Welcome to Tuscaloosa Stake

Tuscaloosa Stake President Message

10/2/2024

Sisters and Brothers,

We are so grateful for the efforts of everyone to prepare to serve those in need.  It is anticipated there will be over 6,000 members serving this weekend in various locations.  I am told it will be the largest service effort since Katrina.

Along with the physical labor, we can leave a financial benefit when we report the time we spend serving those in need to the command centers.   Those hours are submitted to FEMA and the community receives federal aid based on the number of hours.   Please include travel time in your service hours.

Cheyenne Martin our stake communication leader has included important information to help us as we go serve.  Please get this to your members.

When recording time include travel time.

Any youth going can use this for community service for their clubs. Their team leaders, bishop, etc., can sign off on it.

In some areas, cell phone coverage is very weak. Crews have been having luck with texting and using What's App to make calls.

Be completely self-sufficient with food, water, etc.
Consider topping off your gas tank an hour away from the command center.

Bring cash. Some businesses are open but are only taking cash.

Don't wear the old "Mormon Helping Hands" shirts. Don't even pack them. These shirts have been rebranded. They can get new shirts at the command center. I recommend picking them up Friday or early Saturday morning. Regular t-shirts are better than the old Helping Hands shirts.

Don't proselytize. Now is not the time to leave a Book of Mormon or set up a meeting with the missionaries.
Communication leaders shared D&C 115:4-6 and I think it's a beautiful scripture for what we're doing.

Will each unit send me what they anticipate will be the number going down?

Thank you again for your efforts!

Pres. Lewis

FaithCommand