2 Concord Stake Trek 2018 Strength through Christ. Table of Contents

Transcription

1

2 2 Table of Contents Whose name will you carry on Trek... 3 Trek 2018 Theme. 4 Trek Week Itinerary... 5 Summary of Willie & Martin Handcart Company. 6 Map of the Mormon Trail. 10 Monthly Preparation: November. 12 April. 30 December. 15 May.. 32 January. 18 June. 37 February. 24 July. 40 March. 27 Day 1 on Trek: Travel from Utah to Wyoming. 42 Day 2 on Trek: Martin s Cove. 45 Day 3 on Trek: Sixth Crossing 48 Day 4 on Trek: Rock Creek Hollow. 52 Songs: 55 Clothes for YM/YW 66 Supply List 67 For more updates and information: concordstaketrek.org

3 3 This journal belongs to I will be walking to honor

4 Trek Theme & Guidelines To prepare for the handcart Trek we have compiled this booklet as a guide to be used from November 2017 until the end of Trek. Please follow the monthly guidelines to prepare you spiritually and physically for this wonderful opportunity you have been given. Most of the activities can count for Duty to God or Personal Progress-so you can progress in your YM/YW program as you prepare for Trek Trek Theme The theme for our Trek is found in the New Testament: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 We hope that as you prepare and participate in Trek - your love for the Savior will grow, you ll find greater joy in serving others, you will participate in family history work, you will seek and find guidance to overcome challenges, you will develop a stronger appreciation for the sacrifices of members of the church and your family, and your testimony of the Savior and the gospel will grow and be strengthened. - Rich & Kim Persson

5 5 Schedule Saturday, July 21, Depart Martinez Chapel at 5 am. - Arrive in Utah that evening Sunday, July 22, Music & The Spoken Word/Church/Fireside Monday, July 23, Tuesday, July 24, Depart Utah to Martin s Cove, Wyoming 1st Day of Trek 2nd Day of Trek - Martin s Cove, Wyoming Wednesday, July 25, rd Day of Trek - Sixth Crossing Thursday, July 26, Friday, July 27, Saturday, July 28, Sunday, July 29, th Day of Trek - Rock Creek Hollow Depart from Wyoming to Rexburg, Idaho Rexburg, Idaho Baptisms/Tour BYUI/Fireside Depart Rexburg, Idaho to Martinez Arrive in the evening Youth Trek Fireside at Martinez Chapel

6 6 Summary of Martin and Willie Handcart Companies Read the information on the next 4 pages and mark the map on pages 10 & 11 From 1856 to 1860 there were 10 handcart companies that traveled across the plains. The Willie and Martin Companies arrived in Iowa City a month after the other companies, and were not expected. Wood was scarce; handcarts had to be constructed out of green wood which further delayed their journey to the valley. This also meant that these companies wouldn t arrive in Utah until early November. These companies were almost twice as large as the earlier companies (numbering 404 and 576), and many were very poor. (Mark Iowa City on the Map on pg 10 & 11 with an A and then write July 15, 1856 Willie and July 28, 1856 Martin in the A space.) On Sept. 4 during a buffalo stampede the Willie Company s cattle were lost. It was a crisis of major proportion. They spent 3 days searching for the cattle, during which time they used a 1,000 pounds of flour and did not make any progress on the trail. The milk cows and the beef cattle had to be used to pull the wagons. Flour was added to each handcart to ease the load on the wagons. On October 6th, Franklin D. Richards, who had left Iowa City right after the handcart companies, informed Brigham Young that there were a thousand immigrants on the trail and in trouble. The next day in General Conference, Brigham Young told the people that his sermon was to load up their teams with food and clothing and go save the handcart companies. Then he ended the meeting. The next day, 22 wagons and 50 men left the valley to rescue the handcart companies. Others followed during the week. Once the handcart companies left Fort Laramie (Mark Fort Laramie with a B and write early October no provisions to restock), the mountain terrain was much rougher than the plains had been. Deaths increased. They reduced rations from 16 ounces of flour a day to 8 ounces to 4 ounces a day. They were literally starving. Someone died almost every night. On October 17th, the Martin Co. realized if they continued at such a slow pace, their food would run out long before they met the resupply wagons. They burned much of their bedding, and left some cooking gear behind to lighten their load, enabling them to travel faster.

7 7 On October 19th a terrible storm hit. The Willie Co. was at Ice Springs; they issued the last of their flour rations, and walked 10 miles in the storm to the 6th crossing of the Sweetwater. They remained at 6th crossing awaiting the rescue party. The storm caught the rescue party 25 miles west of the Willie Co. and the Martin Co. was crossing the Platte River for the last time. (Mark Willie Rescue site on the map with a C on the smaller map and then write Oct 19th Willie Co. in the C space. Mark the last crossing of the Platte River near Red Buttes with a D and write Oct 19th Martin Co. Indicate the rescue party 25 miles west of the Willie Co. between Rocky Ridge and South Pass.) In the early hours of October 20th, Capt. Willie and Joseph Elder left the Willie Co. on horseback to try to find the rescue parties. Twenty-five miles down the trail they found a sign that Harvey Cluff had posted saying that the relief party was camped one mile off the trail. Had Br. Cluff not been inspired to post the sign, they would have continued on the main trail in the dark without food or bedding and frozen to death. Capt. Willie and Joseph Elder informed the rescue party that the immigrants were 25 miles up the trail, waiting for the rescuers or death, whichever would come first. They reached them by the next night and handed out food, clothing, and buffalo robes. On Oct. 22nd Capt. Grant and 8 of the wagons continued on in search of the Martin Co. The Willie Co. loaded the weakest into the remaining 6 wagons and continued on. The Reddick Allred rescue party was waiting for them at South Pass. (Mark South Pass with a E and write Oct. 22 Capt. Allred waiting with supplies.) The Willie Co. made their ascent up Rocky Ridge, a very rough, steep, rocky trail. They continued pulling their handcarts up the ridge with the blizzard blowing in their faces. It took some 20 hours before they all made it into camp. Fifteen people died. On Oct. 24th Reddick Allred arrived with 6 more wagon teams. Even though many of the rescue parties had lost hope and turned back to Salt Lake, Reddick Allred and his rescue party had waited for 2 weeks at South Pass, until the Willie handcart Co. was found. The Willie Co. arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on Nov. 9th. Out of the 404 immigrants that started from Florence, Nebraska 68 died. (Mark SLC with an F and write Nov. 9 Willie Co. )

8 8 When the storm hit the Martin Co., they were still 400 miles from the valley. They had little or no food or bedding. A scouting party sent out ahead of the rescue wagons found the Martin Company on October 28th, sixty-five miles east of Devil's Gate at Red Buttes where they had held up for 9 days waiting the storm to pass. Despite the fact the scouting party had brought no food or clothing, the starving, benumbed handcart company struggled forward with renewed hope. At this point the rations were reduced to four ounces of flour a day. Three days later they were met by Grant's wagons and helped on to Semino's Trading Post near Devil's Gate. (Mark the Martin Handcart Co. Rescue Site on the small map with a G and write Martin Co. rescued Oct ) With added food and clothing from the rescue company, the Martin Co. was able to continue traveling until they arrived at Devil s Gate on Nov. 2nd. Here the rescue party prepared dinner and built fires for the company. Capt. Grant knocked down the walls of the abandoned cabin to provide firewood. After locating both Handcart Companies, Grant sent an urgent dispatch to Brigham Young for more wagons and supplies....men, women, and children worn down by drawing handcarts through snow and mud are fainting by the wayside; falling chilled by the cold; children crying, their limbs stiffened by cold, their feet bleeding and some of them bare to snow and frost. The sight is almost too much for the stoutest of us, but we go on doing all we can, not doubting or despairing. Our company is too small to help much, it is only a drop in a bucket, as it were, in comparison to what is needed. I think that not over one-third of Mr. Martin's company is able to walk. This you may think is an extravagant, but it is nevertheless true... On Nov. 4th the temperature plummeted to 6 degrees below zero and the winds were strong. It was decided to move the Martin Co. over to a hollow in the granite mountain now known as Martin s Cove. (Mark Martin s Cove with an H and write Martin Co. Nov. 4th)

9 9 In order to reach the cove, the handcarts crossed the Sweetwater River. At this point the river was only knee deep, but chunks of ice were floating on the river. Many of the gauntfaced handcart men and women sat on the bank and pulled tattered blankets around themselves; a few started to sob. After the North Platte crossing, the handcart people could not face wading another river. All of the rescue party helped, but four young men were singled out in one journal for carrying people across on their backs. The tireless young men waded back and forth in the icy water until all of the converts were on the other side of the Sweetwater River. The strain was so terrible, and the exposure so great, that... all the boys (suffered) from the effects of it. They are C. Allen Huntington, George W. Grant, David P. Kimball, (and Stephen W. Taylor). The Martin Co. had lost 56 of their 576 immigrants to this point and more died daily in the Cove. On Nov. 10th the company left the Cove. The next day Ephraim Hanks arrived with buffalo meat and robes. He cared for frost bitten limbs and gave many miraculous priesthood blessings. On Nov 12th the Martin Co. reached the delayed rescue teams. They arrived in the Salt Lake Valley Nov. 30th. Out of the 576 immigrants that started approximately 145 died. (Mark SLC with an I and write below Nov. 30 Martin Co. makes it to SLC.) It should be mentioned that one wagon company followed and sometimes accompanied the Martin Handcart Company called the Hunt & Hodgett Wagon Company. Also, in total 8 other handcart companies successfully made it to Salt Lake City between 1856 and 1860.

10 10 Mark sites and dates on the map when you have read about them (see pages 8-11) A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H.

11 11

12 12 November 2017-Learn about the handcart companies and find a person to honor. Read the story of the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies on pages 6-9 and mark the map that follows. Complete the My Family-stories that bring us together booklet. The YM and YW Presidents have these. Find a name to carry with you on trek. The purpose of doing this would be to place oneself in a position to feel and ponder the circumstances and experiences of an individual pioneer s life as he or she faced challenges and imagine oneself to represent that person. Go to familysearch.org/pioneer. Login and see what pioneer ancestors you have. See if any were in handcart companies. Explore what companies with which they did travel. If you have no relatives documented no worries -- see below. Go to relativefinder.org. You will login with the same info as familysearch.org. You may click on groups to the left of the screen the Willie or Martin Handcart Company. If you still don t have a pioneer ancestor, the Family History consultant from your unit has stories of the people from the Willie and Martin handcart companies for you to choose from. We d like girls to choose girls and likewise boys choose boys to honor. Now choose a relative or nonrelative that was in the Willie or Martin Handcart company whose name you would like to honor and to carry on Trek. Write as much as you can about them on page 3 of your journal. YW can count this as a PP project if you spend 10 hrs reading and writing about your pioneer ancestor or Ind Worth add l exp. #3. YM can choose family history under Understand Doctrine in DtG and count this activity.

13 13 Go to These are 3 great videos called Tracey s Trek where Tracey blogs about her experience on Trek. This could be a great YM/YW activity for a week night activity! Daily Steps This Month of November 2017 Morning & Evening Prayer (Put a check in the boxes on the days you read (20 boxes=minimum goal) Count in DtG and PP. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them. New Testament Student Manual Scripture Study (at least 5 minutes a day). Instead of quickly reading your scriptures each day, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. 2 Nephi 32:3 and...i did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning. 1 Nephi 19:23. Read daily from the Book Of Mormon-seminary course of study. (20 Boxes = minimum goal) Count in DtG and PP Start walking this month if you have not already begun. Walk 15 minutes (about 1 mile) 3 times a week. Drink water before, during and after your walk continuing to hydrate your body will help in your preparations for being physically prepared to hike on trek. Read through recommendations about conditioning your feet for the trek on the next page. (9 boxes = minimum goal)

14 14 CONDITIONING YOUR FEET FOR THE TREK (From handcart-trek.com) Wearing the wrong shoes on the trek will rub you wrong and that means foot pain and blisters. Remember, your toes need room to expand, because your feet will swell a full shoe size as you walk on the trek. So be sure to bring only comfy trekking shoes. Running shoes are the best bet for trekkers because they are specifically designed for cushioning, motion control, and support. Keep in mind that hiking boots do not provide motion control features that many people need, and may be inflexible and heavy. And they are certain to rub you wrong! Try to do a couple of walks with your trekking shoes and a light backpack. If, or when you feel hot spots forming, stop! Go home, rub your feet with rubbing alcohol and let them dry out. This should allow you to form calluses that can protect you on the trek. During the next 8 months, wear the shoes you are planning on wearing on trek during your training walks. Start preparing for the trek NOW by taking daily walks. Start by walking 15 minutes 3 times a week. After a month, increase your walks to 30 minutes 3 times per week. Then walk 4-5 times per week. Before the actual Trek, walk longer periods of time up hill. Consistently increase your walking and drink water before, during and after your walk. This water protocol will help you stay hydrated and allow your body to become prepared to experience the walking on trek.

15 15 December 2017: Living by the Lord s Standards Most of the saints in Europe in 1856 had never seen the prophet or even heard his voice. Yet the power of the Holy Ghost witnessed to them that a living prophet was again upon the earth and that the gospel of Jesus Christ had been restored. When the prophet s call came to them to gather to the Salt Lake Valley, they left their homelands, their possessions, their fields and their orchards, their farms, their friends, and even family they would never see again, and they crossed the great seas and walked halfway across a continent under trying conditions. The faith that burned in their hearts was more than belief it was a power that moved them to begin a great journey. To start your preparations for trek, you don t have to leave behind your homeland, but there are things you should leave behind in order to start a journey of greater discipleship. Some of these things may be very hard. But just as the pioneers had to give up almost all their possessions and leave the life they knew, great sacrifices are required of us today. Sometimes the things we need to sacrifice today are harder to recognize. Ponder: Joseph Smith:... a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. (Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith 6:7) Joseph Smith: The sacrifice required of Abraham in the offering up of Isaac, shows that if a man would attain to the keys of the kingdom of an endless life, he must sacrifice all things. (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 Vols. 5:555)

16 16 Daily Steps This Month of December 2017 Morning & Evening Prayer (Put a check if you do it each day or an O if you don t. 20 boxes=minimum goal). Count in DtG and PP. Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when though liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day. -Alma 37: Scripture Study (at least 5 minutes a day). As you study, continue feasting and likening scriptures unto you. Read the Book of Mormon (20 Boxes = minimum goal) Count in DtG and PP. Find a scripture (or song, poem, picture, analogy or conference talk) that relates to sacrifices and pioneers Walk 20 minutes (about 1.3 miles) 3 times a week. (9 boxes=minimum). Make sure you are wearing the shoes you will wear on trek and drink water before, during and after your walk For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. -Isaiah 55: 8.

17 17 Guide Instructions for December 2017: Reflect on how the Lord s standards differ from the world s standards. Think of what you may need to leave behind to conform more to the Lord s standards in dress, music, entertainment, language, food, integrity, conversation, or chastity. Choose to leave something behind in your journey of discipleship. Write your decision to act below. DtG Could count for Live Worthily p. 16 (deacon), p. 40 (teacher) or p.64 (priest). Could count for Doctrine or Word of Wisdom, Repentance, Atonement, Faith, etc. PP- Integrity #1, #2; Good Works #2; Choice & Accountability #2 December Journal: The handcart pioneers had to leave their homes and possessions. What sacrifices do you feel are required in your life in order to start a more serious journey of discipleship (what are you going to leave behind)?.for you can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth you.

18 18 January 2018: Sailing to America & Patience The saints spent 4-6 weeks on the sea. Most of the saints suffered from seasickness--most not regaining their strength until the voyage was over. Samuel Openshaw wrote: For my part I paid the most devoted attention to the slop-pail about every half hour." Despite their sickness and their cramped and poor living conditions, these saints were noted for getting along and showing great patience and tolerance with others and with their situation. John Jaques reported, "It is one continued scene of bustle from morn to night, but amidst all this bustle and jostling together, we do not hear one cross word but all move on like clockwork." They worked hard on the ship, arising at 5:00 am each morning. Every day they scrubbed the ship and disinfected their bedding. They also made dozens of tents on the ship that they would use once they started traveling with the handcarts. When the members of the Martin handcart company gathered on the deck for their final meeting before disembarking, the captain of the ship said "that this company of emigrants was the best he had brought across the sea. He complimented them on their good behavior. The saints behavior on the ships is a great reminder of two traits of charity listed in the Book of Mormon: is kind and is not easily provoked. Their behavior was especially exemplary because in difficult, tedious, and cramped conditions it can be easy to become irritated and impatient. Neil A. Maxwell: How we handle life's little irritations often exposes how large our remaining selfishness is. Little irritations show, sometimes embarrassingly, the gap between what we know and what we are. Often these little irritations are merely dressed-up versions of childish concerns over "my turf," "my praise," "my place," "my possessions," and my timetable. It is seen in the simplest of daily things: the light is green, but the car ahead is not moving; he is in my way, holding me up!... Jesus, who knew who He was, scrupulously avoided letting the little irritations reach Him. Big individuals refuse to be vexed by little irritations, which yet another dimension of freedom. (That Ye May Believe, )

19 19 Daily Steps this Month of January 2018 Morning and Evening Prayer (20 boxes=minimum) DtG & PP. Prayer for more patience and to not be easily irritated Scripture Study (at least 5 min. a day). Study about patience this month. Consider talking in YM/YW about how patience is helpful in life or use it as a devotional in seminary (20 boxes=minimum) Count in DtG and PP Walk 25 minutes (about 1.7 miles) 3 times a week. This month focus on pondering how the Lord s timetable is different than ours (9 boxes = minimum) Continue to leave behind what you chose in December. Prepare the names of 5 ancestors for temple work. Every youth will need to research and prepare the names of 5 ancestors to take to the temple. If you have not already begun this research, now is the time to begin. Begin sewing/buying your clothes for trek. PP Knowledge value exp.#2 or Project, DtG Learn a new skill for future education Clothing requirements are listed on the last 2 pages of this booklet.

20 20 David A. Bednar: Many of you may think family history work is to be performed primarily by older people. But I know of no age limit described in the scriptures or guidelines announced by Church leaders restricting this important service to mature adults. You are sons and daughters of God, children of the covenant, and builders of the kingdom. You need not wait until you reach an arbitrary age to fulfill your responsibility to assist in the work of salvation for the human family It is no coincidence that FamilySearch and other tools have come forth at a time when young people are so familiar with a wide range of information and communication technologies. Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to accelerate the advance of the work of the Lord not just to communicate quickly with your friends. The skills and aptitude evident among many young people today are a preparation to contribute to the work of salvation. I invite the young people of the Church to learn about and experience the Spirit of Elijah. I encourage you to study, to search out your ancestors, and to prepare yourselves to perform proxy baptisms in the house of the Lord for your kindred dead. And I urge you to help other people identify their family histories. As you respond in faith to this invitation, your hearts shall turn to the fathers Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding. And I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives. ( The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn, Ensign, November 2011)

21 21 Julie B. Beck: You were born in this age to do temple and family history work. Your family needs your help. ( This is Your Work, February 2012) Joseph Smith: You are to become Saviors on Mount Zion....How are they to become Saviors on Mount Zion?... By building their temples, erecting their baptismal fonts and going forth and receiving all the ordinances, baptisms, confirmations, washings, anointings, ordinations...and sealing powers upon their heads, in behalf of all their progenitors who are dead, and redeem them that they may come forth in the first resurrection...and be exalted to thrones of glory with them; and herein is the chain that binds the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers. Neil L Andersen: The divine responsibility to offer the ordinances of salvation to those who once lived upon the earth, but did not receive them will continue to grow in the years ahead and will blossom in the millennium. ( One Son or Daughter at a Time video) Joseph F. Smith: Through our efforts in their behalf their chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world the work that has been done for them by their children here, and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties. (Conference Report, October 1916, 6)

22 22 Alma 37: 6 7:...by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise...and bring about the salvation of many souls. Mark 10:27: And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. 1 Peter 4:6: For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. For further understanding of temple work in the latterdays: Read D & C 138 President Joseph F. Smith s vision of the redemption of the dead. Journal: Please write about your experiences in researching names of family members for the temple:

23 23 Try as hard as you can this month to not be easily provoked (irritated). Be patient and kind and slow to anger with all those you come in contact with. Try to view every person you are with today as Christ would view them. Try to act towards them as Christ would act towards them in word, in action, and in thought. Think about how you will treat your family on Trek and try to develop those traits with your own family as you practice getting ready for Trek. January Journal: List the ways you are easily provoked and irritated. Then, ponder and write some ideas for handling these situations. because of Jesus Christ s atonement, you can accomplish all things. DtG Deacons p. 28, Teachers p. 52 Priests p. 80. PP Divine Nature value experience #1, #3 and additional experience #7.

24 24 February 2018: Walking and being Joyful The handcart pioneers would walk 1,300 miles to reach the Salt Lake Valley. They were very organized and followed a strict schedule. The bugle horn would sound at 5:00 am every day and bedtime was about 9:00 pm. They cooked by campfire twice a day, they set up and took down tents, and they all had duties assigned to them. Life on the trail wasn t easy as they encountered intense heat, dust, fatigue, blisters, bugs and sore feet, stormy weather, muddy trails, rivers to cross, and rationed food. However, they found joy on their journey and often sang and danced, even after a long and exhausting day. Notice the optimistic and happy words in a part of one of the songs they sang: The Handcart Song For some must push and some must pull, As we go marching up the hill; So merrily on the way we go Until we reach the Valley-o. Verse 2: And maidens fair will dance and sing Young men more happy than a king, And children too, will laugh and play Their strength increasing day by day. Finding joy in the journey is always possible, no matter the circumstances. The journey of discipleship has difficult times that require a lot of work, but the journey never has to be depressing and grey-- even if the circumstances around you are. Today the destination you are walking towards is being cheerful and optimistic. Marvin J. Ashton: Good cheer is a state of mind or mood that promotes happiness or joy...with God's help, good cheer permits us to rise above the depressing present or difficult circumstances. It is a process of positive reassurance and reinforcement. It is sunshine when clouds block the light... What a joy it is to see someone of good cheer, who when others because of unpleasant happening or development live in angry silence or vocal disgust, meets the situation with cheerful endurance and good spirits. (Be of Good Cheer)

25 25 Ardeth Kapp: Too often we allow ourselves to be driven from one deadline, activity, or opportunity to the next. We check events off our calendar and say to ourselves, "After this week things will let up," or "After such and such happens, the pressure will ease." We live with false expectations. Unless we learn to take control of the present, we will always live in anticipation of better days in the future. And when those days arrive, we shall still be looking ahead, making it difficult to enjoy the here and now. The beautiful fall leaves come and go, and in our busyness we miss them. "Given another season, we'll do better," we say. (Joy of the Journey, pg. 4) Daily Steps this Month of February 2018: Morning and Evening Prayer (20 boxes = minimum) Pray to have a positive attitude each day. Count in DtG and PP Scripture Study (at least 5 minutes a day). Consider studying about cheerfulness and agency this month. Consider talking in YM/ YW about how these are important to Trek and in life. You may want to use it as a devotional in seminary (20 boxes = minimum) Count in DtG and PP Walk 30 minutes (about 2 miles) 3 times/week and focus on seeing the beauty everywhere around you as you walk and ponder. PP Virtue, Good works, Integrity/DtG Agency and Understand Doctrine Continue to leave behind what you chose in December.

26 26 Guide Instructions for February 2018 Memorize 2 hymns and learn how to conduct them (PP Knowledge value exp. #6) Smile as much as you can this month. Smile at every single person you meet, even all the strangers you pass by. Be cheerful in the way you talk. Try to make every sentence you say this month be cheerful, optimistic or positive. Do things you normally don t do. For example, get down on the floor and play with siblings or watch the stars with someone. Look for the good in others and give cheerful compliments. Joseph B. Wirthlin: We ve all met those who seem to radiate happiness. They seem to smile more than others, they laugh more than others, just being around them makes us happier as well. Journal: Write about your experiences with being more joyful:

27 27 March 2018: The Sabbath Day The handcart pioneers didn t travel on Sunday. Instead, they worshipped and rested and kept the Sabbath Day holy. It might have been easy for them to try to justify traveling on Sunday in order to get to the Salt Lake Valley quicker, but they were determined to keep the commandments. James E. Faust: Keeping the Sabbath day holy is much more than just physical rest. It involves spiritual renewal and worship... God knows that left completely to our own devices without regular reminders of our spiritual needs, many of us would degenerate into a preoccupation with satisfying earthly desires and appetites. This need for physical, mental, and spiritual regeneration is met in large measure by faithful observance of the Sabbath day... In this day of increasing access to and preoccupation with materialism, there is a sure protection for ourselves and our children against the plagues of our day. The key to that sure protection surprisingly can be found in Sabbath observance: "And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day" (D&C 59:9). ( Finding Light in a Dark World ) Spencer W. Kimball: The Sabbath is a holy day in which to do worthy and holy things. Abstinence from work and recreation is important but insufficient. The Sabbath calls for constructive thoughts and acts, and if one merely lounges about doing nothing on the Sabbath, he is breaking it. To observe it, one will be on his knees in prayer, preparing lessons, studying the gospel, meditating, visiting the ill and distressed, sleeping, reading wholesome material, and attending all the meetings of that day to which he is expected. To fail to do these proper things is a transgression on the omission side. (The Miracle of Forgiveness, 1969, pp )

28 28 James E. Faust: I would counsel all students, if they can, to arrange their schedules so that they do not study on the Sabbath. If students and other seekers after truth will do this, their minds will be quickened and the infinite Spirit will lead them to the verities they wish to learn. This is because God has hallowed his day and blessed it as a perpetual covenant of faithfulness... The Mosaic injunctions of Sabbath day observance [The law of Moses] contained many detailed dos and don'ts. This may have been necessary to teach obedience to those who had been in captivity and had long been denied individual freedom of choice. Thereafter, these Mosaic instructions were carried to many unwarranted extremes that the Savior condemned. In that day the technicalities of Sabbath day observance outweighed the "weightier matters of the law" (Matthew 23:23) such as faith, charity, and the gifts of the Spirit... In our time God has recognized our intelligence by not requiring endless restrictions. Perhaps this was done with a hope that we would catch more of the spirit of Sabbath worship rather than the letter thereof. In our day, however, the pendulum of Sabbath day desecration has swung very far indeed. We stand in jeopardy of losing great promised blessings. After all, obedience to the covenants of the gospel is a test by which the Lord seeks to "prove you in all things" (D&C 98:14) to see if your devotion is complete. ( Finding Light in a Dark World ) Daily Steps this month March 2018 Morning and Evening Prayer pray for help in keeping your Sabbath day observance more in line with the teachings of prophets Scripture Study. Study Obedience and the Sabbath Day this month. Remember to pray before you study- Read D&C 59 or 136. Study the memorize the Sacrament Prayers

29 29 Walk 2 3 miles 2 times a week and then 4 to 5 miles 2 times a week. Ponder obedience and why it is important every day, including Sundays. How did it help the handcart pioneers and how does it free you? Div. Nat.addl #2/DtG p 14, 38, Continue to leave behind what you chose in December and continue to smile at everyone you meet (even family) Guide Instructions for Sundays in March 2018: Study the scriptures, conference talks, etc. for at least 30 min on Sundays this month to prepare for General Conference. Spend your time resting, serving, studying and spending quality time with your family. Do one act of service- visit the elderly, send a note/letter to someone-a missionary. PP Faith #3, add l #1, and proj, DtG Service & Doct. of Salvation-How does the Sabbath Day fit in? Journal: Write about your experience with keeping the Sabbath Day Holy. How did it bless the pioneers and how does it bless you?

30 30 April 2018 : The Sweetwater River & Gratitude Ellen Pucell crossed the plains with the handcart pioneers when she was a young girl. Her father slipped and fell while crossing a river of freezing water, the sixth crossing of the Sweetwater River, and died soon after. When Ellen s mother died five days later, she became an orphan. By the time she reached the Salt Lake Valley, she was so badly frost bitten that her legs were amputated just below the knees. There was no skin to cushion the bone, so her aching sores never healed. Although she was in pain the rest of her life and could only move around on her knee stumps, she married, raised six children, and she served her family and her church, not only faithfully, but cheerfully and without complaint. The story of Ellen Pucell reminds us that happiness does not come from the external conditions around us. David O. McKay said: Happiness consists not of having, but of being; not of possessing, but of enjoying.... Man is the creator of his own happiness. It is the aroma of life, lived in harmony with high ideals. For what a man has he may be dependent upon others; what he is rests with him alone. (Pathways to Happiness, pg. 104) We can find reasons to be grateful, no matter what the circumstances around us are like. This month the destination you are traveling towards is deeper gratitude. Thomas S. Monson: Well could we reflect upon our lives as individuals. We will soon discover much to prompt our personal gratitude. First, there is gratitude for our mothers. Mother, who willingly made that personal journey into the valley of the shadow of death to take us by the hand and introduce us to birth even to mortal life deserves our undying gratitude. One writer summed up our love for mother when he declared, God could not be everywhere, and so He gave us mothers. (Ensign May 1992)

31 31 Gordon. B. Hinckley: Gratitude is a divine principle. The Lord has declared through revelation: Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things. And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things. (D&C 59:7, 21.) Our society is afflicted by a spirit of thoughtless arrogance unbecoming those who have been so magnificently blessed. How grateful we should be for the bounties we enjoy. Absence of gratitude is the mark of the narrow, uneducated mind. It bespeaks a lack of knowledge and the ignorance of selfsufficiency... Where there is appreciation, there is courtesy, there is concern for the rights and property of others. Without appreciation, there is arrogance and evil. The fact is that not more than one in a hundred of the people in underdeveloped countries will ever, in all his life, have what a North American family would consider a good, square meal. (Ensign, 1988) Daily Steps this month April 2018 Morning & Evening Prayer. Pray for what you are thankful for each day Scripture Study. Study gratitude this month Walk 2 to 3 miles 2 times a week and then 4 to 5 miles 2 times a week. Ponder what you are thankful for as you walk Continue to leave behind what you chose in December.

32 32 Try as hard as you can this month to not be easily provoked. Be cheerful in the way you talk & think. Smile as much as you can. Guide Instructions for April 2018: This month, every time you are tempted to complain or feel depressed or feel things are unfair, find things to be grateful for, and focus your thoughts on them. Express gratitude to at least 5 people this month Have a prayer at least once a week in which you don t ask for anything, but only express gratitude. To try to understand the saints journey, measure out1/2 cup of flour. The Willie company s daily rations were cut down to this amount at one point. Very soon, they would run out of food completely. Mix the flour with water to the consistency of pancake batter and cook on a skillet into pancake like cakes. You can also add less water and put on the end of a stick or dowel and cook over a fire. You could add a pinch of salt, but to be authentic leave it out. Think about the pioneers having only a few ounces of flour to eat each day. Think about their exposure to the ice and freezing conditions how some of them only had rags around their feet, how many of them suffered such severe frostbite that they would end up losing their feet or legs. How would you be feeling? Can you feel how these experiences must have pushed these saints to have a deep humility? Plan activities that serve others this month as YM/YW groups. For example, you could show your gratitude by collecting food for a local shelter or food bank, helping families in your neighborhoods or wards, etc. Talk about your gratefulness for food and your daily conditions.

33 33 DtG Doctrine Family History, PP Divine Nature, Knowledge, Good Works #6 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and all things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more. D & C 78:19 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. - Proverbs 3: 5-6 Journal for April: Write about your experiences with gratitude this month:

34 34 May 2018: Faith during adversity To describe conditions surrounding the old fort at Devil's Gate during the first few days of November, 1856 would be a difficult task. About twenty-five out of the nine hundred emigrants who had arrived there... had already perished, and others were lying at the point of death. Their food supply was nearly exhausted, and there were no signs of help. The snow was eighteen inches deep on the level, and the weather intensely cold.... and the more feeble among the Saints were literally freezing to death. Unless immediate steps were taken to relieve the situation, all would perish together. (Belated Emigrants of 1856 by Solomon F. Kimball, Improvement Era, 1914, Vol. Xvii. January, 1914 No. 3. ) Despite the faith of those in the Martin and Willie handcart companies, they endured countless hardships on their journey: they arrived in the United States later in the season than planned, they had many breakdowns on the trail; they began to run out of food, their rations were constantly reduced until they reached the brink of starvation; they faced early and severe winter storms; many perished, and others lost limbs and suffered the effects of frostbite for the rest of their lives; mothers buried their children in the frozen ground; husbands and wives were separated through death and children became orphans. Their trials were great. But those saints did not become faithless or bitter on their journey. They felt God walking with them and holding them up in their trials, and they experienced many great miracles. Every person who comes into this world must be tried. Opposition and adversity are a vital part of this journey. Adversity can help mold us into more humble, diligent, and faithful saints.

35 35 Howard W. Hunter said, Church history provides us with a lesson that when resistance and opposition are greatest, our faith, commitment, and growth have the greatest opportunity for advancement; when opposition is least, the tendency is to be complacent and lose faith. (That We Might Have Joy, pg. 99) The Lord is aware of those who are suffering on the journey. He will not always take our suffering away, but He has promised us that if we come unto Him, He will hold us up, and He will give us the strength needed to bear our burdens. The Lord has said,... for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. -D&C 84:88 Daily Steps this month May 2018: Morning & Evening Prayer. Count in DtG and PP Scripture Study. Consider studying adversity. Seminary students should be on track to finish reading the Book of Mormon by the end of the month. Count in DtG and PP Virtue Project Walk 2 to 3 miles 2 times a week and then 4 to 5 miles 2 times a week. Also, include 2 major hikes of 8 to 10 miles. Ponder what adversities you have and what God may want to teach you as you walk. Remember to be drinking water before, during and after

36 36 Continue to leave behind what you chose in December. Try as hard as you can this month to not be easily provoked. Be cheerful in the way you talk and think. Smile constantly. Continue making/gathering trek clothes and working on names of deceased family members for the temple. Guide Instructions for May 2018: Watch the video entitled Ephraim s Rescue and/or 17 Miracles about the hardship and faith of the handcart pioneers. 17 Miracles can be found on Netflix. This would be a great YM/YW combined activity. Discuss how the rescuers and the immigrants responded to adversity. Journal: Write about your experience and feelings this month. You can write about how you respond to adversity and what kind of adversity you face today compared to the handcart pioneers. How can the knowledge that through the Savior s atonement you can do all things, help you deal with adversity?

37 37 June 2018 : Martin s Cove Rescue & Our Rescue When Brigham Young learned that there were still handcart pioneers out on the plains, he immediately organized rescue parties. Brigham Young: "I will now give this people the subject and the text for the Elders who may speak today and during the conference. It is this. On the 5th day of October, 1856, many of our brethren and sisters are on the plains with handcarts, and probably many are now seven hundred miles from this place, and they must be brought here... "I shall call upon the Bishops... "I will tell you all that your faith, religion, and profession of religion, will never save one soul of you in the Celestial Kingdom of our God, unless you carry out just such principles as I am now teaching you. Go and bring in those people now on the plains. And attend strictly to those things which we call temporal duties. Otherwise, your faith will be in vain." (quoted in LeRoy R. Hafen and Ann W. Hafen, Handcarts to Zion [1960], ). Ephriam Hanks (a rescuer): "When I saw the terrible conditions of the immigrants on first entering their camp, my heart almost melted within me. I rose up in my saddle and tried to speak cheering and comforting words to them. I told them also that they should all have the privilege to ride into Salt Lake City, as more teams were coming. Ronald A. Rasband: Reaching out to rescue one another, under any condition, is an eternal measure of love.

38 38 From the journal of John Jaques Nov (just after leaving Martin s Cove ) While on the Sweetwater, Eph. Hanks was met one day. He had left his wagon behind him and came on alone on horseback and had managed to kill a buffalo. Some others of the relief parties, further this way, (towards S.L.C.) had come to the conclusion, that the rear companies of the emigration had perished in the snow, but Eph. was determined to go along even alone, and see for himself.... And [at] evening, just before sunset, a strange quiver like a thrill of hopefulness was communicated down the wavering line. Coming toward the train was a lone man leading two horses with great pieces of buffalo hung on each side of the animals. It was Brother Ephraim Hanks and he had brought fresh buffalo meat that everyone set to cooking at his own fire. But more than meat, he brought them hope, the advance scouts of the rescue party were just a day away, and behind them a day or two further down the road were food and clothing and a chance to rest. (Journal of the Trail, by Stewart Glazier) This month you will need to come to know your Rescuer and let Him carry you. From this scripture in Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. we know that through the Savior s atonement we can do all things. He suffered for us that we may repent and return to him. Daily Steps this month June 2018: Morning & Evening Prayer. Focus on the Savior s love and his atonement Scripture Study. Study the atonement. Read Helaman 5:6-12 (focusing on verses 9-12). These are fantastic scripture verses to really feast upon

39 39 This is the last month before the Trek. Walk 4-5 miles 3-4 times a week. Also include 2 major hikes that are 8 to 10 miles. Remember to be walk in your trek shoes and be careful of hot spots Make sure to wear good socks that wick moisture away from your feet. And don t forget to drink and keep hydrated, before, during and after your walk major hikes: 1 2 Continue to leave behind what you chose in December. Try as hard as you can today to not be easily provoked. Be cheerful in the way you talk and think. Smile constantly. Guide Instructions for June 2018: Be prepared by reviewing your packing list and making sure you are ready to go on Trek! Make sure your 5 names for baptisms have been printed for the temple and get them to your YM or YW President. Journal: Write about how you can more fully rely on Christ to rescue you and carry you away from sin and weakness?

40 40 July 2018 Enduring to the End Each step of the pioneers was a constant reminder to them of the path they were on, and their trials pushed them towards greater faith and discipleship. Our test today, in a loud, busy, comfortable, confusing, and distracting world, is to make sure we are also taking constant, daily steps towards greater discipleship. If we live the gospel partway, we may find, at the end of our journey, that although we were honorable, we didn t live with valiant faith. The scriptures remind us that those who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus lose the promised crown of glory in God's kingdom (D&C 76:79). President Ezra Taft Benson explained: "Not to be valiant in one's testimony is a tragedy of eternal consequence. (Ensign, May 1982, p. 63.) If we don t live with valiant faith, we may realize too late that we are like a pioneer that stopped at Fort Laramie and never continued on through Devil s Gate, South Pass, Fort Bridger, and all of the destinations they needed to come to in their journey in order to make it to the Salt Lake Valley. David O. McKay taught us that this mortal life is a test of how valiant our faith is. He said: Man's earthly existence is but a test as to whether he will concentrate his efforts, his mind, his soul upon things which contribute to the comfort and gratification of his physical instincts and passions, or whether he will make as his life's end and purpose the acquisition of spiritual qualities. (Conference Report, April 1958) Alma speaking to his son Shiblon- And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as you have commenced in your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments; for blessed is he that endureth to the end. - Alma 38:2.

41 41 Guide Instructions for July 2018: During your scripture study and prayers this month ask the questions you have pondering, with faith that you will find answers while you are walking the paths of the pioneers in Wyoming. This 8 Month Program was one step in your journey of discipleship. Finish your preparations by writing your testimony and feelings about the journey of discipleship and what you have learned so far.

42 42 Day 1 on Trek Monday July 23rd If you could only take 17 pounds of personal belongings on a trip, what would you choose? In 1856, the adult pioneers in the Mormon Handcart companies were only allowed to take 17 pounds of personal luggage with them on their journey. Describing the difficulty of paring the luggage down to 17 pounds, John Jaques wrote: "As only a very limited amount of baggage could be taken with the handcarts, during the long stay in the Iowa City camping ground there was a general lightening of such things as could best be done without. Many things were sold cheaply to residents of that vicinity, and many more things were left on the camping ground for anybody to take or leave at his pleasure." Leaving behind these possessions "caused many heartaches, for many of the cherished articles brought from the old country were disposed of at great sacrifice."

43 43 Tuesday, November 4, 1856, Devil s Gate to Martin s Cove, Martin Company, Patience Loader Account. (JofT )...the company started from Devil s Gate westward and when about three miles away crossed the Sweetwater to the north side and camped at a place known as Martin s Ravine. The passage of the Sweetwater at this point was a severe operation to many of the company. It was the worst river crossing of the expedition and the last. The water was not less than two feet deep, perhaps a little more in the deepest parts, but it was intensely cold. The ice was three or four inches thick, and the bottom of the river muddy or sandy. I forget exactly how wide the stream was there, but I think thirty or forty yards. It seemed a good deal wider than that to those who pulled their handcarts through it. Before the crossing was completed, the shades of evening were closing around, and, as everybody knows, that is the coldest hour of the twenty-four, or at least it seemed to be Four members of the relief party waded the river, helping the handcarts through and carrying the women and children and some of the weaker men over. They were D.P. Kimball, George W. Grant, Stephen W. Taylor, and C.A. Huntington. In the rear part of the company, two men were pulling one of the handcarts, assisted by two or three women, for the women pulled as well as the men all the way so long as the handcarts lasted. When the handcart arrived at the bank of the river, one of these men who was much worked down, asked in a plaintive tone, Have we got to go though there? On being answered yes, he was so much affected that he was completely overcome. That was the last strain. His fortitude and manhood gave way. He exclaimed, Oh, dear! I can t go through that, and burst into tears. His wife, who was by his side said soothingly, Don t cry Jimmy. I ll pull the cart for you. A noble and generous offer which was not carried out. Jimmy besought one of the boys from the valley, to carry him.

44 44 Questions to ponder and answer in the journal: Would I be one to brave the water? Would I help others across? What comparison can I make with crossing the river and what s ahead in my life? How can I prepare to cross the river? How can I be ready to save others?

45 45 Day 2 July 24th Martin s Cove Amy and James Loader and six of their children, ages 9 to 28, left England in November After arriving in New York, they learned that they would be expected to travel to Salt Lake City in a handcart company rather than by wagon. At first they were greatly troubled by this. Nevertheless, they went to Iowa City and joined the Martin company. One of their married daughters, Zilpah Loader Jaques, also traveled in this company with her husband and young family. During the journey across Iowa, James Loader s health began to fail. Many days he was unable to pull the cart, so Amy and the older daughters shouldered much of the work. During the journey across Nebraska, James continued to weaken and died before reaching Chimney Rock. He had so wanted to reach the Salt Lake Valley to see his daughter Ann, who had emigrated the previous year. Despite being grieved by her husband s death, Amy Loader did everything possible to help her children survive. She frantically called for men to help her daughters when they were in danger during the last crossing of the Platte River. She also shared her own meager clothing to warm her children when they were freezing. One bitterly cold morning in Martin s Cove, Amy tried to get her daughters to arise and start a fire. Come, Patience, get up and make us a fire, she called. It was cold, and Patience (age 29) wasn t feeling well, so she said she couldn t get up. Amy then asked her daughters Tamar (age 23) and Maria (age 19) to arise and make a fire, but they said it was too cold and they didn t feel well. Amy worried that her daughters were getting discouraged and giving up. Others in the company were feeling like it was easier to die than to live. Amy Loader needed to do something to get her daughters moving something to put the snap of life back into them so she got up and began dancing and singing. Before long, she slipped on the snow and fell. Afraid that she was hurt, her daughters all jumped up. Seeing them come to her rescue, Amy laughed and said, I thought I could soon make you all jump up if I danced. The girls then realized that their mother had fallen down on purpose. She knew we would all get up to see if she was hurt, Patience said.

46 46 She said that she was afraid her girls were going to give out and get discouraged. Amy told her daughters that it would never do to give up. Amy s grit and determination that morning reinvigorated her children. Having the right attitude keeping faith and hope that they would make it was important in staying alive. Amy tried to impart that to her children. They recognized that their mother was a strong woman and that this terrible journey had made her even stronger. She had been in delicate health when they lived in England, unable to walk a mile without tiring. Now she was their strength in body, mind, and heart. My dear mother had kept up wonderful all through the journey, declared Patience. Amy Loader and her six children who traveled with her all survived. She lived to be 83. By the time the pioneers entered Martin s Cove many people had lost loved ones, were sick, freezing and dying. Amy Loader offered a ray of sunshine when her daughters had seemed to have given up as well. She thought of a way to motivate them when they were tired, hurt and unwilling. What would you do when others around you think it is easier or more enjoyable to not live by the standards of the gospel of Jesus Christ? When others give up on what they once knew and decide living the gospel standards are too hard, what could you do to motivate them, to encourage them, and to allow them to see the light?

47 47 Today we walked through Martin s Cove, a very sacred place. The Martin Handcart Company moved into the Cove to escape the severe cold and winds close to Devil s Gate. They had to cross the Sweetwater River to get there. And, then they waited out the storm in the Cove while they also waited for sufficient wagons to arrive to take them home. All in the company suffered greatly here and became acquainted with God. It is sacred ground. Journal: Describe the feelings that came to you as you were walking on this sacred ground in silence today. What trials do you have to endure and have you received answers for you personally while contemplating the Martin Handcart Company s struggles?

48 48 Day 3 July 25th Sixth Crossing Jens Neilson story: We find one of the most touching stories of sacrifice, faith, and loving charity in the life of Jens Neilson, who was a member of the Willie Handcart Company. Jens, a relatively prosperous Danish farmer, heeded the call to bring his family to Zion. In Iowa he wrote that he had let all of his money go to the Church except enough to buy a handcart and stock it with 15 pounds of belongings per person. Jens wrote, Obedience is better than sacrifice. The people for whom Jens was responsible were himself; his wife, Elsie; their six-year-old son, Neils; and a nine -year-old girl, Bodil Mortensen, whom Jens offered to take to Utah. In the early Wyoming blizzard, temperatures plummeted below zero. The Neilsons had consumed their last pound of flour days before, but somehow they made it over the treacherous Rocky Ridge, urged on by their indomitable courage and unconquerable faith. Tragically, 13 of the company died at Rock Creek and were buried in shallow, snow-covered graves among them, Jens and Elsie s son, Neils, and young Bodil Mortensen. Jens arrived at Rock Creek, 11 miles beyond Rocky Ridge, with both feet frozen. He was unable to walk another step and pleaded with Elsie, Leave me by the trail in the snow to die, and you go ahead and try to keep up with the company and save your life. Elsie, with her unfaltering pioneer courage, replied, Ride, I can t leave you, I can pull the cart. Such was the strength and the faith of many pioneer women on the trail. (M. Russell Ballard, Faith in Every Footstep, October 1966)

49 49 George Cunningham story: While near the 5th crossing of the Sweetwater, George Cunningham had a dream. He wrote: While laboring under those trials and afflictions I lay down one night and fell asleep. I dreamed a dream, that morning had come, the storm had subsided some and that we had started out on the road. I thought that I saw two men coming toward us on horseback. They were riding very swiftly and soon came up to us. They said that they had volunteered to come to our rescue and that they would go on further east to meet a company which was still behind us and that on the morrow, we could meet a number of wagons loaded with provisions for us. They were dressed in blue soldier overcoats and had Spanish saddles on their horses. I examined them, particularly the saddles, as they were new to me. I also could discern every expression of their countenance. They seemed to rejoice and be exceedingly glad that they had come to our relief and saved us. At last morning came. George shared his dream with other members of the Willie Company. And to our great pleasure every word was literally fulfilled. I can recollect that I was in the lead of the crowd, feeling quite inspired by my dream. At [the] approach [of the rescuers] I roared out, See! See them coming over that hill! We soon met the wagons with provisions and were very kindly treated and all felt to thank God. (George Cunningham journal)

50 50 Harvey Cluff/James Willie/Joseph Elders story: James Willie and Joseph Elder assisted in saving the Willie Handcart Company. The company was out of food and without sufficient clothing or bedding. They went in search of the rescuers with the relief wagons. The rescuers had been traveling and searching for the handcart pioneers. Before the relief wagons could reach the saints, a winter storm blew in. The rescue party camped at the Sweetwater, about 25 miles from where the Willie company was camped, for two days. Harvey Cluff volunteered to take a sign board and place it at a conspicuous place at the main road. as they were camped down the river to where the willows were dense enough to make a good protection against the raging storm from the north. Walking back to camp, Harvey Cluff faced a northern blast uphill that he found it hard to keep from freezing. He had only been back at camp a short time when two men (James Willie and Joseph Elder) rode up. The sign board had done the work of salvation. Had Captain Willie and his fellow traveler, from his company continued on the road they certainly would have perished the handcart company was then 25 miles from our camp, and as they had travelled that distance without food for themselves or horse and no bedding they must have perished. (Harvey Cluff Journal) Harvey Cluff responded to the whisperings of the spirit and acted upon these promptings.

51 51 The Willie Handcart Company owed their lives to the rescuers who saved them. The rescuers supplied hope, food, blankets, clothing and a place to ride. They were willing to sacrifice all for the safety of those pioneers who were still out on the plains. Also, the effort of James Willie and Joseph Elder in locating the relief wagons was crucial in saving so many lives. The combined efforts and willingness to sacrifice is evident in many of the rescue stories of the pioneers. Just as the relief parties rescued the saints, how can we be rescued by the Savior? And, what are your feelings and thoughts today about trekking in Sixth Crossing?

52 52 Day 4 July 26 Rock Creek Hollow Gordon B. Hinckley Rock Creek is sacred and holy ground. How tremendous their heroism in the face of odds that are almost impossible to understand. In terms of self-sacrifice, in terms of courage, in terms of faith, in terms of facing adversity, there is no greater example in the history of this nation. We have a great inheritance a tremendous responsibility to live up to it. God bless us to be faithful, to be true to that which meant so much to those who died here. (From the dedication of the bronze monument and granite marker with names of thirteen people buried at Rock Creek) Susanna Stone (Lloyd) reflecting on the handcart experience, she felt that she had received more than adequate compensation for the difficulties she had to endure: I am thankful that I was counted worthy to be a pioneer and a handcart girl. It prepared me to endure hard times in my future life. I often think of the songs we sang to encourage us on our toilsome journey. It was hard to endure, but the Lord gave us strength and courage.my frosted feet gave me considerable trouble for many years, but this was forgotten in the contemplation of the great blessings the gospel had brought to me and mine. (Salt Lake Daily Herald, 5 Jan. 1879, 1) There are many stories of the strength and courage that came to the handcart pioneers through the Lord. They felt that their trials made them stronger and able to handle hardships they faced later in life.

53 53 Gordon B. Hinckley: Stories of the beleaguered Saints and of their suffering will be repeated again and again, he said. Stories of their rescue need to be repeated again and again. They speak of the very essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Journal: Write your feelings and impressions about this day at Rock Creek.

54 54 Russell M. Ballard: A trek back to our Heavenly Father is the most important trek of our lives, and it continues each day, each, week, each month, and each year as we increase our faith in Him and in His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. (Oct 2017 The Trek Continues) Journal: How has the trek increased your faith in Jesus Christ? Write your thoughts and your testimony.

55 55 Concord StakeTrek 2018 Strength through Christ I Can Do All Things 1. There s a voice-that tells me I m not good enough Enough. In my head, I can choose to believe it or not Or not. Chorus 2. There s a call - that resonates inside my heart my heart. To leave it all and go and serve my fellow man, and do my part. Chorus 3. Alone lifting those who feel alone, Teaching others He is there, they don t have to make it on their own. I can do all things, no mountain I can t climb, there s nothing I can t be. Woah. No matter how hard it may seem, I can do all things. We can do all things. No mountain we can t climb, there s nothing we can t be. Woah. No matter how hard it may seem, we can do all things. Chorus: And I know what I will choose. I will listen to the truth. With my Savior by my side I m not afraid. I can do all things, No mountain I can t climb, There s nothing I can t be...woah. No matter how hard it may seem, I can do all things.

56 56 Carry On 1. Firm as the mountains around us, Stalwart and brave we stand On the rock our fathers planted For us in this goodly land The rock of honor and virtue, Of faith in the living God. They raised his banner triumphant Over the desert sod. (Chorus) And we hear the desert singing: Carry on, carry on, carry on! Hills and vales and mountains ringing: Carry on, carry on, carry on! Holding aloft our colors, We march in the glorious dawn. O youth of the noble birthright, Carry on, carry on, carry on! 2. We ll build on the rock they planted A palace to the King. Into its shining corridors, Our songs of praise we ll bring, For the heritage they left us, Not of gold or of worldly wealth, But a blessing everlasting Of love and joy and health. Chorus

57 57 Faith in Every Footstep A marvelous work has begun to come forth among all the children of men, O ye that embark in the service of God, give heart, mind, and strength unto him; For prophets have spoken and angels have come to lift the world from sin, That Christ may reign over all the earth and bless his gathered kin. CHORUS Those marvelous Saints who embraced this great work and shared it in lands far and near; Who gave all their heart, mind, and strength to the Lord with wisdom and vision so clear; Now stand as examples of virtue and faith, of souls prepared to hear, Of knowledge sure, born of humble heart, and love that banished fear. CHORUS If we now desire to assist in this work and thrust in our sickle with might; If we will embark in the service of God and harvest in fields that are white; Our souls may receive the salvation of God the fulness of his light, That we may stand, free of sin and blame, God s glory in our sight. CHORUS With faith in every footstep, we follow Christ, the Lord; And filled with hope through his pure love, we sing with one accord.

58 58 How Firm a Foundation 1. How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in his excellent word! What more can he say than to you he hath said, Who unto the Savior, who unto the Savior, Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled? 2. In ev ry condition in sickness, in health, In poverty s vale or abounding in wealth, At home or abroad, on the land or the sea As thy days may demand, as thy days may demand, As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be. 3. Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed, For I am thy God and will still give thee aid. I ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous, Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand. 4. When through the deep waters I call thee to go, The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o erflow, For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, And sanctify to thee, and sanctify to thee, And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress. 5. When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply. The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume, thy dross to consume, Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine. 6. E en down to old age, all my people shall prove My sov reign, eternal, unchangeable love; And then, when gray hair shall their temples adorn, Like lambs shall they still, like lambs shall they still, Like lambs shall they still in my bosom be borne. 7. The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

59 59 I Need Thee Every Hour 1. I need thee ev ry hour, Most gracious Lord. No tender voice like thine Can peace afford. (Chorus) I need thee, oh, I need thee; Ev ry hour I need thee! Oh, bless me now, my Savior; I come to thee! 2. I need thee ev ry hour; Stay thou nearby. Temptations lose their pow r When thou art nigh. 3. I need thee ev ry hour, In joy or pain. Come quickly and abide, Or life is vain. 4. I need thee ev ry hour, Most holy One. Oh, make me thine indeed, Thou blessed Son!

60 60 Have I Done Any Good? 1. Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need? Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad? If not, I have failed indeed. Has anyone s burden been lighter today Because I was willing to share? Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way? When they needed my help was I there? (Chorus) Then wake up and do something more Than dream of your mansion above. Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure, A blessing of duty and love. 2. There are chances for work all around just now, Opportunities right in our way. Do not let them pass by, saying, Sometime I ll try, But go and do something today. Tis noble of man to work and to give; Love s labor has merit alone. Only he who does something helps others to live. To God each good work will be known.

61 61 There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today 1. There is sunshine in my soul today, More glorious and bright Than glows in any earthly sky, For Jesus is my light. (Chorus) Oh, there s sunshine, blessed sunshine When the peaceful happy moments roll. When Jesus shows his smiling face, There is sunshine in the soul. 2. There is music in my soul today, A carol to my King, And Jesus listening can hear The songs I cannot sing. 3. There is springtime in my soul today, For when the Lord is near, The dove of peace sings in my heart, The flow rs of grace appear. 4. There is gladness in my soul today, And hope and praise and love, For blessings which he gives me now, For joys laid up above.

62 62 Come, Come Ye Saints 1. 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. Tis better far for us to strive Our useless cares from us to drive; Do this, and joy your hearts will swell All is well! All is well! 2. Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard? Tis not so; all is right. Why should we think to earn a great reward If we now shun the fight? Gird up your loins; fresh courage take. Our God will never us forsake; And soon we ll have this tale to tell All is well! All is well! 3. We ll find the place which God for us prepared, Far away in the West, Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid; There the Saints will be blessed. We ll make the air with music ring, Shout praises to our God and King; Above the rest these words we ll tell All is well! All is well! 4.And should we die before our journey s through, Happy day! All is well! We then are free from toil and sorrow, too; With the just we shall dwell! But if our lives are spared again To see the Saints their rest obtain, Oh, how we ll make this chorus swell All is well! All is well!

63 63 The Spirit of God 1. The Spirit of God like a fire is burning! The latter-day glory begins to come forth; The visions and blessings of old are returning, And angels are coming to visit the earth. [Chorus] We ll sing and we ll shout with the armies of heaven, Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb! Let glory to them in the highest be given, Henceforth and forever, Amen and amen! 2. The Lord is extending the Saints understanding, Restoring their judges and all as at first. The knowledge and power of God are expanding; The veil o er the earth is beginning to burst. Chorus 3. We ll call in our solemn assemblies in spirit, To spread forth the kingdom of heaven abroad, That we through our faith may begin to inherit The visions and blessings and glories of God. Chorus 4. How blessed the day when the lamb and the lion Shall lie down together without any ire, And Ephraim be crowned with his blessing in Zion, As Jesus descends with his chariot of fire! Chorus

64 64 Choose the Right 1. Choose the right when a choice is placed before you. In the right the Holy Spirit guides; And its light is forever shining o er you, When in the right your heart confides. (Chorus) Choose the right! Choose the right! Let wisdom mark the way before. In its light, choose the right! And God will bless you evermore. 2. Choose the right! Let no spirit of digression Overcome you in the evil hour. There s the right and the wrong to ev ry question; Be safe thru inspiration s pow r. Chorus 3. Choose the right! There is peace in righteous doing. Choose the right! There s safety for the soul. Choose the right in all labors you re pursuing; Let God and heaven be your goal. Chorus

65 65 We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet 1. We thank thee, O God, for a prophet To guide us in these latter days. We thank thee for sending the gospel To lighten our minds with its rays. We thank thee for every blessing Bestowed by thy bounteous hand. We feel it a pleasure to serve thee And love to obey thy command. 2. When dark clouds of trouble hang o er us And threaten our peace to destroy, There is hope smiling brightly before us, And we know that deliv rance is nigh. We doubt not the Lord nor his goodness. We ve proved him in days that are past. The wicked who fight against Zion Will surely be smitten at last. 3. We ll sing of his goodness and mercy. We ll praise him by day and by night, Rejoice in his glorious gospel, And bask in its life-giving light. Thus on to eternal perfection The honest and faithful will go, While they who reject this glad message Shall never such happiness know.

66 66 Clothing Requirements Pioneer clothing was practical and useful. Dressing in pioneer clothing will enhance your experience and help you better understand their experience. Pioneer clothing needs to be worn throughout the entire trek except when you are in your sleeping bag. For Both Young Men and Young Women: 2 pair of walking Shoes - well worn in 1 pair of water Shoes/old tennis shoes with laces-pack in Ziploc bag 6 pairs of Socks, at least 3 thick wool/synthetic-and 3 thin socks to layer - No cotton socks 7 pairs of Underwear 1 set of warm Pajamas and 1 set of regular Pajamas Swimsuit Sweatshirt and Jacket 1 wide-brim Hat with a drawstring chin strap (NO baseball caps) 1 Church outfit 3 casual sets of Clothing (*BYUI does not allow shorts or backless sandals) Satchel or Possible Bag Young Women: 2 mid-calf length long-sleeved Dresses or 2 Skirts with 2 Blouses (light in color) 1-2 pair knee length Bloomers (with drawstring or elastic at the bottom) 1-2 Aprons with pockets Young Men: 2 long-sleeved cotton Shirts 2 pair of loose - fitting Docker or khaki style Pants-NO jeans/ denim Belt required. Suspenders and Vests (optional) Bandana (optional)

67 Sleeping Bag 67 Supplies (instructions on how to pack will come later) Sleeping Pad (small, lightweight, backpacker type) Pillow (small) Sunglasses and eyeglasses if needed (no contacts - sandy & windy) Rain Poncho Small Towel (Put in a large Ziploc bag) Personal hygiene products: small travel-size: soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, brush or comb, chaffing powder. Fem. products for YW (put all items in a Large Ziploc bag) Medications you need Flashlight, small with spare batteries, or headlamp Sunscreen (small size) and lip balm Wet wipes Small hand sanitizer Insect Repellent. May treat clothing with Permethrin beforehand. 2 water bottles (see through - clear and sturdy) Work Gloves - very important! Trek Journal - don t lose or forget it Pen or pencil Scriptures, a small triple or Book of Mormon, not your nicest set Kleenex or Toilet Paper (in a small Ziploc bag) Moleskin and Band - Aids Neck Cooler Camera (optional, could be disposable) Harmonica or other small instrument (flute, violin, etc.) No cell phones while trekking

68 68