Fence or Ambulance 10 May 2017

G'day Family and Friends,

President and Sister Checketts do a wonderful job leading and guiding our mission and Missionaries.  Sister Checketts does a monthly newsletter and President Checketts sends out a weekly letter to all the missionaries.  I really liked the following story and wanted to share it with those that may be interested.  And Remember KEEP CALM and Read the BOOK OF MORMON.

FENCE - AN AMBULANCE

by Joseph Malius

Twas a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed

Though to walk near its crest was so pleasant.

But over its terrible edge there had slipped,

A duke and full many a peasant.

So the people said something would have to be done

But their projects did not all tally.

Some said, "Put a fence round the edge of the cliff,"

Some, "An ambulance down in the valley."

But the cry for the ambulance carried the day,

For it spread through the neighboring city.

A fence may be useful or not, it is true

But each heart became brimful of pity,

For those who slipped over that dangerous cliff

And the dwellers in highway and alley

Gave pounds or gave pence, not to put up a fence

But an ambulance down in the valley.

"For the cliff is all right if you're careful," they said,

And if folks even slip or are dropping,

It isn't the slipping that hurts them so much,

As the shock down below when they're stopping.

So day after day, as these mishaps occurred,

Quick forth would their rescuers sally,

To pick up the victims who fell off the cliff

With their ambulance down in the valley.

Then an old sage remarked, "It's a marvel to me

That people give far more attention

To repairing results than to stopping the cause

When they'd much better aim at prevention.

"Let us stop at its source all the mischief," he cried

"Come neighbors and friends let us rally.

If the cliff we will fence, we might almost dispense

With the ambulance down in the valley."

"Oh, he's a fanatic," the others rejoined,

"Dispense with the ambulance? Never.

He'd dispense with all charities too, if he could,

No, no we'll support them forever."

"Aren't we picking up folks just as fast as they fall

And shall this man dictate to us? Shall he?

Why should people of sense stop to put up a fence

While the ambulance works down in the valley?"

But a sensible few who are practical too,

Will not bear with such nonsense much longer.

They believe that prevention is better than cure,

And their party will still be the stronger.

Encourage them then with your purse, voice and pen,

And while other philanthropists daily

They will scorn all pretense and put up a fence

On the cliff that hangs over the valley.

Better guide well the young than reclaim them when old,

For the voice of true wisdom is calling.

To rescue the fallen is good but 'tis best

To prevent other people from falling.

Better close up the source of temptation and crime,

Than deliver from dungeon and galley.

Better put a strong fence round the top of the cliff

Than an ambulance down in the valley.

Enjoy this transfer, build your fences and find the joy from being the Saviors helper as you save souls.