Gathering to Zion

In the early days of the restored Church, members were asked to gather to a central place in the United States. First it was Ohio, then Missouri, then Illinois. After the Latter-day Saints were driven from Nauvoo, Illinois, they began a great westward trek to the valley of the Great Salt Lake. For years afterward members from all over the world gathered there. Many crossed the ocean in sailing ships. Then they traveled to Winter Quarters (now in Nebraska) by whatever means they could, including riverboats or railroad trains. On the final trek across the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, the Saints came by wagon, handcart, horseback, and on foot. After their arrival thousands were sent to settle in other areas of the western United States.

We are no longer asked to cross oceans or continents to gather in one place. All around the world gospel pioneers gather in their branches, wards, stakes, and holy temples. You are one such pioneer. Yours is a spiritual journey just as challenging as the pioneers’ trek west.

Instructions: To honor pioneers of the past, cut out these pictures, and place them on the map, which is on pages 24–25. Refer to the legend to decide where each picture should go. The Kirtland and Nauvoo Temples have been outlined to help you. To honor today’s pioneers who gather in their own countries, place the four families on the world globe.

Note: If you do not wish to remove pages from the magazine, this activity may be copied or printed from www.lds.org. Click on “Gospel Library.”

Image

Gathering to Zion, cutouts

Illustrations by Brandon Dorman

Image

Gathering to Zion, left page

Image

Gathering to Zion, right page

Illustrations by Brandon Dorman