Building your Ark * Lesson 7: Put $$$ Away for a Raining Day

Lesson 7: Put $$$ Away for a Raining Day

Presented by Debbie Kent

I don’t think Noah needed to worry about putting money away, but we do.

"We encourage you wherever you may live in the world to prepare for adversity by looking to the condition of your finances. . . .If you have paid your debts and have a financial reserve, even though it is small, you and your family will feel more secure and enjoy greater peace in your hearts."
“All is Safely Gathered In” Ensign, Feb. 2007

Let us avoid debt as we would avoid a plague; where we are now in debt, let us get out of debt; if not today, then tomorrow. “Let us straightly and strictly live within our incomes, and save a little. Prepare Ye, Benson Ensign 1974

“The Saints have been advised to pay their own way and maintain a cash reserve. Recent history has demonstrated that in difficult days it is reserves with intrinsic value that are of most worth, rather than reserves, the value of which may be destroyed through inflation. It is well to remember that continued government deficits cause inflation; inflation is used as an excuse for ineffective price controls; price controls lead to shortages; artificial shortages inevitably are used as an excuse to implement rationing.”
“Prepare Ye”, Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign 1974

There is no set amount for your family financial reserve. But do what you can. Setting aside even a few dollars each week, or even your change and quickly add up into a nice savings.

*IF you plan to store this at home: store small bills; in fire/water proof container; well hidden. Gold and silver are always safe additions, especially in turbulent times when the dollar may not hold its value.
NEW: Some financial experts are now saying “Put your money in commodities”, not the dollar, or silver or gold. Food is a better investment than gold.

“When we really get into hard times, where food is scarce or there is none at all, and so with clothing and shelter, money may be no good for there may be nothing to buy, and you cannot eat money, you cannot get enough of it together to burn to keep warm, and you cannot wear it.” (Pres. Clark; Church News, November 21, 1953, p. 4.)

Building your Ark * Lesson 6: Noah Had Water

Lesson 6: Noah Had Water

Presented by Debbie Kent

In pondering drinking water for Noah, I originally chuckled, thinking, “Well it was pouring rain they wouldn’t need to store water”. But then I realized that it only rained for forty days of the almost year they were on the ark.

What did they do the other ten months? They had to have stored water.

Water is essential for life. Most of us just take it for granted. We turn on the faucet and clean clear water comes out day and night. It is not until some major disaster or calamity occurs that the true value of water truly becomes apparent. In some cases it becomes “more valuable than gold.” Many of us may be prepared with our 72 hour emergency kits which contain a bottle or two of water. But how many of us are really prepared for an emergency that could last for a week, a month, several months….and yes, perhaps even up to a year.”
“Store enough drinking water for circumstances in which the water supply may be polluted or disrupted. Water is more essential than food in sustaining life.” (Providentliving.org)

There is much differing information out there about storing water. The following are some ideas of what is the best and safest way to store and treat water.

Store clean water before the crisis.

Some examples of this 2 week supply: 3-5gallon jugs; 5-cases of 4 oz water pouches; 3:5 gallon bottles; or 4-cases of 16 oz bottles. PETE bottle: 2 liter soda bottles or juice bottles can also be used if washed really well. 

Do NOT use Bleach/Soap bottles for drinking water.

Level One: FEMA recommends at least 1 gallon of water person for 2 weeks, or at least 14 gallons. Allow more for first aid, cooking, cooling down, etc. (minimum 2 gallons per person per day) PLUS water bottle purifier (can be found at ldscatalog.org – Seychelle $22). This water filtration bottle kit removes up to 99.99 percent of pollutants and contaminants found in drinking water. Produces up to 100 gallons of filtered water, includes extra filter.
Level Two: 1-55 gallon drum per person; pump; wrench (to open and close); water treatment
Level Three: 2 more 55 gallon barrels per person (3 barrels: 3 months supply-per person).
Level Four: A way to collect more water and a GOOD purifier, and creative ways to store.

Where to Store Water

Store where easily accessible for emergency use and water source to fill. Best stored in dark, cool place. Can be stored outside, off of ground, covered, in shade if possible. Store away from insecticides, petroleum or anything else with a strong odor.