In the days leading up to 20 June 2013, Alberta experienced heavy rainfall that triggered catastrophic flooding described by the provincial government as the worst in the province's history. Twenty-eight emergency operations centres were activated as water levels rose, and numerous communities were placed under evacuation orders.
Receding waters gave way to a mammoth cleanup of affected areas as numberous homeowners were aided by a spontaneous of complete strangers - many of them volunteers from 'Mormon Helping Hands.'
“Often we are given the opportunity to help others in their time of need. As members of the Church, we each have the sacred responsibility to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light, to mourn with those that mourn, and to lift up the hands which hand down and strengthen the feeble knees.
Now, one year after the catastrophe, Latter-day Saints have compiled moving written accounts of their faith in the face of the disaster. The following are some featured stories of High River Church members, plus an account of many area members' personal experiences.