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LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 3rd, 2009, 3:27 pm
by crash-n-burn
Last weekend we had a family gathering in which there were many discussions about the conditions we now face and those that are coming upon us. My sister-in-law works for the church in executive management and said that all travel has been cut immediately 50%, that a hiring freeze is in place, and that welfare benefits being paid out have multiplied exponentially.
This discussion reminded me of a Stake Conference 25 years ago in which the GA outlined some of the times that would be coming and that "travel of leadership to various congregations around the world would be severely restricted until it would no longer be possible to travel as we do now" that our responsibility was to establish strong wards/branches/stakes around the world and have proper leadership in place to man them until the time they would flee out of the world to Zion. That many of the new churches were being designed to be converted to endowment houses because in "those days to come travel to temples would be severely restricted".
Yet my friends father who was bishop at the time moved awhile ago and got rid of all his food storage stating that" I've been moving this stuff around for 30 years and never needed it yet".
Are we waking up? Does anyone else have the sense that this is the time and maybe be willing to share any other comments others have made about the travel restrictions, endowment houses etc?
While we are being counseled to pray that countries open their doors to the missionaries many doors are being shut like Russia, etc.
I think we are going to be tested more for our obedience than our actual results.
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 3rd, 2009, 3:50 pm
by Moses
Yes my friend
We live in intersting times. I rememeber in 1973 we had a similar position, In England and in new zealand. we even had petrol rationing in England and carless days in NZ ( one day a week when you cant use a car) it was a very hard time indeed. I sold automobiles and everyone was bringing in their large cars and wanting to trade them for small cars. but we would not give them much for them. 2 year old luxury cars were not worth as much as little minis. ( I might exadurate slightly).
Who knows where this is going? I know that the chinese people living in NZ are joining the church more and more. I know that the Church is rolling forward. I think food storage may be our best asset and no way would I get rid of ours.
The worst that can happen is dying. so I am not at all worried. rather excited about the times ahead.
Kind regards
Moses
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 3rd, 2009, 4:52 pm
by will
Maybe the Church is preparing to head in a new direction, That is interesting the hiring freeze travel restrictions. I have my own thoughts on why that might be. I have a feeling we are about to find out.
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 3rd, 2009, 4:59 pm
by ShawnC
My understanding is that most of the modern stake buildings can be converted to endowment houses fairly easily. Pretty cool!
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 3rd, 2009, 7:25 pm
by Moses
How would they handle the sacredness of the endowment seeing as it would be a multip purpose building ? IE needing a recommend to enter. etc.
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 3rd, 2009, 7:37 pm
by gruden
Moses wrote:How would they handle the sacredness of the endowment seeing as it would be a multip purpose building ? IE needing a recommend to enter. etc.
They'll either go to other buildings for Sunday services, or even hold them in members' homes. We've done that in the past when we had Christmas Creche exhibits at the ward building. It was kinda cool, in fact I daresay I liked it better than 'regular' church.
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 3rd, 2009, 9:08 pm
by minuet1
How would they handle the sacredness of the endowment seeing as it would be a multip purpose building ? IE needing a recommend to enter. etc.
I wouldn't think church buildings are in use during the week, particularly on weekday mornings. Perhaps the churches would be "temples" on designated days for several hours?
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 3rd, 2009, 11:12 pm
by pjbrownie
will wrote:Maybe the Church is preparing to head in a new direction, That is interesting the hiring freeze travel restrictions. I have my own thoughts on why that might be. I have a feeling we are about to find out.
Please elaborate - what are your thoughts? Is there preparation for a Providen Living mobilization? What about the missionaries? For me, a signal of impending collapse or a "callout" would be the Elders coming home "out of the Gentiles."
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 4th, 2009, 7:43 am
by will
Maybe the Church is preparing to head in a new direction, That is interesting the hiring freeze travel restrictions. I have my own thoughts on why that might be. I have a feeling we are about to find out.
Please elaborate - what are your thoughts? Is there preparation for a Providen Living mobilization? What about the missionaries? For me, a signal of impending collapse or a "callout" would be the Elders coming home "out of the Gentiles."
Sounds good, Seperation from Babylon, I would compare it to cleaning a fish tank.
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 4th, 2009, 9:02 am
by BroJones
1. When the Missionaries are called home, we can expect the plagues of Revelation to begin in earnest. And the 5-month rule of king Abbadon or Apollyon or a similar sounding name... (Rev 9). (pronounce "abba-don" or "abba-ma" or something like that..

)
2. Some time after that, there will be another mighty "army of missionaries" sent forth from Adam-ondi-Ahman. 144,000 in fact. Last evening our Institute teacher in Fountain Green said these would be "translated beings" -- has anyone heard that before?
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 4th, 2009, 12:12 pm
by English Saint
How will the Church get by as members lose their jobs? How will church bills be paid etc with reduced income from tithing payments? My contract ends next month, and I know that many self-employed members of our ward are struggling. We could be one of many wards that doesn't bring in enough money from tithing and donations to support itself. Do you think wards will be closed and buildings sold off when 90-100% of the congregations are unemployed (i.e. paying 10% of practically nothing in tithing)?
Will temples or ward/stake buildings have a higher priority in the 21st century Mega Depression?
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 4th, 2009, 12:35 pm
by Col. Flagg
English Saint wrote:How will the Church get by as members lose their jobs? How will church bills be paid etc with reduced income from tithing payments? My contract ends next month, and I know that many self-employed members of our ward are struggling. We could be one of many wards that doesn't bring in enough money from tithing and donations to support itself. Do you think wards will be closed and buildings sold off when 90-100% of the congregations are unemployed (i.e. paying 10% of practically nothing in tithing)?
It is highly unlikely that unemployment would ever reach 90% or higher... that would only occur in the event of a total collapse of society (which is certainly possible and even prophesied by former prophets). Even during the great depression back in the 30's, unemployment was around 30%, meaning 7/10 people still had jobs. All I know is that layoffs are increasing, business failures are increasing and that 3 members of my family have lost their job in the last 30 days. I was elated this morning to hear that the states of New Hampshire and Washington are considering separating themselves from the federal 'government' because of the criminality taking place with these immoral and unconstitutional bail-outs of crooks and swindlers at taxpayer expense (not to mention a plethora of other illegitimate and criminal actions/behavior). What's the 'Fed' going to do... bail-out every business, state and entity with trillions upon trillions created out of thin air? I think their fraudulent and criminal schemes are beginning to come to light to states and the people.
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 4th, 2009, 7:17 pm
by kathyn
Dr. Jones
2. Some time after that, there will be another mighty "army of missionaries" sent forth from Adam-ondi-Ahman. 144,000 in fact. Last evening our Institute teacher in Fountain Green said these would be "translated beings" -- has anyone heard that before?
My husband and I were talking about this very thing earlier this afternoon and he also felt that these missionaries would be translated beings because it would be too dangerous for anyone else to go and gather out the last few righteous before the final calamities. It's an interesting thought, to say the least.
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 4th, 2009, 8:07 pm
by Rosabella
Our Bishop just told us that the Church is coming out with a new Welfare Assistance Program. That is will becoming out within a month. That it would allow the Church to spread assistance out among more people. He did not know what the changes will be. But gave the impression he felt that the members would be expected to tighten their belts, and cut out non-essentiels. Our Bishop is out of work, has gone through his savings, has sold a car, has discontinued cellphone service and made many other changes in his own budget and life style in order to live on less and make his savings strech as long as possible.
Who knows what it really will be.....But I thought I would give you a heads up if you did not know.
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 4th, 2009, 8:09 pm
by Proud 2b Peculiar
Read 'Pure Religion' and I think that you will all have it figured out pretty quickly.
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 4th, 2009, 9:05 pm
by larsenb
Proud 2b Peculiar wrote:Read 'Pure Religion' and I think that you will all have it figured out pretty quickly.
Author, publisher?
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 4th, 2009, 9:39 pm
by kathyn
Bella:
But gave the impression he felt that the members would be expected to tighten their belts, and cut out non-essentiels.
Was this for all members or just ones who needed assistance? (I can imagine that it's something we all need to do, though.)
A certain neighbor needed church welfare assistance several years ago. When the bishop asked her for her budget and wanted her to discontinue cable and internet service, she was so offended that she quit going to church for quite a while. "My children need something to do."
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 4th, 2009, 11:08 pm
by scottja
Where did you hear this?
I checked many news sites, and did not see anything about it, Oh wait, they probably
wouldn't carry that information...
Col. Flagg wrote:I was elated this morning to hear that the states of New Hampshire and Washington are considering separating themselves from the federal 'government' because of the criminality taking place with these immoral and unconstitutional bail-outs of crooks and swindlers at taxpayer expense (not to mention a plethora of other illegitimate and criminal actions/behavior).
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 5th, 2009, 1:34 am
by Moses
Don't you find it exciting when things get tough. More of a challenge, it brings out the character in people. There was a song, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Bring it on I say.
Living in NZ we have a lot of land with our houses. Its time to plant the potatoes and other veges.
I pray that none of you including CHH Chelc etc, are not affected too badly. My thoughts are .with you all. in spite of you thinking I am a lost cause.
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 5th, 2009, 5:00 am
by Carl
FROM Dr JONES2. Some time after that, there will be another mighty "army of missionaries" sent forth from Adam-ondi-Ahman. 144,000 in fact. Last evening our Institute teacher in Fountain Green said these would be "translated beings" -- has anyone heard that before?
Dr Jones.
I believe that the 144,000 will be made up of both tranlasted beings and High Priests that are still in mortality. The conerns that some have about how will they be protected while they deliver the last chance for missionary work as they go across the world and shut down towns, cities and countries to missionary work as they leave; is not a concern. We only have to look back at history on how the Lord protects his many servants from all harm until they have fulfilled their duties and responsibilities. We know that the two Prophets in Jerusalem will be kept from harm for 3 1/2 years while they fight against the world in the battle of Armageddon; and when their responsibilities have ended, they will be killed. I know of a young man in Perth Australia, that has it in his Patriacle blessing that he will be one of the 144,000 but only if he fullfils certain criterias.
On a side note, I am really looking forward to April conferrence and to listen to our prophet relay the Lords will on what the church needs to be doing and also us. Time is close but not as close as some believe. I have 2 teenage sons who have both been told about their missions in the world and how they will teach in foreign lands and about their employment after missions in great details; these two sons are now only 17 & 16 years old. Anyway thats my 2 cents worth.
CARL
Perth. AUSTRALIA
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 5th, 2009, 8:23 am
by ShawnC
Bella wrote:Our Bishop just told us that the Church is coming out with a new Welfare Assistance Program. That is will becoming out within a month. That it would allow the Church to spread assistance out among more people. He did not know what the changes will be. But gave the impression he felt that the members would be expected to tighten their belts, and cut out non-essentiels. Our Bishop is out of work, has gone through his savings, has sold a car, has discontinued cellphone service and made many other changes in his own budget and life style in order to live on less and make his savings strech as long as possible.
Who knows what it really will be.....But I thought I would give you a heads up if you did not know.
Interesting! Can you tell me more about this if you have more info?
Shawn
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 5th, 2009, 8:47 am
by SAM
I agree with those that have said we still have a little way to go yet. Here are my reasons:
-As bad as things are getting, they are not that bad yet. High unemployment is difficult for sure, but few in developed countries have any idea what it's like to go without. I think most of us will have to pass through some trials that will further humble us and prove to the Lord how attached or unattached we are to Babylon.
-I believe there are still many temples to be built which can't happen if the whole world is falling apart. Can you imagine the church announcing the building of new temples in the face of mass chaos and tragedy? I think more temples will be built before everything goes completely downhill.
-More people need to hear the gospel. There are still nations that have had very little exposure to the gospel. The prophet is currently asking us to pray that those nations will be opened to the missionaries. It seems to me there is still work that can be done before everything breaks down and the Lord will want to sound the trump as far and wide as He can.
(For the above 2 to occur, I believe the church needs to still be somewhat "mainstream" or "under the radar" in opposition to governments or nations won't allow this work to go forward. If the church were to call people out, it could be an obvious display of mistrust and could compromise plans that need to be fulfilled before the end)
-While Carl mentions patriarchal blessings, my friend's p blessings says her children will play an important role in the history of the US. I don't know exactly what that means, of course, but it would indicate to me that such a nation still exists some time into the future (she only has one child right now, who is 9 months old). If everything were to fall apart now, or the NWO were to come to being soon, it seems that would be hard to fulfill, although I do realize it's dangerous business trying to interpret precisely what a p blessing really means.
Anyway, these reasons are, of course, speculation. My family has prepared quite well and continues to get things here and there to be more prepared for more scenarios, so I am not concerned about the when. I just have a feeling we will have to pass through much more before we have the opportunity to be separated. I have a feeling many of us may have to make decisions regarding who we share our preparedness with. I think that could be a huge trial, and cleansing, if you will, for many. I guess we'll see how it all plays out. May we all have the faith and closeness to the Spirit to make it through triumphant.
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 5th, 2009, 1:18 pm
by Proud 2b Peculiar
larsenb wrote:Proud 2b Peculiar wrote:Read 'Pure Religion' and I think that you will all have it figured out pretty quickly.
Author, publisher?
It is available through Church Distribution and is by Glenn Rudd is the author and President Monson wrote the forward.
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 5th, 2009, 1:22 pm
by Proud 2b Peculiar
The world will still keep on going after the separation....
Re: LDS church hiring freezes, travel restrictions, etc.
Posted: February 5th, 2009, 3:46 pm
by Oldemandalton
Both my wife and I have good recession proof jobs so we decided to double our fast offering because we have many in need in our Ward. I have a testimony of the blessings that come from paying tithing and generous fast offerings. I believe that I will receive more in the end than I give. Either here or in the next life. So my suggestion is to give more if you can.
OMD