The Purpose of Natural Disasters

Yesterday in church a good brother was talking about the natural disasters that are occurring throughout the world.  These events of course have all been prophesied by ancient and modern prophets and are a direct result of our rejection of the Lord and his teachings.  It occurred to me that the areas of the world with higher populations of church members have not been affected by these natural disasters and I think there is a lesson to be learned here.

Think of the current flood situation in Australia and consider this: When was the last time that Utah was flooded in like manner? And what about other areas with high Mormon populations such as Idaho Falls, Cardston (Alberta) and Gilbert (AZ)? I am seeing a strong pattern here.  The Lord is sending his missionaries throughout the world and they are increasingly being rejected.  The result of this is clearly spelled out in the Doctrine & Covenants "then cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds"

These disasters enable the true followers of Christ to assist through our Humanitarian aid program, and thus we see that doors that were previously closed become open and people who once rejected us, gladly receive of our help.  This reminds me of the scripture in Alma "And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved".

And thus we see that the way the Lord works is predictable and has the purpose of bringing souls back to him.