Purpose: To help family members understand the importance of missionary work.
Preparation:
Study 1 Nephi 8 and 11.
Print out Lehi's Dream.
Print out words to I Hope They Call Me On a Mission
Wrap a bite size candy bar in brown paper for each member of the family. These will be your "fruit". Wrap several small objects (like rocks) in the same brown paper. These will be your "mists of darkness".
Write/Print the words: the, word, of, God twice onto 8 different sheets of paper. These will be your iron rod.
Song: I Hope They Call Me On a Mission
Scripture Story: Lehi's Vision of the Tree of Life 1 Nephi 8 and 11
Show the picture of the vision of the tree of life as you summarize it from 1 Nephi 8 and 11.
Ask:
What did Lehi want to do after he ate the fruit? (1 Nephi 11:21-22)
What did the people have to do to eat the fruit? (1 Nephi 8:10-18)
What is the meaning of the fruit?
Why should we share the Gospel?
Be sure to emphasize that the fruit is the love of God. In order for us to reach the tree with the fruit we must hold to the rod. We must share the word of God with others so they can eat the fruit too.
Place your iron rod on the floor. Place a bowl with your wrapped candy at the end of your rod. Place the other objects to the side of the rod. Explain to the family that you have found a wonderful gift and that in order for them to have that gift they first need to make it to the end of the rod of iron. As a family begin your journey down the rod of iron. If a family member is "lost" and wants to unwrap one of the other gifts let them do so. Then if they would like to, let them start again at the beginning of the rod. As each family member reaches the end of the tree let them eat their treat.
Testimony:
Share your testimony of the importance of sharing the Gospel with others.
Treat:
Your "fruit" from the "tree of life".
