Alma CHAPTER 30 Korihor, the anti-Christ, ridicules Christ, the Atonement, and the spirit of prophecy—He teaches that there is no God, no fall of man, no penalty for sin, and no Christ—Alma testifies that Christ will come and that all things denote there is a God—Korihor demands a sign and is struck dumb—The devil had appeared to Korihor as an angel and taught him what to say—Korihor is trodden down and dies. About 76–74 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 31 Alma heads a mission to reclaim the apostate Zoramites—The Zoramites deny Christ, believe in a false concept of election, and worship with set prayers—The missionaries are filled with the Holy Spirit—Their afflictions are swallowed up in the joy of Christ. About 74 B.C.
Alma 30
Korihor
The Book of Mormon warns me against false teachings.
Display some items (such as money or food) and toy imitations of these items. Which would the children rather have? This could lead to a discussion about how to know the difference between things that are real and things that are false. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 30-31”)
Teach the children that the more we learn about something, the more we can tell the difference between that thing and its opposite. The more we learn about and follow Jesus Christ’s teachings, the more we will be able to resist the temptations and deception of Satan.
Why do you suppose the people of Ammon would not listen to Korihor? The people of Ammon had lived most of their lives following Korihor-like-beliefs, and they knew the heartache, the misery, and the destruction it can cause in people’s lives.
Ammon’s people provide good examples of how we should respond when we are confronted with people like Korihor. We should not listen to those who would tear down our faith.
Korihor was arguing, as men and women have falsely argued from the beginning of time, that to take counsel from the servants of God is to surrender God-given rights of independence. But the argument is false because it misrepresents reality. When we reject the counsel which comes from God, we do not choose to be independent of outside influence. We choose another influence. We reject the protection of a perfectly loving, all-powerful, all-knowing Father in Heaven, whose whole purpose, as that of His Beloved Son, is to give us eternal life, to give us all that He has, and to bring us home again in families to the arms of His love. In rejecting His counsel, we choose the influence of another power, whose purpose is to make us miserable and whose motive is hatred. (Henry B. Eyring, “Finding Safety in Counsel,” Ensign, May 1997, 25)
Alma talked about how things in the sky and on the earth testify that God lives. If possible, take a walk outside with your children or stand at a window as you read Alma 30:44. Ask them to point out things they see that help them know that God is real and that He loves them. They could also draw pictures of things they discover (see this week’s activity page).
While you and your children sing “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29), pass around a ball or other object. Periodically stop the music and ask the child holding the object to share one thing Heavenly Father created that he or she is grateful for.
Korihor said he did not believe there was a God, and that there was no such thing as sin.
Why would Satan want people to believe there is no God? One reason is that when a belief in God and his teachings are taken away, Satan can destroy people’s lives through getting them to sin.
Korihor said that we can’t know of things we have not seen. He argued that a person who had not seen God could not know of his existence.
• Ask the children to think of a place they have never visited that exists. Why do you believe that place exists? Just as we have other’s accounts to help us know of places we have not seen, we have the testimonies of prophets, the scriptures, and the Holy Ghost to help us know that God exists.
Also, Alma pointed to things in the sky and on the earth to testify that God lives and directs the universe.
Have each family member write the letters of the alphabet in a list down one side of a paper.
For two minutes, everyone should try to write a creation that begins with each letter. For example, you could write “Trees” for the letter T.
When time runs out, have everyone share their list.
Discussion: How do these blessings from God make you feel? What can we do to take care of God’s creations?
Friend July 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Alma taught that “all things denote there is a God” (Alma 30:44). That means that everything God created can remind us of Him. Set up chairs in a circle with enough chairs for everyone but one person. Have someone play music and choose when it pauses. When the music stops, everyone else sits on a chair. The person who doesn’t have a chair shares one thing that reminds them of God. Keep going until everyone has a turn.
For younger children: Walk around your home or outside. Look for things that help you feel happy and remind you of Heavenly Father.
Friend July 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 30:44 together and help your little ones say, “God made this beautiful world.” Look out a window or go on a walk and help your children name the beautiful things you see—clouds, sky, dirt, bugs, and plants. Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created all of these things!
Read Alma 30:44 to the children, and ask them to listen for things that Alma said help us know God is real. Display pictures of some of these things, and ask the children to point to the pictures when you read about them in the verse. Invite the children to draw pictures of things that help them believe in God.
Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 21: The Zoramites and the Rameumptom” Have a make-believe dinner. Have two plates, two glasses, and two sets of utensils, but no food. Pretend to eat, and act enthusiastic about the delicious food. Invite a child to join you. Eating off empty dishes could be compared to the emptiness of the false and insincere worship of the Zoramites that is described in this lesson. Such empty worship does no more good for our spiritual nourishment than not eating does for our physical strength. In this lesson the children will learn about appropriate and sincere ways to worship God.
Teaching Children the Gospel: Put the bowl, spoon, and measuring items on the table and explain to the children that you are going to make some peanut butter candy for them. Show them the recipe, but then toss it aside. Tell the children that you have decided not to follow the recipe because you want to try some different ingredients. Show the children the substitute ingredients you brought, and then mix together various amounts of those ingredients. (Be sure to mention the correct recipe ingredients as you do this. For example: “The recipe calls for peanut butter, but I want the candy to be really crunchy so I think I will add whole peanuts.”)
After combining the substitute ingredients show the children the results. Ask them if they think the mixture looks like peanut butter candy.
Ask the children what the results would be if someone tried to make up their own ingredients for gaining salvation instead of following Heavenly Father’s plan. Would they get the desired results? Tell the children that in today’s lesson they will be learning about a group of people who tried to do just that.
The problem of the Zoramites separating from the Nephites may have seemed to some like it needed a political or military solution (see Alma 31:1–4). But Alma said that the Word of God is more powerful than the sword.
How can you help your children understand that the word of God is more powerful than “anything else”? (Alma 31:5). Consider asking them to think of something or someone powerful, or show pictures of a few powerful things. What makes them powerful? Read Alma 31:5 together, and ask your children what they think this verse means. Share an experience when the word of God had a powerful influence on you. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 30-31”)
What does God’s word have the power to do? Change hearts to good
Repeat the phrase “The word of God is more powerful than …” several times, and ask the children to help you complete the phrase.
Sing together a song about the scriptures, such as “Scripture Power” (music.ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and ask the children to listen for how the scriptures help us.
Briefly summarize the story of Alma and the Zoramites, using verses from Alma 31:8–35 (see also “Chapter 28: The Zoramites and the Rameumptom,” Book of Mormon Stories, 78–80). Help your children identify things the Zoramites said in their prayer (see Alma 31:15–18) as they help you build a Rameumptom tower with blocks or rocks. Explain that this is not how we should pray. As you and your children talk about how we should pray, let them remove the blocks or rocks one at a time. Maybe they could keep one of the rocks by their bed as a reminder to pray every morning and night. They might enjoy decorating their rock. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 30-31”)
The Zoramites Prayers were Repetitious: Said same thing every time. They also only prayed once a week.
What happens if we don’t pray daily and sincerely? We tend to lose the guidance of the Spirit, which is essential for managing the challenges and temptations of life. What was the result of the Zoramites not praying daily? They succumbed to Satan’s temptations.
Why did the Zoramites choose to believe in incorrect principles about God, and why did they not want to believe in Christ? One possible reason may have been to deny the doctrine of the plan of salvation – of coming to earth to get a body and be tested. They wanted to think they were elected (chosen) to be saved regardless of what they did. They did not want to believe in sin or the need for a Savior.
Alma showed faith in God and Jesus Christ Alma petitioned the Lord for blessings in his prayer. He had faith that the Lord would bless and help him.
See PRAYER for activity, stories, a lesson ideas about prayer.
Friend July 2020 “Cook Like a Pioneer” Johnny Cakes: Add or subtract the items in the picture to to find out how much of each of the ingredients to use.
Friend July 2021 “Pioneers Then and Now” A pioneer is someone who helps lead the way. There are many ways to be a pioneer! How many similarities can you find between these two pioneer families?
Friend July 2020 “Following the Pioneers” Anyone who leads the way to help make life better for others is a pioneer. Activity: As you pass through each circle in the maze, read the ways you can be a pioneer!
Friend July 2019 “Funstuff: Modern Pioneers” Put the pictures in order of a modern pioneer family joining the Church in Nigeria.
Pioneer Journey
Friend 1982 – 1 of 2
Friend 1982 – 2 of 2
Friend July 2022 “Draw It” Some of the first pioneers in the Church went to the Salt Lake Valley in covered wagons. For Pioneer Day on July 24, learn to draw a covered wagon and oxen!
Friend July 2015 – could be used as choosing idea for songs or lessons. Each cup could have a song title or lesson item in it. When a child gets the ball in a cup then the child looks to see what item or song is in it.
When one of the children gets three wagons in a row they get to choose one of the wagons and get its bag out. Whatever is inside the bag is the activity the Primary children will do, such as singing a pioneer song, or listening to a pioneer story, or doing a pioneer game or activity. After the activity, have the children continue playing the game in the same manner until all the bag activities have been done (or until time runs out).
Friend July 2019 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ideas on how to celebrate Pioneer Day by discussing how their ancestors (or themselves) were pioneers, such first to go to college, first to join the Church, etc.
Ensign July 2016 Pioneers are people who prepare the way for others to follow. Draw a picture or find a photo of one of your ancestors. Can you find a story of how they prepared the way for you to follow? Write two ways you can be a pioneer today.
Friend July 2018 “Find the people in your family tree who were pioneers, such as the first person to join the church or the first to graduate from college.
Friend July 2020 “Following the Pioneers” It’s not as important to walk where pioneers walked as it is to live like they lived, such as having faith, obedience, not leaving anyone behind, and working together to build Zion.
Friend July 2020 “For Older Kids” A pioneer is someone who does something new and helps others to follow.Were you the first in your family to do something? What was it? Draw or write about it in your journal!
Friend March 2017 “A Great Feeling” Paulo didn’t want the feeling he had when he was baptized to go away, but the next day he yelled at his brother. Through repentance and the sacrament he was able to get the feeling back.
Friend May 2024 “Clean Again” Emily wanted to keep the good feeling she had when she was baptized. She felt sure she could do it. But then her brother did something that made her angry and she yelled at him. I’ve ruined it, she thought. I couldn’t even choose the right for one day! But then she was reminded during her confirmation that because of Jesus she can repent and be forgiven, and when she takes the sacrament she can promise again to follow Jesus.
Remembering Jesus During Sacrament
Friend June 2020 “Koa and the Sacrament” He sings the sacrament hymn.Koa thinks about Jesus. He listens to the sacrament prayers. Koa is reverent. He feels happy inside!
Friend April 2017 “Mia’s First Sacrament” Mia learns about the sacrament when she goes to church with the missionaries.
Friend April 2020 “Just One Piece” Todd has a hard time sitting still during the sacrament. He is also hungry so he grabs two handfuls of bread. He learns that “We don’t take the bread because we are hungry. We take the bread to remember Jesus.” The next week he tries extra hard to remember Jesus during the sacrament.
Friend June 2023 “A Tiny Piece of Bread” Anahí was excited to take the sacrament at the church building again after Covid was over. She listened to the prayers and looked at a picture of Jesus while waiting, but by the time the tray got to her there was only a small crumb left. She picked it up and put it in her mouth, but all day long she worried that it didn’t count because it was only a crumb. But her mom said, “What matters is how you felt as you remembered the Savior,” Mami said. “And even though you just had a tiny piece of bread, Jesus’s love for you is not tiny. He loves you so, so much.”
Passing the Sacrament
Friend January 2023 “Representing Jesus” The older boys were going to show David and the other 11-year-old boys how to pass the sacrament. David was nervous because his autism sometimes made it hard for him to learn new things, but he practiced and had lots of help.
Alma CHAPTER 23 Religious freedom is proclaimed—The Lamanites in seven lands and cities are converted—They call themselves Anti-Nephi-Lehies and are freed from the curse—The Amalekites and the Amulonites reject the truth. About 90–77 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 24 The Lamanites come against the people of God—The Anti-Nephi-Lehies rejoice in Christ and are visited by angels—They choose to suffer death rather than to defend themselves—More Lamanites are converted. About 90–77 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 25 Lamanite aggressions spread—The seed of the priests of Noah perish as Abinadi prophesied—Many Lamanites are converted and join the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi—They believe in Christ and keep the law of Moses. About 90–77 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 26 Ammon glories in the Lord—The faithful are strengthened by the Lord and are given knowledge—By faith men may bring thousands of souls unto repentance—God has all power and comprehends all things. About 90–77 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 27 The Lord commands Ammon to lead the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi to safety—Upon meeting Alma, Ammon’s joy exhausts his strength—The Nephites give the Anti-Nephi-Lehies the land of Jershon—They are called the people of Ammon. About 90–77 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 28 The Lamanites are defeated in a tremendous battle—Tens of thousands are slain—The wicked are consigned to a state of endless woe; the righteous attain a never-ending happiness. About 77–76 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 29 Alma desires to cry repentance with angelic zeal—The Lord grants teachers for all nations—Alma glories in the Lord’s work and in the success of Ammon and his brethren. About 76 B.C.
Show the picture of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies burying their swords. Ask the children if they would want to bury their weapons if they knew they were in danger of attack. The people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi knew their enemies were planning to kill them, but they had made a solemn covenant with Heavenly Father that they would not fight.
Perhaps your children would enjoy burying their “weapons” like the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. You could read a few verses from Alma 24:6–24 to teach the children about the promises the Anti-Nephi-Lehies made to follow the Savior. They could then think of something they will change to follow Him, write it on this week’s activity page, and pretend to dig a hole and bury their weapon. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 23-29”)
Invite them to write, on the back of the weapons, something they feel they should change in order to follow Jesus Christ more fully. Let them pretend to bury their weapons and make a plan to act on what they wrote.
Covenants are promises I make with God and He makes with me.
Sprinkle the salt or sand on the bottom of the box. With your finger write the word Promise in the salt or sand. Ask the children the following questions:
Have you ever made an agreement or promise with someone who broke their part of the promise? (Let the children tell how they felt when the promise was broken as you gently blow on the salt or sand to erase the word.)
What do we call a promise we make with Heavenly Father? (A covenant.)
When did we make promises to Heavenly Father? (When we were baptized.)
Remind the children that a promise should not be made lightly. Emphasize the importance of keeping your word. Write the word Covenant on the rock with a marker or crayon. Explain that a gospel covenant is a promise between Heavenly Father and his children. Blow on the rock to demonstrate that the word cannot be easily removed. As we make covenants we should remember that they are sacred, and we should be determined to keep them.
Give all the children small rocks, and invite them to write the word covenant on their rock. Explain that a covenant is a promise between Heavenly Father and His children. How do our covenants make us strong or “firm” like a rock? (Alma 24:19). Read together Alma 24:16–25 to learn what covenant the people of Ammon made and how they honored their covenant. Invite the children to take the rocks home as a reminder to keep their covenants. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”)
Explain that the covenants we make are “a testimony to God” that we want to follow God’s commandments (verse 18). What covenants have the children made?
Friend July 2020 “Funstuff: Find It!” The Anti-Nephi-Lehies promised God they would never use weapons to hurt people again. They buried their weapons in the ground as part of their promise. Find 23 weapons in the ground and 30 hearts above the ground.
Friend August 2018 “Family Night Fun” Write a bad habit on a piece of paper. “Bury” the bad habit! Tear up the paper, or bury it outside. You could even plant a flower to represent replacing a bad habit with a good one.
Friend July 2020 “My Family Night Fun”The Anti-Nephi-Lehies made a promise with God that they wouldn’t fight again. They buried their weapons in the ground (see Alma 23:7, 24:17). Take a small piece of paper and write down something you want to stop doing, like fighting or complaining. Share what you wrote, and promise to do your best to stop doing that thing. Then rip the paper into tiny pieces and bury it in the ground.
Friend July 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 23:7 together and talk about how the Anti-Nephi-Lehies promised never to hurt people ever again. Draw weapons on pieces of paper. As you bury each one under a rug or towel, help your littles ones say, “I will be a peacemaker.”
Friend August 2018 “The No-Fighting Promise” After a few days of staying at cousin Timmy’s house, Madi and Timmy start to fight. Timmy suggests they be like the Anti-Nephi-Lehies and make some toy swords and bury them and promise they won’t fight each other anymore. After that they found ways to compromise so they didn’t fight.
News with Naylors Lesson ideas about contention in the home and finding peace. On the swords write somethings that may be causing contention such as yelling, arguing, not sharing, etc.
Because Heavenly Father is merciful, we can repent and change.
To help your children see how Jesus Christ can help us change when we repent, you could teach them about the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. To do this, you might label two bowls “before” and “after.” Then your children could read Alma 17:14–15 and 27:27–30, write down what the Lamanites were like before and after repenting, and put them in the correct bowl. According to Alma 24:7–10, what helped them change? How can we show our thanks to God for His mercy? (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 23-29”)
Perhaps you and your children would enjoy drawing pictures of things in the gospel of Jesus Christ that bring you joy. Share your picture with your children, and encourage them to share their picture with someone to help that person feel joy too. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 23-29”
Friend July 2024 “Sharing the Friend“ A girl gave her Friend magazine to another girl that looked sad. She wanted the girl to feel the happiness she feels when she learns about Jesus.
Friend July 2021 “Winfred’s New Recipe” Winfred is sad because she misses her father who has to work far away, and she misses her friends because of Covid. She figures out a recipe for happiness which includes prayer, reading scriptures, having faith, being grateful, and serving others.
Help your children find the words joy and rejoice in Alma 26 and 29. What brought Ammon and Alma joy or caused them to rejoice? This question could lead to a discussion about the joy that comes from living or sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Read Alma 27:17–19 and Alma 29:13–14 together, paying special attention to the word joy. Ammon and Alma found great joy in serving other people and the Lord.
Invite one or two people to act out helping someone else—no speaking allowed! Examples could include opening the door for someone, helping a person in their yard, helping fix dinner, and so on.
While the scene is being acted out, other family members guess what the service is.
Take turns until everyone has had a chance to act.
Discussion: Why is it important to help other people? When have you felt joy after helping someone? What could our family do to help someone this week?
The gospel brings me joy, and I can share this joy with others.
Invite two children to face each other and see who can make the other child smile first. What are some ways we can spread joy to others? How does sharing the gospel spread joy? Help the children think of ways they can share the joy of the gospel with their friends and families.
How would your family answer Ammon’s questions in Alma 26:2? Perhaps you could make a list of their answers on a large piece of paper and hang it in a place where everyone can see it. Encourage family members to add to it as they think of other blessings God has “bestowed upon us.” (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”)
Because of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies’ promise not to fight anymore, they could not defend themselves from their enemies. Read Alma 27:23, and explain that their friends among the Nephites chose to protect the Anti-Nephi-Lehies so they could keep their promise. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”)
Your children could read Alma 27:22–23, looking for what the Nephites did to help the Anti-Nephi-Lehies keep their promise to never fight again. How can we help our friends keep their promises? Your children could role-play situations. For example, what can we say to a friend who wants to lie or be mean? (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 23-29”)
Come Follow Me Kid Some additional situations could be: A friend wants you to go somewhere your parents told you not to go to. A friend tells another kid they can’t play with them because they think they’re weird. A friend has a bag of candy and is rudely telling other kids that he/she is not going to share. A friend wants you to try a cigarette with them. A friend starts making fun of another kid and tries to get you to join. A friend tells you to lie to your parents about something that happened.
Friend May 2016 Matt’s friend accidently damages his father’s car. Matt encourages his friend to choose the right and be honest.
Friend May 2016
Additional Resources
Teaching the Scripture Readers: Book of Mormon “The People of Ammon”
Alma CHAPTER 17The sons of Mosiah have the spirit of prophecy and of revelation—They go their several ways to declare the word to the Lamanites—Ammon goes to the land of Ishmael and becomes the servant of King Lamoni—Ammon saves the king’s flocks and slays his enemies at the water of Sebus. Verses 1–3, about 77 B.C.; verse 4, about 91–77 B.C.; and verses 5–39, about 91 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 18 King Lamoni supposes that Ammon is the Great Spirit—Ammon teaches the king about the Creation, God’s dealings with men, and the redemption that comes through Christ—Lamoni believes and falls to the earth as if dead. About 90 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 19 Lamoni receives the light of everlasting life and sees the Redeemer—His household falls into a trance, and many see angels—Ammon is preserved miraculously—He baptizes many and establishes a church among them. About 90 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 20 The Lord sends Ammon to Middoni to deliver his imprisoned brethren—Ammon and Lamoni meet Lamoni’s father, who is king over all the land—Ammon compels the old king to approve the release of his brethren. About 90 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 21 Aaron teaches the Amalekites about Christ and His Atonement—Aaron and his brethren are imprisoned in Middoni—After their deliverance, they teach in the synagogues and make many converts—Lamoni grants religious freedom to the people in the land of Ishmael. About 90–77 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 22 Aaron teaches Lamoni’s father about the Creation, the Fall of Adam, and the plan of redemption through Christ—The king and all his household are converted—The division of the land between the Nephites and the Lamanites is explained. About 90–77 B.C.
How can the examples of Mosiah’s sons help your children build their testimonies of Jesus Christ? You could help your children find what the sons of Mosiah did to build their spiritual strength in Alma 17:2–3. Then they could draw pictures or find objects that represent these things. Help them plan what they will do to strengthen their testimonies of the Savior.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 Bring to class items that represent scriptures, prayer, and fasting, such as a set of scriptures, a picture of someone praying, and a picture of food, and explain what each item represents. Read Alma 17:1–4, and ask the children how these things helped the sons of Mosiah. How does reading the scriptures, praying, and fasting help us come closer to Heavenly Father?
Use the topics index of the Children’s Songbook to help the children find songs about scripture study and prayer. Sing some of these songs together, and help the children identify what the songs teach about
( Alma 17:1–2). What do you learn from the sons of Mosiah about how to keep your faith in the gospel and commitment to it strong?
(Alma 17:3). How did the spiritual preparation of the sons of Mosiah affect their work with the Lamanites?
Ammon and his brothers were missionaries. Sometimes they were hungry and tired, but they kept teaching about Jesus.
Ammon and his brothers went to a land far away to teach their enemies about Jesus.
Some men captured Ammon and took him to King Lamoni. Ammon told the king he wanted to serve him.
Ammon worked hard. He protected the king’s sheep from robbers. The king was grateful. He listened to Ammon.
Ammon taught the king about God and the scriptures. The king believed him. Many people were baptized because of Ammon’s good example. We can help others by being a good example like Ammon!
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 17-22” Think of all of the reasons people might give for not sharing the gospel: “I don’t know enough” or “I’m don’t know if they would be interested.” The Nephites had an additional reason for not sharing the gospel with the Lamanites: they were “a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people; a people who delighted in murdering the Nephites” (Alma 17:14; Alma 26:23–25). But the sons of Mosiah had an even stronger reason why they felt they must share the gospel with the Lamanites: “They were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish” (Mosiah 28:3). This love that inspired Ammon and his brothers can also inspire you to share the gospel with your family, friends, and acquaintances—even those who may not seem likely to accept it.
To learn about being an instrument in God’s hands, as the sons of Mosiah were, you and your children could look at an instrument or tool and talk about what it’s used for. Then you could read Alma 17:11 and talk about what it means to be Heavenly Father’s instruments to help people learn about Jesus Christ.
Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon Chapter 17 Show the children a few tools or instruments used by builders, doctors, gardeners, painters, and so forth. Ask the children to tell what they know about each one, who uses it, and how it is used.
Friend July 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Instruments in God’s Hands” Ammon said to his brothers, “We have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work” (Alma 26:3). Gather objects you can use to make music. Then make up beats and songs. Just like we use instruments to make music, God can use us to help build Jesus Christ’s Church.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 Explain that just as we use instruments or tools to get things done, Heavenly Father can use us to do His work. Read Alma 17:11, and explain that Ammon and his brothers were Heavenly Father’s instruments to help the Lamanites learn the gospel. How can you be an instrument in God’s hands to bless others? President Thomas S. Monson said, “I always want the Lord to know that if He needs an errand run, Tom Monson will run that errand for Him” (“On the Lord’s Errand: The Life of Thomas S. Monson,”
Help the children act out Ammon’s story in Alma 17–19. If you think the children would enjoy it, bring simple costumes and props. Tell the children what you learn from the story, and invite them to do the same.
This week’s activity page has pictures representing truths Ammon taught King Lamoni. You could help your children find these truths in Alma 18:24–40. Your children could pretend to be missionaries and share what they know about these truths.
Abish, in gathering the people together to witness the power of God and reaching out her hand to the queen, she played a crucial role in the conversion of many of King Lamoni’s people.
After you read about Abish with your children (see Alma 19:16–20, 28–29), they could pretend to be like Abish by running in place, knocking on doors, and telling about what happened in Alma 19:1–17. How can we be like Abish and share what we know about Jesus Christ and His gospel? Your children could draw pictures of themselves sharing the gospel with someone (Help them think of specific things they can share), or sing together a song about sharing the gospel, such as “Called to Serve” (Children’s Songbook, 174–75).
A woman named Abish worked for the king and queen. She believed in God. Most people around her did not believe in God. One day she saw a missionary named Ammon teaching the king and queen about God and Jesus Christ.
When the king and queen learned about the gospel, they were so happy! They fell down and didn’t move. Abish knew that they were feeling the power of God.
Abish wanted everyone to learn about God. So she ran from house to house and told people to come and see what had happened.
After the crowd gathered, Abish helped the queen stand up. Then the queen helped the king stand up. They started teaching people about the gospel.
I can be like Abish. I can help other people learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
At first, both King Lamoni and his father had hard hearts toward the gospel. Later, their hearts were softened, and they believed in Jesus Christ. How did this happen? Help your children discover answers to this question as you review with them Ammon’s experiences. They could act out “Chapter 23: Ammon: A Great Servant” and “Chapter 24: Ammon Meets King Lamoni’s Father” (Book of Mormon Stories, 64–68, 69–70). Or perhaps your children would like to draw pictures of different parts of the story and use the pictures to tell the stories. What did Ammon do to help Lamoni and his father open their hearts to the gospel of Jesus Christ? (see Alma 17:21–25; 20:8–27; 22:1–3).
Perhaps you and your children could think of someone who needs to know about Jesus Christ. Help them think of ways they can be good examples and show love to that person, like Ammon did for Lamoni and his father.
Sit around a table or in a circle on the floor. Put 5–10 cotton balls in the center to represent flocks, such as sheep.
On the count of three, everyone tries to “scatter” the sheep by blowing on the cotton balls for about 10 seconds.
To “gather” the sheep, go around the circle and have each person put the cotton ball nearest to them back in the center. As they do, ask them to share one act of service they could do for someone this week. Keep going until all the cotton balls are returned.
Discussion: What can we learn from Ammon’s example of humility? What blessings can we experience as we serve others?
Invite the children to think of someone they can serve today, and discuss how they can serve that person.
Read Alma 22:1–3, and ask the children to listen for how Ammon’s good example affected King Lamoni’s father. Invite them to think of someone they know who needs to know about the gospel. Suggest to the children that their love and good example might help this person see how great the gospel is. Help the children think of ways they can be good examples and show love to the people they thought of.
Invite full-time missionaries or a recently returned missionary to share the story of Ammon in Alma 17–18. Ask them to share what they learned about missionary work from Ammon and the role service played in their efforts. Discuss with the children ways they can follow Ammon’s example.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 Point out that one reason the heart of Lamoni’s father changed was because Ammon loved Lamoni so much. Invite the children to draw a picture of something they can do to show love for someone.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 Alma 20:23 Review to see what Lamoni’s father was willing to give up in order to save his life. Then review Alma 22:15 to see what he was willing to give up in order to receive the joy of the gospel. What was he willing to give up in order to know God? (see verse 18). Perhaps family members could each write a plan to give up something in order to know God more fully.
Draw a large square on the chalkboard or paper, and divide it into nine equal squares. Number the squares from one to nine as shown:
Divide the class into two teams. Assign each team a mark, such as X and O. Ask someone from the first team to choose a number from one to nine; then read the corresponding question below. Any member of the team may answer the question. If the team members answer the question correctly, they can put their team’s mark in the square that has the same number as the question they answered. If they don’t answer the question correctly, leave the square blank. Have the two teams alternate turns. The game is over when either team gets three marks in a row, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
What is Heavenly Father’s great plan for us called? (The plan of salvation, the plan of redemption, or the plan of happiness.)
What does redeem mean? (Save us from the bondage of sin.)
Who created the earth? (Jesus Christ, under Heavenly Father’s direction.)
Who were the first people on the earth? (Adam and Eve.)
What happened because Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit? (They were cast out of the Garden of Eden, they could have children, they became mortal, and they were able to choose between right and wrong [see Moses 5:11].)
Aaron taught the king from the scriptures or the brass plates. What are the four books of scripture we use to teach the gospel, or plan of redemption? (The Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.)
What was the first thing Aaron taught King Lamoni’s father? (There is a God.)
How did Jesus make it possible for us to return to live with him again? (He suffered and died for our sins.)
What must we do to be able to return to Heavenly Father? (Repent of our sins, keep our covenants, do good works.)To play the game again, make up questions from the lesson.
I want to be a missionary now. I don’t want to wait until I’m grown. I want to share the gospel while I’m young. For I have a testimony of my own.
2. I want to tell my friends about our church And the happiness it brings to me. I’ll tell them how the gospel was restored, Tell them how the Book of Mormon came to be.
3. Then I can be a missionary now. I don’t have to wait until I’m grown. I’ll live each day the best that I know how, And they’ll see I have a testimony of my own, A testimony of my very own.
Friend July 2020 “Food and Fun” Empanadas recipe and a game that is played in Argentina
Friend June 2022 “Moira’s First Talk” President Scott asked Moira to give a talk in district conference. Moira was only 12 and she was a new member of the church. She wasn’t sure if she could do it but she said she would try. She knew Heavenly Father would help her.
Friend February 2020 “Funstuff: Find It” About half of Brazil is covered in rainforest. Can you find and color all 12 animals and insects in this rainforest scene?
Friend May 2019 “Elder Cook Visits Brazil” He invited everyone to be a light. That means being a good example and helping others, like Jesus did. “When we are a light, we influence the world for the better.”
Craft: Make a light with different colors using a jar and tissue paper. Maybe have the children say how they can be a light at home, in their neighborhood, and at school for each strip of colored paper they add to the jar.
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 September 2019 “Elder Stephenson Visits Chile” Elder Stephenson visits Chile for a temple dedication, the second temple in Chile
Ecuador
Friend June 2021 “Ana Cumandá Rivera” Ana taught her companion how to read while on her mission. After her mission, Ana wanted to continue to serve. She was invited to teach others how to read.
Friend March 2022 Danial is helping his mom in the garden. Find the objects in the picture. How do you help at home?
My family ministers to Sister Rosa. Sister Rosa is 90, so she can’t go out of her home. I help Dad to load and transport firewood for Rosa. (Ignacio G., age 9, Canelones Department, Uruguay) (See images at link.)
Ensign January 2019 “Talking about Testimonies” Teach them what a testimony is in clear, simple terms–for example, “A testimony is what you know or believe is true about the gospel. The Holy Ghost helps us know what is true.” Help them recognize what they already believe with questions like, “How do you think Jesus feels about you?” or “How do you feel when you pray?”
Read 1 Corinthians 3:11 to the children, and explain that Jesus Christ is our foundation. Show the children several pictures of things we can have testimonies of, including a picture of Jesus Christ. Help them arrange the pictures so that the picture of Jesus is on the bottom, like a foundation, and the other pictures “build” on a testimony of Him.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 1–7”)
Share pictures that depict some of your favorite stories from the Savior’s life, and ask the children to tell you what is happening in the pictures. Let them share some of their favorite stories about Jesus. Bear your testimony that Jesus Christ is the foundation of your faith.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 1–7”)
The Red Crystal Have the children color the figure to look themselves, and then cut the story pictures out and paste them onto the foundation area.
Ensign June 2017 “Family Home Evening Ideas” To illustrate the importance of gaining your own spiritual light, consider this activity. Turn off the lights and ask family members to draw a picture. Have someone with a flashlight or candle use it only for their own picture. After a few minutes, turn the lights back on. Talk about the difference in being able to complete the task and then discuss the principles found in the article.
Share the story of the ten virgins (see Matthew 25:1–13; see also “Chapter 47: The Ten Virgins,” in New Testament Stories, 118–20, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children questions like these: How are our testimonies like the lamps? Why is it important to have our own testimonies?
Discuss what we can do to strengthen our testimonies. For ideas, invite the children to search John 7:17 and Moroni 10:3–5. Invite them to share things they know are true.
Ask the children to help you label building blocks with truths that form our testimonies (see Gospel Topics, “Testimony,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Let the children use the blocks to build a structure representing a testimony.
Friend November 2018 “Building Blocks of Testimony” Use the four words on the right to fill in the blanks in the four building blocks of testimony.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “1 Nephi 1-5” How did Nephi know that what his father taught was true? Help your children find answers to this question in 1 Nephi 2:16, 19. They might also enjoy writing Nephi’s actions on blocks or other objects and then building something with the objects. This could lead to a conversation about how these actions help us build a testimony.
You could show your children pictures or objects that represent things they might seek a testimony of, such as a copy of the Book of Mormon or a picture of Jesus Christ, a temple, or the living prophet. Invite them to pick one and share their testimonies of that thing. You could also tell your children how you gained your testimony. Why do we need our own testimony?
Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: 1 Nephi 1-7 Bring a closed box with a picture of the Savior inside, and give each child a turn to find out for himself or herself what is inside the box. Tell the children that Nephi wanted to have His own testimony that the Lord had commanded his family to leave Jerusalem. Ask the children to listen for what Nephi did to gain his own testimony as you read 1 Nephi 2:16. Testify that just as we each had to open the box to find out what was inside, we all need to ask God to gain our own testimony.
“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17).
And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost (Moro. 10:4).
Friend April 2020 “What’s on Your Mind” A child asks how they can know if they have a testimony because he/she hadn’t gotten any strong answers while praying. The Friend responds: “Instead of waiting for your testimony to come in one big moment, like flipping on a light switch, think of it more like a sunrise. Your testimony will grow brighter little by little as you keep learning, praying, and making good choices.” Link also includes a fill-in the-blank activity about how to get a testimony.
Ensign January 2021 “How can I Know for Myself” What can we learn from Joseph’s example? How can we “know for ourselves” what is true? He read the scriptures. He asked God in prayer. Sometimes we have to wait for answers. He put effort into finding answers to his questions.
Display different kinds of soil (or pictures of soil) as you summarize Matthew 13:3–8. Give each child a seed, and ask what they could do to help the seeds grow. Explain that our testimonies are like seeds. How do we help our testimony “seeds” grow?
A testimony is what you believe is true, like “God loves me” or “Families are forever.”
Like plants, everyone’s testimonies grow at different speeds. Heavenly Father is happy when your knowledge grows even a little.
Plants need water and sunlight to grow. Scriptures, prayer, and church are like water and light for your testimony.
Roots make plants strong. You can keep your testimony strong by remembering Heavenly Father and Jesus every day!
For the Strength of Youth June 2024 “A Testimony Is Like …”A Seed: When you willingly plant a seed, or the word of God, in your heart, you can see it grow and produce good fruit. In other words, sometimes a testimony grows best when you’re willing to try living the way God has asked, even if you only have the tiniest desire to believe. Then God can show you the fruits, or blessings, that come when you follow Him. Your testimony will grow as you continue to nourish it. (See Alma 32:28–43.) Have I noticed any good fruits that have come from nourishing my testimony?
A Stone Wall: When a person builds a wall out of stones, not every stone is the same size or shape. Sometimes a stone might not fit yet, but that doesn’t mean you should get rid of it! Similarly, there might be things about the gospel that you don’t understand yet. Keep building your testimony one stone at a time, and eventually, it will be strong for you. What stones can I be patient with as I build my testimony wall?
Oil in a Lamp: In the parable of the ten virgins, five women didn’t have their own oil. They couldn’t borrow any from others once it was time to meet the bridegroom, who represents Jesus Christ. Those who had their own oil were able to follow the bridegroom. When it comes to testimonies, at some point, you need your own! You can fill your testimony drop by drop, like oil in a lamp. Then when big decisions come, your testimony can light the way for you. (See Matthew 25:1–13.) What am I doing to increase my testimony drop by drop? What could I start doing?
A testimony of Jesus Christ comes through revelation.
Ask the children what they would say if someone asked them, “Who is Jesus?” Invite the children to read Matthew 16:13–17 to find out how Peter answered that question. How did he gain his testimony of Jesus? What can we do to strengthen our testimonies?
“Faith in Jesus Christ” (August 2019 Friend) Make a path through your home that includes objects representing how you show faith in Jesus Christ.
(Or you could have pictures or objects of ways you can show your faith. Have the children choose one and tell how it shows their trust in God. Some additional ideas: a picture of people going to church, picture of a child praying, a picture of the ten commandments or children being kind and obeying the commandments.
Help the children compare the way we know spiritual truths with the ways we know other truths. For example, how do we know how tall a person is or what the weather is like? How do we know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Tell the children how the Holy Ghost has testified to you of the Savior.
Peter saw and heard the Savior’s teachings. However, he received his testimony of Christ through revelation rather than through his physical senses—his “flesh and blood” (see Matthew 16:13–17).
Gather a few objects (see ideas below). Take turns being blindfolded. Have each person use their other four senses to guess what the object is.
Ideas:
Smell a flower
Taste a treat
Listen to a song
Touch a soft sweater
Discussion: Read Doctrine and Covenants 6:14–15 and 8:2–3. How can we learn truth through the spiritual sense of revelation rather than only relying on our physical senses? Note that everyone receives a testimony through the Holy Ghost but that some feel that influence differently than others. How can personal revelation through the Holy Ghost deepen our testimonies of Christ?
Friend September 2015 “A New Feeling” – Child feels Holy Ghost while reading about Jesus in the scriptures
Friend June 2020 A testimony is a good feeling from the Holy Ghost telling you that something is true.
Bear your testimony of Jesus Christ, and challenge the children to gain or strengthen their own testimonies of Him.
Listen for the Holy Ghost Testifying of Truth
Friend June 2020 A testimony is a good feeling from the Holy Ghost telling you that something is true.
Friend January 2025 “Just Like Joseph” Lhensay learns in primary that Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. She asked her mom how she could see them like Joseph did. Her mom explained that most of us won’t see Heavenly Father and Jesus like Joseph Smith did. But They can still speak to us through thoughts and feelings from the Holy Ghost. Then you can know They are always with you. Lhensay remembered the warm feeling she had when she learned about the First Vision. That was the Holy Ghost, sending her a message from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ! They had spoken to her, just like they had to Joseph Smith!
God will reveal truth to me by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “1 Nephi 6-10” How could you help your children understand what Nephi taught in 1 Nephi 10:19? Perhaps you could fold a picture of the Savior or another special object inside a blanket and invite your children to unfold it. As you read 1 Nephi 10:19, they could raise their hands when they hear the words “unfolded” and “Holy Ghost.” Then you could share an experience when the Holy Ghost helped you discover truth.
“Fiction or Nonfiction?” (January 2012 Friend) When Jennifer learned the difference between fiction and nonfiction she wondered about the Book of Mormon. She spent a lot of time reading it but didn’t know how she would ever know it was true. During Sacrament she said a prayer. Then she remembered the warm, happy feelings she had when she was baptized. She realized she felt the same way when she thought of the Prophet Joseph Smithy and when she read the Book of Mormon. She knew that Heavenly Father was telling her through the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon was true.
Friend January 1988 “Juliano’s Testimony” Juliano seeks to gain a testimony for himself. He reads the Book of Mormon and then prays to know if it is true. He didn’t know how the Holy Ghost would visit him because he was just a boy. Then he remembered a story the missionaries told him about a boy his age learning that he was to be the future keeper of the gold plates. He looked up the story in the scriptures and found out that it was Mormon. He felt a peaceful feeling spread through him and he knew that the Book of Mormon was true.
Friend January 2024 “My Own Testimony” Chloe gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon when she felt the Holy Ghost witness it was true while reading the Book of Mormon.
Sing a song with the children about seeking truth, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109). Show pictures that illustrate words in the song to help the children remember how the Holy Ghost teaches us.
Help the children memorize the first line from Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Talk with them about what it might mean to “be still,” both physically and mentally. Share with the children an experience in which being “still” strengthened your testimony of Heavenly Father. Ask the children to share any experiences they have had. Why is being still an important way to know that God lives?
Invite the children to review with you what they do during a typical day. Help them think of moments during their day when they could try to “be still” and feel close to Heavenly Father. Encourage them to set a goal to use such moments during the coming week to strengthen their testimony of Heavenly Father.
Friend August 2016 “The Little Bottle of Silence” Gage’s grandfather gives him a empty bottle of “silence” at his baptism to remind Gage that quietness helps you hear the Holy Ghost. He feels the Holy Ghost comforting him during a sad time when he seeks quiet time.
Invite the children to list some things we can do to know for ourselves that Heavenly Father is real and that He loves us. Invite them to choose something from the list that they want to do.
For the Strength of Youth June 2024 “A Testimony Is Like …” A Pet: If you don’t feed and care for an animal that needs you, it might get hungry, sick, and weak. If you don’t feed your testimony with spiritual experiences and attention, it might get weaker too. What spiritual things can I “feed” my testimony to keep it strong?
A House: Where you build your house matters. The same is true for your testimony. If you build it on a sandy foundation, it might not last very long in bad weather. But if you build it on a rock, or Jesus Christ, your house can stand firm even in the wildest storms. (See Matthew 7:24–27; Helaman 5:12.) What truths am I building my testimony on?
My testimony of Jesus Christ grows when I read the scriptures, pray, and fast.
How can the examples of Mosiah’s sons help your children build their testimonies of Jesus Christ? You could help your children find what the sons of Mosiah did to build their spiritual strength in Alma 17:2–3. Then they could draw pictures or find objects that represent these things. Help them plan what they will do to strengthen their testimonies of the Savior.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 Bring to class items that represent scriptures, prayer, and fasting, such as a set of scriptures, a picture of someone praying, and a picture of food, and explain what each item represents. Read Alma 17:1–4, and ask the children how these things helped the sons of Mosiah. How does reading the scriptures, praying, and fasting help us come closer to Heavenly Father?
Use the topics index of the Children’s Songbook to help the children find songs about scripture study and prayer. Sing some of these songs together, and help the children identify what the songs teach about
( Alma 17:1–2). What do you learn from the sons of Mosiah about how to keep your faith in the gospel and commitment to it strong?
(Alma 17:3). How did the spiritual preparation of the sons of Mosiah affect their work with the Lamanites?
Bring a paper crown to class and let a child wear it and pretend to be King Agrippa. Invite another child to stand before the king to represent Paul as you summarize Paul’s testimony and the reaction of King Agrippa, found in Acts 26:1–29 (see “Chapter 63: Paul Finishes His Mission,” in New Testament Stories, 162–66, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Explain that we can share our testimonies with others, as Paul did.
Friend February 2016“Testimony Treasure” Sabrina learns that a testimony is a treasure you want to share with others, so she shared her testimony with her friend that going to church and learning about Jesus makes her feel happy. Her friend then went to church and told Sabrina that it did make her feel happy.
Ask the children to listen while you sing or read a song about testimony, such as “I Know My Father Lives” (Children’s Songbook, 5). Invite the children to raise their hands when they hear something they know is true. You may want to sing the song several times; invite the children to join you once they’re familiar with the words. Help them practice sharing their testimonies of things they know are true.
Use this week’s activity page to help the children think about something they could say when they share their testimonies (see the Articles of Faith for more ideas). Invite them to share their testimonies with someone in their family.
“Gunnar’s Testimony”(May 2000 Friend) Gunnar learns a testimony is something you believe and feel inside.
“Time for family home evening!” Dad called.
Gunnar came running. He loved home evenings. Climbing up on the sofa, he snuggled between Ryan and Mom.
After the opening song and prayer, Dad stood up. “We’re going to have a special home evening,” he said. “Tonight we are going to have a testimony meeting.”
Testimony? Gunnar couldn’t remember his Primary teacher ever talking about a testimony in nursery. “What’s a testimony, Daddy?” he asked.
Dad smiled at Gunnar. “A testimony is what you believe about Heavenly Father and Jesus and the Church. It’s what you feel inside about them,” Dad said. “And you want to share your testimony because it means so much to you.”
“Oh.”
Then Dad said, “I have a testimony that Jesus Christ lives. And He loves each one of us.”
Emily was next. “I know that the Book of Mormon is true.”
“I’m glad that we have prophets,” said Ryan. “I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet.”
Mom said, “I’m grateful that your father and I were married in the temple, so we can be a family forever.” She reached into her pocket for a tissue to wipe her eyes.
Everyone in the family had shared a testimony except Gunnar.
A testimony is something I believe. Something I feel inside, Gunnar thought. Now he knew what he could say. He scooted off the sofa, stood straight and tall, and said, “I am a child of God.” Then he sat down. Mom gave him a little squeeze, and she had to get out that tissue again.
Read to the children the following words from Exodus 18:8: “And Moses told his father in law all that the Lord had done.” Ask the children if they remember what the Lord did to help the children of Israel escape from Egypt. (To help them remember, show pictures or activity pages from previous lessons). What things has the Lord done to help us? Help the children know that like Moses, we can tell other people about the great things the Lord has done for us.
Primary class can be a great place for children to practice sharing a simple testimony. Share your testimony with them, and help them share with each other gospel truths that they believe.
Friend February 2016 “Testimony Treasure” Sabrina learns that a testimony is a treasure you want to share with others, so she shared her testimony with her friend that going to church and learning about Jesus makes her feel happy. Her friend then went to church and told Sabrina that it did make her feel happy.
Friend August 2015 – Elder Cook’s brother shares his testimony with him. After that he wanted his own witness from the Holy Ghost.
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.
Ensign August 2019 “Family Study Fun: Masterpiece Testimony Theater” Paul bore bold testimony, even in the face of danger. (Acts 22:1–21; 26:1–29) an everyday scenario for each family member to role-play bearing testimony. Emphasize that testimonies in conversation need not end in “amen” or include every element of a typical testimony. (Example: A coworker asks why we don’t drink alcohol.) Act out each scenario, being as sincere and authentic as possible. Discussion: What was easy and difficult about the role-play? What motivated Paul to bear such powerful testimony? How can we build our courage to testify?
Friend December 2016 “Show & Tell” A nine year old boy said, “One fast Sunday I felt something say, “Go bear your testimony!” And right when that feeling hit me, I knew it was the Holy Ghost. And instead of having a nervous feeling, I felt courage! And so bearing my testimony wasn’t so bad!”
Friend February 2022 “Jesus Shared the Truth” Jesus told the people of his home town that he was the Savior. They didn’t believe him and were angry, but he always shared the truth.
Select verses from Acts 26 to read with the children to help them understand what Paul told King Agrippa about his experiences (such as verses 9–16) and what he taught about Jesus Christ (such as verses 18, 23). You might also show a portion of the video “Paul: A Chosen Vessel” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Why might it have been scary for Paul to share these things before the king? Invite the children to list some gospel principles they know to be true. Ask them to think of someone they know who needs to hear their testimony of these truths.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Acts 22-28”When Paul delivered the powerful testimonies recorded in Acts 22 and 26, he was being held prisoner by Roman soldiers. The people he spoke to had the power to condemn him to death. Yet he chose to boldly bear witness of Jesus Christ and “the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19) he had received. What inspires you about his words? Consider the opportunities you have to share your testimony. For example, do your friends know how you feel about Jesus Christ? Or when was the last time you told your family how you gained your testimony of the gospel?
Invite the children to use this week’s activity page to write something they might say when they share their testimonies.
Martin Harris was promised that he could be one of the witnesses of the gold plates if he was faithful [and humbled himself]. We won’t see the plates like Martin did, but we can receive a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon.
Write questions like the following on the board, and help the children find answers in Doctrine and Covenants 5:1–3, 7, 11: What did Martin Harris desire to know?Who could Joseph Smith show the gold plates to?Why would seeing the plates likely not be enough to convince someone that the Book of Mormon is true?
Ask the children what a witness is and why a witness is important.
The Lord does not expect children to respond to critics of the Church as He called Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to do. But you can help the children understand that their simple testimony of the truth can have a powerful effect on others.
Use the section heading for Doctrine and Covenants 71 to teach the children about the circumstances that inspired section 71. Read Doctrine and Covenants 71:1 with the children, and help them find what the Lord wanted Joseph and Sidney to do about the “unfriendly feelings” people had toward the Church. What did He say they would be given to help them? How can we be like Joseph and Sidney?
Invite the children to practice in pairs how to share with others what they know about the Church. For example, they can share a simple testimony or share one of the Articles of Faith.
I can tell others about Jesus Christ.
PSALM 71 David praises God with thanksgiving—Who is like unto the Lord!
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.
[unitegallery 2019Januar]
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.)
Can you think of an object lesson to help your family understand what it means to keep a firm hold on the gospel truths “which we have heard”? You might illustrate this with an object that is hard to hold onto. (Maybe an oily object) How are our efforts to maintain our testimony like catching and holding this object? How can we make sure “the things which we have heard” do not “slip” away from us? (verse 1).
Not Letting Truths Slip from Us Penny Game- Read/discuss/summarize Hebrews 2:1. How can we give more “earnest heed to the things which we have heard” and make sure we don’t let them “slip” away from us? Remind them that we need to CONTINUALLY read scriptures, pray, listen at church, etc. Set out a pile of pennies in a cup. Tell them that these represent gospel truths that are valuable to us. Family members take turns naming one specific thing they’ve learned about Jesus and His gospel or one thing they can do to deepen their faith. For each thing they can think of, they can grab another penny. Continue until pennies are gone or nobody can think of anything else. Now that they have these pennies, would they want to take good care of them so they don’t get lost? Have them show you how they could keep a firm hold on these pennies in their hands so they don’t slip away. Take turns letting family members try to steal pennies away from each other. Discuss what would happen if we lost our “firm holds” on the pennies (we’d lose them). Compare this to the things we learn about Jesus and His gospel. What can we do to keep a “firm hold” on the valuable truths we’ve learned? Why is it important to not lose our testimonies of Jesus? How can our testimony help us in life? How does Satan try to take our testimonies away from us? Share and discuss the following quote from President Russell M. Nelson: “Because the evil one is ever at work, our vigilance cannot be relaxed – not even for a moment…Night and day, at home or away, we must shun sin and ‘hold fast that which is good’.”
There may be times your beliefs are challenged by others, or you come across confusing questions. When this happens, think about the “impossible” paper. Decide to trust God and to turn to Him and other good sources for answers.
Friend June 2024 “Margo and Paolo” Paulo has lots of questions and doesn’t think his good feelings about the gospel are enough. Margo says, “We don’t have to know everything. And we can ask Heavenly Father our questions.” She also think their mother and father can help answer some of his questions as well.
Friend June 2022 “The Video Question” At an internet cafe Josué and his friend watch what they think is a video about the church, but instead it is a negative video about the church. Josué had prayed to know that the Church was true and had felt good about it. He always felt peaceful when he went to church, but he didn’t know what to think about what he’d heard in the video. His didn’t have anyone to talk to about it, so he talked to his friends dad. He had an answer to all of Josué’s questions! He also explained how to get answers for himself about the church such as searching the scriptures, asking Heavenly Father, etc.
Friend June 2022 “What’s on Your Mind?” A child sends a letter to the Friend and asks, “I have some questions about the Church that are really bothering me. What should I do?” The Friend responds by saying “There’s nothing wrong with having questions. That’s part of how we learn, grow, and gain a testimony. But it’s important to look for answers in places you can trust.” They also list some ways to get some answers.
For the Strength of Youth June 2024 “A Testimony Is Like …”A Puzzle: We all have the same pieces of gospel truths to work with, but the order in which each person puts things together may be different. Don’t throw away a piece just because you can’t see how it connects right now. Be patient as God gradually helps you see the big picture. What does my testimony picture look like right now?
A Bucket: Drop by drop, the spiritual experiences you have fill it up. But be careful! Sometimes you don’t even recognize that your buckets are slowly filling up. If you get impatient and dump out your buckets entirely because you feel you don’t have a testimony of one thing, you’re ignoring the experiences that are slowly helping your testimony to grow. Let your testimony bucket fill up. What do I already believe in that I shouldn’t throw away?
Plants in a Garden: If one plant in a garden is struggling, that doesn’t mean the whole garden is unhealthy. So if one part of your testimony is stronger than another, that’s OK! Keep tending to the plants that are healthy and flourishing, and when you’re ready, you can focus on the ones that need more help too. Which parts of my testimony are strong and flourishing? Which parts can I give love and attention to when I’m ready?
