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Like the Nephites, we are inspired by a holy cause—“our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children”—what Moroni called “the cause of the Christians” (Alma 46:12, 16)
From Come, Follow Me 2020:
What do you learn from Moroni about “stand[ing] fast in the faith of Christ”? (Alma 46:27).
You might also study how Moroni inspired others in “the cause of the Christians” (see Alma 46:11–22). How would you describe that cause? What can you do to participate in it? How can you inspire others to participate too?
The Prophet Joseph Smith reflected on the blessings and privileges we have when we decide to become part of this great work of salvation. He asked the early Saints, “Brethren [and sisters], shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren [and sisters]; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad” (Doctrine and Covenants 128:22).
President Nelson's Call To Action
"Would you like to be a big part of the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on the earth today?"
"My dear extraordinary youth, you were sent to earth at this precise time, the most crucial time in the history of the world, to help gather Israel."
"There is nothing happening on this earth right now that is more important than that. There is nothing of greater consequence. Absolutely nothing. This gathering should mean everything to you. This is the mission for which you were sent to earth."
"So now, I am inviting every young woman and every young man between the ages of 12 and 18 in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to enlist in the youth battalion of the Lord to help gather Israel."
"Those noble spirits—those finest players, those heroes—are you! I testify that the gathering is now, and it is real." Hope of Israel
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President Nelson invited youth to help prepare the world for the second coming of the Lord!
Check out The Family History Guide's Latter-day Saint Youth page (see the categories below) for activities related to President Nelson's invitation to the youth.
Make a commitment to join the Lord’s youth battalion! Use The Family History Guide to make it easier and so much fun to gather on both sides of the veil.
“On behalf of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve to you young people, we have confidence in you. You are the Lord's battalion.
We know, we witness, we testify that you will contribute to helping great things happen in this work all over the earth. We expect you to surprise the adults. We expect you to seek inspiration and revelation .
And as you do that in your youth in a world that is increasingly wicked and ever more chaotic, we promise you, you will be safeguarded, you will be guided, you will be protected. What you learn about receiving revelation about others will bless you in magnificent ways.” David A. Bednar, Temple and Family History Leadership
President Nelson invites us all to "focus on things that matter," by being involved in the gathering of Israel.
"My beloved brothers and sisters, thank you for your faith, your devotion, and your love. We share an enormous responsibility to be who the Lord wants us to be and to do what He wants us to do. We are part of a great movement—the gathering of scattered Israel. I speak of this doctrine today because of its unique importance in God's eternal plan...We are among the covenant people of the Lord. Ours is the privilege to participate personally in the fulfillment of these promises. What an exciting time to live!" President Russell M. Nelson, The Gathering of Scattered Israel.
See President Nelson’s words specifically to the brethren of the priesthood and to the sisters. Decide how to gather Israel as a family, and create or review your “gathering plan.”
Perhaps you would like to use Weekly Family History Activities - A Come, Follow Me Companion to enrich your study of Come, Follow Me with activities to help gather Israel.
See also A Sacrifice of Time and Everything President Nelson Has Said About the Gathering of Israel.
Copy each of the blessings listed below on small pieces of paper and put them into a basket. In a group or as a family, take turns drawing them out one-by-one and discussing the reasons why you would want that particular blessing in your life.
After the discussion activity, ask, "What one thing can we do to have these incredible blessings in our lives and in the lives of those we love?" Refer to Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing by Elder Renlund. Make plans together to do more temple and family history work to receive these blessings - one of which is "increased protection from temptations and the intensifying influence of the adversary."
See also: The Promised Blessings of Family History 1 and 2
From Come, Follow Me 2020:
One thing Moroni did to inspire others was create the title of liberty, which emphasized principles to inspire the Nephites (see verse 12). What principles are our Church leaders emphasizing in our day? You might look for them in For the Strength of Youth, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” the Young Women and Aaronic Priesthood Quorum themes, or recent general conference messages. You could summarize what they are teaching into some simple statements to create your own title of liberty—something to remind you to be true to the Savior and His gospel.
Create and sign your own family, group, or individual “Battalion Flag” or “Title of Liberty” and display it in your home with your signature or signatures on it.
In the scriptures, an ensign is "a flag or standard around which people gather in a unity of purpose or identity. In ancient times an ensign served as a rallying point for soldiers in battle. The Book of Mormon and the Church of Jesus Christ are symbolic ensigns to all nations of the earth." (Ensign, Guide to the Scriptures) What "ensigns" might your family have?
Family crests and coats of arms are powerful family symbols passed down through generations. Have fun discussing and making a family crest. Also, see 2021 Week 18 for additional ideas on how to make a family crest or coat of arms.
Consider creating a flag or coat of arms for a specific family line, for your current family, or consider designing a collection of symbols that simply inspire you personally. See this article for ideas and here.
Find information about ancestors' homelands and what symbolizes these places in The Family History Guide Countries section. Discover Latter-Day Saint symbols and their meanings here and in this article.
See Pedigree Pie for ancestor locations so you can trace your family’s path through history. Use the FamilySearch fan chart to see the countries your ancestors come from. See also Where Are My Ancestors From? and Homelands and Research.
See also: Creating a Family Flag, and Design Your Own Family Flag.
Write one brief story about your life as you study each Come, Follow Me lesson. Save as a story (also consider audio-recording it) and add it to your FamilySearch memories to preserve it. Ideas: