Some "phenomenal chan-ges" have taken place in recent weeks, particularly in Eastern Europe, changes which God-fearing men attribute to the hand of the Almighty, Elder David B. Haight said Saturday afternoon.

"Walls have come down; gates have opened, and millions of voices have chorused the song of freedom," said Elder Haight of the Council of the Twelve. "We rejoice in the dawning of a brighter day.""The transformation of once-mighty man-made empires with such speed and determination has released new springs of faith and hope in the hearts of hundreds of millions of oppressed souls," Elder Haight said. "Where there was despair, now the bright light of freedom shines forth.

"This only could have happened in such a miraculous way by the intervening hand of the Almighty. Truly, `the Lord is able to do all things.' " (1 Ne. 7:12.)

He told how the Israelites built an altar after they crossed the Jordan River into Canaan. "The Bible is replete with admonitions to remember the mighty acts of God as He has intervened in history for His people," said Elder Haight. "We are witnesses of His mighty, intervening hand in the world even today."

Elder Haight affirmed that God is concerned about the welfare of His children everywhere. He recounted how religious freedom in America made possible the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and said it is incumbent upon members who have had the gift of religious freedom to share knowledge and testimony to the people of the world.

"The opportunity for meaningful service to others is expanding rapidly," said Elder Haight. "To some of us, it's just across the street; to others, across the ocean. The destiny of many nations is now being decided. Every generation is crucial."

Elder Haight said while he was in Iceland a few years ago he visited a church that looked very impressive from the airplane window but, in reality, was only the shell of a building that had been under construction for 40 years.

Later, when Elder Haight and others met in a smaller LDS building, he was comforted to know it was not just a shell, but had the vitalizing power of the Spirit of God.

"We declare in all solemnity that the Lord is now preparing the nations of the earth to receive the truth He desires them to have.

"The Lord's power is at hand and evident. True believers will have unusual opportunities to be of service. I am convinced that those who labor unselfishly in behalf of others, with no thought of remuneration, will be physically and spiritually refreshed and renewed. We must prove ourselves, have the desire, and be found worthy to assist the Lord in accomplishing His purposes with men on earth."