Bishopric

I was called into the bishopric of the North Lake 1st Ward back in September of 2009.  The Bishop is Matt Killpack (middle) and Steve Bunker is the 1st Counselor (left).  I love these men and they have become great and wonderful friends.  Before being called in as the 2nd Counselor, I was serving as the Scoutmaster and the 11-year old scout leader, both in the same ward.  In about June or July of the same year, I was made a High Priest by the then bishop, Doug Webb.  When Bishop Webb called me into his office he asked me if I knew why I was there to meet with him.  I told him that I had no idea and thought maybe he was changing my current calling.  He then let me know that I was to be made a High Priest.  I was shocked and then proceeded to tell him all the reasons why I shouldn't be "promoted" in the Melchizedek Priesthood.  I remember telling him that high priests were usually older for one and they usually don't struggle with things like home teaching every month and reading their scriptures every day among other things.   He then plainly told me, "you're right, Br. Ralph.  High priests don't struggle with the things you just mentioned, so go, do and become what the Lord has called you to be.  I have seen you work with other people and the service you render in your callings, and I know you'll

make a fine high priest."  So, with that, I accepted.

A couple months later, Bishop Webb announced during Sacrament meeting that the ward was to be split the following Sunday.  Well, I was at work up in Park City working in The Colony subdivision when I received a call from Nichole letting me know that the Stake Presidency called and left a message and that they wanted to see me that night.  Instantly, my heart sank.  I knew the split was occurring the following Sunday and just kept thinking, "no way. not me. impossible."  I was nervous the whole hour long drive home.  I knew a change was coming for me, but was I ready for what that change would be or what it was going to be.  I walked into President  Randy Lefler's office with Nichole by my side (and where she has been through this whole time).  He made some small talk and then proceeded to say, "there has been a new bishop called in your ward and he has asked that you be his second counselor."  I was pretty emotionless not knowing the extent of what this call would mean for me and my family.  All the thoughts of how to organize my time, am I worthy of this call, there are so many other men so much better and capable of doing this job than I am that flooded my emotions.  I was overcome.  I have always felt I was a good person who always tried to serve others and just love everyone around me, but I have never viewed myself as a "leader," especially spiritually speaking.  I have always been a doer and someone who gets in there to get something done, not someone to teach.  To this day, after two and a half years, I still struggle with getting up in front of others and teaching and conducting meetings although I feel I have gotten better and a little more natural at it.  The one thing I have to offer is my testimony of the gospel and who I am.  And, that sustains me.

Today they split our ward.  We lost probably about 40% of our membership number.  We were at 786 before the split.  I was informed two weeks ago where the new boundaries were going to be, but upon being told, I was told it was an "approximate" boundary, so I wasn't 100% positive.   In the subsequent week or so, I came to find out where the new boundaries were going to be.  In church today, because I knew where the boundaries were going to be while no one else did, all I could think about was who would not be here anymore.  I was visualizing everyone while reviewing each family's status.  I was left sad and excited at the same time while thinking of all those who were leaving for the other ward.  Our bishopric remained intact while a new ward was created from part of ours.  Luckily, Steve, Matt and myself all live within our current new boundaries so no change was needed.  I do love this gospel with all my heart.  It truly has made me a better person, has humbled me, and I do feel I have been able to help others and lift others.  I know it is through service when we are giving of ourselves that we truly receive back.