Branch Pioneer Activity

We had a branch pioneer activity in July. It was a lot of fun! Some of our members said they had learned about the pioneers before, but they didn't really understand that history of the church very well. They said that our explanation, video, and activities made it come alive for them. The next day, one of our members even bore his testimony about how gaining knowledge about the struggles the pioneers had endured was evidence of the truthfulness of the gospel for him.

Ray taught a little about the history of the church and the movement of the saints from New York, Ohio, Missouri, Nauvoo, and then west. He showed a great video he found on youtube that showed many of the hardships they endured. (If you want to watch it, look for "A Modern Day Exodus--The Mormon Trail to Utah.)

                 President Senior sitting on the floor!
Then I talked a little bit about some of my pioneer ancestors who came across the plains with the first handcart company--John Robinson and his two daughters Elizabeth (my ggg grandmother) and Sarah.

                          I love that my mouth was caught wide open! oh, well, it's what happens when you talk!
We asked how many of them had ever been cold. Most of them raised their hands. Then Ray said, "Not Thailand cold, I mean really cold--ice and snow cold." Only a couple of people raised their hands. They had worked in Korea and Japan. So, to give them the experience of cold--we had a volunteer come up and put his foot in ice water for a short time. It didn't take him long to want to pull it out! He didn't think he would want to go too far in temperatures like that!

 We told them it wasn't all pain and drudgery, but that they had fun along the trail as well. We moved the table out of the way and taught them a pioneer circle dance (which they loved)--

and had contests with pulling sticks. That produced some laughter and competition!

I had made hardtack for them to try for refreshments--Ray thought it was tasteless, but they loved it! We served other treats, but the hardtack disappeared first. (Hardtack was basically a very hard, dry cracker that would last on the trail as long as it stayed dry.)

Our apartment was filled with lots of people, learning, and laughter. We appreciated the support of our leaders: Elder Khanakham and President and Sister Senior who added much to the evening.