us, and are watching over us. Of that we can be certain.

These unique challenges will pass in due time. I remain optimistic for the future. I know the great and marvelous blessings that God has in store for those who love Him and serve Him. I see evidence of His hand in this holy work in so many ways.

So, during these uncertain times, be comforted by this promise from the Savior. He said, “I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say.” I promise you that joy is always within the reach of everyone who will hear Him and obey His laws.

I love you. I pray for you. And I promise that you will receive comfort and peace as you continue to hear Him

Hi brethren,

As authorized by President Montierth, and with the help of a worthy priesthood holder, you are welcome to hold a simple sacrament meeting in your home.  Please also use the "Come Follow Me" lessons as a meaningful part of your Sabbath day worship.

Review the following link for guidelines.

Holding Worship Services at Home

With love,

~Brad Bastian

Hi brethren,

Here is what's happening for the Safford 3rd ward under the direction of President Montierth and Bishop Whetten.

• The sacrament will be administered to individuals and families in their homes
• The sacrament will be available to all at least once a month
• Worthy priesthood holders are authorized to administer the sacrament to their own family in their home for a limited time, until sacrament meeting resumes. Any exceptions to this rule need to be approved by the bishop.
• For homes without a priesthood holder, the sacrament can be brought to them by authorized priesthood holders (under the authority of Bishop Whetten's priesthood keys) starting next Sunday, March 22nd
• The following individuals will be leading the sacrament effort and one of them will be contacting you within the next couple days.
• Bishop Whetten
• Keith Payne
• Marshall McBride
• Brad Bastian
• Howard West
• Tithing will still continue.  The preferred method is to pay it online.  If you choose to pay it in person, please contact a member of the bishopric and they will come to your home to collect it.

If you have any questions, please reach out to me.

Know that the Lord is aware of us and is helping us through this trial.  He will not leave us but always desire us to come unto Him.  He is the only true source of peace in this world.

With love,

~Brad Bastian

President Trump has been amazing through this whole crisis.  He acted early by
closing boarders and not allowing flights to come in.  They are working on a vaccine, and he's
keeping the American people updated and taking great care of us.

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March 28, 2020 Update.
The Covid 19, Corona Virus, came really close to home this week.  My big brother Joel has been so very sick, he was tested 4 days ago, and it came back positive.  Stephanie has been keeping us updated.  He has been suffereing.  Nausea, extreme body aches, coghing, high fevers, problems breathing, not sleeping of course.  This morning Stephanie took Joel to the Urgent Care, and they did an X-Ray, and he has severe pneumonia, so they took him to the hospital.  Sadly They are not letting any visitors in, and so Stephanie cannot be with him while he is so sick.