Dear Brothers & Sisters,
We wanted to take a moment and let you know that we are continually thinking of you and are praying for your welfare. We are fully aware of the feelings you must be having as each of you look for ways to deal with the challenges that are coming at us on a seemingly daily basis. It goes without saying that we are all experiencing feelings of anxiety and uncertainty about the future and we wanted to share with you that these are the times when we must each turn to our Heavenly Father for guidance.
This week in Come Follow Me we are studying about Enos. We know that as he went to huntbeasts in the forest “the words that he often heard his father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into his heart. And his soul hungered; and he kneeled down before his maker and cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for his own soul”. Enos cried unto Him all the day long, and continued to raise his voice into the night that it might reach the heavens. It was after Enos humbled himself and prayed mightily to God that he received a remission of his sins.
It is in times like these that we too must trust in God and go to Him in mighty prayer for comfort and direction. We promise that as you do this, He will direct you to know and do the things that will bring you hope and continued joy in all aspects of your life.
Going forward Brothers & Sisters, we wanted to let you know that President Aragon is receiving direction on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis from our area seventy which comes directly through the Quorum of the 12 Apostles and General Authorities of the church. This is happening throughout the church worldwide which gives us comfort to know there is always unity within the leadership of the church in all things.
We also wanted to make you aware of the direction that President Aragon provided to each of the Bishops and Stake Organization Presidents. On March 19th he requested that the following direction be given to all members of the Stake in an effort to keep each of us as safe as possible as we continue to navigate our way through this pandemic (please note that this will be in effect for the next 3 weeks, possibly longer):
- No missionary visits into members homes
- No ministering visits except for emergencies (Bishops have discretion under the direction of the spirit to make exceptions)
- All children’s baptisms will be delayed until the three week quarantine is over (April 9th)
- No Bishop’s interviews except for technology meetings
- No missionary application interviews or temple recommend interviews
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above, please contact your Elder’s Quorum President, Relief Society President or Bishop for clarification. We are also available to answer any questions that you might have.
We also ask that you read or watch the message from our Prophet regarding a Special Fast for this Sunday March 29th. Please join with us as we unitedly turn our hearts toward heaven during this time of great need.
In addition, we wanted to direct you to President Nelson’s “Message of Hope During COVID-19 Outbreak”. We love our dear prophet and are grateful for the much needed comfort that he provides to us in this wonderful message.
Finally, please know that as your Stake Presidency we love you and continue to pray that each of you might find strength in the great love that your Heavenly Father and Savior have for you. We testify that They know each of us personally and are waiting with open arms to comfort us in all aspects of our lives, and certainly in this time of uncertainty.
With Love,
The Corona Stake Presidency