Pandemic Offers Ways to Serve, Grow Stronger, President Henry J. Eyring Tells BYU-Idaho Students

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By Christine Rappleye, Church News

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, BYU-Idaho President Henry J. Eyring said he’s seen many examples of ministering and service across the university community, from meal delivery to the simple act of a man tying the shoe of woman carrying a baby, calling them “modern-day examples of the ministry of the good Samaritan.”

He drew several parallels between service during the pandemic and when the Teton Dam broke in 1976, causing $300 million in damages. President Eyring, who was 12 when the dam broke, shared examples of how, while it was a very trying time in the community, many people pitched in to help with housing, cleanup and supplies.

“The pandemic dam has broken; we must continue to deal with the flood of invisible, stealthy disease. It is time to go to work like the good Samaritan, focusing on what each of us can do, individually and collectively,” he said during the semester’s opening devotional on Tuesday, January 12, 2021.

President Eyring noted that some of his personal habits from the past year, including checking daily infection numbers, need changing.

“My personal plan is to do the simple things within my control. For me, that means wearing a protective mask when I leave the house, even outside,” he said, adding that he’s come to appreciate how a mask keeps his nose warm. “I don’t know how my nose has survived so many Rexburg winters without one.”

“I’m also going to be more generous in judging others’ decisions and actions. And I’ll refrain from speculating or seeking to assign blame to others,” he added.

In the biblical story of the good Samaritan, the road from Jerusalem to Jericho was a known spot for highwaymen. But the Samaritan didn’t judge the beaten man or make excuses, President Eyring noted.

With the current challenges and individual responses to them, there is an opportunity to be better prepared for future setbacks, whether at school, work or with family, he said.

“Nonetheless, many types of ‘dams’ will break on us and those we care for. The floods may bring illness and quarantine, school and career setbacks, and, perhaps most painful of all, family sorrows,” he said. “But that ‘curriculum’ is central to the purpose of this earth life.”

He pointed out that the students can do more than just survive the winter with pandemic precautions in place. There is also an opportunity to increase in faith and charity, he said.

“It can be a heroic journey, like the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. Working together, we can strengthen and carry one another,” he said. “We can be generous, courageous good Samaritans, looking back with gratitude and satisfaction in work well done.”

Sister Kelly C. Eyring, President Eyring’s wife, also spoke at the devotional, sharing details about her goals for both physical and spiritual strength training. She noted that, with physical training, she has a trainer and program in place, along with her “why” and instructions to keep a log.

“So, I have a goal and a system, and I just need to show up and work consistently and not be afraid of failure,” she said.

For spiritual strength training, she pointed to the workout of navigating the pandemic.

“If we allow for it, I am pretty sure this pandemic will make us stronger. Alma 20:4 reads, ‘in the strength of the Lord thou canst do all things,’” she said.

She added that she hopes the students will keep “a log or journal so that you can see for yourself and remember how the Lord helped to build you through this time.”

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