Did You Know?

Pioneer Days

From 22 to 24 July 1847, the first Latter-day Saint pioneers came into the Salt Lake Valley looking for a land free of persecution where they could worship God. Those pioneers built up the Church in the American West, and the gospel has continued to go forth among many nations of the earth. Here are a few ways you can commemorate the sacrifices of the pioneers and learn more about them this month:

• If you have pioneer ancestors, read their journals and histories. Their lives have many lessons we can learn from today.

• Learn about the first members to be baptized in your country or family. They are also pioneers.

• Memorize a hymn that celebrates the pioneers or the Restoration.

• See what you can do to become more self-reliant. You could try growing your own garden, learning to sew, or practicing first aid.

• As a group of youth, volunteer to help clean up a local historical site for a Duty to God or Personal Progress project.

• Begin today to write in your journal on a regular basis, so your posterity can learn about your life and your faith in God.

Leadership Tip

As a counselor in a class or quorum presidency, you can do a lot to uphold your president, your Young Men or Young Women leaders, and your priesthood leaders. Be on the lookout for ways you can ease their burdens, including making yourself available for assignments or just getting to your meetings on time.

When the Israelites were attacked by Amalek and his people, Israel prevailed only when Moses held up his hands. But Moses was getting tired. He put down his hands, and Amalek’s side began to win the battle.

“But … they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun” (Ex. 17:12).

The Israelites were able to win the battle through the power of the Lord because Moses’ counselors upheld him. As a counselor, you can follow their good example.

Background photograph by Marty Mayo

Aaron and Hur Upholding the Arms of Moses, artist unknown; In Emigration Canyon—July 24, 1847, by Valoy A. Eaton