In the Saint John River Valley area of southwestern New Brunswick, residents are experiencing floodwaters of historic levels. Water levels in the capital city of Fredericton are at or above eight metres, and flooding is rampant throughout the area, leading to the closure of the eastbound portion of the Trans Canada highway heading to Moncton. More than a thousand New Brunswickers have been evacuated from their homes.
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In response to the widespread flooding, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of all ages from the Kennebecasis Ward in Hampton and full-time missionaries assigned to the area have been lending a helping hand by filling sandbags. “What a blessing to have such dedicated, selfless members who were willing to give up a Sabbath afternoon to help our fellow citizens,” said Jason Russell, bishop of the Kennebecasis Ward. “I’m sure there were many tired hands, but even warmer hearts.
Members of the Kennebecasis Ward filled sandbags, which are being used in floodwater diversion in affected areas along the Saint John River. The floodwaters have peaked and are expected to recede in the coming days, leaving behind contaminated waterways and devastated infrastructure.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated, “Often we are given the opportunity to help others in their time of need. As members of the Church, we each have the sacred responsibility ‘to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light,’ to ‘mourn with those that mourn,’ and to ‘lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.’” (“The Joyful Burden of Discipleship,” Apr. 2014 general conference).
Contributed by Rand MacKay, Saint John, New Brunswick