Follow, Fight, Or Forfeit Freedom

By Gary L Scott

Society, as the Prescott family knows it, is about to change...in fact collapse. Garth Prescott has been given an assignment to help prepare the members of his church in his area for surviving the change. He has been trying to prepare his family for the time when the Prophet calls all the saints to gather for protection, but they aren't all on b

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gary L. Scott
• Release date: Mar 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9781915930354

Gary L Scott

I'm an average guy with a loving wife & combined family. I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who has a love of the signs of the times and second coming. I am fascinated with where society is headed and it's fulfilment of prophecy. I felt inspired to write a story combining these subjects. I served a mission in Bristol England when I was 19. I've had many callings in the church and my favorites have been teaching early morning seminary and the Gospel Doctrine class. I've never been in a Bishopric (except as Executive Secretary twice) and haven't served in any Stake Leadership positions. I have a Business Management Degree and have started, and run, a couple of businesses. I love books and get to enjoy them the most by listening to them as I work and drive. I have never written a book before and felt intimidated thinking about it. I really felt impressed to write this story so I prayed for inspiration and felt the guidance of the Holy Ghost helping me to come up with the story line and in putting it into words. It was a work in progress that took me 9 yrs to complete. There wasn't much progress for stretches of time and then I'd feel the spirit prompting me to get at it again. This past year I have really felt the urging of the spirit to get it done so I'd get up early and spend 1-2 hrs a day until I finally finished the story. It was a good feeling to feel like I'd accomplished something so out of my comfort zone. How did I choose my topic? For years I've had a fascination with stories about the end of our civilization as we know it. I have listened to dozens of Apocalyptic type stories. About different ways our society could come to an end: EMP, financial collapse, terrorist attacks, diseases, etc. They cover how our society would react and every author has the same opinion - that it would only take a few days for stores to run out of food and then people would turn on each other trying to survive. Making for a dangerous situation to live in. The other topic I love is the Signs of the Times. Prophecies about the last days and visions latter day prophets have had regarding society in these last days. Also, along these lines there's been several books written by people who have had Near Death Experiences. I have taken a few ideas from what they saw in their visions regarding the last days as well. In 2020 when we started the Book of Mormon Come Follow Me study course, we were learning about Lehi gathering his family and leaving Jerusalem for safety. The people had become wicked, they sought his life, and God told him the city was going to be overthrown. I felt the spirit tell me very strongly that 'this is a type of things to come'. The Lord has followed this pattern several time throughout the scriptures where he has taken the righteous out of a wicked society. So, with this feeling I had, and research I've done, I felt it made sense that he'd follow this same pattern in these last days. I believe that before we gather and build the New Jerusalem, we'll gather locally as saints for protection. The Doctrine and Covenants says we will also protect anyone who isn't willing to take up arms against his neighbor. I put these ideas together and asked myself 'How will the members of my family react to the situation of the collapse of our society?' 'What choices would they make?'Would they FOLLOW the prophet's direction? Would they FIGHT on their own for their survival? or Would they FORFEIT THEIR FREEDOM and give in to the government's New World Order? DISCLAIMER:Even though the family in the book is structured on my family it isn't necessarily how I think each of the members would react. The character's actions and any behaviors portrayed in the book is just fiction. Learn more at www.gscott.ca

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Follow, Fight, Or Forfeit Freedom

A Novel By:

Gary Scott

Copyright ©️ 2023 Gary Scott.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

www.gscott.ca

Book Design by Aeyshaa

Chapter 1:

Devin Prescott and Cam Thompson were stealthily stocking the deer through the trees. Cam whispered, I’m sure I saw it head this way, as he pointed the direction of the next clearing. They quietly stepped over a fallen tree and around shrubs as quickly as possible. They weaved around trees with their guns at the half ready position.

What are two young men doing in the woods tracking a deer? Under normal circumstances you’d just assume they are out hunting for sport but, circumstances are far from normal. They are part of the Zion Camp. A large group of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who were organized by church leaders to leave society that was on the brink of financial collapse. Society had deteriorated in wickedness which was making it too dangerous to stay in their homes.

How did it get this way? Natural disasters were on the rise, and it affected the food supply and people’s safety. Terrorist attacks were occurring throughout North America. Incurable diseases were spreading throughout the world. Financial collapse: The USA and Canada couldn’t keep up paying interest on their trillions of dollars of debt and the IMF (International Monetary Fund) wouldn’t extend their credit without major spending cutbacks by the Government. So, they did. Which put millions of people out of work, and they cut funding to the social programs which a large part of the population was now relying on to live. Then the final nail in the economic coffin happened when OPEC stopped using the US dollar for its currency, so the dollar became worthless worldwide. Inflation had soared so high people couldn’t afford groceries or gas for their vehicles. For a while the trucks kept running to deliver the goods that were available to stores but between desperate people hijacking the trucks, and the price of gas going up so high it caused the goods they were delivering to increase in price, they weren’t affordable to most people. Then the trucks stopped running because truckers weren’t willing to risk their lives and gas prices skyrocketed so they couldn’t afford to fill the tanks. All grocery stores rely on their weekly deliveries to keep them supplied so without the deliveries and, with the people panicking, the shelves emptied within a few days. The civil unrest grew to the point of neighbor fighting against neighbour and family against each other. The criminal element came out of the shadows to now roam the streets freely taking whatever they wanted by deadly force. The local police where overwhelmed and most of them stayed home to protect their families. The military were called home from around the world to help keep the peace but some of them refused to support the government who were responsible for the social disaster, and they too stayed home to defend their families.

This opened the window for the UN to step in and send foreign troops into the USA and Canada. The UN had their own agenda though, a One World Order. They were there under the guise of peace keeping but, most of their troops were from Countries like China and Russia who owned a large portion of the US debt, businesses, and land in North America. They wanted the only assets the country had to back the debt…the land and its people. They also sent in their own troops independent of the UN to take over the land and enslave the people. Joseph Smith prophesied, The constitution will hang by a thread and the threads were snapping quickly.

The signs of the times leading up to the second coming have been prophesied in the scriptures and by latter-day prophets. Our day is the most prophesied time in world history, so it makes sense the Lord has a plan for his people. Now the plan of how to deal with the situation had been revealed to our current prophet. The Lord is following the plan he has used throughout history when societies have become so corrupt and wicked, he takes his righteous saints out of society for their safety and survival. That’s what the Zion Camp, and other camps like it throughout North America and the world, are about. Latter-day Saints who are faithful enough to follow the prophet and any people who aren’t willing to take up arms against their neighbor, gathering under the leadership of the Priesthood of God and relying on our Savior’s protection.

Now, back to Devin and Cam. Cam crept to the edge of the trees where he thought the deer would be. To his surprise instead of a deer, he saw a group of people sitting in the clearing. He frantically waved his arm to Devin to come and see. Seeing this group was surprising because their location was secret, and they were told the Lord helped protect the camp by not allowing people to find it without his assistance. Devin saw Cam’s urgency, so he hurried over to him. He whispered, Do you see the deer? Cam whispered back, No, it disappeared. But there’s something more interesting and he pointed towards the group. Devin thought, ‘what’s more interesting than dinner on four legs?’ He looked over and was surprised to see the group of people as well. Devin whispered in surprise, What the heck? He grabbed the binoculars to take a closer look, concerned that they may be enemies trying to find the camp. He scanned the group and with relief whispered to Cam, they aren’t military, just a group of young adults. Cam let out a ‘phew’ of relief. Wait Devin said in disbelief, There’s my sister Kellie! He dropped the binoculars and jumped out of the trees and started running towards the group. Kellie is that you? he hollered as he ran. Kellie thought she recognized the voice and stood up. He yelled again, Kellie its Devin! as he ran down the road towards them. Devin couldn’t believe that his sister was actually here. They met and gave each other a big hug. Even though Kellie was older, Devin was bigger, and he lifted her off his feet and swung her around. They both had tears in their eyes as they hugged. He then heard his name being called by two other women. He looked around and saw his sister Sarah and sister-in-law Jana coming towards him. With shock in his expression, he gave them both hugs and was in complete disbelief in seeing them as well.

The girls introduced Devin and Cam to everyone. The boys got filled in about the group’s adventures and Devin was grieved by the news about his brother Sam. Even though he strongly felt he’d never see his bother again, when he chose to stay on his acreage and fight, he was still saddened to hear of his death. He wiped the tear that escaped the corner of his eye and faced the group again. He wanted to get them to the camp to see their parents and the group was excited to finish the last portion of their journey to Zion Camp. Devin and Cam started to lead them up the path.

Just then they all heard a rumbling noise off in the distance. With concern they looked at each other. The rumbling noise was getting louder. Devin yelled, Get to the cover of the trees, NOW! Without another thought they all took off toward the trees. It was only about 25 meters, but in the time it took them to cover the ground half a dozen military trucks had come into view and pulled up behind them. They lined up side by side facing them. A man with a bull horn Yelled with a foreign accent, I order you to stop, or be shot! The whole group stopped and slowly turned around to face the military men. There were 4 hummer vehicles with large machine guns mounted on the roofs with men standing behind them and several more men emerging from within the vehicles. There were 2 other transport vehicles, and 4 men ran from each vehicle, and they were all quickly lining up in front of the trucks with their own machine guns raised at the group. The man who was using the bull horn came to the front of his men and yelled, Drop your weapons, NOW! Devin was in shock that they had found them. As he looked at the leader, he took a deep breath and thought, ‘this is it. The moment of truth. One of the main reasons why we followed the prophet’s council and came to Zion’s Camp was for the safety and protection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Everything my father taught me will be put to the test right now.’

Chapter 2:

Let’s take you back to fill you in on what transpired to get to this moment of truth:

The meeting would begin in 25 minutes and Garth Prescott had already taken his seat on the stand. It wasn’t typical of Garth to be so early for a meeting but this one was of particular importance and meaning to him. He had been assigned an important role leading up to this meeting and another role that would continue after the events of the next 48 hours transpire. As people entered the Stake Center, and found seats, Garth looked down at his family sitting in a pew on the left side of the chapel 5 rows from the front. He gave his wife, son, and daughter a comforting smile. He thought to himself, ‘I can’t believe it’s been six months since I was called to this position. I’ve been so engrossed in my duties that the time has flown by.’ Garth’s eyes dropped to his lap as he remembered the meeting he had with the stake president.

It was a lovely fall evening in October when Garth and Alexa got out of their car in front of the Stake Center. Garth had worn his favourite, business looking suite. Alexa had on a lovely striped dress that, felt more formal than casual, and had a matching sweater on to keep her arms warm. They were greeted by the Stake Executive Secretary who showed them to the seats outside of the Stake President’s office and said, as he pointed his hand towards the chairs, He’ll be right out. As they sat Alexa asked, What do you think it’s about Garth? They had already had this conversation at home a few times since the Executive Secretary called to book the appointment 2 days earlier. It was still a mystery to them why they were being called to see President Sherwood. I’m not sure. Our bishop still has a couple years before he’s due to be released so that shouldn’t be it. Remember a couple years ago I told you that I felt there was a special calling in store for me? Yes, you had a strong spiritual feeling about it and then shortly after you were called as a councillor in the Elder’s quorum and then as the Elder’s Quorum President Alexa recalled. Yes, and I remember you telling President Sherwood that I had felt there was a calling coming but at that time I didn’t feel that was the specific calling the spirit was referring to, Garth said somewhat hesitantly. Alexa looked surprised, You never told me that. I’m confused about what you are saying about those callings then. Oh, I don’t doubt the Lord wanted me in those callings, but I feel they were to prepare me for what is to come. Alexa looked at him puzzled, Well that’s interesting. I’m even more excited to know what this meeting is about now. I’m feeling more at ease knowing that it is most likely a calling for you and not me then she said with a chuckle. He gave her a playful smirk, Don’t get too comfortable. I may be misunderstanding what the spirit is saying. As we have experienced, it’s always right in the end but sometimes the journey getting there is different than what we think it will be. Their conversation was interrupted when the door to his office opened. President Sherwood looked at them with a smile and invited them to come in. Garth let his wife lead the way and he shook hands with each of them, It’s great to see you Alexa and Garth. Thanks for coming. There was a little casualness in their greeting because Garth and President Sherwood, Dan, had known each other many years ago and had a bit of a family connection. Garth had always appreciated Dan’s friendliness and warmth towards him any time they would run into each other at church, church functions, or at a basketball games. Garth has been a basketball referee for years and has refereed Dan’s kids in high school games. Seated in the office already were his two counsellors, President Stone, and President Creed. They both stood and shook hands With Garth and Alexa but greeted them more formally as Brother and Sister Prescott. They took the two seats that were directly in front of the desk and President Sherwood took his seat behind the desk. The two counsellors were seated to the right of President Sherwood in formal looking, soft chairs. Garth thought to himself, ‘when I came to be called to my last two positions it was just the president and us. I wonder why his counsellors are here? President Sherwood got down to business, Brother Prescott shortly after we were called into the Stake Presidency you and I ran into each other in the hallway at church and visited for a minute. You made a comment to me that day that has always stuck with me. Do you remember what you said? They had run into each other several times over the past few years, since he was called to be President of the Stake, but his mind flashed back to the day that he was referring to and he clearly remembered the comment. He remembered being unsure if he should say it or not. Yes, I believe I remember the comment you are referring to. I’m sure it wasn’t the one about Devin’s football team making it the championships either. I do remember that one too, but you’re right it wasn’t that comment he said light heartedly, and then turned serious again and continued, No, you said ‘President Sherwood, I believe that it will be during your presidency that the Lord will lead the saints out of this wicked society and into the wilderness, causing the saints to become as one in preparation for the Lord’s coming. Alexa turned to Garth in shock and said, I can’t believe you said that to him. It sounds like something you’d say, but I can’t believe you said it to him. Alexa had been just getting used to hearing Garth talk about the signs of the times and the wickedness of the government and society. He had been studying these religious topics and keeping up on the alternative news regarding the financial system, the wars, and negative changes in government policies that are taking away our freedoms. For the longest time she had just considered it to be fanaticism and didn’t want to hear it. She’d been coming around more, lately, after hearing more about the prophecies of our day and how they were tying in with the events occurring in our country and all around the world. She’d even been more supportive in stepping up our preparations with food storage, outdoor gear, alternative electricity sources, and even allowed Garth to purchase a rifle and ammunition. Her concern with him saying that to President Sherwood is that he had made comments here and there to people and they usually either have no idea what he’s talking about, they brush it off with some comment about it not being in our time, or the worst is when they accuse Garth of being a conspiracy theorist. She was now very concerned about what this meeting was about. The thought that flashed through her mind was, ‘President Sherwood and his counsellors need to talk to Garth about being a conspiracy theorist and they want him to stop.’

Sister Prescott his words pulled her thoughts back to the moment. She realized she had leaned over towards Garth and grabbing his arm. She relaxed some and looked at the President, Oh, yes. Please continue. He gave her a comforting smile and spoke reassuringly, There’s no cause for alarm in what he said to me. It’s not what he said that surprised me at the time, it’s the fact that he said it that day. I had been pondering on the prophecies of our times, the condition of the world, and the timing of our callings, and... he paused for a moment to decide how much he should reveal to them then continued, In fact I had been praying to know what the future held for our presidency and the members of our stake in these trying times. Everyone in the room was quiet and intently waiting to hear the rest of his story. They all knew what ‘trying times’ the President was referring to: high unemployment, the sky rocketing costs of food, gas and other commodities being far more than what they were 2 years ago. More natural disasters ruining crops around the world. The government school systems taking away the rights of parents in their children’s education and changing the curriculum even farther from Christian values. Probably most concerning is the attack on Christian beliefs and rights to worship God, by the government and people in general. More people were just getting by with the necessities, and many weren’t even getting by. The government was increasing its welfare support and ‘free ride’ system so that more and more people were dependant on them for support. This, as well as clashing of cultures and religious beliefs causing civil unrest, which is over taxing the police system. More people were resorting to violence to try and meet their basic needs. The demand for the church welfare system was greater than its capacity to provide for everyone. The upside to it all is that more people have seen our church’s unity, faith, and unwavering commitment to stand by our doctrine and principles. It has created a division where people either have taken greater offense to our church, or they have been impressed by it and want to learn more. There have been more baptisms in the stake this past 2 years than there has been since the stake was created about 30 years ago.

President Sherwood continued as he looked at Alexa and Gary, Your comment that day was, in part, an answer to prayer. The spirit I felt when you said it confirmed the truth of what I had also been feeling. I’m afraid that I was caught off guard by hearing that comment from you at that time. Also, the fact that we were interrupted by someone, so I didn’t get a chance to thank you or discuss it further. Garth looked over at Alexa and smiled, not trying to be too smug, but enjoying the moment. She was still looking at President Sherwood with a look of relief on her face. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed that Garth was looking at her and she knew what he was thinking. She slowly turned and looked at him and could totally see the sense of satisfaction on his face. She gave him just enough of a smile to concede that he was right. Garth looked back at President Sherwood, Thank you for sharing that with us President. I was curious how my comment was received, and I was disappointed that we didn’t have more time to talk. You know, I didn’t really plan on saying it. I had thought it before but certainly didn’t have plans to discuss it. Then when I saw you, it just jumped to the front of my mind and slipped out my mouth before I really realized what I was saying. They all chuckled. Mostly because they had all had a similar experience a time or two and knew how it felt. President Sherwood continued, But, that’s not the real purpose of our visit today, but it does tie in. He turned and looked at his counsellor President Creed who then spoke, We have received direction from the First Presidency of the Church that each stake is to assign one of the 12 Stake High Counsel positions to a new assignment. We have an opening on our Stake High Counsel due to Brother Smith moving away. We discussed some brethren who we felt would be well suited for this position and then we each made a list of 3 priesthood brothers that came to mind. When we compared our lists, we found that you were at the top of our lists. I don’t know you personally, but you have worked with my brother in the Elder’s Quorum in your ward and he has spoken highly about you a time or two. I thought of that immediately when I started my list. Brother Stone then shared his experience, When I started my list, the first impression I had was when I attended your ward last year you taught the Gospel Doctrine class that day and I believe you were just filling in for the regular instructor. Garth thought for a moment and remembered that day as well and said, Oh Yeah, That’s right. I remember you added to the class with a couple comments too. President Stone humbly nodded and shook off the comment as if to indicate that his comments weren’t important, I remember being very impressed with your teaching abilities in formulating the lesson that flowed beautifully, how you brought out participation from the class members, and mostly the spirit that was present. I could tell that everyone was uplifted afterwards, and I even heard several comments on what a good instructor you were. I even complimented you after the class on the very good lesson. Garth felt confident in his teaching skills and could take compliments with grace and humility but now he was blushing a little after hearing President Stone praise him so richly. Gath was taken back by his compliments and sputtered out, Thank you. I appreciate your kind words. It means a lot to me. He had learned long ago that you give more credibility to someone by cordially accepting their compliments or you can make them feel unappreciated or belittled when you try to downplay the compliment or not be accepting of it. So, he always showed humble appreciation for people’s compliments because it makes that person feel better too. I had even told these two about it at our presidency meeting that next week, he said with a smile as he looked at the two other leaders. They both nodded in agreement. President Sherwood then continued, When I started my list, I immediately remembered the comment that you said to me in the hallway of the church and thought of your awareness of the signs of the times. So, I wrote your name down first. Then when we compared our lists and saw that your name was first on all three lists the spirit confirmed to us that you were the right person. Alexa reached over and took Garth’s hand. She was feeling proud of her husband and could feel the spirit too after hearing the testimonies of their stake leaders. Garth gave her hand a squeeze as a thank you. He was feeling very flattered at the fuss that was being made over him and said seriously, I’m honoured and humbled by your compliments... He paused because he already knew that every Stake was organized with a Stake Presidency and a counsel of 12 High Priests and that each of those High Priests over saw a department or program that operated within the stake, but what was the new assignment? He then added in a more playful tone, I assume it would have to be a position on the Stake High Counsel but now I’m extremely curious at what this assignment is. The three leaders all smiled, feeling satisfied that their attempt to build a little suspense had worked. President Sherwood continued, You are right. We need to fill a High Priest position and the new assignment that the First Presidency has instructed every stake president to create is the Stake Personal Preparedness Leader. He paused to let the name sink in. Alexa had a quizzical look on her face while Garth’s face exploded with excitement. President Sherwood, in seeing Garth’s expression, looked at his two counsellors with a satisfied smile as if to say, ‘I knew he’d know what this position is about.’ He continued, The mandate from the first presidency is twofold; first that we help the members get more prepared physically and spiritually. Second that we take an inventory of what the members have for food storage, tools, weapons, and outdoor survival equipment and who’s ready to help support others in a time of need. This calling will report directly to myself, and my counsellors, and will oversee a committee of Personal Preparedness Leaders which will include one person from each ward in the stake. Without going into more detail at this point we want you to know that we have prayed about who will be the right man for this position and, as we’ve already told you, your name came strongly to all of us. We’d like to extend this calling to you Brother Prescott. If you’d like time to discuss it with your wife and pray about it I can give you a couple days to do that. Alexa had enough discussions with Garth over the past couple years and seen many of the signs of the times coming to pass that she now realized that this calling was of significant importance to the preparations of the church to gather as a people for safety and refuge. She spoke up before Garth could, President Sherwood, there is nothing to discuss. Garth has been prepared for this calling for many years. I look back now and see that what once seemed like an obsession with fanatical thinking and dooms day speculating was actually him being prepared for this calling. The Lord gave him a spiritual notice that there was a calling coming a couple years ago and we both felt it again today. So, I want Garth... she looked at him and gave him a supportive look and then looked back at President Sherwood and continued, and yourself to know that he has my full support and assistance in whatever way I can. Garth was feeling extremely proud of his wife and since they had still been holding hands, he gave it a loving squeeze and then gave his reply, Well that does it then. With my wife’s support and the fact that I have already felt the spirit about this calling I can tell you that I am honoured to be called to this position and that I accept. All three of the leaders smiled and nodded in agreement of his decision. Excellent replied President Sherwood, There will be a special broadcast from Salt Lake in a week from this Sunday. Garth had remembered hearing the announcement about the broadcast and wondering what it was going to be about. He nodded to show he was aware of it. They will be making some announcements at that time and one of them will be introducing this preparedness program. After the broadcast, and to conclude the meeting, we will be taking some time to talk briefly about the program. We will introduce you as the stake leader over the program and I’d like you to take 5 minutes and share a few thoughts and bare your testimony.

The High Counsel members will present your name in each of the wards this Sunday and we will set you apart this Sunday evening, if that works for your family. Alexa and Garth both nodded in agreement to the plan the President had just presented. Do you have any questions? he asked. Yes. Is there a format they want followed? Who is going to call the reps from each ward? Are their callings going to be ward or stake callings? asked Garth enthusiastically. All three leaders chuckled, and President Sherwood answered, I can see the wheels are already spinning in your mind, and I’m glad to see it. It’s my understanding that the First Presidency will be giving a mandate on what they want accomplished and it is up to each stake to determine the best course of action on how to accomplish it. The callings for the reps in each ward will come from the stake and will answer to you. We will ask each Bishop to submit a few names of members that he feels would be well suited for the calling and you and the three of us will pray about them and decide who we should call. The President noticed Garth’s surprised look at his comment and added, You will be working closely with them, so we want you involved in the selection process. Thank you replied Garth feeling humbled that he would be working so closely with the presidency. We will have our High Council members meet with the Bishops on Sunday to discuss the position and give them the assignment to provide a few names to us. We feel that it doesn’t matter what their current calling is, a brother or sister, unless they are in a bishopric or president of an organization, they will be made available for this calling...It’s a high priority. He added more emphasis on the last part to indicate his seriousness. Garth had another question come to mind, What kind of budget do I get? I don’t know what I need right now, but knowing what resources are available will help me in my planning. President Creed spoke to this question, I will be your contact for budget and resources, and I can assure you that we have been told that this is a priority, so budget won’t be a problem. You have the full resources of the church at your disposal. You bring your ideas and needs to us, and we’ll approve them and provide for them... he paused with a smile and added the disclaimer, within reason of course. Garth and Alexa were both getting more impressed with the importance of this position. They hadn’t heard of many callings in the church, at least at the stake level, that had ‘the full resources of the church at their disposal’ and almost cart blanche access to whomever they want. We aren’t in a rush to leave but you do have a lot to absorb, and I don’t want to overwhelm you commented the President. OK, but I do have another question, said Garth. President Sherwood smiled and waited patiently for his question, so he continued, Do you know the time limit I have on fulfilling this assignment? Garth knew that was a loaded question because if he did know, then that would indicate that there was a time set by the first presidency for the saints to gather and leave. President Sherwood realized what Garth was getting at and Garth noticed the corner of his mouth turn up in a slight smile. What we have been told is that the member of the High Counsel, the Personal Preparation Leader, who over sees the ward PPLs is to be in place to start at the broadcast and ward reps are to be called by the next week. We are to have regular weekly meetings with you, and you are to have regular weekly meetings with your committee. Work is to be ‘expedited without hesitation or interference’, to quote the first presidency. I should have asked you this sooner Brother Prescott, but are you willing to make this your highest priority, next to your family and business? Garth had a feeling that President Sherwood was referring to officiating high school basketball over the winters, and since it was fall, he’d be getting into a full schedule of reffing right away. He had spiritual feeling as he was thinking and it confirmed that is what the President was referring to. Garth had officiated basketball for about 27 years, and it was part of who he was. He was amazed that the schools were still running the extracurricular program due to all the budget cuts, but they felt it was a big part of the culture in this area and it was an inexpensive way to provide some entertainment to people and keep the kids off the streets. The official’s association agreed to take a pay cut these past couple years to help keep the program going so it was, even more now than ever, for the exercise and a desire to serve in the community that kept Garth reffing. It may be his last year anyways with his knee starting to bother him when he ran, but he was looking forward to the exercise, intensity of the games, and socializing with people involved in the sport. Alexa looked at him to see why he had not answered right away. She knew what he was thinking too because they had just been talking about the upcoming season. Garth smiled and replied, Well President, it’s about time to hang up the whistle anyways. I’ve been blessed to keep reffing this long and I’d better retire before people start dreading seeing the old guy walk in the gym he said with a chuckle. I’ll tell them I’m retiring so I can focus on this calling" he said with a pretended look and tone of disappointment. Alexa let go of his hand so that she could give him an elbow in the arm. He grabbed his arm and looked at her pretending to be hurt.

The members of the presidency smiled at their interaction. Then President Stone said, Ok, now that’s done it’s time to speak with you Sister Prescott. Me? Alexa said with surprise. Yes, we have a calling for you as well he replied with a smile. She was genuinely caught off guard and looked at Garth inquisitively as if asking, ‘did you know about this?’ He gave her a raised eyebrow look and shoulder shrug indicating he knew nothing about it. She looked back at President Stone. He continued, We have been asked by the Area Authority to form a three-person committee. There will be one woman from three of the local stakes. These three women will be tasked with researching ways of functioning without electricity in regard to cooking and running a home. Not just in a home but also on a large-scale basis. Being able to provide meals for hundreds of people at a time. We need to know the best ways to cook and function without the modern appliances and electricity. As well as what foods are best for cooking in these situations and for mass amounts of people. Anyways there will be more information on what’s needed. Alexa sat in stunned silence. President Stone continued, We were very impressed with the job you did as your ward Relief Society President. Not only the fact that you served for 5 years but you served through good times and also 2 ½ years of the Government restrictions during Covid. We got reports of the excellent work you did to support and fellowship the sisters in your ward. So, when we prayed about a person to fill this calling, we all thought of you. You’ll be interested to know that you were already on our minds because we seriously considered you when we called a new Stake Relief Society President recently, but we had a feeling there was something else for you.

Alexa was in a bit of shock. She was a humble person and didn’t think her efforts were noticed by the Stake Presidency. She always did her best at her callings because she wanted to serve the Lord and others. Not for recognition. Well thank you for letting me know that. I appreciate your compliment and faith in me she said in disbelief. President Sherwood added, You’ll work with the two sisters from the other stakes and be the Committee Leader. You’ll report to us when we meet with Garth and each of them will report to their Stake Presidencies when they meet with their PPL leaders to update us all on your progress. The purpose of your research will be to formulate a list of supplies and equipment and menu items that will be needed for running a large-scale kitchen. You’ll be able to call other sisters to your committee and use whatever resources you need. He paused to look at Alexa who had become less shocked now and was trying to absorb all the information. President Stone continued, So what’s left is the question, will you accept this calling? Alexa, looked at him and said, I’m sure it’s no surprise to hear that I feel completely underqualified for this responsibility. I do know it’s a new time and no one has done this calling before us, so we must rely on the spirit for direction. One thing I do feel qualified to do is to pray for and listen to the promptings of the spirit. As Relief Society President I had to rely on my counsellors, and we relied on the Lord for guidance. We felt his prompting many times in serving the sisters. So I do know I can do that again. I’ll trust in your inspiration and have faith the Lord knows what he’s doing she said with as confident a smile as she could muster. Thank you, Sister Prescott. We’ll arrange a time for us all to get together with the other sisters to set you all apart in your new callings. Alexa had a thought and said, So it’s a bit unusual that the leader doesn’t get to pick their counsellors, isn’t it? President Stone said, Yes, it is a special case. The way we did it was, me and the counsellors from the other two stakes came together with the name we each felt inspired about. We then discussed the women and prayed about which one they felt impressed about to