Bishop's Fireside

 

The 14th Ward Fireside held November 13, 2011, at Bishop Sonneberg's home was a wonderful event.  Travis Baer and his wife, Shelley, related the story and their spiritual experiences when they were hit by lightning in Bryce National Park while on a family hiking trip.  

 

Surviving burst ear drums, singed hair, holes blown through the pant legs of their two year old daughter, and the power of the Priesthood were miracles in their lives!  Where Travis could not remember the story because he was knocked unconscious, Shelley stitched together the history of their experience.  

 

Even though it has been 20 years since the accident Shelley had a hard time with her emotions percolating to the surface in recollection of how close death was knocking at the door of her husband and two daughters.  The gold-chain necklace Travis was wearing was vaporized as the electrical volts hit him.  To this day he has a permanent tattoo scar around his neck outlining the gold links of the necklace.  

 

Both Travis and Shelley testified of the Lord's Hand in sparing the lives of Dad and two daughters!  It was a remarkable story and an even more profound expression of gratitude at this Thanksgiving time of year.

There were a total of 41 Ward members (including 5 children) that attended.  The two speakers and an additional 4 relatives increased our total to 47.  Afterwards Sister Sonnenberg offered slices of six different pies for dessert.  

 

A spirit of love, unity, and gratitude permeated the evening.  Many Ward members were able to talk individually with the speakers to answer personal questions. We quietly concluded the evening counting our blessings.

 

Thank you Bishop Sonnenberg for submitting this post.