Friend April 1986 Try to figure out what the riddle is about (missionaries). Read the rebus clues. From the list choose the word that best describes the picture and draw a line from it to the picture.
Friend February 2020 “More Important than Basketball” Game: Play this game to practice sharing the gospel! Cut out the squares and crumple them into balls. Set a bowl at the end of a table or desk. Then take turns shooting the balls into the bowl. When a ball lands in the bowl, open the paper and read the question. Practice answering it as if you were talking to someone who wants to learn more about the Church.
Friend July 1986 Game: Children practice teaching and giving talks.
Sharing the Gospel Now
Friend July 2019 “Coloring Page: Jesus Wants Me to Share the Gospel”
Missionaries Share the Gospel All Around the World
Friend July 2021 “Draw the Town” Missionaries share the gospel all around the world. These missionaries are walking around town looking for people to teach. Pick a town below, then draw it in! Add some people for them to teach too.
Friend June 2019 “Find It” Maria and Daniel are from the Philippines. Their grandmother tells them about the missionary who baptized her. Find nine things below that Maria and Daniel might use on a mission someday.
Friend April 2020 “Learning about the Restoration “The missionaries are teaching this family about how the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored. Find the items below that represent parts of the Restoration.
Just for Fun
Friend Jan 1981 Find words that are often associated with missionary work.
Write the text from Romans 1:16 on the board, replacing a few words with blanks. Ask the children to look up the scripture and fill in the blanks. Invite children to share what “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ” means to them.
To live unashamed of the gospel means we proclaim it, but it also means we apply it to our lives and show we believe it. Got Questions
Heavenly Father Wants Us to Share the Gospel
Friend October 2022 “Gathering Heavenly Father’s Children” Most of Heavenly Father’s children don’t know about His plan. They don’t know about Jesus Christ. They don’t know they can be baptized or sealed to their families. Heavenly Father wants us to help gather His children so they can come home to Him.
John Whitmer and Peter Whitmer Jr. were David Whitmer’s brothers. Like David, they wanted to know how they could help the Lord. He asked them to help “bring souls unto” Him.
Ask the children to describe something that is important or valuable to them (such as a toy, book, or game). Read Doctrine and Covenants 15:6 or 16:6, and ask the children to raise their hands when they hear what the Lord said is of “most worth.”
With the children, make a list of ways they can help someone follow Jesus Christ, such as being friends to others, sharing the scriptures with a friend, or praying for someone in need.
Friend July 2021 “Dear Friends” I enjoyed the activity to blow the sheep to Jesus from the Come, Follow Me ideas (Sept. 2020). Ari S., age 4, Texas, USA
Friend February 2021 “Jesus Shared the Gospel” People are hungry when their body needs food. They are hungry in a different way when they need to hear the gospel. One day thousands of people came to see Jesus. Jesus fed them all with just five loaves of bread and a few fish. The next day, the people came to Jesus again. Jesus told them to look for a different kind of bread. “I am the bread of life,” He said. If people find Him and His gospel, their spirits will never be hungry again.
Friend January 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Pass the Apple: Sing “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35) In the vision of the tree of life, the fruit on the tree represents the love of God (see 1 Nephi 11:21–22). The fruit was so delicious that Lehi wanted to share it with everyone. Get a piece of paper for each person and an apple or other round fruit. Roll each paper lengthwise into a cone and tape it in place. Now sit in a circle. Put the apple in one cone and pass it from cone to cone around the circle. What’s something good you can share with others?
Jesus Christ wants Us to Help gather His people before He comes again.
After reading Doctrine and Covenants 29:1–2, act out the analogy of Christ gathering His people “as a hen gathereth her chickens.” One child could pretend to be the hen and choose a corner of the room to stand in. When he or she “clucks,” have all the children gather around him or her. Children could take turns being the hen. Hold up a picture of the Savior and invite the children to gather to Him. Share with the children how Jesus helps us when we gather to Him.
Friend March 2024 “The Hen and the Baby Chicks” Clara helped her dad pick out a hen to care for some baby chicks they had bought. She watched as the hen lifted up her wing and the baby chicks disappeared under it. Her dad explained that that was the way the hen protects and keeps the baby chicks safe and warm. Her dad shared the scripture of Jesus gathering us and protecting us and caring for us just like a hen gathers her chickens under her wings.
What did the Lord say we must do to be gathered by Him?
We “gather Israel” when we help other people learn about the gospel. Jesus taught about this gathering in 3 Nephi 20–22.
Give each person a piece of paper and ask them to write down any name that comes to mind.
Everyone should close their eyes while one person hides the papers.
Read 3 Nephi 20:18 and 39–40 out loud. How can you help other people learn about Jesus?
While listening to a song about Jesus, invite everyone to help find the names and put them by a picture of the Savior.
Discussion: How does it make you feel to know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know each person by name?
Friend May 2022 “Gathering Israel”Gathering Israel means helping bring God’s children back to Him. How can you help people come closer to God? Cut out the pieces, Glue to heavy paper or craft sticks, and put the puzzle together.
Scatter the small pictures of people or papers with names around the room. Ask for a volunteer. When you say “go,” have the volunteer gather as many “people” (pictures or pieces of paper) as possible in a specified amount of time (about five seconds, or the amount of time it takes the other children to count slowly to five). Count how many people the child was able to gather.
Ask the children if more people could be gathered if the child had help. Scatter the pictures or papers around the room again, and ask for a second volunteer. Have the two children gather as many people as possible in the same amount of time as before. Count how many people the two children were able to gather.
How many people did one child gather? How many people did two children gather?
How many people do you think could be gathered if the whole class worked together?
Display the picture of Joseph Smith.
Explain that after the Book of Mormon had been printed and the Church was organized, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ wanted everyone to hear the gospel and have the opportunity to become a member of the Church.
Help the children look up Doctrine and Covenants 133:37, and ask a child to read the verse aloud. Explain that this verse is part of a revelation given to Joseph Smith in 1831, the year after the Church was organized.
To whom does the gospel need to be preached?
How long do you think it would take for one person to teach the gospel to everyone on the earth?
Explain that Joseph Smith knew it would be impossible for him to teach the gospel to everyone by himself. He needed others to help him. Just as two children were able to gather more pictures (or pieces of paper) than one child was, more members of the Church working to share the gospel would be able to teach more people than Joseph alone could teach.
This verse explains that John ate a book that represented his mission to gather Israel. What does the symbolism of eating suggest about how we should approach our role in gathering Israel or doing other things the Lord wants us to do? Here are some other scriptures in which eating is used to teach a spiritual truth: John 6:48–51; 2 Nephi 32:3; Moroni 4. Perhaps you could make a favorite family dish to eat together during this discussion.
Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. (Younger children)
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 One sign that Jesus will return soon is that His gospel is being preached throughout the world. The children can help fulfill this prophecy by sharing the gospel.
Show a map, globe, or picture of the earth (see Gospel Art Book, no. 3) and help the children say, “This Gospel … shall be preached in all the world” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31). Why does God want all of His children to hear His gospel?
Invite the children to march in place as you sing together a song about sharing the gospel, such as “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” or “Called to Serve” (Children’s Songbook, 168, 174).
Show the video “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). As the children watch, help them count the ways they can share the gospel that they see in the video. What other ways to share the gospel can they think of?
Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. (Older children)
Invite the children to share blessings they have received or will receive because they are members of Christ’s Church. Read together Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31, and ask the children how they feel the gospel will bless God’s children throughout the world.
Blessings of the gospel Activity: Read the clues below (not the answer) and let the children pick which picture it is describing.
Prophet: Because of this blessing of the gospel we have the privilege to hear Gods words and direction about current issues and challenges we face. This gift is God’s living spokesman.
Book of Mormon: Because of this blessing of the gospel we know the purpose of life. We also know what we need to do to gain eternal salvation and how to live happy lives.
Temples: This blessing of the gospel allows us the opportunity to receive saving ordinances for ourselves and our dead. We can also be sealed to our family so that we can be with them forever.
Priesthood: Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive healing blessings for the sick, blessings of comfort and guidance, and have authority to act in Gods name and perform saving ordinances, such as baptism.
Baptism Because this blessing of the gospel, when performed by proper priesthood authority, we can receive a remission of our sins and enter into the gate that leads to eternal life.
Holy Ghost Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive personal revelation and guidance throughout our lives. We can also receive comfort during difficult times.
Show the children a map of the world or of your country, and help them identify some places where a family member or friend has preached the gospel on a mission.
Invite a few children to come prepared to share how their family members or their ancestors were introduced to the gospel.
Ask each child to write the name of someone he or she can talk to about Jesus Christ or invite to church. Also ask the children to list things they can do to be missionaries now.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 1” Ask the children to use this week’s activity page to make an invitation they could use to invite a friend or family member to learn more about Jesus Christ. (Maybe include it in a Friend magazine or a Book of Mormon)
Story: Jesus Christ said that before He comes again, the gospel will be preached to all the world (see Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31). We can help get ready for the Second Coming by sharing the gospel with others.
Song: “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission” (Children’s Songbook, 169)
Activity: Make your own missionary name tag! Write your name on a piece of paper and cut it out. On the back, write one thing you can do to share the gospel now. Pin or tape your name tag to your shirt.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 20-25” Isaiah said that the Lord would set up an “ensign for the nations” to help people gather to Him (see 2 Nephi 21:11–12). Help your children understand that an ensign is like a flag. Perhaps they would enjoy drawing their own flag. They could include pictures or words that represent reasons they come to Jesus Christ and His Church. Let them talk about their flags, and help them think of how they can help others “gather” to Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 1” Ask the children to use this week’s activity page to make an invitation they could use to invite a friend or family member to learn more about Jesus Christ. (Maybe include it in a Friend magazine or a Book of Mormon)
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 20-25” After reading 2 Nephi 22:4–5 together, you might talk with your children about some of the “excellent things” the Lord has done. What are some of the Lord’s “doings among [us]” that we can declare? To help your children think about this question, you might sing together a song about the Savior, like “I Believe in Christ” (Hymns, no. 134). You could take turns completing a sentence like this one: “I believe in Christ; He _____.” How can we help other people know about what the Savior has done for us?
Children love to share what they know with others. Help them understand that when they share what they know about the gospel, Heavenly Father is pleased with them.
Explain that the Lord asked the Prophet Joseph Smith and other Church leaders to travel from Kirtland, Ohio, to Jackson County, Missouri. He asked them to preach the gospel along the way and as they returned home. Read Doctrine and Covenants 62:3, and ask the children to listen for what the missionaries did that pleased the Lord. Testify that the Lord is pleased with us when we share the gospel with others.
Help the children make badges that show they want to be missionaries of the Church. Let them wear their badges and practice sharing their testimonies with each other.
Sing together a song about sharing the gospel, such as “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168). Help the children think of what they could say if someone asked them what they love about Jesus Christ and His Church. Invite them to draw pictures of things they love about Christ’s gospel.
Show the picture Christ and Children from around the World (Gospel Art Book, no. 116) as you read Acts 10:34–35. Explain that in Peter’s time some people believed that the blessings of the gospel were not for everyone. But Peter learned that God loves all of His children and He wants all of them to learn the gospel.
Friend May 2022 “Gathering Israel”Gathering Israel means helping bring God’s children back to Him. How can you help people come closer to God? Cut out the pieces, Glue to heavy paper or craft sticks, and put the puzzle together.
Invite the children to draw a picture of themselves. As they share their pictures, talk about something you love about each child. Share your testimony that Heavenly Father loves each of them and all of His children, no matter what they look like or where they are from.
Friend July 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones”With your little ones, look at pictures of children with different skin colors, body types, and physical abilities. Explain that Heavenly Father loves all His children. Help your little ones make a heart with their hands and hold it next to the pictures.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 26-30” To teach your children about the Savior’s invitations in these verses, you might talk with them about times they invited people to a special event, like a birthday party. Then you could read 2 Nephi 26:23–28 together and find out what Jesus is inviting us to do. Your children might like to create a card inviting someone to come unto Jesus Christ. Encourage them to use a phrase from these verses in their invitation.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 26-30” The painting at the end of this outline shows people from many backgrounds. Maybe your children could look at this picture as you read 2 Nephi 26:33. You could repeat the phrase “Jesus invites all to come unto Him” as your children point to each person in the picture—and then to themselves. How do we come unto Jesus?
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 26-30” Display pictures of people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds (you may find some in Church magazines). Ask the children to describe some of the details they see in the pictures. Open the scriptures to 2 Nephi 26:33 and read, “[Jesus Christ] inviteth them all to come unto him.” Repeat this phrase with the children as you point to each picture. Then point to each child and say, “Jesus Christ invites you to come unto Him.” What can we do to come unto the Savior?
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 26-30 Read 2 Nephi 26:33 with the children, and help them make a list of who, according to this verse, is invited to “partake of [the Lord’s] goodness.” (You may need to explain that “the heathen” are those who don’t believe in God.) Invite them to add their own names to the list. How do we partake of the Lord’s goodness? Invite the children to draw a picture of Jesus with many different children.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Acts 10-15”For generations, the Jews had believed that being of “the seed of Abraham,” or a literal descendant of Abraham, meant that a person was accepted and chosen by God (see Luke 3:8). They considered anyone else an “unclean” Gentile who was not accepted by God. In Acts 10, what did the Lord teach Peter about who “is accepted with him”? (Acts 10:35). What evidence do you find in this chapter that Cornelius’s life was acceptable to the Lord? Ponder what is meant by the statement “God is no respecter of persons” (verse 34; see also 1 Nephi 17:35). Why is it important to you to know this truth?
Ask the children if they can tell what someone is like just by looking at them or guessing where they are from. According to Acts 10:35, how does God determine if someone is “accepted with him”?
Read Acts 10:34–35; 15:6–11 with the children. Explain that in Peter’s time, Jews believed that God did not accept people who weren’t Jews (these people were called Gentiles). But God taught Peter that God loves all of His children, both Jews and Gentiles. Sing together “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3). Invite the children to substitute each other’s names for words like I or me.
Invite the children to share something unique about someone else in the class. Explain that the statement “God is no respecter of persons” means that Heavenly Father loves all His children, and because He loves them, He wants all of His children to hear the gospel.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Acts 10-15”Like the Jews who looked down on those who were not of the seed of Abraham, do you ever catch yourself making unkind or uninformed assumptions about someone who is different from you? How can you overcome this tendency? It might be interesting to try a simple activity for the next few days: Whenever you interact with someone, try to think to yourself, “This person is a child of God.” As you do this, what changes do you notice in the way you think about and interact with others?
Liahona July 2023 “God Loves All His Children”General Authorities come from different lands. About half come from the United States. Others come from Central and South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, Mexico, and Canada.
Can you name an Apostle who was born in Europe?
Can you name an Apostle from South America?
Can you name an Apostle whose parents came from Sweden and Finland?
Can you name an Apostle whose family originally came from China?
We may come from different places, but God loves us all.
Discussion: In what ways might we be the same or different from other people? Does God love us based on what we look like or where we come from? Review the story of Peter and Cornelius found in Acts 10. What did they learn about judging others? What characteristics are important to the Lord?
I Can Help Gather God’s People.
I can help Heavenly Father’s children come back to Him.
While you read Jeremiah 16:16, invite the children to pretend to fish or hunt. Explain that the fishers and hunters in this verse can represent missionaries. Invite the children to pretend to be missionaries. What do missionaries do? How can we help them?
Create a matching game using this week’s activity page. When a child finds matching pictures, talk about what that picture shows we can do to help Heavenly Father’s children return to Him.
Read together Jeremiah 16:14, and ask the children to share details they remember about how “the Lord … brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt” (see Exodus 14). Invite them to read Jeremiah 16:15 to find out what event Jeremiah said would be even more memorable than that. Explain that Israel was scattered throughout the earth, but God promised to gather them back to Him and His Church. This is called the gathering of Israel. How is this similar to delivering people out of captivity?
Share this statement from President Russell M. Nelson: “Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel” (Russell M. Nelson and Wendy W. Nelson, “Hope of Israel” [worldwide youth devotional, June 3, 2018], supplement to the New Era and Ensign, Aug. 2018, 15, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How can we help gather Israel?
Sing together a song about missionary work, such as “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission” or “Called to Serve” (Children’s Songbook, 169, 174), or show the video “Your Day for a Mission” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children what they learn from the song or the video about why someone would choose to serve a mission.
Growing, Growing, Every Day As members of Jesus Christ’s restored Church, we are responsible to help grow the kingdom of God on earth. Matthew 13:31–32 says:
“The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
“Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree.”
Sit in a circle and curl up small like a tiny mustard seed.
Have everyone take turns naming an activity they might do each day to help the Church grow (bear their testimony, share a scripture on social media, share a gospel truth with a friend, etc.).
Each time someone mentions an activity that helps the Church grow, everyone sits up a little straighter and then begins to stand up until they are standing tall.
Discuss with your family why it is important for each person to do his or her part to contribute to the Church’s growth.
Ask a child to read Acts 3:1–10 while the other children act out the story. (For help, see “Chapter 56: Peter Heals a Man,” in New Testament Stories, 148–49, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) You could also show the video “Peter and John Heal a Man Crippled Since Birth” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How was the blessing this man received greater than the money he asked for?
Pass around a bag of coins. As the children hold the bag, ask them what they can buy with money. Ask the children what we have to give others that does not cost money. Invite them to share how they can help others come closer to the Savior—a gift that does not require money (Acts 3:6).
Read John 21:15–17, or show the video “Feed My Sheep” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Help the children understand what Jesus wanted Peter to do: share the gospel and invite everyone to believe in Jesus.
Be a good example by attending church, using clean language, obeying the commandments, being honest, praying, studying the scriptures, living what you learn, and obeying your parents and the laws of the land.
Bear testimony to members and nonmembers.
Help others choose the right when they are tempted.
Talk about the gospel to people who don’t know about it.
Pray and study the scriptures to grow closer to the Lord.
Help the children think of things they are doing to love and serve others. What else can we do to show our love?
Write the name of every child in your class on pieces of paper cut into the shape of sheep, and scatter these sheep around the room. (Include the names of children who don’t attend regularly.) Invite the children to gather the sheep by finding the one with their name on it. Help the children think of ways they can reach out to a friend who doesn’t come to church.
Show the children the treat you brought. Point out how wonderful and mouth watering it looks. Take a bite and describe the texture and flavor; tell them how delicious it is. Ask the children how they would feel if you ate the treat in front of them and didn’t share.
Show the treats with the gospel blessing labels attached. Explain to the children that the labeled treats represent the many blessings they enjoy because they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Read the labels to the children. Ask if it would be fair or right if we kept the blessings of the gospel to ourselves and didn’t share with anyone else.
Tell the children that you brought treats to share with each of them. Ask how that makes them feel.
Read John 21:1–17 together. When you read verses 9–13, ask the children to think about a time when someone made a special meal for them, and invite them to think about ways that Jesus feeds us spiritually. When you read verses 15–17, replace Simon’s name with names of the children.
Be a good example by attending church, using clean language, obeying the commandments, being honest, praying, studying the scriptures, living what you learn, and obeying your parents and the laws of the land.
Bear testimony to members and nonmembers.
Help others choose the right when they are tempted.
Talk about the gospel to people who don’t know about it.
Pray and study the scriptures to grow closer to the Lord.
Share a simple snack with the children. As they are eating, ask them how sharing the gospel with someone is like feeding them.
Show the children the treat you brought. Point out how wonderful and mouth watering it looks. Take a bite and describe the texture and flavor; tell them how delicious it is. Ask the children how they would feel if you ate the treat in front of them and didn’t share.
Show the treats with the gospel blessing labels attached. Explain to the children that the labeled treats represent the many blessings they enjoy because they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Read the labels to the children. Ask if it would be fair or right if we kept the blessings of the gospel to ourselves and didn’t share with anyone else.
Tell the children that you brought treats to share with each of them. Ask how that makes them feel.
Story: After Jesus was resurrected, He told His disciples to “teach all nations” about His gospel (Matthew 28:19). Today missionaries share the gospel all over the world.
Song: “We’ll Bring the World His Truth” (Children’s Songbook, 172–73)
Activity: Look through this copy of the Friend. How many country names can you find? Pick a country to learn more about. You can start with “Hello from Portugal!” on page 18.
The parable of the wheat and the tares is about “the last days, even now” (Doctrine and Covenants 86:4). Use this parable to help the children feel inspired to take part in “the gathering of the wheat” (verse 7).
Tell the children the parable of the wheat and the tares, or invite a child to tell it (see Matthew 13:24–30). Invite the children to draw a picture of something from the parable. Then read together Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7, and invite the children to write on their drawings what the thing they drew represents.
Prepare several small pictures or drawings of wheat, and hide them around the room. Invite each child to help gather the wheat and write on it the name of someone they can “gather” to Jesus Christ. What does it mean to gather people to Jesus Christ? What are some ways we can do this? What does it mean to “continue in [the Savior’s] goodness,” and how does that help us gather people to Him? (Doctrine and Covenants 86:11).
What words and phrases do you find in Doctrine and Covenants 75:1–12 that help you understand how to preach the gospel effectively? (See verses 4, 10, 11) What blessings does the Lord promise to faithful missionaries? (See verses 5, 13, 16.)
The idea of being a missionary someday can be exciting but also intimidating for some children. Doctrine and Covenants 84:88 can teach them how Heavenly Father helps those He sends forth to preach His gospel.
Help the children think of missionaries they know. Tell them that Heavenly Father has made a special promise to missionaries. Read Doctrine and Covenants 84:88, and help the children think of actions that go with the promises in this verse. Tell about a time when you were serving the Lord and felt that He was with you, as described in verse 88.
Share the story of the four-year-old boy in Elder Takashi Wada’s message “Feasting upon the Words of Christ” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 38–40). Help each child think of something they could say to share their testimony with someone—such as sharing an article of faith. Ask each child to pretend to share the gospel with a friend. Testify that Heavenly Father helps us know what to say when we talk with others about the gospel.
Friend August 2017 “Spreading the Gospel” Elder Woodruff’s experiences teaching the gospel in England, and Brigham Young’s experience of always having enough money in his trunk for their journey.
These verses contain promises the Lord made to those He called to preach the gospel. These promises can also inspire the children as they share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
Group the children into pairs, and give each pair a few verses to read from Doctrine and Covenants 84:64–72, 81–88. Invite them to search for promises the Lord gives to those who share the gospel. Ask them to share what they learned with the class. Help the children think of people they know, or people in the scriptures, who received the Lord’s help when preaching the gospel (such as Samuel the Lamanite [see Helaman 13:2–4; 16:6–7] or Ammon [see Alma 17:32–38]). Share an experience when you felt the Lord’s support while you were serving Him.
Bring cups or other similar containers to class. Write on slips of paper ways the children can be missionaries now, and place each slip of paper in a cup. Group the cups close together, open end up, on the floor. Invite the children to take turns tossing a small object into one of the cups and then acting out what is on the paper in that cup. How can Heavenly Father help us when we share the gospel with others, even when it may be hard or we feel nervous?
Help the children see that we are all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because of missionary work—missionaries either taught the gospel to us, our parents, or our ancestors. Tell the children about how missionaries helped you or your ancestors receive the gospel. Let the children share similar experiences. Encourage them to ask their parents how the first Church members in their families learned about the gospel.
Make a paper lily to remind you of Heavenly Father’s love and care. Trace your hand on a piece of paper and cut it out. Roll the hand shape into a cone. Then roll each “finger” around a pencil to curl the paper outward for the petals. If you want, you can tape your flower to a stick to make a stem.
When Enoch was called to preach the gospel, he worried that he would fail. But God helped him do great things.
Ask the children to share a time when they were asked to do something that was hard or scary for them. Share the story of Enoch’s call to be a prophet, found in Moses 6:27, 31–34 (see also “Enoch the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories). Emphasize that although Enoch did not feel ready to be a prophet, God promised to help him. Help the children understand some ways God helps us when we are asked to do hard things.
Share some scriptural examples of when God helped people do difficult things—for example, Noah building the ark, David fighting Goliath, Ammon defending the king’s flocks, or Samuel the Lamanite preaching. (For pictures and scripture references, see Gospel Art Book, nos. 7, 19, 78, 81.) Share an experience when the Lord helped you do something difficult.
Read Moses 6:26–34 with the children. Why did Enoch feel that he couldn’t preach the gospel? (see Moses 6:31). How did God help Enoch? (see Moses 6:32–34; 7:13).
Invite the children to name some difficult things that children their age sometimes do (such as completing an assignment for school, being kind to someone who is unkind, or telling the truth when they have made a mistake). Help the children find phrases in Moses 6:32–34 that can help them. Ask the children to share a time when God helped them do something difficult. Share your own experiences too.
Parley P. Pratt had been a member of the Church for about a month when he was called “into the wilderness” to preach the gospel (Doctrine and Covenants 32:2). Thomas B. Marsh had been a member for even less time than that when he was told, “The hour of your mission is come” (Doctrine and Covenants 31:3). Orson Pratt, Edward Partridge, and many others had likewise barely been baptized when their mission calls came. Perhaps this timing was all of necessity—in the fall of 1830, no one had been a member of the Church for more than six months. But there’s also a lesson in this pattern for us today: if you know enough to accept the restored gospel by baptism, you know enough to share it with others. Of course we always want to increase our gospel knowledge, but God has never hesitated to call upon the “unlearned” to preach His gospel (Doctrine and Covenants 35:13). In fact, He invites all of us, “Open your mouth to declare my gospel” (Doctrine and Covenants 30:5). And we do that best not through our own wisdom and experience but “by the power of [the] Spirit” (Doctrine and Covenants 35:13).
One purpose of the Book of Mormon is “that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord” (Doctrine and Covenants 3:20). This was consistent with promises the Lord made to many Book of Mormon prophets (see, for example, 1 Nephi 13:34–41; Enos 1:11–18; Helaman 15:12–13). Early Church members considered the American Indians to be descendants of the Book of Mormon people. (The official position of the Church today is that the Lamanites “are among the ancestors of the American Indians” [introduction to the Book of Mormon].)
To read more about Oliver’s mission to nearby American Indian tribes, see “A Mission to the Lamanites” (Revelations in Context, 45–49). What does this mission teach you about the Lord and His work?
Friend August 2017 “Spreading the Gospel” Elder Woodruff’s experiences teaching the gospel in England, and Brigham Young’s experience of always having enough money in his trunk for their journey.
In June 1831, Joseph Smith held a conference with the elders of the Church in Kirtland. There, the Lord organized some of the elders into companionships and sent them to Jackson County, Missouri, with this charge: “Preach by the way” (Doctrine and Covenants 52:10).
Many of the elders did so diligently, but others did not. So when the time came to travel back to Kirtland, the Lord said, “With some [elders] I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man” (Doctrine and Covenants 60:2).
We’ve all had experiences when we could have shared the gospel with someone, but for some reason, we didn’t. As you read the Lord’s words to early missionaries who failed to “open their mouths,” think about your own opportunities to share the gospel. How is your testimony of the gospel like a “talent,” or a treasure from God? In what ways do we sometimes “hide [our] talent”? [How can we share our “talent” and “treasure”?](Doctrine and Covenants 60:2; see also Matthew 25:14–30).
Friend December 1991 “I Have a Testimony of Jesus Christ” One possible way to use this activity would be to have each child choose a testimony card below and write or think about what their testimony is about that that topic. Then have them share their testimony (if they would like to). Could also have them work in pairs so it’s easier to share together. (For little ones you could use pictures instead of the testimony cards.) Help the children understand that their testimonies are gifts and treasures that can be shared with others
We bear testimony not only in words but in the way we act—even in the way we dress. Write out a role-play situation for each class to help the children see that there are many times when they can share their testimonies. Give the classes a few minutes to prepare their role plays; then present them. Possible situations:
You are playing with a group of friends. Two of you are wearing CTR rings. One of the other children asks what the letters mean.
You have a friend who is ill or injured, and you visit her. She is very discouraged. What can you say to help her understand that Heavenly Father loves her and will bless her?
Two of your friends at school are talking about a child who is new in your class. They think that he dresses strangely, and they don’t want to play with him. You think that you should follow what Jesus taught and be a friend. What can you say to them? How can you include him?
Your family listened to a talk by President Gordon B. Hinckley. He said that every member of the Church needs a friend, a responsibility, and nurture (spiritual nourishment) with the good word of God. A family who lives not too far from you has just joined the Church. They have children your age. As you ride home in the car, you start to discuss what you might do for this family, since you have a testimony that President Hinckley is a prophet.
Your class has been asked to give a Sharing Time presentation about prayer. Have you or has someone in your family had an experience in which your prayers were answered? Ask if two or three class members would like to briefly share their experiences, their testimonies that prayers are answered.
You have a friend who has a serious problem. You know that reading the scriptures would help her. What could you tell her?
A repairman comes to your house and sees a Book of Mormon sitting on the table. He asks what it is about. What would you tell him?
In conclusion, thank the children and remind them that we can share our testimonies in testimony meeting, when we give talks, when we sing, when we interact with our friends, whenever we are prompted to by the Spirit, and by our examples.
The other day I had a friend over who is not a member of the Church. He saw a picture of Jesus on our refrigerator, and told me that he did not believe that Jesus was real. I said, “Jesus is real, and I believe in Him!” I then told him that Jesus really lived on this earth a long time ago and that He died, but on the third day He was resurrected. I told him that because of Jesus, we will be able to live again after we die too.
My friend listened to what I was saying as he looked at the picture of Jesus. He seemed to believe that what I was telling him was true. I want to give him a Book of Mormon with my testimony written in it for his birthday. I know this Church is true, and I am thankful when I can share my testimony with my friends. (Brigham P., age 6, Montana)
A child’s testimony can be as powerful as an adult’s, because the power of testimony comes not from a person’s age or experience but from the Holy Ghost. Help the children gain confidence that they can open their mouths and share with others what they know is true.
What blessings did the Lord promise in Doctrine and Covenants 60:7; 62:3, 9 to those who share His gospel? How does sharing the gospel bless others? Consider sharing an experience from your life when you shared the gospel—what blessings came from your efforts? Invite the children to share any experiences they have had. You could also sing a song about missionary work, such as “Go Forth with Faith” (Hymns, no. 263), and talk about the blessings mentioned in the song.
Help the children role-play situations in which they might share the gospel with their friends. For example, what would they say if someone asked them why they go to church? Or what if a friend saw them wearing a CTR ring or reading the Book of Mormon and asked questions? What would they say?
Ask one child to read Isaiah 40:3 while the other children each read one of the following passages and look for similar words and phrases: Mark 1:3–4 (John the Baptist); Alma 7:9 (Alma); Doctrine and Covenants 33:10–11 (latter-day missionaries). Help them identify who is preparing “the way of the Lord” in each passage. How did these people prepare the way of the Lord? What can we do to help?
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 40-49”To explore what it might mean to “prepare … the way of the Lord,” your family could straighten something that’s crooked, clear a cluttered floor, or make a clear path in rocky ground. You could also show pictures of John the Baptist and Joseph Smith (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 35, 87). How did they prepare the way for the Lord’s coming?
If you get something straight, you make sure that you understand it properly or that someone else does.
You are playing with a group of friends. Two of you are wearing CTR rings. One of the other children asks what the letters mean.
You have a friend who is ill or injured, and you visit her. She is very discouraged. What can you say to help her understand that Heavenly Father loves her and will bless her?
A repairman comes to your house and sees a Book of Mormon sitting on the table. He asks what it is about. What would you tell him?
While we’ll all experience stumbling blocks in life, we can make a straight path to Christ for ourselves and others by removing what obstacles we can. We can be dedicated to making our wards and branches welcoming places for all types of people from all walks of life. We can address concerns, answer questions, and sit with someone through doubt until they’re ready to take another step. (LDS Daily “What It Means to Make the Lord’s Path Straight”)
Draw a path on the board, and read with the children Isaiah 40:3–5. Ask the children to list obstacles that might prevent people from following the Savior, and invite them to draw obstacles on the path. Let them erase the obstacles as you talk about ways we can help people overcome them.
Suggestions might include the following: not understanding things that are being taught in Primary, not knowing anyone at church, never having prayed before, never having read the scriptures before, not knowing anything about Jesus, not understanding what the sacrament is for, not believing that Heavenly Father and Jesus could appear to Joseph Smith, etc.
4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 40–49” The Lord reminded the Israelites that they had witnessed many great things that He had done for them. He wanted them (and all of us) to be His witnesses, helping others know of His power and goodness.
Tell the children about something you have witnessed. Help them think of things they have experienced that they can tell each other about or be a “witness” of—for example, a delicious food they have tasted, a place they have visited, or a person they know. Read to the children from Isaiah 43:10: “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen.” Tell the children that when we are baptized we promise to be a witness of Jesus Christ (see Mosiah 18:9). What does it mean to be the Lord’s witness?
The other day I had a friend over who is not a member of the Church. He saw a picture of Jesus on our refrigerator, and told me that he did not believe that Jesus was real. I said, “Jesus is real, and I believe in Him!” I then told him that Jesus really lived on this earth a long time ago and that He died, but on the third day He was resurrected. I told him that because of Jesus, we will be able to live again after we die too.
My friend listened to what I was saying as he looked at the picture of Jesus. He seemed to believe that what I was telling him was true. I want to give him a Book of Mormon with my testimony written in it for his birthday. I know this Church is true, and I am thankful when I can share my testimony with my friends. (Brigham P., age 6, Montana)
Friend November 2019 “Jesus is Real” Everyone at Ismay’s table at school were excitedly talking about Christmas and their favorite traditions such as going to a church service. Suddenly Charlotte spoke up and said, “Jesus isn’t even real.” Ismay was sad to hear this and she quietly bore her testimony to Charlotte that Jesus was real, and that she felt it in her heart. She was glad she had spoken up and planted a seed about Jesus.
Ask the children to share what they know about Jesus Christ and His gospel. Show them pictures to give them ideas (for example, pictures of the Savior’s Resurrection, the Book of Mormon, the temple, and the living prophet). Invite them to talk about what they could share with others as witnesses of the Lord.
Friend July 2023 “The Garden Cleanup” The sister missionaries teach Jonah and his family about service, and then they all decide to do a service project at the overgrown school garden. They get others to help as well. Helping the missionaries was fun for Jonah. He wanted to be a missionary someday too. Until then, there were lots of ways he could serve. He could hardly wait to think of his next project!
I can share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Invite the children to try to say a phrase like “God loves you” with their mouths closed. Point out that we can’t teach people about the gospel if we don’t open our mouths. Read Doctrine and Covenants 33:8–10, and invite the children to open their mouths every time they hear the phrase “open your mouths.” Why does Heavenly Father want us to open our mouths and share the gospel with others?
Whisper something very quietly to the children, such as “Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God,” and ask them to repeat what you said. Then say the same phrase in a louder voice. Read Doctrine and Covenants 33:2. Help the children understand that “lift[ing] up [our] voices” means to not be afraid to tell others about Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, and other gospel truths.
Pick a phrase from verse 10, and invite a family member to whisper it. Other family members could try to guess the phrase. Then ask a family member to say the phrase in a loud voice. How does this activity help us understand why the Lord commands us to “lift up your voice”?
Draw a large mouth on the board, and help the children find in Doctrine and Covenants 33:8–10 the Lord’s promises to us when we open our mouths to share the gospel. Let the children write these promises on the board, and help them understand what these promises mean. Ask each child to write inside the mouth a gospel truth they can share with others.
Show a picture of a trumpet, and talk about what it means to preach the gospel “as with the sound of a trump.” How do we “lift up” our voices? (Doctrine and Covenants 33:2; 34:6).
Place paper dolls or pictures of people around the room. Invite the children to find the people and gather them to the front of the room. Read Doctrine and Covenants 33:6, and explain what it means that the Lord will “gather [His] elect.” Testify that we can help gather people to the Lord as we share the gospel.
Ask the children to share how they are preparing to serve missions someday. If they know someone (perhaps a family member) who is serving, invite them to tell about his or her experiences. Or invite missionaries, a returned missionary, or someone preparing for a mission to share his or her enthusiasm for missionary work. Share some of your experiences sharing the gospel, including experiences in your daily life.
Set up a row of dominoes (or similar items such as thin blocks of wood, slender boxes, or small books). Place them on end just far enough apart so that if one is knocked down, it will knock down the next one. As you knock the first domino down, ask the children to observe the chain reaction. Call attention to the effect of one domino upon all the others. Explain that we too may affect the lives of others in a chain reaction. By sharing the gospel with even one person, we sometimes touch the lives of many others. (You may want to remind the children of how Samuel Smith sold a Book of Mormon to Phineas Young, who gave it to his brother Brigham, who passed it on yet again. Samuel Smith’s small action of selling one Book of Mormon affected many people.)
Sing a song about sharing the gospel, such as “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168). Help the children think of ways they can help other people learn about Jesus Christ.
As you read the Lord’s promises to Thomas B. Marsh about his family, you could talk about the blessings that have come to your family because of missionary work. You could also sing a related hymn, such as “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go” (Hymns, no. 270). How has your family been blessed by sharing the gospel with others?
Sing “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168).
After Jesus Christ’s Church was restored, God called missionaries to go and teach more people about it. You can read about some of the first missionaries on page 42.
Write letters or draw pictures to send to the missionaries! You could give them to the missionaries serving in your area or send them to a missionary serving somewhere else. Talk about ways you can share the gospel too.
One way to get the children excited about the gathering is to share the story of someone who joined the Church. For example, who introduced your family to the Church? Consider asking children in advance to find out about the first member of the Church in their families and share his or her story with the class.
Invite the children to make a list of ways they can help people gather to the Savior. For example, they could invite friends or family members to a Primary activity or to a home evening with their families.
The tenth article of faith talks about the gathering of Israel. Do any of the children have this article of faith memorized? If they do, invite them to recite it for the class. If not, help them set a goal to memorize it.
Help the children act out Acts 16:25–34 as you summarize the account of Paul and Silas sharing the gospel in prison (see also “Chapter 61: Paul and Silas in Prison,” in New Testament Stories, 158–60, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Explain that missionaries today also teach people about Jesus and help them prepare to be baptized.
Create missionary name tags for the children to wear, and help them write their names on the tags.
Friend October 2015One way to become a good missionary is to try to be more like Jesus. Cut out the badges and fill in a trait you would like to practice. Maybe you could work on being “Elder Kind” or “Sister Grateful.” Put your badge where it can remind you of your goal.
Friend July 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones”Help your little ones make missionary tags with their names and the full name of the Church. Explain that missionaries teach people about Jesus. Tape the tags on and help your little ones say why they love Jesus.
Teach the children simple statements of doctrine that they can share with others, such as “I am a child of God,” “God speaks through a living prophet,” or “Jesus Christ is our Savior.” Remind the children that we don’t have to have a missionary name tag to share the gospel with others.
Invite the children to read Acts 16:14–15, 25–34; 18:7–8, 24–28 and make a list of the people Paul and Apollos shared the gospel with. Then invite them to make a list of people they can share the gospel with. Let the children role-play how they might tell these people about Jesus Christ or invite them to church. You could also invite the children to write notes bearing testimony of a gospel truth to these people.
Pass around a picture of Jesus Christ. Ask the children to take turns holding the picture and saying one thing they know about Him. What has He done for us? (Pictures in the Gospel Art Book could provide some ideas.)
Friend January 2019“Something Special to Share” Diego wants to take something special to share for Show and Tell. He decides to take a picture of Jesus and tell them that Jesus loves everyone.
Invite current full-time missionaries, returned missionaries, or ward missionaries to visit the class and tell about their experiences with sharing the gospel. Encourage the children to ask questions about how they can share the gospel with others.
To inspire your family to share the gospel, you could show one or more of the videos in the “Sharing the Gospel” section of the Gospel Library.
The Holy Ghost inspires me to share the gospel with others.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Acts 6-9” Philip followed the promptings of the Spirit and helped an Ethiopian man who was struggling to understand the scriptures. What lessons does this story hold for the children you teach?
Pull two chairs together to create a chariot. Invite two children to sit in the chariot, one to represent Philip and the other the Ethiopian man. Then tell the story of how Philip taught the gospel to the man from Ethiopia.
Share an experience in which you felt the Holy Ghost tell you to share the gospel with someone. Testify that the Holy Ghost can help us tell others about Jesus.
For the Strength of Youth July 2023 “11 Really Short Stories about Sharing the Gospel” One day I had a spiritual prompting that I should invite my best friend from school to a devotional. I wanted to ignore the prompting, but I finally sent her a text the day before. As we sat together at the devotional, I was nervous. But when the meeting was over, she had a big smile on her face. It was a reminder to me that God knows His children better than I do and that I should always follow promptings to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Eliza, Minnesota, USA)
I was in class one day sitting next to my friend. We were getting ready to take an exam, and he told me he was really nervous. I felt that I needed to teach him how to pray. Then we both bowed our heads and silently prayed for help on the test. I’m grateful prayer could help calm my friend’s nerves. (Abigail, Uruguay)
Friend February2016 President Eyring has a friend who prays every day to meet someone who is prepared to receive the gospel. One night before a short trip, he has a spiritual impression to take a Book of Mormon with him. On his flight he sits by someone who he knows, and she asks him questions about the Book of Mormon. He is able to give her his copy.
Friend July 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones” Gather your little ones and turn off the lights in a room. Use a flashlight to guide them around the room. Explain that the Holy Ghost is like a flashlight because He can guide us and show us the way.
When he met Joseph Smith, David Whitmer was a young man dedicated to his work on the family farm. But the Lord had a different labor in mind for David—though in some ways it was a bit like farming. As you read Doctrine and Covenants 14:1–4, notice how the Lord compares His work to the kind of work David was familiar with.
Help the children understand the comparisons between working in a field and participating in God’s “great and marvelous work” (verse 1). For example, reaping a harvest can symbolize bringing souls to Christ. You could show a picture of a farmer, bring farmers’ clothes for the children to try on, or discuss everyday tasks that farmers perform. Explain that David Whitmer was a farmer who wanted to know how he could help the Lord. Read Doctrine and Covenants 14:3–4 to the children, and help them discover what the Lord told David Whitmer to do. How can we help in the Lord’s work?
Have members of your family ever asked someone to write a letter of recommendation for them, such as for a job or school application? Ask them to talk about this experience. Paul taught that the lives of the Saints were like letters of recommendation for the gospel of Jesus Christ, “written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God.” As you read 2 Corinthians 3:1–3 together, discuss how our examples are like letters that can be “known and read of all men,” demonstrating the truth and worth of the gospel. Perhaps each family member could write a letter or “epistle” explaining how another family member has been a good example of a disciple of Jesus Christ. They could read their letters to the family and give them to the family member they wrote about. Why is it important to understand that our lives are “epistle[s] of Christ”? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7)
Section 86 describes the important work the Lord wants His servants to do in the latter days. One way children can help with this work is by being a light to people around them.
Read to the children the following phrase from Doctrine and Covenants 86:11: “Blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto the Gentiles [or people who don’t have the gospel].” How does light bless us? What is it like when we have no light? How can we be a light to other people who don’t know about the gospel? Help the children think of ways we can share Jesus’s goodness with others.
Ask the children to imagine that a friend is trying to walk in the dark (turn off the lights if it helps). Why is it hard to walk in the dark? What can we do to help our friend? Explain that when we follow the Savior, it’s like shining a light to show others the way to go.
The Liahona and Friend magazines often have stories about children who are good examples. Look for one to share with the children that will inspire them to be good examples too.
Sing “I Am like a Star” (Children’s Songbook, 163).
Jesus said we should be a “light” unto others (Doctrine and Covenants 86:11). That means we should be good examples to everyone.
Draw a candle on a piece of paper and color the flame on the top. Cut it out and attach it to your shirt or hang it around your neck with some string, like a necklace. With your family, talk about what you can do to be a good example.
Friend October 1999 “Let Your Light Shine” Fold in half on the vertical straight line, and glue the backs together. When the glue is dry, cut out the puzzle pieces on the heavy lines and put them into a small container. Have a family member take a puzzle piece from the container and pantomime (act out without using words or noises) what is shown on the small-picture side of it that we can do to share the gospel. Let others guess what it is, then show the picture and post the puzzle piece, candle-side up. Repeat till the puzzle is finished. Remember, each good thing we do helps our light shine.
Friend November 2015 “Be a Shing Light” Ways we can become examples so our lights will shine.
Friend August 2016 Being modest in how we speak, act, and dress is a great way to shine a light for others to follow. Color in the flashlights by the ones you are already doing. Which ones do you want to work on?
Friend April 2017 “Be a Light” Color in the sun as you figure out someone to be an example to by doing certain things for them such as loving, forgiving, encouraging, etc.
Invite the children to close their eyes as you read Isaiah 60:1–3. Ask them to open their eyes when they hear the word “light” and close them when they hear the word “darkness.” Explain that Jesus Christ and His gospel are like a light that helps us see our way back to Heavenly Father.
Give each child a picture of a light (such as a sun, a candle, or a light bulb). Help them think of ways they can share the Savior’s light with others. As each idea is shared, invite them to “arise” and “shine” their light by holding up their picture. Tell the children about ways you have seen them sharing the Savior’s light.
Friend November 2015 “Be a Shining Light” Ways we can become examples so our lights will shine.
Sing together a song about sharing light, such as “Shine On” (Children’s Songbook, 144). Help the children notice words in the song that reinforce what they learn from Isaiah 60:1–3.
Tell the children about something that brings you joy. Let each child tell you about something that brings him or her joy. Read Doctrine and Covenants 18:13, 16. What brings the Lord joy? What does He say will bring us joy?
Friend September 1986 “Sharing Time: A Happy Harvest” Comparing missionary work to gardening lesson idea at link. Also includes activity ideas such as the one below.
Being a Missionary Now
Friend May 2019 “Conference Activity Page” Elder Uchtdorf taught five things we can do to help people learn about Jesus. Follow the lines to complete each sentence.
Friend July 2019 “Sharing the Gospel” President Oaks shared some ways we can help share the gospel. Match each picture with the number from President Oaks’s message.
John 1 contains accounts of disciples who invited people to “come and see” that Jesus is the Son of God. Even small children can follow this example.
Describe how Andrew learned about Jesus, and tell how Andrew in turn taught Peter (see John 1:35–42). Share how you learned about the Church, or invite a new member to share how he or she learned about the Church.
Friend November 2020 “For Older Kids” I recently invited a friend to a stake activity. She said she was pretty confused about most of it. But when she heard the missionaries’ stories, she said she felt a warm, happy feeling inside. Then she said that she wanted to come again! I said I would invite her to more activities when I could. I really hope she studies the gospel more. Samantha T., age 9, Arizona, USA
Friend July 2019 “Will You Come to My Baptism” Oliver tells everyone about his upcoming baptism and invites them to it.
Friend December 2022 “Chieko Learns about Jesus” Chieko’s family were Buddhists and she had never heard of Jesus, but she was invited to be in a nativity play. Years later she met missionaries who asked if she would like to learn more about Jesus. She accepted and was later baptized.
Friend February 1985 “Best Friends”- Boy invites neighbor friend to Primary sacrament program
Friend May 1984 – “Grandpa’s Trunk” – Boy Shares gospel with his grandfather by inviting him to hear his Primary talk.
Share the story of Philip inviting Nathanael to “come and see” (John 1:43–51). Hide a picture of Jesus in a box, and invite one child to “come and see” it and then tell the other children about what he or she saw.
Let the children color this week’s activity page, and encourage them to use it to invite someone to learn about Jesus.
Ask a child to tell about a time when he or she shared something, such as a toy or gift, with someone. How can we share the gospel? Tell a story of a child who shared the gospel with a friend, such as “A Friend and a Missionary,” Friend, July 2018, 12–13; Liahona, July 2018, 70–71.
Friend July 2018 “A Friend and a Missionary” Juan invited his best friend to lots of church activities and family dinner and family home evening. His friend sees the family praying and learning the gospel at these activities and starts to ask questions.
Help the children search John 1:35–51 to find things that people said to invite others to learn about the Savior. Let them practice what they might say to invite a friend to learn about Him.
(For example: Have the children explain how the gospel of Jesus Christ has blessed their lives, such as how the teachings of the savior help with contention at home, or how prayer helped them in their lives, or how they are grateful to be able to repent of wrong things they have done, or how they are grateful they can live with their family again after death, etc. At the end they could say “Come and see.”)
Elder Neil L. Andersen taught:
Come Follow Me for Sunday School New Testament 2023 John 1 Elder Neil L. Andersen taught: “The Savior taught us how to share the gospel. I like the story of Andrew, who asked, ‘Master, where dwellest thou?’ [John 1:38]. Jesus could have responded with the location of where He lived. But instead He said to Andrew, ‘Come and see’ [John 1:39]. I like to think that the Savior was saying, ‘Come and see not only where I live but how I live. Come and see who I am. Come and feel the Spirit.’ We don’t know everything about that day, but we do know that when Andrew found his brother Simon, he declared, ‘We have found … the Christ’ [John 1:41].
Ask the children to use this week’s activity page to make an invitation they could use to invite a friend or family member to learn more about Jesus Christ. (Maybe include it in a Friend magazine or a Book of Mormon)
Give the children the opportunity to tell the class about something that they love. Help the children see how sharing the gospel can be like sharing other things we love (for an example, see the video “Good Things to Share” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Friend May 2016 “A Tower for King Benjamin” Brady tells his friend, Jamie, about Book of Mormon heroes as they play.
Friend September 1988 “Missionary Book Report” A boy gives a book report about the Book of Mormon.
Share Your Testimony
Friend November 2019 “Jesus is Real” Everyone at Ismay’s table at school were excitedly talking about Christmas and their favorite traditions such as going to a church service. Suddenly Charlotte spoke up and said, “Jesus isn’t even real.” Ismay was sad to hear this and she quietly bore her testimony to Charlotte that Jesus was real, and that she felt it in her heart. She was glad she had spoken up and planted a seed about Jesus.
Friend November 2019Friend November 2019Friend November 2019
Friend July 2019 “Show and Tell” :Sometimes at school when I have no work to do, I read the Book of Mormon. When I read it while at school, many kids ask, “What is that?” so I tell them what it is and a little about the gospel. It makes me feel good to share.” Will M., age 12, California, USA
Friend November 2018 “Sharing Friendship” Elenoa’s parents buy extra copies of the Friend when they go to the temple and Elenoa and her sister share the Friend magazine with their friends. (Photos included in article.)
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 The faith-filled words of a child have unique power to touch hearts. Give the children confidence that their testimony of Jesus Christ can help others.
Read to the children Psalm 71:8, and draw a large mouth on the board. Ask them to help you “fill” the mouth with things we can tell others about Jesus Christ.
Friend January 2019 “Something Special to Share” Diego wants to take something special to share for Show and Tell. He decides to take a picture of Jesus and tell them that Jesus loves everyone.
Pass around a picture of Jesus Christ. Ask the children to take turns holding the picture and saying one thing they know about Him. What has He done for us? (Pictures in the Gospel Art Book could provide some ideas.)
Even before the Book of Mormon had been translated, Hyrum Smith was anxious to preach the gospel. As you read the Lord’s response to his desires, consider what it means to you to “obtain [God’s] word” (verse 21). How does obtaining God’s word help you serve in the Church?
Consider making a list of the things the Lord told Hyrum Smith to do so that he would be ready to share the gospel. What should we work on as a family?
21 Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.
27 Behold, I speak unto all who have good desires, and have thrust in their sickle to reap.
Sing together a song about sharing the gospel, such as “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168). What does this song teach about how we can be missionaries every day?
Answering Questions About the Church
Friend April 2017 “Question Corner” If a neighbor asked you why you got to church, what would you say?
Friend January 2018 “What’s on Your Mind?” Answering the question “Why does it matter if you keep the commandments?” Aswers could include the following: How would it feel flying with a pilot who didn’t follow the rules of aviation? What about riding on a bus with a driver who didn’t stop at red lights? The commandments help keep us safe.
I can always be ready to share the gospel. (Sr)
Tell about a time when someone asked you a question about the Church, and describe whether you felt prepared to answer. Ask the children to talk about any times when people have asked them questions about the Church. Read together 1 Peter 3:15. How can we follow Peter’s counsel in this verse? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Peter”)
Help the children think of a few questions people might ask about Jesus Christ or His Church. Let the children take turns explaining how they would answer these questions so that they can “be ready always.” The Articles of Faith provide simple truths that the children could use to answer questions about the Church. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Peter”)
Come Follow Me Primary 2020: Introductory Pages Ask the children to pretend you have never heard of the Book of Mormon before. Invite them to work with a partner to think of ways they could explain to you what it is and where it came from, using details from the introduction. Then let each pair take turns teaching you.
Friend February 2020 “More Important than Basketball” Game: Play this game to practice sharing the gospel! Cut out the squares and crumple them into balls. Set a bowl at the end of a table or desk. Then take turns shooting the balls into the bowl. When a ball lands in the bowl, open the paper and read the question. Practice answering it as if you were talking to someone who wants to learn more about the Church.
Friend April 2017 “Question Corner” If a neighbor asked you why you got to church, what would you say?
Read Acts 11:26 to the children, and invite them to stand up when they hear you say the word Christian. Ask them what they think it means to be a Christian. Explain that someone who believes in and follows Jesus Christ is called a Christian, so we are Christians.
Friend July 2019“I’m Christian” Poem about the ways we are Christians.
Sing with the children a song about following Jesus Christ, such as “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77).
How can we show that we are followers of Jesus Christ and belong to His Church? Help the children think of things they can do to follow Jesus at home, at school, and in other places. (Print the below pictures and write their ideas on each place.)
A Christian is someone who believes in and follows Jesus Christ.
Invite the children to read Acts 11:26; 3 Nephi 27:3–8; and Doctrine and Covenants 115:4. Write Christian on the board and underline the part that says “Christ.” Ask the children to share what they think it means to be a Christian.
Ask the children to share the names of different groups they belong to, such as their family or nation. Invite them to share reasons why they are grateful to be a Christian and belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Friend July 2019 “I’m Christian” Poem about the ways we are Christians.
Display several objects or pictures that represent truths unique to the Church of Jesus Christ, such as a picture of the restoration of the priesthood (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 93–94). Ask a child to pick one of the objects or pictures and describe how it is a blessing in our Church. Explain that while Christians throughout the world belong to many different churches, we belong to the same Church that Jesus Christ established on the earth.
Blessings of the gospel Activity: Read the clues below (not the answer) and let the children pick which picture it is describing.
Prophet: Because of this blessing of the gospel we have the privilege to hear Gods words and direction about current issues and challenges we face. This gift is God’s living spokesman.
Book of Mormon: Because of this blessing of the gospel we know the purpose of life. We also know what we need to do to gain eternal salvation and how to live happy lives.
Temples: This blessing of the gospel allows us the opportunity to receive saving ordinances for ourselves and our dead. We can also be sealed to our family so that we can be with them forever.
Priesthood: Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive healing blessings for the sick, blessings of comfort and guidance, and have authority to act in Gods name and perform saving ordinances, such as baptism.
Baptism Because this blessing of the gospel, when performed by proper priesthood authority, we can receive a remission of our sins and enter into the gate that leads to eternal life.
Holy Ghost Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive personal revelation and guidance throughout our lives. We can also receive comfort during difficult times.
Friend July 2019 “What’s on Your Mind? A child writes this question to the Friend: “I want to be a missionary now! How can I share the gospel with my friends?” The Friend responds with some drawings from another child of ways to share the gospel. They also share the following: When you try to follow Jesus and share His love with others, people will notice your good example.
The Lord needs all of us to teach others that they can come unto Him by having faith, repenting, being baptized, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Invite the children to compare Doctrine and Covenants 49:12–14 with what Peter taught in Acts 2:38 and with the fourth article of faith. What similarities do they find? Why are these truths important?
Invite the children to work in pairs and pretend that one of them wants to know how to follow Jesus Christ. The other child in the pair can teach him or her using Doctrine and Covenants 49:12–14.
Friend March 2021 “Matt and Mandy” Matt invites a friend to his baptism. His friend asks why he is getting baptized. Matt explains the fourth article of faith to him.
Elder Rasband told about how the prophet gave a copy of the Book of Mormon to a king in Ghana. Together, President Nelson and the king read about Jesus Christ in 3 Nephi 11. The king said the book was more valuable than diamonds or rubies because it taught him more about Jesus.
This teaches me:
Prepared to Be a Missionary Now
Come Follow Me Primary 2020: Introductory Pages Ask the children to pretend you have never heard of the Book of Mormon before. Invite them to work with a partner to think of ways they could explain to you what it is and where it came from, using details from the introduction. Then let each pair take turns teaching you.
Friend October 2015 Story about growing up and going on a mission like his brother. Could be used as object lesson about growing spiritually strong so we are prepared to go on a mission. Feed our spirits with scripture stories, pull out weeds of temptation, etc.
Friend September 2018 “No Matter What!” Christian’s friend at school feels useless because she made some mistakes in the school work. Christian tells her about the love of Jesus and that she is a child of God, so she is not useless. His friend wants to know where he learned that, and she asks her parents for permission to go to church with Christian.
Friend June 2020 ” Kelly’s Prayer” Kelly didn’t know much about Jesus Christ, but she felt the spirit when she and her mom are invited to go to church. She liked that special feeling and wanted to learn more and take the missionary lessons. The missionaries taught her and eventually challenged her to pray on her own. She prays for help when she feels nervous about a singing competition. Heavenly Father heard her prayer and helped her. She wanted to keep praying every day.
People are Searching for the Gospel
Friend April 2020 “A Church for Zulma” Zulma liked the church she was going to but she felt like there was more truth out there, so her and her brother started searching for it by attending different churches. Eventually they found the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and were baptized.
Friend July 2022 “Michael’s Long Search” Michael read a magazine from the church and wanted to learn more, but there weren’t any Latter-day Saint churches in India. He also read the Book of Mormon and prayed. He knew it was true! He wanted to be baptized. Many years later a senior missionary couple came to India. Finally, Michael was baptized! Later he became a translator for General Conference.
Missionaries Answer Life’s Questions
Friend November 2017 Elder Parrella once asked his mother if she would still be his mom when they were in heaven. She didn’t know the answer. Later, Elder Parrella was happy to learn from the missionaries that families can be together after this life.
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.
Missionaries Help Generations
Friend November 2016
Friend July 2020 “The Surprise Mission Call” Edwin and his wife were from India. They had joined the church while working in Samoa. They wanted their families to learn about the gospel, so they wrote church headquarters to ask for missionaries to be sent there. To their surprise, they were called to as missionaries. They were able to baptize many of their family members and enough people to start a branch by the end of their mission in 1978. Now there are enough members for a temple in India.
Desire to be a Missionary
Friend October 2021 “For Older Kids” “My biggest dream is to be a missionary. One time when I was injured very badly, the missionaries came and gave me a blessing of healing. When I woke up and saw them, I felt more desire to serve and spread the gospel to the whole world! I love my Heavenly Father, and I know He cares for me and my family. ” Daniel L., age 13, Espírito Santo, Brazil
Preparing to be a Missionary
Friend June 2019 (“Show and Tell”) Missionary: “At our family reunion, we did a mini-mission activity. My companion was my cousin, and we taught our uncles and grandma a discussion. It was fun and got me excited to go on a real mission someday!” Calvin M., age 9, Texas, USA
Friend July 2016 “Mini Missionaries” Sam and Lindsey’s mom prepare a mini MTC for them to learn about being missionaries.
Friend February 2016 “Testimony Treasure” Sabrina learns that a testimony is a treasure you want to share with others.
Friend June 2021 “Baking Bread for My Mission” Taylor baked bread to sell to earn money for his mission. It was hard work. He had to get up at six to make the dough, he had to clean the cooking equipment, then he had to bag the bread and deliver it to people he didn’t know. He learned skills for his mission such as learning to work hard and talk to people.
Being a Missionary Now
Friend April 2022 “What Was That Song? Caleb spent time with his cousins and got Dengue Fever. He had to go to the hospital to be treated. He was afraid, so he sang a Primary song that made him feel better. The other children asked him about the song and he told them all about church and Primary and shared his testimony with them. He also told them scripture stories and sang other songs for them. He was glad he could share the gospel and help them too.
Friend March 2021 “Augusto Lim” Augusto’s little daughter asked why they didn’t attend church. Augusto prayed about it and a couple of days later missionaries showed up at their door. Augusto served Heavenly Father his whole life and became the first General Authority in the Philippines.
Friend February 2021 “Meet Raiarii from Tahiti” Story of Raiarii sharing the gospel by explaining scriptures and praying with two of his grandmother’s friends. (See story and photos at link.)
Friend October 2020 “Faneva the Missionary” Missionaries taught Faneva’s family the gospel. Faneva wanted to be a missionary when he grew up to teach people about what he was learning. In Primary they sang songs about being a missionary now and he decided that is what he wanted to do. He tried to be a good example. He invited people to church. He helped his neighbors. When he was older he also went on a mission.
Praying for Help
Friend November 2019 “Conference Notes “Every morning she prays for God to help her find someone who needs to hear about the gospel. Then she brings a Book of Mormon or pass-along card to share with them.”
Friend December 2016 “Blessings for Blessy” Blessy, from India, doesn’t have much luck getting friends to go to church with her, so she prays for help, and an opportunity comes to invite her whole school to church to learn more about Christmas.
Ways To Share the Gospel
Give a Friend Magazine
Friend July 2019 “Bike Rack Buddies” Mindy introduced herself to a girl named Madison at the bike rack, and as they talked, religion came up. Mindy asked Madison if she would like a copy of the Friend. Madison accepted and read it, and then Mindy gave her a copy of the New Era. Madison read that too and said she wants to be baptized. Mindy hopes that will happen for Madison someday.
Friend November 2018 “Sharing Friendship” Elenoa’s parents buy extra copies of the Friend when they go to the temple and Elenoa and her sister share the Friend magazine with their friends. (Photos included in article.)
One day my mom came home with a few December Friend magazines. I decided to give one to my friend at ballet. She looked excited when she received it. I felt the Spirit when I gave it to her. I hope she feels the Spirit also when she reads it. No one is too young to be a missionary.
Anna W., age 10, Washington, USA
Share the Book of Mormon
Friend November 2019 “Conference Notes” Elder Alliaud talked about staying with his uncle and aunt, before he was a member of the Church. They weren’t allowed to preach the gospel to him, but his room had many copies of the Book of Mormon. He read it in Spanish and prayed about it. The Holy Ghost told him it was true, and he was baptized!
Read the Book of Mormon or Friend Around Others
Friend July 2019 “Show and Tell” :Sometimes at school when I have no work to do, I read the Book of Mormon. When I read it while at school, many kids ask, “What is that?” so I tell them what it is and a little about the gospel. It makes me feel good to share.” Will M., age 12, California, USA
Give a Pass-Along Card
Friend October 2018 “Passing Along God’s Love” Allie wants to build her branch so she shares the gospel by giving a candy bar and a pass-along card to the store clerk whom she bought the candy from.
Share and Sing Primary Songs
Friend April 2021 “I Know a Song about That!” Annie goes to a Catholic School in Ireland. One day, when the teacher was talking about Jesus walking on the water, Annie remembered a song about the story she had learned in Primary. She was invited to share the song with the class.
Friend July 2022 “Fatima’s Favorite Song” Fatima’s teacher asked the kids to learn a song and share it in class. Fatima shares her favorite song “Families Can Be Together Forever.” Fatima’s mother invites the teacher to come hear more songs at church.
Invite Them to Participate in a Church Activity
Friend December 2022 “Chieko Learns about Jesus” Chieko’s family were Buddhists and she had never heard of Jesus, but she was invited to be in a nativity play. Years later she met missionaries who asked if she would like to learn more about Jesus. She accepted and was later baptized. When she was 60 she served in the Relief Society General Presidency and travelled the world and shared the Savior’s love.
Inviting Friends to Church
Friend December 2021 “Olga Bing” After World War 2 started, church attendance started going down in Olga’s branch after the missionaries were all sent home. Olga prayed about how to make their branch strong again. She decided to invite children in the neighborhood to church class, and the children and their parents came.
Friend February 2021 “Vicky Tadić” Vicky was curious why the family next door was different. The mom invited her to church in their home (because there wasn’t a church building in Bosnia). Vicky learned about the Holy Ghost. The next day a voice in her mind told her to stay away from some trash cans. Suddenly a car crashed into them. She was glad she listened. Soon her whole family was learning about the gospel and was baptized.
I was nervous starting Cub Scouts, so I invited my friend to come with me. I am a missionary just like my older brothers!
William T., age 10, Alberta, Canada
Invite a Friend to Special Church Events
Friend November 2020 “For Older Kids” I recently invited a friend to a stake activity. She said she was pretty confused about most of it. But when she heard the missionaries’ stories, she said she felt a warm, happy feeling inside. Then she said that she wanted to come again! I said I would invite her to more activities when I could. I really hope she studies the gospel more. Samantha T., age 9, Arizona, USA
Friend July 2019 “Will You Come to My Baptism” Oliver tells everyone about his upcoming baptism and invites them to it. He likes being a missionary.
Friend February 2019 “Show and Tell” Before my baptism, I asked my friends from school who don’t go to our church if they would come, and they said yes! I was happy to see them at my baptism and know they supported me! Alison H., age 8, California, USA
Invite a Friend to FHE
Friend July 2023 “It Started on a Baseball Field” When Elder Mark A. Bragg of the Seventy was a child he wasn’t a member of the church. Twins from his baseball team invited him to their FHE. His family went and they felt something special. A few months later Mark was baptized. He was forever grateful that his cared enough about him to share the gospel.
Be a Friend
Friend July 2018 “A Friend and a Missionary” Juan invited his best friend to lots of church activities and family dinner and family home evening. His friend sees the family praying and learning the gospel at these activities and starts to ask questions.
Serve and Love Your Friends
Friend May 2023 “Flooded with Love” Marius made a friend and they were supposed to go bowling but a storm hit and flooded the neighborhood and some homes are flooded. Marius’s grandmother made food for those affected, and Marius asked to take some of the food to his friend. He comforted his crying friend and sang him the song “I Am a Child of God”. His friend wanted to learn more about Jesus that Marius was singing about.
How to Answer Questions
Friend March 2017 “Matt and Mandy” Matt’s friend asks him why he goes to church so much.
Friend January 2018 “An Answer For Lucia” Lucia asks the missionaries why some scriptures (and religions) make it sound like Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are the same person. The missionaries use scriptures to show that they are one in purpose.
Friend July 2019 “I’m Christian” Poem about the ways we are Christians.
Name of the Church
Friend July 2019 “It is His Church” When Taniela B. Wakolo of the Seventy was learning about the church, the missionaries asked him what he would name his grocery store if he had one. He said he would call after his name because it would be his store. They then ask who a church should be name after. He knew that the true Church would be named after Jesus because it’s His Church. (Activity: In any language, the Church is still named after Jesus Christ. Match each language with the Church’s name in that language.
Live the Gospel
Friend July 2021 “Vaha’i Tonga”Vahai’ was determined to remain faithful, so he said his prayers every night at boarding school. At first the other kids made fun of him, then they started to join him. He invited them to a district conference and 77 of them came. Seven of them wanted to be baptized after the conference.
Be Service Minded
Friend March 2021 “A Piano for Prophet” A boy named prophet set two goals: first, learn how to play the piano, and second, teach others how to play. Several people became interested in learning more about the church as they learned how to play using the Primary songs. (Link includes a Video of the story.)
Sometimes the Answer is No
Friend May 2020 “Conference Notes”Elder Christofferson talked about a family who invited their neighbor to home evenings and baptisms. They called him “Uncle Jonathan.” He didn’t want to join the Church. But they kept loving, helping, and spending time with him. Twenty years later, he was baptized! This teaches me:
Friend November 2019 “Jesus is Real” Everyone at Ismay’s table at school were excitedly talking about Christmas and their favorite traditions such as going to a church service. Suddenly Charlotte spoke up and said, “Jesus isn’t even real.” Ismay was sad to hear this and she quietly bore her testimony to Charlotte that Jesus was real, and that she felt it in her heart. She was glad she had spoken up and planted a seed about Jesus.
Sometimes We are Planting Seeds
Friend November 2017 “The Ripple Effect” Ryan gives his friend a Book of Mormon but is afraid Matt won’t read it. His mother explains that sometimes you can’t always see the impact right away, but little actions make a big difference.
We share the gospel because we love and care about others
Friend November 1988 “The Lantern, the Moon Cake, and the Book” A boy gives his new friend a Book of Mormon as a way to love his neighbor.
Friend September 1988 “Missionary Book Report” A boy gives a book report about the Book of Mormon.
The Spirit Guides
Friend November 2016 “Abish and Abby” Abby, like Abish, knows when it is time to share the gospel with her neighbors.
Speak Up When Opportunities Arise
Friend August 2017 “At school we did state reports. My friend reported on Utah and said that it was first settled by Mormons. I said I was a Mormon and shared my beliefs with my friends at school, which made me happy!” Eliza D., age 10, Pennsylvania, USA
Share the Gospel through Love and Example
Friend July 2017 “Bright Examples” Two stories about ways to be a missionary.
Friend September 2016 “A Gift for Lane” Addie gives a Book of Mormon to her friend, Lane, but Lane’s parents won’t let her read it. Addie is sad. (Finish the end yourself story, or read other’s ideas on how to finish the story here.)
Friend May 2016 “A Tower for King Benjamin” Brady tells his friend, Jamie, about Book of Mormon heroes as they play.
Friend December 2017 “Be Brave and Share” Elder Pieper’s family shared the gospel wherever they lived.
Friend September 2016 “Show and Tell” Individual stories of children being missionaries such as sharing their Friend magazine at school or going with the missionaries to teach.
Friend May 2016 “Better then Hopscotch” Emma tells her friends about the church. Years later, Emma’s friend remembers and wants to know more about the church.
Friend March 2016 “One Piece of Candy” Jose gives away his coffee flavored candy, and when a friend wants to know why, he shares the gospel.
Friend March 2016
Friend October 1987 “Peace, My Brother” A family writes their testimonies in Book of Mormons, and they receive letters back about the results.
Friend July 2016 Primary children from the Kirtland Ward, Kirtland Ohio Stake, USA, marched in the City of Kirtland Strawberry Festival. They showed photos from ward members’ ancestors on their “family tree.” They also handed out almost 900 pass-along cards.
Friend October 1988 “Eye to Eye” Andy learns in Primary that every member should be a missionary, but he doesn’t know how, so he asks his friend Mr. Weber, who is bedridden, and he learns that he has been a missionary by his kind acts of visiting Mr. Weber.
Friend September 2016 “BEE-ing a Missionary” Jesse does a school project on the beehive state, Utah.
Friend July 2016 “Want to Come to Church” Emma invites her cousin’s boyfriend to church. Because of that one simple question he is baptized and the couple are able to marry in the temple.
Friend March 1983 – “The Seaweed Boy” – Boy inspired to share gospel with a boy who is sometimes mean.
Friend Feb 1983– “A Good Neighbor” – Boy does service for new neighbors and invites them to church
Friend December 1983 – “The Offering” – Boy shares bible and passage about life after death with a sad man who lost a son in a war.
Friend May 1984 – “Grandpa’s Trunk” – Boy Shares gospel with his grandfather by inviting him to hear his Primary talk.
Friend February 1987 “Forever Family” A family uses their sealing in the temple as an opportunity to share the gospel with other family members.
Friend February 1985 “Best Friends”- Boy invites neighbor friend to Primary sacrament program
Friend October 2015 “My Golden Ribbon Dance”- Girl shares her testimony in a dance using church pictures and music.
Friend October 1984 “A Very Good Day” -A wife who lost a husband mourns and searches for a church that teaches about life after death.
Friend October 2015 – “Matt & Mandy” – Matt tries to figure out how to be a missionary to his friend.
Friend August 1986 “Bi Hsia’s Goose” A Taiwanese girl doesn’t think a missionary from the affluent US could ever accept her people and their customs, but his considerate service changes her mind.
Friend August 1986 “Last Day Kids” Ryan tries to share the gospel with his friend, but the friend teases him and other kids hear. One of those wants to go to church with Ryan.
Prepared to Be a Missionary Now
FriendFebruary2016 A man carries a Book of Mormon daily and prays to meet someone prepared to accept gospel.
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Preparing to Go on Mission
Save for a Mission
Friend January 2019 “The Ice-Candy Mission Fund” Jared makes and sells coconut ice candy to earn money for his mission. (Recipe for coconut ice candy)
For the Strength of Youth February 2024 “The Same in Every Mission” A young man wonders what his mission will be like and where he will go. His sister explains that on every mission there is one thing that is the same. She said, “Jesus Christ is the same. You serve a mission to preach His gospel. He’ll help you no matter where you go.”
Going on a Mission
Friend February 2020 “More Important than Basketball” When Elder Taylor was young he loved basketball. His oldest brother loved it too. He had to decide whether to serve a mission or keep playing on his college team. He decided to go when he realized his example would affect his younger siblings. A college roommate also explained that making a winning shot in basketball can’t compare to how it feels to teach and baptize someone on a mission.
Game: Play this game to practice sharing the gospel! Cut out the squares and crumple them into balls. Set a bowl at the end of a table or desk. Then take turns shooting the balls into the bowl. When a ball lands in the bowl, open the paper and read the question. Practice answering it as if you were talking to someone who wants to learn more about the Church.
Friend August 2018 “Soccer and Sundays” When Elder Klebingat was young, soccer was his life. After he joined the church he learned that he shouldn’t play soccer on Sundays, and he should go on a mission. He got an offer to play professionally, but he went on a mission instead because he knew the church was true.
Friend April 2018 “A Long Shot: part one” When Elder Condie gave up basketball to go on a mission, he didn’t know if he would ever play again, but then he was invited to form a missionary team to help prepare Australia’s basketball team for the Olympics. He and his fellow missionaries were able to be public ambassadors for the church. May 2018 “One Shot at a Time: Part Two”
Safety
Friend April 2015 “The Titanic and the Telegram” Six missionaries that are booked on the Titanic have to take a different ship home when one missionary is delayed.
Perseverance
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 perservere and not stop seeking to get close to the Lord.
People Searching for the Gospel
Friend July 2018 “A Forever Feeling” Mia wants a forever family like her friend Zoey’s. Zoey’s home feels warm and happy. Mia and her family learn about the gospel and are baptized and sealed in the temple.
Stories of Conversion because People Shared the Gospel
Friend October 2020 “Sharing the Gospel” Elder Edward Dube Of the Seventy tells his story of joining the church in Zimbabwe. Someone gave him a Book of Mormon, and, later, someone invited him to church. He felt something in his heart as he read and attended church.
Friend October 1988 “Pulling in the Gospel Net” A mother superior nun joins the church.
Missionaries Teach
Friend April 2017 “Mia’s First Sacrament” Mia learns about the sacrament when she goes to church with the missionaries.
Friend October 1988 “Conversion in Honduras” A child tells Senora Chali about the Book of Mormon and she wants to read it. Eventually missionaries give her a copy, and she reads it and knows it is true but has to wait for missionaries to come again.
Family Members on Missions
Friend May 2017 “Missionary Shoes” Dallin wants to be just like his uncle and serve a mission and work hard to find people to teach.
Friend June 1988 “A Special Way to Serve” Philippe and Chantal’s grandparents are going on a mission, and they are setting a good example for their grandchildren.
Friend May 2016 “Mission Building Blocks” Caden’s grandma gives him 730 blocks and a building pad. She tells him to put one block on for every day his uncle is on his mission.
Friend December 1985 “Greg’s Christmas” Greg misses his grandparents at Christmas, but he gets a letter from a family they helped convert and it helps him understand the wonderful work they are doing.
Additional Mission Types
Labour Missionary
Friend May 2021 “Pioneers in Every Land: Sam Beazley”Sam was called to serve as a Labour Missionary building a church school for teenagers. His labor also helped build the Hamilton New Zealand Temple which he later was called to serve in.
Preparation
• Items needed: several wrapped treats, a plate or platter for the treats, tape, marbles (or some other small, heavy items), a few small vegetables, a Kleenex, a large rubber band, a large clear vase or jar, 26 inches of cord or twine, a small piece of thick cloth, several four inch square pieces of paper, and some thick thread.
• Print and cut out the activity visual aids. Tape each gospel blessing card to a wrapped treat.
• Tape the pictures of the sheep to the inside of the large clear vase. Separate the two layers of a Kleenex sheet. Cover the top opening of the vase with one layer of the Kleenex. Put a large rubber band around the Kleenex to secure it. The Kleenex should be stretched tight across the opening of the vase.
• Print the scripture story visual aids. Cut the pages in half, and number the back of each page to help keep them in the correct order. (The scripture story visuals come from chapter twenty-three of Book of Mormon Stories.)
• Make an example slingshot. Cut two, thirteen inch pieces of cord or twine. Cut out a piece of thick cloth 1¾ inches by 4 inches. Put one inch of the cord on top of one end of the fabric. Gather the fabric around the cord end and tightly wrap a piece of tape around it. Wrap thick thread around the tape several times and tie it off. Do the same with the other piece of cord and the other end of the fabric. The fabric should form a pocket when you are done. Also make several paper balls by tightly crumpling 4 inch square pieces of paper. Try out the slingshot by using the instructions found in the lesson.
Attention Activity
Show the children the treat you brought. Point out how wonderful and mouth watering it looks. Take a bite and describe the texture and flavor; tell them how delicious it is. Ask the children how they would feel if you ate the treat in front of them and didn’t share.
Show the treats with the gospel blessing labels attached. Explain to the children that the labeled treats represent the many blessings they enjoy because they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Read the labels to the children. Ask if it would be fair or right if we kept the blessings of the gospel to ourselves and didn’t share with anyone else.
• Tell the children that you brought treats to share with each of them. Ask how that makes them feel. Inform the children that in today’s lesson they will learn of the joy experienced by the Lamanites when a missionary named Ammon shared the gospel with them.
Ammon was one of the sons of Mosiah. The sons of Mosiah desired to share the joy of redemption they had found in the gospel. They had sinned much in their youth. They had felt the sorrow and suffering that occurs when someone realizes the awfulness of their sins. They wanted to go on a mission and teach repentance to the Lamanites because they could not bear the thought of any human soul suffering the consequences of sin.
• If you were given the choice between serving a mission to a people who regarded you as their enemy or becoming a king with great power and honor, which would you choose? Mosiah was king of the Nephites and his sons were the heirs to the throne, but the sons of Mosiah gave up the throne to serve a mission to the Lamanites. Mosiah’s sons were taking on a very difficult task. The Lamanites were a wild and ferocious people, and they hated the Nephites.
Before leaving on their mission, the sons of Mosiah prepared diligently. They searched the scriptures, fasted, and prayed.
• Why did they search the scriptures, fast, and pray to prepare for their mission? (To help the children learn the answer to this question have them do the following role play activity.)
Role Play Activity
Choose a child to pretend to be an investigator, and give that child the list of questions they will ask. Have the other children take turns pretending to be missionary companions responding to the investigator’s questions. When they are done, ask the children if it was hard to answer the questions.
• How can someone gain the knowledge to answer those kinds of questions? Missionaries must study the scriptures to gain a knowledge and understanding of the gospel, and they must fast and pray for divine help in teaching and testifying about those gospel precepts.
The sons of Mosiah had searched the scriptures, fasted, and prayed so they could effectively teach the gospel with the Spirit and bring the Lamanites to a knowledge of the truth.
Scripture Story
Tell the following story using the pictures from chapter twenty-three of Book of Mormon Stories as visual aids. (Optional activity: Put the pictures on the board in random order and have the children choose a picture that depicts what happens next after each story part is told.)
When the sons of Mosiah arrived in the land of the Lamanites they separated and went to different parts of the land.
One of the sons, whose name was Ammon, went to the land of Ishmael. As he entered the land of Ishmael the Lamanites took him, bound him, and carried him before their king to decide whether he should be killed, imprisoned, or thrown out of their land. The king’s name was Lamoni.
Ammon told the king he wanted to dwell among the Lamanites. King Lamoni was so pleased with Ammon that he offered Ammon one of his daughters as a wife. Ammon declined the generous offer and said he would be the king’s servant. The king assigned him to help watch the flocks.
As Ammon and the other servants were driving the flocks to water, thieving Lamanites scattered the king’s flocks to plunder them. The servants were afraid. They said the king would kill them because the flocks were scattered and lost. They were so afraid they wept.
• In Alma 17:29 it says that Ammon’s heart swelled with joy when he saw the fears of the servants. Why do you think he felt that way? Ammon was looking for an opportunity to win the hearts of the servants and show them the power of God.
Ammon convinced the servants to search for the flocks and gather them back together. After they had gathered the flocks, the wicked Lamanites sought to scatter them again because they delighted in the destruction of others. Ammon told the servants to watch the flocks and that he would go and contend with the evil, trouble causing Lamanites.
The wicked Lamanites did not fear him. They thought one of their men could easily slay Ammon. Ammon began to cast stones at them with his sling.
Activity
• How does a sling work? Show the children the example sling you made. Demonstrate how to use it by holding one string firmly in your fist. Hold the other string in the same hand between your thumb and index finger. Put a paper ball in the pouch of the sling. Whirl the sling around your head and let go of the string between your thumb and index finger. Hold the other string tightly. Let a few of the class members try and throw a paper ball at a target. Ask them if it was difficult. (Teaching the Scripture Readers pg.75)
Ammon was probably very practiced at using a sling, but he also had the power of God with him. Ammon cast the stones with so much power and accuracy that he killed several of the evil Lamanites who were maliciously trying to destroy him and his companions.
The wicked Lamanites were astonished at Ammon’s power, but they were also angry because he had slain some of their companions They tried to throw stones at Ammon. They could not hit him because he was under the Lord’s protection, so they attacked him with their clubs. With his sword, Ammon smote off the arm of every man that lifted his club to smite him. The wicked Lamanites ran away in fear.
The servants told the king what had happened, and they showed him the arms that had been smitten off by Ammon. When the king learned of the faithfulness of Ammon in preserving his flocks, and had heard of his great power in contending against those who sought to slay him, he was astonished. The king thought Alma was more than a man, that he must be the Great Spirit.
Lamoni asked the servants where Ammon was. When Lamoni heard that Ammon was carrying out his orders to prepare the horses and chariots, he was even more astonished because of the faithfulness and diligence of Ammon.
When Ammon finished preparing the horses and chariots, he went to the king to ask what the king desired him to do next. The king did not answer him. Ammon, being filled with the Spirit of God, perceived the thoughts of the king. He asked the king why he was marveling at the deeds he had done. King Lamoni was astonished even more because Ammon could discern his thoughts.
King Lamoni asked Ammon if he was the Great Spirit. Ammon told him he was not, that he was just a man. Lamoni wanted to know by what power Ammon was able to do the things he had done.
Ammon taught Lamoni of God and told him that the Lord had given him the power to contend with the wicked Lamanites. Ammon also taught Lamoni many other things about God and about the words of God found in the scriptures. The king believed his words, and he cried unto the Lord for mercy and forgiveness.
• Would the king have listened to Ammon’s message if Ammon had tried to teach him the first time they had met? Why not? The king didn’t know Ammon then. He might not have trusted or believed the message because he didn’t know what Ammon’s intentions were.
• Why did the king believe Ammon after seeing his actions? Through Ammon’s actions the king got to know that Ammon sincerely cared about his welfare and the welfare of his servants. He came to trust Ammon.
When the king cried to the Lord for mercy, he fell to the earth as if he were dead. Lamoni lay as if he were dead for two days and nights. His wife and children mourned over him.
The servants were about to take his body to be buried, but Lamoni’s wife did not believe that her husband was dead. She sent for Ammon. Ammon told the queen that the king was not dead, and that on the next day he would rise.
The next day Lamoni rose according to the words of Ammon. The king said, “Blessed be the name of God.” Then he told the queen that he had seen the redeemer. He was filled with great joy.
Lamoni taught his people about Jesus Christ and God. Many who heard his words were converted. Those who believed were baptized and they became a righteous people.
Conclusion
The Savior once told his disciples, “Feed my sheep”, which means to teach the people and feed them spiritual food. While Ammon was on his mission to the Lamanites, not only did he feed and take care of the king’s flocks he also fed the people of the land spiritually.
• Remind the children of the treats at the beginning of the lesson, and ask if they remember what the treats represent. (The gospel blessings) Explain to the children that the Lord has asked us to share the gospel with others and help feed his children spiritual food so they can enjoy the blessings of the gospel too.
• Do you have to be an adult before you can be a missionary? Latter day prophets have told us that every person in the church should be a missionary. We should all share the gospel with the people we know and associate with.
Activity
Show the container with the sheep inside it. Point out the Kleenex, and explain that it represents the barrier that people put up against things they don’t trust or understand. Put some vegetables onto the Kleenex, and tell the children the vegetables represent the gospel, which is food for our spirits.
Tell the children they are going to do an activity where they will share ways to help feed Heavenly Father’s children. Remind the children of Ammon’s example and how he showed the king that he cared and that he could be trusted. Have the children think of ways they can show neighbors and friends that they care about them and that they are trustworthy. Also have the children think of ways they can be good examples of gospel standards. Have them take turns telling their ideas and then putting a marble or other weighted item on the Kleenex. (Eventually the barrier will break and the food will pour out.) (If the items you chose aren’t very heavy, have the children put several on the Kleenex each time they give an answer. Experiment with this activity before teaching the lesson.)
Explain to the children that each of our actions makes an impression, and when people realize they can trust us and that we care about them, then the barriers will come down and a way will open for us to share with them the spiritual food of the gospel.
Weekly Reading Assignment Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: Alma 17:19-39, Alma 18:8-43 and Alma 19:1-36
Preparation • Items needed: A gift bag or gift box, paper and pencils, scriptures
Attention Activity Show the family the gift bag/box. Hand out a paper and pencil to each person. Have the family members write down what they think would be the greatest gift they could give to someone. Collect the papers and put them in the gift bag/box. Pull out one response at a time, and read and discuss the responses. (Make sure to point out the positive of each person’s response, such as fun, needed, useful, long lasting, etc)
Scripture Have the family look up and read D&C 14:7 – “If you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.”
God has given us many wonderful things on this earth, but according to this scripture the gift of eternal life is better than anything we could ever receive on earth. Eternal life (or exaltation) is to live in God’s presence and live the kind of life He has.
We can not give someone eternal life, but we can share something with others that will help them get on the path towards gaining eternal life.
• What do you think that is? The gospel (The gospel is all the doctrines, laws, and ordinances needed to gain eternal life.)
Gather ingredients to make a chocolate cake. Also collect a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a few extra odd items such as pickles, mustard, etc.
Scripture Story – Apostasy and Restoration
(Teach the following story using the pictures from Doctrine and Covenants Stories as visual aids. Read the following corresponding text as you show the pictures to the family.)
#1) The gospel has been on the earth since the time of Adam, whenever there has been a righteous man who has authority to administer in God’s name, and a people who are willing to listen to and accept the gospel.
#2) When people reject and rebel against the commandments of God, they are in a state of apostasy (a turning away from truth). They lose the blessings of divine guidance and authority. This happened several times during the Old Testament time period. Another time period apostasy occurred was after the Savior was resurrected.
#3) After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the apostles continued to teach people about Jesus and his gospel. Many people joined the church, but soon apostasy began to creep into the church. Some of the people began to turn away from the truth and teach false ideas based on their old religious beliefs.
#4) During this time period, there was also persecution going on from outside the church. Many church members were persecuted and killed because of their beliefs. One by one the apostles were all killed by these persecutors. After the apostles died, the priesthood keys and authority were no longer on the earth. Because of the wicked state of the people, they were not restored to the earth at that time. Without prophets and apostles to lead and guide, more and more error crept into church doctrine. Knowledge and understanding about many important doctrines were lost, including the knowledge of the purpose of life.
#5) Ordinances were also changed. Baptisms began to be preformed on babies instead of waiting until a child had grown to the age of accountability. Baptisms also began to be done by sprinkling water instead of by immersion. Because of the changes to doctrine and ordinances, and the loss of priesthood keys and authority, the true church was no longer on the earth.
Object Lesson
Show the family the chocolate cake ingredients you gathered. Tell them you don’t have the recipe, but it doesn’t matter because you think you can remember how to do it. Tell them you also want to make a few changes and add some things to the cake that you think will make it taste better. Mix ingredients in random amounts, and add a few of the extra items. Ask the family if they think your concoction will make a delicious chocolate cake? Why not? Without the right ingredients and recipe, the end result won’t be as hoped for.
Tell the family that just as the cake needed the correct ingredients, it is also necessary for a church to consist of the correct components, which includes correct doctrines and ordinances, and power and authority from God.
How and when was the gospel of Jesus Christ restored to the earth again? In 1830, through Joseph Smith
#6) When Joseph Smith was young, he noticed how the different churches interpreted the same things in different ways. He wanted to know which of all the teachings and churches were correct.
#7) As he prayed for an answer, God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. The restoration process then began. Joseph Smith, who had been chosen for this responsiblity because of his faithfulness in the preexistence, helped restore the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth once again. Because of the restoration we now have vital truths, knowledge, and the true priesthood authority that had been lost.
“Because I Have Been Given Much” – Hymn # 219 (First verse)
Preparation
Print the song pictures. Cut out the boy and girl figures, the word strips, the word bubble, and the gift boxes. Fold the box lids on the lines and glue or tape the lid down.
Items needed: a display board, tape to post pictures on the display board, a CD player, and the music CD’s of the hymns. (This song is not on the church website because of copyright issues, but CD’s of the hymns can be found at meeting house libraries or church distribution centers.)
Song Instructions
Post the main picture of the two girls on the display board. After discussing a line of the song, put up the word strip under the picture. Also add the pictures called for that go with that line.
Because I have been given much
Discussion – Ask the family what are some of the gifts and blessings we enjoy because we are members of the restored church of Jesus Christ?
Picture – As the family gives their answers, put a couple of the gift pictures next to the child with the scriptures.
I too must give.
Discussion – Because we have been given the knowledge of the gospel, we must share that gift with others so they too can enjoy the blessings of the gospel.
Picture -Take one of the gifts off and put it next to the other child.
Because of thy great bounty Lord
Discussion – Bounty means generosity.
Picture – Put two more gifts next to the child with the scriptures to represent bounty.
Each day I live.
Discussion – Because of these gospel gifts, we live in happiness. Point out how happy the girl on the right looks, and that she wants to share that happiness with her friend.
Picture – Point to the girl’s happy face.
I shall divide my gifts from thee
Picture – Put one of the gifts over by the child on the left.
With every brother that I see,
Discussion – Who are our brothers and sisters? (Everyone in the world, because we are all sons and daughters of Heavenly Father. )
Picture – Put the other children next to the child on the left.
Who has the need of help from me.
Discussion – Why would others have need of help from you to learn about the gospel? (In D&C 123:12 it says that they are kept from truth because they know not where to find it.)
Picture – Put up word bubble next to the children on the left.
Sing the Song.
Use the CD for accompaniment. Take off the pictures before singing the song, and add them as you sing.
After singing, remind the family what the first two lines of the song are, and then take those word strips off. Using the picture aids as reminders, sing the song again. Do this with each two lines of the song until the family can sing the song without word reminders.
