Counted among the tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers and sailors who have or will soon be deployed to foreign lands and seas are scores of Church members — LDS servicemen and women with spouses, maybe a child or two, mortgages and Church callings.

Photo by Elder Spencer Davis and Elder Joseph Barber

Marine Cpl. Ryan Bunzell, his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Lilly.

Photo by Elder Spencer Davis and Elder Joseph Barber

Elder Luke Savage and Sister Susan Savage, a full-time missionary couple assigned to Camp Pendleton Marine Base, stay in contact with Marines and their families, such as Sgt. Michael McCullough, who was expected to be deployed, and his wife, Missy.

They are answering a call to duty amid perilous, volatile times. But the pressures of leaving the homefront are seldom limited to those who wear the uniform. Left behind are husbands and wives. Sons and daughters. Mothers and fathers.

Bishops, branch presidents, Relief Society presidencies, stake presidents and even missionaries are doing all they can to offer support, love and encouragement to their deployed members and their families at home.

Carlsbad California Stake President James Rosell said three wards from his stake — which stretches over much of Camp Pendleton Marine Base — have been severely impacted by ongoing deployments. In one ward alone some 20 married Marines and 12 single Marines have been deployed. Another 18 are on target to leave shortly.

"The most important thing we've been doing is trying to keep track of everyone," President Rosell said.

Priesthood leaders such as President Rosell speak of visiting the homes of soon-to-be deployed servicemen and women to offer counsel and priesthood blessings. These visits are sacred, spiritual meetings, said President Dan Hunter, who presides over the Laguna Niguel California Stake.

"We advise [the families] to have regular prayer that will keep them close to the Lord," said President Hunter, who has witnessed 30 members from one of his wards, including the elders quorum president, leave for deployment.

Bishop Robert Robb of the Carlsbad 2nd Ward (Young Single Adult), Carlsbad California Stake, has seen about 30 young folks from his ward answer deployment calls "with a few more on the way." He and the other ward priesthood leaders have given many blessings to Marines just hours away from their deployment.

"It has been a time of bonding and reflection," Bishop Robb said.

The responsibility of homefront priesthood leaders is two-fold: first, empower those leaving home to remain faithful and close to the Lord. Second, ensure that those remaining behind are well cared for.

It's vital for LDS servicemen and women to have access to basic LDS worship opportunities, be it in lonely foxholes or a remote corner of an aircraft carrier. So stake presidents and bishops have identified faithful priesthood holders prior to their deployment and set them apart as certified military group leaders. Such leaders are authorized to gather together with other deployed Church members and conduct sacrament services and, if possible, Church-related functions. The companionship of fellow deployed members can offer invaluable unity and gospel fellowship.

Bishop Robb said his ward has established an "e-mail hotline," keeping in cyber contact with deployed ward members when possible.

Meanwhile, stake presidents and bishops — often with the assistance of a stake military relations committee — are working with Relief Society presidencies to care for spouses and children left behind. It's essential that home teaching and other Church programs are not interrupted by deployments, said President Hunter.

Wards are typically self-sustaining, but units such as the Carlsbad California Stake have organized "adopt-a-family" programs to supplement assistance when requested.

Full-time missionaries are also doing what they can to minister to those who are departing and staying behind.

"As missionaries we feel very blessed, in this time of trial and uncertainty for so many military personnel and their families, to be here to assist them, working closely with stake and ward leaders," said California Carlsbad Mission President Stephen Studdert. "The gospel of Jesus Christ is the anchor in their lives and the source to which they are turning for peace and hope."

Elder Luke and Sister Susan Savage, a full-time missionary couple from Highland, Utah, stay in close contact with families of deployed Marines stationed at the north end of Camp Pendleton. They Savages say they have assured deployed LDS Marines from the San Clemente 1st Ward, Laguna Niguel California Stake, where they serve, that their familes will be well cared for.

"They know they have a friend," Elder Savage said.

As in Book of Mormon days, adverse times are forging strong people, President Hunter said. Many who are being impacted by the recent military deployments are coming together and turning to the Lord. The stake leader said he is comforted by the quality of LDS men and women who are serving their country at a pivotal moment.

"The nation is in good hands," President Hunter said.

E-mail: jswensen@desnews.com