Conference: Stories & Poems

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Friend October 2023 “Listening to the Prophet” Francesco likened conference to the fruit and vegetable truck who advertise what they have over a loud speaker as they drive by. He said, “Jesus uses the prophet to share His words, just like Ramón uses the loudspeaker. That way everyone in the world can hear Him!” Francesco was excited to hear the prophets words at conference. He wanted to follow Jesus Christ. And he could do that by following the prophet!

Friend October 2020 “Matt and Mandy” As the family reads about King Benjamin, Matt says how cool it must have been to be there listening to a prophet. Mandy reminds him they already get to do that at conference.

Friend May 2020 “Drawing Conference Words” Before conference, Tina and Troy’s grandmother gave them crayons and notebooks so they could draw special words they hear.

Friend May 2019 “Service for Suzie” Ophelie’s favorite part of conference is when the prophet asked them to do acts of service. Ophelie’s family decide to look for ways to help others. They find out that a neighbor is having eye surgery and Ophelie asks if they can make dinner for her.

Friend April 2019 “Action Rhyme: General Conference” King Benjamin once taught his people from a tower tall. The message went from tent to tent until it reached them all.Now when the prophet speaks today, I watch him on a screen. And then I see him when I read the Friend’s next magazine!

Friend October 2016 “General Conference Breakfast” Jacob’s family makes a special breakfast together before conference. (As you read the story to the children, point to the pictures and let them say that part.)

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Friend May 2023 “Conference Show and Tell” Children tell what they love about conference and show some things they did during conference like art. One family says ” We get together as a family before conference and write down questions we have. We watch conference and help each other listen for answers to our questions.”

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Friend May 2023 “Conference News”


Mosiah 1-3

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Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 10: King Benjamin”

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When you hear the word king, you might think of crowns, castles, servants, and thrones. In Mosiah 1–3, you will read about a different kind of king. Rather than living off the labors of his people, King Benjamin “labored with [his] own hands” (Mosiah 2:14). Instead of having others serve him, he served his people “with all the might, mind and strength which the Lord [had] granted unto [him]” (Mosiah 2:11). This king did not want his people to worship him; rather, he taught them to worship a King greater than himself, for he understood that it is “the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth” (Mosiah 3:5). (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020)

Friend May 1988

Friend May 1988

Friend April 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Mosiah 2:17 together. Then help your little ones take turns standing on a chair, like King Benjamin on the tower. (You could make a simple crown or print the one below for the speaker to wear) While on the chair, help them repeat a simple line about service, like “God is happy when I help others” or, “By serving others I’m serving God.”

It might be fun for your family to create the setting for King Benjamin’s speech. You could make a small tower and let family members take turns reading King Benjamin’s words while standing on it. (You could make a simple crown or costume as well for the speaker to wear) The rest of the family could listen from inside a makeshift tent. (Come Follow Me for Families)

Friend April 2020 “Family Night Fun” Indoor Campout

Ensign April 2020 “Family Study Fun” Gratitude Tower of Service

King Benjamin built a tower and taught his people that when we serve each other, we are really serving God (see Mosiah 2:17).

  1. Build a tower. It can be a chair, an ottoman, a few boxes, etc.
  2. Take turns getting up on your tower and thanking someone in the family for the service they have done recently.
  3. Now take turns getting on the tower again and sharing with the family one way you’re going to provide service this week.

Discussion: Why is it important to serve others? How does it make you feel when someone serves you? How can we serve someone (and God) as a family this week?

Ensign April 2020 “Weekly CFM Insights” Why Does King Benjamin Invite Us to Become like a Child?

Friend March 2018 “Pitch Your Tent” Cutout to build a Nephite tent. Can put strips of paper in the tent of things learned in the lesson

Friend June 1988 “Benjamin: the Prophet King”

Friend November 2019 “Friends by Mail” During general conference, we used the “Pitch Your Tent” cutouts (March 2018) to create a 3D model and added quotes from President Nelson’s talk! Ava and Maryanne P., ages 8 and 6, Washington, USA

Friend August 1988 “Sharing Time: Be a Righteous Leader”

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Friend March 2016 “King Benjamin Teaches His People” Story and Images

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Book of Mormon Stories “King Benjamin” Images and Story



Friend October 2020 “Matt and Mandy” As the family reads about King Benjamin, Matt says how cool it must have been to be there listening to a prophet. Mandy reminds him they already get to do that at conference.

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 1-3”

  • When I serve others, I am also serving God.
  • All of my blessings come from Heavenly Father.
  • Play a game in which the children pass around an object as they sing a song about gratitude or listen to one (see “Gratitude” in the topics index of the Children’s Songbook). Stop singing or stop the music periodically, and invite whoever is holding the object to share a blessing he or she is grateful for.I believe in Jesus Christ.
  • I should not boast about my service and my good works.
  • Jesus Christ cleanses me from sin and helps me become a saint.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 1-3”

  • Receiving the word of God requires preparation.
  • When I serve others, I am also serving God.
  • I can overcome the natural man and become a saint through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
  • Why did King Benjamin refer to Jesus as “the Father of heaven and earth”?

Conference: Lesson Ideas

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Liahona September 2021 “General Conference: A Worldwide Church Meeting”

Each April and October, the Church holds a series of meetings called general conference. Leaders teach and testify about Jesus Christ and His gospel. General conference is held in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, and is broadcast throughout the world in over 80 languages. All members and any other interested people are invited to listen to the talks.

The First Church Conferences

The Church was officially organized during a meeting on April 6, 1830 (see Doctrine and Covenants 20). The first general conference was held on June 9, 1830. Since then, general conferences have been held under the direction of the President of the Church wherever members could gather. In the 1840s, leaders began holding conference twice a year.

Conference Today

The First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other Church leaders speak during general conference. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and other Church choirs provide music. Each conference has five sessions: three on Saturday and two on Sunday.

In the months before conference, Church leaders pray about what to teach. The Lord inspires them to know what they should say. They teach gospel truths and invite us to keep God’s commandments. They also testify of Jesus Christ and encourage us to follow Him.

The Prophets Teach Us the Words of Jesus

Friend October 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus Christ”

Preparing for Conference

Friend September 2023 “The Dinner Guest” Johne’s foster family prepared for conference by learning about a different apostle each night. They taped a picture of the apostle on an empty chair and he was their dinner guest. Then the learned facts and stories about the apostle. Johne loved learning about the Apostles! He couldn’t wait to hear from them at conference.

Learning from Conference

Before general conference, we can pray to hear what the Lord wants us to learn. As we listen to the talks, the Spirit will teach us what we need to know. After conference, the talks appear on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, in the Gospel Library app, and in the Liahona. We can prayerfully study the talks to learn more about Jesus Christ and His gospel.

People from all over the World Watch and Listen to Conference

Friend November 2022 “Conference Show and Tell” Children tell what they love about conference and show some things they did during conference such as art work, building sugar cube temples, etc. One boy said, “We play a game during conference. We add a sticker to a piece of paper every time we hear the name of Christ. Our papers end up full of stickers!”

Friend May 2022 “Conference Show and Tell” Children tell what they liked about conference and what they learned

Friend November 2021 “Conference Show and Tell” Children tell what they liked about conference.

Friend May 2020 “Show and Tell: Conference Edition” Families from all over the world watch conference. Children tell what they liked about conference and what they learned. November 2020

Friend May 2021 “Conference Show and Tell” Children tell what they liked about conference. Also has pictures and activities children did during conference.

Friend November 2019 “Friends By Mail” During general conference, we used the “Pitch Your Tent” cutouts (March 2018) to create a 3D model and added quotes from President Nelson’s talk! Ava and Maryanne P., ages 8 and 6, Washington, USA

Friend April 2019 “For Parents of Little Ones” Helping children get the most out of conference.

Friend May 2019 “Show and Tell: Conference” Children share what they did during conference like building a block temple or playing a fun game during conference. One family filled 15 bowls with snacks and put a picture of one of the Apostles or members of the First Presidency on each one. When one of the Brethren speaks, they eat what is in that cup! Children also shared what they liked about conference and what they learned.

Friend November 2018 “Show and Tell: Conference” Children share what they liked about conference and what they learned.

Friend May 2018 “Show and Tell: Conference” Children share what they like about conference, what they did during conference, how they listened to conference, etc.

Friend May 2018 “Conference News” At Conference new temples are announced (fill in the blank activity to find out which temples were announced at this conference), solemn assemblies occur where we raise our hand to sustain a new prophet (pictures of a family at home participating), callings and releases of new leaders occur, and we are taught by our leaders.(Also guess how many languages this conference was translated into.

Friend May 2019 “Family Night Fun” Look through the general conference section at the beginning of any Friend magazine that arrives after conference, and make a family goal to do something our leaders invited us to do.

Solemn Assembly

Friend May 2018 “Show and Tell” “Sustaining a prophet in general conference is such an opportunity and privilege. No matter where you are, it is still a privilege.” Christina K., age 10, New South Wales, Australia

Ensign March 2018 “Get Ready for Conference” (Also see Elder Uchdorf’s article “The Word of God to His Children” on how to prepare to receive personal answers and revelation during general conference.

Ensign March 2018 “5 Steps for Making Conference Stay with You”

After conference, choose one quote, lesson, principle, or whole talk that inspired you.

Share it with your family and write it down somewhere you will see it every day.

Make a goal for how you will apply that principle to your life each day.

Support each other. Being accountable to others is great motivation!

When the next general conference approaches, sit down with your family and share what you’ve learned and the blessings you’ve received from applying this principle

Friend October 2016 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ideas on how to help children learn to love conference.

Friend November 2017 “Show and Tell-Conference Edition” Children share why they love Conference.

Following the Words of the Prophets after Conference

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 13–16: Glad Tidings of Great Joy” Show a picture of the living prophet speaking in general conference. Tell the children that God tells the prophet what to say to us, just as He told Samuel what to say to the Nephites. Talk together about things the prophet has said that have been inspiring to you or the children.

Read aloud Helaman 16:1 and 5, and ask the children to stand up when they hear something the people did when they believed Samuel’s words. Then read verses 2 and 6, and ask the children to sit down when they hear something the people did when they did not believe. How can we show that we believe the words of the living prophet?

Ensign September 2020 “Family Study Fun: Go Forth”

Read Helaman 16:1–3 together. Those who believed Samuel “went forth” to do what he taught. Talk about how we should follow our Church leaders today.

  1. Invite each family member to find a quote from general conference. (Perhaps browse “Inspirational Picture Quotes” at ChurchofJesusChrist.org/media-library/images.)
  2. Take turns standing on a chair or stool, like Samuel on the wall, and reading these quotes to the group.
  3. After each quote, talk about what your family can do to “go forth” and do what was taught.

Discussion: What could we do to get ready for general conference next month? What would help us listen to and act on the teachings of our Church leaders?

Conference History

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Friend November 2021 “Conference News”

2021

Friend November 2021 “Conference News”

Friend April 2022 “Conference News”


Latter Day Apostles

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For the Strength of Youth September 2023 “Fun Stop” Can you match these eight members of the First Presidency or Quorum of the Twelve Apostles with their picture from the past?

Dieter F. Uchdorf

Friend July 2021 “A Dream for Dieter” When he was a boy, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf loved airplanes and wanted to be a pilot someday. But Dieter’s family were refugees and poor so sometimes he felt like his dream was impossible. He worked hard and had faith and was able to attain his dream of being a pilot.

Friend July 2017 “Don’t Stop Seeking” President Uchdorf tells about two missionaries who knocked on every door in an apartment building. Nobody was interested until the last door. The last door was the family of Pres. Uchdorf’s future wife. He says we should persevere and not stop seeking to get close to the Lord.

Friend April 2022 “Harriet Meets the Missionaries” Harriet’s father died and she missed him so much and wondered if she would ever see him again. Then the missionaries came and they told them about the plan of salvation and about being with our families again after death. Harriet and her family joined the church and Harriet grew up and married Dieter F. Uchdorf.

Friend March 2020 “Meet the Apostles” Some info about the life of Dieter F. Uchdorf.

Friend March 2021″Elder Uchtdorf Visits Germany” Elder Uchtdorf and his wife visit Germany for the rededication of the Frankfurt Germany Temple. (Article includes photos)

M. Russell Ballard

Friend January 2020 ” Meet the Apostles: President M. Russell Ballard”

Friend January 2021 “President Ballard Visits Canada” President Ballard was a mission president in Ontario, Canada 46 years ago. He travelled to Ontario to visit the people there.

Ronald A. Rasband

Dallin H. Oaks

Friend January 2017 “Will Heavenly Father Always Answer My Prayers” When Elder Oaks was seven his father became sick and died.

Friend March 2022 “Overcoming Your Challenges” President Dallin H. Oaks discusses the challenges he faced growing up, such as having his father die when he was seven, or being bullied and made fun of by other kids because he couldn’t spell or do math very well. Heavenly Father and Dallin’s family helped him and things got better. President Oaks wants the children to know that Heavenly Father will help them and to not give up. (Coloring page “I Can Overcome Challenges”)

D. Todd Christopherson

Friend June 2020 “Meet the Apostles: D. Todd Christopherson”

New Era January 2019  Some info about the life of D. Todd Christopherson.

Friend August 2016
Friend Aug 2016 Christopherson

Friend June 2017 “Why are Fathers so Important?” Elder Christopherson’s father set an example of honesty and service and Elder Christopherson wanted to be just,like his father.

David A. Bednar

Friend April 2020 “Meet the Apostles: Elder David A. Bednar”

Friend April 2017 “Be Consistent and Keep Trying” Elder Bednar’s father was not a member of the church, but Elder Bednar was able to baptize him.

Jeffery R. Holland

Friend February 2020 “Meet the Apostles: Jeffery R. Holland”

Friend March 2017 “What if I feel Like I Don’t Measure Up” Elder Holland got discouraged during college and wondered if he should just give up, but his wife encouraged him not to to give up.

Friend February 2024 While Elder Holland was serving his mission in Great Britain, his parents were called on a mission to serve there too!

Henry B. Eyring

Friend August 2019 President Eyring does watercolor paintings.

Friend April 2016 “Your Future Home” President Eyring remembers reading scriptures in school, and he remembers what his favorite scripture was and why.

Friend July 2018 “Taking Care of Each Other” When President Eyring’s great grandfather was crossing the plains, he got sick. Someone was sent to help him. He fell in love with one of the women and married her. Also, link includes “Getting to Know President Henry B. Eyring.”

Quentin L. Cook

For the Strength of Youth July 2023

Dale G. Renlund

Friend October 2020 “Meet the Apostles: Elder Dale G. Renlund”

Friend December 2017 “How Can Repenting Make Me Feel Happy?” When Elder Renlund was young, he lit a firecracker in a church building and felt terrible about it. His bishop helped him repent and feel happy again.

Neil L. Anderson

Friend July 2020

Meet the Apostles “Elder Neil L. Andersen

Gary E. Stevenson

Friend September 2020 “Meet the Apostles”

Friend October 2016 “Meet Elder Gary E. Stevenson”

Friend October 2016

For the Strength of Youth December 2023

Gerrit W. Gong

Friend November 2020 “Meet the Apostles: Elder Gerrit W. Gong”

For the Strength of Youth September 2023 ” Beloved of God”

Ulisses Soares

Friend December 2020 “Meet the Apostles: Ulisses Soares”

Friend December 2021 “Elder Soares Speaks to ChildrenVideo

Apostles

Friend April 2016
Friend April 2016 Apostles travel around the world to visit with the people
Friend November 2015
Friend November 2015 -See link for more info about newly called apostles.
Friend April 1986
Friend April 1986 Recognizing the Apostles or prophets.

Latter Day Apostles from the Past

Tom L. Perry

Friend November 2017 “Elder Perry helps a girl find her family when she become separated from them at a pumpkin walk.

Robert D. Hales

Friend November 2017 “Remembering Robert D. Hales”

Neal A. Maxwell

Liahona December 2022 “Neal A. Maxwell in World War II” Story of his experience in a muddy foxhole in World War 2 when the Japanese was shelling his position, and how the Lord spared his life.


Conference: Activities & Games

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Friend March 2024 “Conference Squares” Here’s an activity to do while you listen to conference. When a speaker talks about one of topics, cover the square with a small item. Try to cover four in a row. Then try to cover all the squares!

For the Strength of Youth September 2023 “Fun Stop”

Friend September 2023 “How to Draw” Next month is general conference! Learn how to draw the pulpit and speaker.

Friend May 2023 “Find It” Our prophets and apostles speak to the whole world from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah! Can you find the hidden items?

Friend September 2022 “Conference Activities”

  • Conference Speakers: Color the picture of the prophet. Draw some other speakers in the spaces to the left.
  • I Will Walk with Jesus: Color a footprint when you hear someone talk about Jesus Christ.
  • Conference Squares: When a speaker talks about one of these things, place a small item on the square. Can you fill a whole row?
  • Joyful Noise: Color in a musical note when you hear a Primary song or another song you like.

For the Strength of Youth September 2021 “Conference Notebook” Prints in Color or Black and White Write down questions, impressions, inspiration, counsel, and goals. Later, review what you wrote so you can follow up on your inspiration and continue learning.

Friend September 2021 “Conference Notebook”

Four in a Row: When you hear someone talk about one of these things, put a marker (like a button or a pebble) on the square. Can you fill out a whole row? What about the whole box?

Conference Coloring: Listen for the words below as you watch conference. Color part of the picture as you hear each word.

Listen with Your Heart: When you hear the words Holy Ghost or Spirit, draw a heart in this space. When you hear the word listen, draw a smiley face.

Friend May 2021 “For Little Friends”

Find General Conference activities for children at http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/general-conference/activities-for-children?lang=eng

Friend September 2020 “My General Conference Notebook”

Friend September 2020 “Women who Help Lead the Church” Color these pictures and then look for these women during general conference. Which of them spoke or prayed during conference? What did you learn from them?

Friend May 2020 “Conference Dot-to-Dot”

Friend March 2020 “Your General Conference Notes” Color the pictures when you hear the items mentioned in the talks. Write in the speech bubbles other words you hear. Draw the speakers behind the podiums. Color the special bookmark/image while listening to the prophet.

Friend November 2019 “Conference News” The next general conference will celebrate 200 years since Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. President Nelson invited us to get ready by reading about the First Vision. Color in each scripture icon as you read the verses from Joseph Smith—History.

Friend October 2019 “Prophets and Apostles” Color the pictures during general conference of the people who speak, or after conference as you remember your favorite talks. Color a heart every time you hear someone mention Jesus. He loves you!

Friend September 2019 “Funstuff: Go for Four this Conference” Whenever you hear one of the words in the list, take turns writing your letter (X or O) in one of the circles on the bottom row. See who can build four in a row first.

Friend April 2019 “Conference Building Blocks” Fill in the temple building blocks with numbers from the list. During conference, when you see or hear something from your list, place a marker (like a bean or candy) on that block.

Friend March 2019 “While You’re Watching Conference” Color in each space as you hear the words in the spaces during conference.

Friend October 2018 “Funstuff”  “Conference Hearts: Each time you feel loved or hear the word “love,” color a heart.” “Conference Words: Write down a word to help you remember what a talk was about. For example, if someone speaks about faith, write “faith” in a bubble.”

Friend May 2018 “Our Prophets and Apostles Today” Match the picture with the names and facts about each leader, or tape the top of the picture to the facts about the leader and flip it up and learn more about them during conference.

Friend March 2018 “Pitch Your Tent” Cutout to build a tent like King Benjamin’s people. Children put strips of paper in the tent of things learned during conference.

Friend October 2017 “Conference Quest” Fill in the empty spaces along the path with words from the list, or think of your own. When a speaker says the next word on your path, move a coin or bead forward.

Friend April 2017 Draw lines from the picture of the speaker to what they are speaking about. If a topic isn’t already on the page, write it in!

Friend March 2017 Put a penny or bean on a square each time you hear that word in a talk. Whenever you reach five times on a word, you could switch out the pile with a five-cent coin or different-colored bean.

Friend May 2019 “Cover” Find items in the illustration of a family watching conference.

Friend November 2016 “Show & Tell”  Make cereal necklaces while watching conference (could put one on every time hear a certain word-like prayer). Set up a small tent in living room to watch conference in like King Benjamin’s people did.

Friend April 2015
Friend April 2015

Friend April 2016 “Bulletin Board” Play Conference “I-Spy”! How many of these scenes can you see while watching general conference this month?

Friend April 2016 “Conference Words” As you listen or watch conference, circle or cover (with a small object) the words of the pictures you hear.

Friend April 2016

Friend May 2021 “Find It” Emma and Lily love to draw temples when they watch conference with their grandparents. How does your family watch conference? Can you find the hidden objects?

Friend March 2022 “General Conference Fun!”

Friend October 2022 We made a collage from old Church magazines while we listened to conference. It helped us feel the Spirit and was a lot of fun! (see image at link)

New Era March 2019 “General Conference Notebook” Sixteen pages of conference note taking ideas.

For the Strength of Youth March 2023 “General Conference Notebook” Eight pages of conference note taking ideas



Conference Activity

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Conference Game

Preparation

  • Print and cut out the visual aids. The visuals come from the March 2012 Friend “Getting to Know Our Church Leaders”.
  • Using a utility knife, cut along the dotted line on each chair. Using 15 different colored markers or 15 different colored pieces of paper, put a different color on the back of the bottom tab on each photo. Put a square of matching color on the back of each matching chair just above the slit.
  • Tape each chair to a piece of 30″x20″ foam board using double-sided removable tape or sticky tac. Sticky tac the pictures of the apostles and prophet to a separate heavy sheet of paper.

 

Music Time Game Idea 

The object of the game is to match the prophet and apostle’s pictures to their correct chairs.  Have a volunteer pick a picture. Have them slide the tab of the picture into a chair slit. The child can they check the back to see if it is correct by looking to see if the colors on the tab and chair match. If they get a match they can choose a song to sing, or you may have specific songs you want them to sing written on the back of each chair, or a list of songs written on the board they can choose from.

Note: This activity can be used in a variety of ways for music or sharing time. Check out intheleafytreetopsthebirdssing.blogspot  for the clever ways she adapted and used the visuals.  She also has wonderful visuals for the song “Latter Day Prophets”, which includes the new part with President Monson.


Lesson 10: King Benjamin

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Lesson 10
King Benjamin

Preparation

  • Print one copy of the large crossword puzzle and clues from pdf or word and cut out each clue and title. (Or print one copy of the smaller Crossword Puzzle and Clues per child and one copy of the section titles pdf or word.) The crossword puzzle is from the Friend, September 2000, Funstuff.
  •  Items needed: pencils, a marker, a Book of Mormon for each child, magnets or tape, and the Gospel Art Picture “King Benjamin Addresses His People”.

Scripture Story Introduction

Briefly review the previous week’s lesson. Explain that after Enos died, the records of the people were passed down from generation to generation. The Nephites had many battles with the Lamanites through the generations. The Lord warned a Nephite named Mosiah to flee out of the land with as many as would listen to the voice of the Lord. The people fled until they came to a land called the Land of Zarahemla. They discovered a people there called the people of Zarahemla (or Mulekites). The people of Zarahemla had been brought by the hand of the Lord to the promised land. They had come out of Jerusalem at the time King Zedekiah of Judah was carried away captive into Babylon. The Mulekite’s language and religious beliefs had become altered because they had brought no records with them. Mosiah had them taught his language. The people of Zarahemla and the people of Mosiah united. Mosiah was appointed their king.

After King Mosiah died, his son King Benjamin ruled. King Benjamin was a righteous king. King Benjamin ruled the people for many years. When he became old, he called his people together to speak to them and to confer the kingdom upon his son Mosiah. (Display the picture of King Benjamin addressing his people.)

Scripture Story Activity
Hand out a crossword puzzle, crossword puzzle clues (or use the enlarged version of the clues and puzzle and post them on the board when indicated in the lesson),  pencil, and a Book of Mormon to each child. Explain to the children that as they do the crossword puzzle they will learn more about King Benjamin and about his final address to his people.

Instructions: Attach the section title to the board (go in the order given) and read it to the class; also read any explanation that goes with it. Either post the enlarged version of the clues below it (one at a time and in the order given), or have a volunteer read out loud the crossword puzzle clue from their own list. Have a child try to guess what the missing word might be. Direct all the children to look up the scripture reference to see if the guess is correct. Have someone read the whole scripture out loud. Have the children fill in their crossword puzzle space with the correct answer, or have the class fill out the bigger version together on the board. Afterwards, read any further explanations that are given about the answer in the sections below.

King Benjamin called the people together to speak to them before he died.

King Benjamin was getting old and knew that he would die soon. He needed to confer the kingdom upon one of his sons, and he wished to speak to the people before he died. He had his son Mosiah gather the people together.

7 Down) LAND

3 Across) TEMPLE

The temple was of great spiritual consequence to the people, so it was a significant place for King Benjamin to teach and instruct the people.

12 Down) TOWER

The multitude was so great that King Benjamin had a tower built so they could hear his words.

20 Diagonally Up) WRITTEN

Many of the people still could not hear his words as he spoke from the tower, so he had his words written down and sent among the people.

What kind of man was King Benjamin?

We learn more about the kind of man and leader King Benjamin was as he begins his address to his people.

1 Across) LABORED

King Benjamin did not seek for the people’s gold or silver. He labored to serve them. He was a righteous leader.

21 Diagonally Down) COMMANDMENT

5 Across) WICKEDNESS

11 Down) PEACE

There was a serious war between the Lamanites and the Nephites, and King Benjamin was instrumental in driving the Lamanites out of the land. He also taught the Nephites to keep the commandments, and he would not suffer that they commit any manner of wickedness. Because of these things, he established peace in the land.

What are some of the things King Benjamin taught the people during his address?

19 Diagonally Down) ANOTHER

2 Across) SERVICE

Heavenly Father loves his children. When we serve others, we are helping the Lord love and care for his children. The Lord has done much for us, and we can show our love and gratitude to Heavenly Father by serving his children.

6 Across) UNPROFITABLE

The word unprofitable means running at a loss. Everything we have–including our life–our Heavenly Father has given us. The only thing we can give to God in return is our obedience. But when we are obedient, he blesses us and we are indebted to him again. We can never repay our Heavenly Father for the blessings he bestows upon us.

13 Down) HEAVENLY

8 Down) KEEP

4 Across) PROSPERED

22 Diagonally Up) CONTENTIONS

15 Down) SALVATION

An angel had appeared to King Benjamin and had told him of the Savior’s coming in great detail, including of His death and resurrection. Jesus Christ suffered and died for us that we might repent of our sins and live with Heavenly Father again.

9 Down) NAME

When each of us is born into a family, we receive a family name. Ask the children to tell what their family name is.

When we are baptized and become members of the church, we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ.  Because of Christ’s atoning sacrifice, he is the father of our spiritual rebirth and we become his sons and daughters.

Ask the children what characteristics they inherited from their parents. Tell them we can also become like Christ through our covenant to keep His commandments.

Tell the children to read the scripture in this clue again, and then tell why it is important for us to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ. (There is no other name or way where salvation can be attained.)

How did the people respond to King Benjamin’s words?

10 Down) SINS

The people of King Benjamin recognized the need for power beyond their own to overcome their sinful condition. They prayed for mercy and asked Heavenly Father to apply the atoning blood of Christ so they could be forgiven of their sins.

16 Down) REMISSION

17 Down) EVIL

The people experienced a mighty change of heart. They had no more disposition to do evil. They had a desire to convert their lives to the things of God.

14 Down) COVENANT

18 Down) SOUL

• When do we make this kind of covenant? (When we are baptized.)  King Benjamin’s people had been baptized; they were members of the church. When King Benjamin spoke to his people, they gained a greater understanding of the gospel and the atonement. They were touched by the Spirit and had a mighty change of heart.  We must also listen to the prophet, study, learn, and gain understanding so we can experience a mighty change of heart and renew and strengthen our commitment to take upon us the name of Christ.

Conclusion
• How did the people of Zarahemla respond to the call to gather to the temple to hear the words of their prophet and king?

• How do we respond to the call to hear the words of the living prophet? Do we eagerly take advantage of those opportunities to hear and read his words?

• When do we have the opportunity to hear the prophet’s words? During General Conference that is held in October and April.

• Where can we read the prophet’s words? Show the children a copy of the Friend magazine and explain that there is a message from the prophet, or one of his counselors, at the beginning of each magazine. We can also read their words in other church magazines.

We need to listen to and obey the living prophet’s words just as King Benjamin’s people listened to and obeyed his words. As we do this, our hearts can change, and we will have no more disposition to do evil but to do good continually.

Weekly Reading Assignment

Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: Mosiah 2:1–41 and Mosiah 5:1-8