How many miles do we walk each day?

How often do we, as modern-day pioneers, honor the sacrifice of the pioneers of the early days? Brother David George, the ward mission leader, announced that there will be a pioneer activity for all ward members on July 24, 2018. Every member of the ward was really excited and eagerly waited for the big day to arrive.

Finally, the day arrived!

Just like the early-day pioneers who travelled across the plains and deserts to reach their destination, the volunteers of the Indiranagar Ward put great effort in decorating the venue. They made an arch out of bamboo with many colorful balloons tied onto it. The handcrafts made by the volunteers were displayed at the entrance. The ward looked so beautiful, and it was decorated very creatively. A collage of early-day pioneers was made and displayed as a source of information for the members. It was a perfect moment to cherish beyond what any words could describe.

On July 24th at 5:30 p.m., all members were seated in the sacrament hall, and they all looked very elegant in their costumes and bonnets, which resembled the clothes worn during the 19th century. This gesture reflected their determination to follow the footsteps of the early pioneers. It demonstrated the pioneering values of ingenuity and commitment and a vision for living their lives to benefit the present and future generations.

The meeting was started with an opening prayer and a hymn. Later on, two ward members, who had dressed like Joseph Smith and Emma Smith, volunteered to showcase their attire, and the crowd cheered for them. One of the senior members was invited to share the testimony of the Church and his personal experience as a follower of Jesus Christ. After this, one of the members concluded the meeting with a closing prayer.

After a few announcements, coupons were distributed to members in every family in order to participate in the games. A handcart, buffalo chips, a basket, a candle, and the golden plates were displayed for the members. Members also had the opportunity to see the covered wagon, which was the mode of transportation during the days of the early pioneers. Two ward missionaries volunteered to describe life during the period, and everyone witnessed the history and spiritual teachings of the gospel on the golden plates.

Two activities were organized for the members to understand the hardships suffered by the pioneers for the Lord’s work. The activities planned were games, namely a stick-pull activity and walking on two wooden boards through the mud. These games showed how each one’s faith could conquer their fear. It helped the members to marvel at the determination of the early-day pioneers who were undeterred by their blistered feet and hands, the sore muscles, or the dust and grit. Such activities help members to realize the painstaking effort put in by the pioneers.

Another activity organized was the food and fun time with family. In addition to this, carnival games were also organized. Members were overjoyed to win prizes by utilizing their talents and to achieve small victories by putting in their efforts, and others cheered for the participants.

It was a wonderful evening, and all the members who had volunteered to cook for the activity presented their dishes. It showed how a successful group effort could work wonders. Every member seemed to have enjoyed the delicious food and hospitality of those who served the food. Everyone enjoyed the activities and the meeting, which had transformed into a unified space by creating an atmosphere of trust. Members were delighted to hear from others about pioneers’ ways of life and their lifetime.

What an amazing evening it was! It made every member realize that being a pioneer is about paving the way for others and also building a lasting heritage of faithfulness for future generations by claiming the legacies of today’s modern-day Church pioneers.