Help came from the 'Mormon Church'
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When flooding along the Red River threatened homes here on April 7, members of the Fargo Ward responded to a call for assistance.
"There was a dire need for volunteers," said Pres. Gerald J. Cardon of the Fargo North Dakota Stake, "and I felt impressed that we should help. At 7:30 a.m., I called the bishop requesting that he mobilize a task force to assist potential flood victims."Bishop Joseph F. Giles made the calls.
By 9 a.m., Pres. Cardon said, close to 40 people gathered at the ward meetinghouse - youth and adult priesthood holders, Young Women and their leaders, and others.
The group sandbagged river-lot homes until late afternoon, working side by side with other community residents and homeowners.
Members overheard this conversation between two neighbors: "Where did you get all of this good help?" The reply: "From the Mormon Church." Local television stations interviewed both Bishop Giles and the ward elders quorum president, Brian Thilmony.
Relief Society sisters assisted the Red Cross by delivering sandwiches, donuts and soft drinks to flood control workers. "The sisters enjoyed helping out," said Polly Clauson, ward Relief Society president. "They were happy to get the chance to get out into the community and serve."
Pres. Cardon added, "This was an opportunity to show we are a caring people and desire to fit into the community. We don't serve to get recognition. We serve to support and lighten others' burdens and exemplify what the Savior wants us to do."
Several Boy Scouts who helped used the activity in earning merit badges and service hours for receiving advancements. Scoutmaster Steve Clauson said the boys worked especially hard to stem the flood waters and had a good time doing so.
