Hold To The Rod Faith Walk

The dictionary defines home as a place of residence or a place of origin where you want to return. When we say that there is "no place like home" we could easily be referring to the place you live here on earth with all its creature comforts. Yet, we realize that the ultimate Home is our original place of origin? the place we lived with our Heavenly Father and Mother before we came to earth. This is the place that we want to return because there really is no other place we want to dwell.

In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy wanted to return home. She was told to follow the yellow brick road and it would guide her on her journey. We too have been given something to guide us on our journey home. We've been given the scriptures.

A favorite story about finding your way home is found in the Book of Mormon.  Nephi wrote about a vision both he and his father saw about trying to return home. Tonight we will share that vision with you.

The YW will leave from the campfire in units of not more than 13. They will be escorted down a hill to a clearing where "Sariah" awaits them..

I am Sariah, and once lived upon this land with my family. My husband was Lehi, a prophet, who brought our family here from Jerusalem shortly before it was destroyed 600 years before Christ was born in Bethlehem. Lehi received guidance from the Lord in teaching our people the gospel, often in the form of visions or dreams. One night stands out from all the rest, a vision that my son Nephi was also privileged to witness. I would like to share part of that vision

This staff represents the rod of iron seen his the dream. Its purpose was to safeguard and guide those who trusted in it. I invite you to join me in a walk where portions of the dream will be portrayed like the people seen in the vision, if you will hold it firmly you will travel through this forest (indicate surrounding mountainside) safely until we reach our destination.

Please do not speak as we go.

Sariah is the only person in each group with a flashlight. She leads the way as the others follow, holding to the rod. The spot for each scene will be marked by a white tie around a tree, placed so it can be clearly seen by the leader.  Important: To prevent one group from overtaking another while traveling through the course, a signal will be given to Sariah indicating that she may take her group forward to the next scene. A player in each scene will be equipped with a flashlight and will step onto the path and give "Sariah" the signal when the previous group has moved on. The player should wait for a signaled response before moving back into place. Should there be no response, the oncoming group is not finished and the player waits for Sariah's signal, which is returned, and moves back into place.

THE MISTS OF DARKNESS..

Sariah brings the group to this point in silence. The group leaves the trail and enters a small clearing. 4-6 players dressed in dark clothing surround the clearing. Each holds a flash fixture to a 35mm camera. The group stands still. It is dark and silent. Slowly, and quietly at first, the players begin to whisper "stupid", "you are such a jerk.", "who'd want to be your friend?", etc. The pace quickens and becomes more urgent. After a minute or two of this the whispering subsides and the lead player says softly.  "We know how to help you." Another says, "We can help you feel better." At this point the lead player aims his camera flash skyward and sets it off. All other player follow suit. The light briefly reveals a table covered in black on which drub paraphernalia and liquor bottles are displayed. They are seen so briefly so as to seem only a suggestion or vision. The whispers resume, this time more insidious. "You can't do it." "You'll never make it", "Who cares, who cares, who cares" The flashing sequence is done again, this time accompanied by the sounds of wind and thunder. This is followed by immediate silence.

After a pause Sariah explains.

The mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost. When Satan was cast out of Heaven for rebelling against God, he vowed to destroy God's plan by destroying God's children. As the second coming of Jesus Christ draws nearer Satan knows his time is nearly at an end. He also knows that this is a battle he cannot win. Sustained by hatred, he is determined to take you with him if he can. Discouragement, depression and a feeling of worthlessness are some of his weapons.when not stopped these feelings lead to alcohol and drug abuse, perhaps also immorality and suicide. Be cautious. remember who it is that would have you feel this way, and always hold to the rod.

Sariah then steps onto the path and gives the flashlight signal. If it's answered, they move on. If not, she waits for a signal from ahead. when it comes and she answers they move on.

THE DARK AND DREARY WASTE (1 Nephi 8:7)

Sariah stops at a small display of WEAPONS and armory lit with a red light. She speaks. As Satan rages in the hearts of men, our world becomes one filled with selfishness, violence and hated. Evil men and women cause great pain and suffering for innocent people. Crime, war, and ugliness become common.

Sariah then steps onto the path and gives the flashlight signal. If it's answered, they move on. If not, she waits for a signal from ahead when it comes and she answers they move on.

The light then comes up on a COURTROOM SCENE ahead. There is a judge and a man and woman. The group of young women moves into position as though they were spectators in a courtroom the scene begins as the judge brings down the gavel.

Judge: "The Court will now hear the suit for Divorce, Jones vs. Jones. Plaintiffs will represent themselves in this case. The court will first hear from Thomas Jones." Mr. Jones: (begins a tirade against his wife. He is selfish, he is personal.) "The house is a wreck, she is never home, she refused to be there. She is always out shopping spending my hard earned money." He concludes by saying he no suitable companion. Judge: "The Court will now hear from Emily Jones." Mrs. Jones: (she arises and begins to refute his comments.) "I'm never home because if I want any money for myself I've got to earn it. You, on the other hand, never help with the house or the kids and the whole mess it left to me while you go off to your job, or to your sporting events, or hunting. I hate it. I hate YOU!" Mr. and Mrs. Jones argue hatefully their children are one point of the controversy. The judge halts things by bringing down the gavel. Judge: It is obvious to the court that this divorce should be granted and it is done. (Brings down the gavel) It is also obvious to the court that neither of you has the best interest of the children conceived in this marriage at heart they are therefore awarded wards of the court with the necessary paperwork to be completed by the State agency for Social Services. Court is adjourned." The Judge brings down the gavel and freezes, the father stands in stunned silence, the mother weeping, "My children, you can't take my children."

Sariah speaks. As Satan rages, his influence is felt, even in our homes. Be prayerful, remember who you are, and hold to the rod. The lights go out.

Sariah then steps onto the path and gives the flashlight signal. If it's answered, they move on. If not, she waits for a signal from ahead when it comes and she answers they move on.

THE GREAT AND SPACIOUS BUILDING (1 Nephi 8:26&27)

Sariah leads the group to the scene. They remain on the path and back lighting comes up (blue lights) behind the scene. A building wall will be represented with two windows. The player, standing in the windows, will be mostly silhouette. They are dressed as to display wealth jewelry, holding champagne glasses, etc. At first they are conversing and laughing as if at a party they notice the group watching and gather at the window and begin to point, laughing. Comments are made "Loser" "Molly Mormon", "Chicken", etc. is heard.

They freeze and Sariah speaks.

The large and spacious building is the vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men. As you pass through life Satan will use every influence to persuade you to follow him. He uses those who follow him to influence others who are trying to keep their hands on the rod. Satan would like you to feel ashamed of your commitment to Christ and the principles of the Gospel. To be straight becomes the loser thing to do. To stand for righteousness is to be labeled chicken or coward.

For you, this may be your most difficult test right now. Remember that if you choose to stand for truth, others will be brave enough to join you and you will not be alone. Let your influence be felt; don't give in to the empty insults of your peers. In reaching out to help others, remember to keep your other hand on the rod that keeps you safe.

The backlighting fades and they are left again in darkness. Sariah then steps onto the path and gives the flashlight signal. If it's answered, they move on. If not, she waits for a signal from ahead when it comes and she answers they move on.

A few steps down the path they meet an innocent looking woman holding a tray of REFRESHMENTS". She invites them to have some. She is standing far enough off the path that they must let go of the rod if they are to have any. The cookies and punch will be made without sugar; the donuts will be powdered with cornstarch, so that anyone tasting them will be disappointed.

If anyone lets go of the rod to partake, Sariah will encourage her to return and take hold again. Then Sariah speaks. Some of the things the world has to offer you are not bad. However, if in getting these things you sacrifice your own standards you will find they are not what you dreamed they would be. Your new prize is empty, or even bitter and you are far from the safety of the rod. When you find yourself in this position, return quickly, take a firm hold, and remember there is always a way back. Satan would have you forget that repentance is available to you. Remember Jesus suffered so we might repent and try again it is his gift to us, so use it.

The backlighting fades and they are left again in darkness. Sariah then steps onto the path and gives the flashlight signal. If it's answered, they move on. If not, she waits for a signal from ahead when it comes and she answers they move on.

Sariah takes the group toward the TREE OF LIFE. Sariah speaks. Behold, the tree of life. The fruit of this tree will fill your soul with exceeding great joy and is desirable above all other fruit. The tree and its fruit represent the Love of God. With all the strength I possess I encourage you to remember what you have seen and heard with me tonight.

In my son Nephi's dream, it was revealed that the rod of iron represents the word of God. Hold to it my friends, with all the power that is within you, and it will keep you safely near Him. (Feel free to bear your testimony at this time).

The YW should be taken to the amphitheater to sit quietly waiting for the other groups to arrive. There is to be no talking. When all the groups a speaker (dressed in white ? hopefully stake presidency) will address the group.

In Nephi's dream it was revealed that the fruit of the tree represents the love of God and was more desirable than any other fruit. Holding up a crystal, point out that the heart shape is to remind us of his love for us, and his commitment to us. We belong to him, and he will never fail us.

A crystal takes white light and separates it into the colors of the rainbow causing a beautiful reflection for all to see. If we will take into our lives, the young women's values and live them, then we, like a beautiful crystal, will reflect the light of faith, even the light of Christ in our lives.

Ask the YW to make a personal commitment to live, as Christ would have them live.

The home we want to return to is the celestial kingdom. It is where you want your family and friends to be. It is where you will all want to be together. Remind them that we the power to return home. Our power is knowledge, testimony and obedience to the gospel. If you use this power to return to the presence of our Savior and Heavenly Father you will be able to put your arms around them and tell them: There's no place like home!


Hold to the Rod

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Lehi's Vision

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