Leadership Training Library

http://www.lds.org/service/leadership/aaronic-priesthood?lang=eng

Let's explore, as a group of YM advisers, the advice given to us by President Clare to find the promises associated with prophetic guidance to study the Book of Mormon.

I'll start...

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2005/08/a-testimony-vibrant-and-true

We studied the Book of Mormon in Sunday School this past year. Nonetheless I offer a challenge to members of the Church throughout the world and to our friends everywhere to read or reread the Book of Mormon. If you will read a bit more than one and one-half chapters a day, you will be able to finish the book before the end of this year. Very near the end of its 239 chapters, you will find a challenge issued by the prophet Moroni as he completed his record nearly 16 centuries ago. Said he:

“And I exhort you to remember these things; for the time speedily cometh that ye shall know that I lie not, for ye shall see me at the bar of God; and the Lord God will say unto you: Did I not declare my words unto you, which were written by this man, like as one crying from the dead, yea, even as one speaking out of the dust? …

“And God shall show unto you, that that which I have written is true” (Moro. 10:27, 29).

Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may haveread the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.

That's quite a promise.

Please share the promises you find, and feel free to post some of your experiences with promises related to Book of Mormon study.

At the end of the adult session last night, Amy turned to me and said "Did you hear what I heard?".  We both agreed that we needed to companion study the Book of Mormon by General Conference. There is a personal promise related to this challenge we received from the Spirit last night. I'll let you know what I learn.

http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/watch/ces-devotionals/2012/01?lang=eng&vid=1831681793001

Let me know what you think of this devotional talk from last night...

The Fall Camporee was a wonderful success this last weekend.  Thanks to the 4th ward and Woodland Hills for their support.

We camped on the field across from the Spanish Fork Airport and spent Friday night and Saturday at the airport completing the aviation merit badge.   We heard from a couple Air Force pilots and learned a lot about aviation.  In fact, I learned why the new jet engines are more efficient and more powerful while being much larger.

I'm grateful to the district for providing something we couldn't do on a unit basis; or even at a stake level.

I would love to hear what you all thought of this camp.  Some of my thoughts:

• It was very well run
• Something we couldn't do at a unit level
• The boys all earned a merit badge
• Provided an overnight camp with very little planning for the committee and Scoutmaster
• Good opportunity to invite father participation
• I didn't love camping in the middle of a city
• Are we just churning out merit badges without a focus on the journey?  Same question I have for merit badge pow wows.

Again, please let me know what you think.

Brothers,

A few questions to ponder....

What are the key doctrines the YM need to learn right now?  I'm thinking, start with the Purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood and ponder from there...but that is my method, it doesn't have to be yours.

How do we keep the Exodus alive in the hearts of the young men?  We began a journey, we touched the temple, the journey continues...how do we "remember" and bring it forward in our youth's lives?  

How does Duty of God not get lost or forgotten?  How do we strengthen Father/son relationships?   How do we ensure DTG and Scouting are complimenting and supporting the key doctrines which our YM need to learn?

What activities or patterns support the teaching and establishment of the key doctrines above?

How do we bring the missionary spirit into our young men and the stake?  How can we bring the power of the return missionaries into the Aaronic Priesthood quorums?  How can we build a missionary spirit that begins in the home, is strengthened in the quorums, and becomes a reflection of our faith?  There is a pattern provided to us by the Lord...Learn, Act, Share.  I'm finding it's not a command so much as a truth.  When you read the Book of Mormon and act on the promptings you feel and think, you become converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and when you become converted you desire for all of God's children to feel what you feel.  Just a thought. 

Feel free to post you impressions.  This is a private blog just for the YM advisers in the stake, so don't be shy. 

Bishop Wilson and President Averett shared with me their wonderful high adventure activity this summer near Mexican Hat Utah. Kevin Bardsley found this opportunity and over saw the building crews. Young men were in charge and led committees to do the building, and other activities. The home was constructed for a Navajo Family in Southern Utah in 4 days. The family are not members of the church and we had some nice gospel discussions with them as well. Our theme was Serving Now to Prepare to Serve Missions Later.
Enjoy this wonderfully edited video. The entire video and editing was done by one of our Priests Jordan Cheney, he spent many hours and did a fantastic job. I feel very priviledged just to have been a small part of what whent on here and to have witnessed the tremendous growth in our Young Men.

I believe Bro. Bardsley could provide info. for additional projects like this if others are interested.

Here is the Link to view on youtube: http://youtu.be/6vihRg9dFSw

This blog is intended to become a place wherein we, as young men advisers, can share ideas, successes, issues, concerns, or anything related to serving the fine young men of our stewardship.