Lesson Prepration Guide for "True to the Faith That Our Parents Have Cherished"

In his General Conference address, Elder Hans T. Boom reflects on the enduring faith and commitment of previous generations and the importance of carrying on that legacy. He shares personal family stories and experiences that illustrate the power of faith, sacrifice, and perseverance in the face of trials. Elder Boom calls upon the rising generation to draw strength from the testimonies of their ancestors and to be true to the faith that has been cherished by their forebears.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin the lesson by sharing the story of Mary Wanlass from the talk and discuss the concept of "carrying on" through adversity.
Show a picture of the Nashville Tennessee Temple and ask members to share their experiences or feelings about visiting temples.
Ask the class to reflect on a time when they had to "just carry on" during a difficult period in their life.
Play or sing the hymn "True to the Faith" and discuss its message and relevance to the talk.
Invite class members to share stories of faith and perseverance from their own family history.

Topics

Embrace the Gospel Despite Hardships

Elder Boom shared stories of individuals and families who embraced the gospel despite facing significant hardships. He highlighted the faith and perseverance of his own parents and in-laws, who overcame challenges through their commitment to the gospel.

Their faith and testimonies are a driving strength for the generations that have come after them.

What challenges have you faced that tested your faith, and how did you overcome them?
How can embracing the gospel help us navigate difficult times?
What lessons can we learn from the stories of Elder Boom's parents and in-laws?
How can we support others in our community who are facing hardships?
In what ways can we strengthen our faith to better withstand trials?

Sacrifice Brings Blessings of Heaven

Elder Boom emphasized the importance of sacrifice in gaining and growing a testimony, citing examples from his family's history of giving up personal comforts for the sake of the gospel.

Sacrifices will have to be made and that "sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven."

What sacrifices have you made for your faith, and what blessings have you received as a result?
Why is sacrifice an important part of spiritual growth?
How can we teach the principle of sacrifice to the next generation?
What are some ways we can make sacrifices in our daily lives to strengthen our testimonies?
How can we find joy in making sacrifices for the gospel?

Learn from the Faith of Past Generations

Elder Boom encouraged members to draw strength from the faith and testimonies of previous generations. He highlighted the importance of understanding the sacrifices and commitments made by those who came before us.

Please learn and receive strength from the faith and testimonies of those who came before you.

How can we preserve and share the faith stories of our ancestors?
What impact does knowing the faith of past generations have on your own testimony?
How can we ensure that future generations understand the sacrifices made by their ancestors?
What are some ways we can honor the faith of our predecessors in our daily lives?
How does learning about the faith of past generations influence your view of current challenges?

Missionary Service as a Sacred Responsibility

Elder Boom reiterated President Nelson's invitation for young men and women to consider missionary service, emphasizing its role in showing love for the Lord and gaining a deeper understanding of Him.

You could be called as a service or a teaching missionary. Both types of missionaries contribute to the same goal of bringing souls to Christ.

What are the benefits of serving a mission, both for the individual and for those they serve?
How can we prepare ourselves or our children for missionary service?
What are some ways to support missionaries currently serving from our ward or branch?
How can we apply the principles of missionary work in our everyday interactions?
What role does missionary service play in personal spiritual growth?

Building a Foundation on Christ

Elder Boom concluded by urging members to make Jesus Christ the center of their lives, building a firm foundation on Him to withstand life's challenges.

Let us all continue in our efforts to get to know our Savior, Jesus Christ, better and to make Him the center of our lives.

What does it mean to build a foundation on Christ?
How can we make Christ the center of our lives in practical ways?
What are some challenges we face in keeping Christ at the center, and how can we overcome them?
How does having a Christ-centered life impact our relationships with others?
What experiences have strengthened your foundation in Christ?

Additional Discussion Questions

How can we apply the motto 'Just carry on' in our daily lives?
What role does family history play in strengthening our faith?
How can we help others understand the importance of sacrifice in the gospel?
What are some modern-day examples of 'crossing the plains' in a spiritual sense?
How can we create a legacy of faith for future generations?
What can we learn from the example of Mary Wanlass in the talk?
How does adversity help us grow closer to the Savior?
In what ways can we support those who are new to the Church?
How can we find peace and hope in times of trial?
What are some ways we can show our gratitude for the faith of our parents and ancestors?