When President Brigham Young issued the call for men to depart at once to rescue the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies, only Ephraim Hanks was prepared to answer confidently, “I am READY now!” He lived his life so that when the Lord called or needed him, he was ready to go.
Following the inspiration of the industrious pioneers, we can practice PIONEER PREPAREDNESS by learning and practicing their skills and telling their true tales.
Decorate your wagon, pack your lunch, put on your bonnets and bandanas, and walk the Jordan River Trail together…don’t forget to “sing as you walk and walk and walk”. “This is the Place” can be your own backyard where you share stories of pioneers, dance their dances, make a craft, try some pioneer recipes, sleep outdoors, and express gratitude for their faith.
What are the characteristics of pioneers? Who are the first converts in your family? What hard things have you accomplished? How are you faithful to the prophet’s counsel? What are your sacred stories of sacrifice, covenant keeping, and faith in Christ? How can you bless the lives of those who come after you? How are you helping others to come and gather to Zion?
“Three of my grandsons stood with me on the crest of the hill known as the Eminence. Looking down at the Sweetwater where the Willie Company was stranded, cold and starving, we read from their journals of the joy of their rescue. As John Chislett wrote:
“Just as the sun was sinking beautifully behind the distant hills, … several covered wagons … were seen coming towards us. The news ran through the camp like wildfire. … Shouts of joy rent the air; strong men wept till tears ran freely down their furrowed and sun-burnt cheeks. … That evening, for the first time in quite a period, the songs of Zion were to be heard in the camp. … With the cravings of hunger satisfied, and with hearts filled with gratitude to God and our good brethren, we all united in prayer, and then retired to rest.”
At that moment, standing on the same hill from which the Willie Company first saw their rescuers. I contemplated the joy that will fill our hearts when we fully come to know the eternal significance of the greatest rescue—the rescue of the family of God by the Lord Jesus Christ. For it is through Him that we have promise of eternal life. Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the source of spiritual power that will give you and me the assurance that we have nothing to fear from the journey.”
- Elder M Russell Ballard April 1997, “You Have Nothing to Fear from the Journey” by Elder M. Russell Ballard, April 1997
Be PREPARED and READY to answer the call to RESCUE others!