The World Needs Pioneers Today: Home
Teaching Message July 2013
President Thomas S. Monson,
President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
For many, the pioneer trek of 1847 didn’t begin at Nauvoo,
Kirtland, Far West, or New York but rather in distant England, Scotland,
Scandinavia, or Germany. Tiny children could not fully comprehend the dynamic
faith that motivated their parents to leave behind family, friends, comfort, and security.
A little one might ask, “Mommy, why are we leaving home? Where
are we going?”
“Come along, precious one; we’re going to Zion, the city of our
God.”
Between the safety of home and the promise of Zion stood the
angry and treacherous waters of the mighty Atlantic. Who can recount the fear
that gripped the human heart during those perilous crossings? Prompted by the
silent whisperings of the Spirit, sustained by a simple yet abiding faith,
those pioneer Saints trusted in God and set sail on their journey.
They finally reached Nauvoo only to set out again to face
hardships on the trail. Tombstones of sage and rock marked graves the entire
route from Nauvoo to Salt Lake City. Such was the price some pioneers paid.
Their bodies are buried in peace, but their names live on evermore.
Tired oxen lumbered, wagon wheels squeaked, brave men toiled,
war drums sounded, and coyotes howled. But the faith-inspired and storm-driven
pioneers pressed on. Often they sang:
Come,
come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;
But with
joy wend your way.
Though
hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace
shall be as your day. …
These pioneers remembered the words of the Lord: “My people must
be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I
have for them, even the glory of Zion.”2
The passage of time dims our memories and diminishes our
appreciation for those who walked the path of pain, leaving behind a
tear-marked trail of nameless graves. But what of today’s challenges? Are there
no rocky roads to travel, no rugged mountains to climb, no chasms to cross, no
trails to blaze, no rivers to ford? Or is there a very present need for that
pioneer spirit to guide us away from the dangers that threaten to engulf us and
to lead us to a Zion of safety?
In the decades since the end of World War II, standards of
morality have lowered again and again. Crime spirals upward; decency careens
downward. Many are on a giant roller coaster of disaster, seeking the thrills
of the moment while sacrificing the joys of eternity. Thus we forfeit peace.
We forget how the Greeks and Romans prevailed magnificently in a
barbaric world and how that triumph ended—how a slackness and softness finally
overcame them to their ruin. In the end, more than they wanted freedom, they
wanted security and a comfortable life; and they lost all—comfort and security
and freedom.
Do not yield to Satan’s enticements; rather, stand firm for
truth. The unsatisfied yearnings of the soul will not be met by a never-ending
quest for joy amidst the thrills of sensation and vice. Vice never leads to
virtue. Hate never promotes love. Cowardice never gives courage. Doubt never
inspires faith.
Some find it difficult to withstand the mockings and unsavory
remarks of foolish ones who ridicule chastity, honesty, and obedience to God’s
commands. But the world has ever belittled adherence to principle. When Noah
was instructed to build an ark, the foolish populace looked at the cloudless
sky and then scoffed and jeered—until the rain came.
Must we learn such costly lessons over and over again? Times
change, but truth persists. When we fail to profit from the experiences of the
past, we are doomed to repeat them with all their heartache, suffering, and
anguish. Haven’t we the wisdom to obey Him who knows the beginning from the
end—our Lord, who designed the plan of salvation—rather than that serpent, who
despised its beauty?
A dictionary defines a pioneer as “one who goes before to
prepare or open up the way for others to follow.”3 Can we
somehow muster the courage and steadfastness of purpose that characterized the
pioneers of a former generation? Can you and I, in actual fact, be pioneers?
I know we can be. Oh, how the world needs pioneers today!
Teaching
from This Message
The scriptures explain that home teachers are to “warn, expound,
exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ” (D&C
20:59). Consider pointing out the warnings and invitations contained in
President Monson’s message to those you visit. You may want to discuss with
them ways to recognize and follow righteous examples, avoid deceptions, and
learn from others’ mistakes. Ask those you teach how they can be pioneers
today.
Children may enjoy learning more about pioneers by reading the
On the Trail series on page 62 of this issue.
Youth
Driven
by Faith
By Maggi Earl
The author lives in North Carolina, USA.
10787_000_004
I will never forget walking the grounds at Winter Quarters,
Nebraska, USA, where pioneers had lived years before. The ground felt sacred,
almost as if I were visiting an outdoor temple.
My eyes filled with tears, blurring my vision. I saw a statue
but could not make out the figures. When I wiped away my tears, I saw a man and
a woman whose faces were full of grief. As I looked closer, I saw the figure of
an infant lying in a grave at their feet.
This sight filled me with so many emotions: sadness, anger, gratitude, and joy. I wanted to take
away the pain those Saints felt, but I was grateful at the same time for what
they had sacrificed for the gospel.
My experience at Winter Quarters helped me realize that Heavenly
Father gives the gospel to His children and allows them the agency to do with
it as they will. The parents of that baby could have chosen to take an easier
course. Following the prophet and living the gospel required these pioneers to
press forward even when it meant burying their child. But they chose to take
the gospel into their lives and accepted their challenges. I learned that the
Saints’ dedication to the gospel and their determination to press forward were
driven by faith and hope—hope for a bright future and faith that the Lord knew
them and could ease their pain.
Children
Be
a Pioneer
10787_000_005
President Monson says that a pioneer is someone who shows the
way for others to follow. What can the children in these pictures do to stand
up for what is right and be a pioneer for others? Write your answers in the
space under the pictures.
“Are We So Willing?”
cji
7/1/13
Giving up all that we
have/had
moving with only our
faith to guide
saying goodbye to all
we’ve known
surrendering our will
to Father’s;
Are we so willing to
be found
can we forego the
worldly today
putting aside our
personal wants
surrendering our will
to Fathers’
Thus as a pioneer in
our family
taking to the path
going to Zion
seeking the pure
truth of the Gospel
surrendering our will
to Fathers!
Copyright © 2013 –
cji
Teaching
and Learning the Gospel: Visiting Teach Message July 2013
Faith, Family, Relief
Jesus Christ was a
master teacher. He set the example for us as He “taught women in multitudes and
as individuals, on the street and by the seashore, at the well and in their
homes. He showed loving-kindness toward them and healed them and their family
members.”1
He taught Martha and Mary and “invited them to become His
disciples and partake of salvation, ‘that good part’ [Luke 10:42]
that would never be taken from them.”2
In our latter-day scriptures, the Lord commanded us to “teach
one another the doctrine of the kingdom” (D&C
88:77). Of teaching and learning doctrine, Cheryl A. Esplin, second
counselor in the Primary general presidency, said, “Learning to fully
understand the doctrines of the gospel is a process of a lifetime and comes
‘line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little’ (2 Nephi
28:30).”3
As we learn, study, and pray, we will teach with the power of
the Holy Ghost,
who will carry our message “unto the hearts of the children of men [and women]”
(2 Nephi
33:1).
From
the Scriptures
From
Our History
Our past prophets have reminded us as women that we have an
important role as teachers in the home and Church. In September 1979, President
Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) asked us to become “sister scriptorians.”
He said: “Become scholars of the scriptures—not to put others down, but to lift
them up! After all, who has any greater need to ‘treasure up’ the truths of the
gospel (on which they may call in their moments of need) than do women and
mothers who do so much nurturing and teaching?”4
We are all teachers and learners. When we teach from the
scriptures and the words of our living prophets, we can help others come unto
Christ. When we engage in the learning process by asking meaningful questions
and then listening, we can find answers that meet our personal needs.
What
Can I Do?
1.
How am I preparing to be a better teacher?
2.
Do I share my testimony with the sisters I watch over?
“Teach the Doctrine”
cji
7/1/13
Unembellished there
for all
presenting plain and
simple
pure doctrine in
Scriptures
truths which bring
eternity
salvation not just
saved
families found to be
forever
eternal and without
end
just to teach the
doctrine
unembellished there
for all!
Copyright © 2013 –
cji
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