Following the Pioneers

By President Dallin H. Oaks

First Counselor in the First Presidency

Adapted from “Following the Pioneers,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 72–74.

Once I walked along several trails where the early Church pioneers walked on their way to the Salt Lake Valley. I felt very humble to walk where the pioneers walked. But it’s not as important to walk where they walked as it is to live like they lived.

The pioneers stepped forward with faith into a new religion, a new land, and a new way of doing things. They trusted God. We need faith too.

They followed what their leaders asked them to do. We need to be obedient too.

They used their talents and worked together to build Zion. We need to be unified too.

They didn’t leave anyone behind. They made sure to include those who were having trouble on the trail. We need to be inclusive too.

We can honor the pioneers by following their examples.

I Can Be a Pioneer

Anyone who leads the way in helping make life better for their family is a pioneer.

Find your way through the maze. Passing through these ways, you can be a pioneer when …

When I learn something new.
When I help start a good tradition.
When I teach my family about the gospel.
When I do things to build my eternal family.