Visiting Stakes

Bottom line: After a large or regional disaster, outside stakes should be prepared to serve starting by week three. Conversely, do not take “no” for a final answer until the third week. Please sign up for a Crisis Cleanup stake passcode.

The purpose of disaster recovery efforts is to restore the hope of survivors by ministering to their spiritual, emotional, and physical needs; and to give service. (See Handbook 2, 6.1“The purposes of Church welfare are to help members become self-reliant, to care for the poor and needy, and to give service.” (LDS.org); D&C 81:5“Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.” (LDS.org); Mosiah 18:8-9“…and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—” (LDS.org)).

After a regional disaster, outside stakes and are often ready to respond within days of the disaster. At first, stake presidents of affected areas may decline offers of help. Outside stakes should not take this to mean that no help will be needed in the future. A confluence of events often results in requests for help at about three weeks after the disaster:

  • Damage Assessments: Before about week three, the full scope of the damage may not be apparent. After week three, stake and community leaders have a better handle on the damage and may become overwhelmed.
  • Municipal Cooperation: In the early weeks, local cities and counties are in shock, and resist large groups of volunteers. After week three, many cities open up and begin to ask for help.
  • Local Exhaustion: After week three, the adrenalin has worn off and local members begin to experience physical exhaustion. Outside reinforcements can provide much-needed rest for local volunteers.

Visiting stakes can begin working as soon as conditions permit, but may be of greatest assistance starting at about week three. Visiting stake should be prepared to serve self-contained. Long distance travel should conform to the policy in Handbook 2, 13.6.24“Section too long to be quoted here.” (LDS.org).

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