Mormon lessons in self-reliance can help families survive tough times

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Plant a vegetable garden.

Store food and water.

Avoid debt.

Build up savings.

Sound like a plan for these tough economic times?

It's actually the longtime teaching of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"For many years the church has taught the principle of provident living and self-reliance," said Bruce Priday, president of the Lenexa Stake and church spokesman for the Kansas City, Mo., area.

"With growing unemployment, this is becoming increasingly important," he said. "I have visited several families who lost work and were able to get through months of unemployment without having to go to the government or agencies for help because they were prepared for the emergency."

Most Mormon families practice the principle of self-reliance, he said.

Bill and Sandra Bohne, who live in rural Leavenworth County, Kan., are one example.

On their 25 acres is a yellow-sided house, an old barn, two garden plots, a fish-filled pond and about a dozen cows. Two of their four children live at home, and there are two large dogs and a small cat (who keeps the dogs in check).

The gardens have been planted with vegetables, barely visible now. But by summer they will yield tomatoes, peppers, beans, onions, greens, asparagus, watermelon, cabbage, cauliflower and other produce. And there are fruit trees.

The kitchen looks up to date with new cabinets and a cooking island. But five years ago Sandra designed it especially for canning and storage.

The burners can hold large pots, and jars fit conveniently in nearby drawers. Shelves above the sink and counters are neatly packed with jars of fruits and vegetables. Shelves under the stove hold dozens of cook books, recipes and information on gardening, canning, storage and small-scale farming.

In other compartments are pots and machines, like a juicer and a wheat grinder. A refrigerator/freezer is fitted into a wall so as not to take up space in the room.