M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

One Who Strengthens the Weak
By C.S. Bezas

Let's have some FHE fun this week learning about our new prophet, President Thomas S. Monson!

FHE Fun!

Opening Song: #260 “Because I Have Been Given Much”

Opening Prayer: By invitation.

Devotional: Invite any who would like to offer a scripture they found during the week. This could be a verse that touched or strengthened them during a difficult time. Or perhaps it was a verse that taught them about the true nature of God. Whatever the serendipitous moment, a weekly FHE devotional is a great time to share spontaneous testimonies of gospel truths and the joy found in gospel living.

FHE Activity: Items Needed:

Place the picture of "the Mystery Visitor" in front of the family (make sure the picture is hidden; i.e. by construction paper). Explain that the family is going to play a guessing game about who the Mystery Visitor is.

Announce the one rule:

            "RULE: If you know who it is, do NOT say. Simply raise your hand."

Ask the following questions. After each question, ask for raised hands if the Mystery Visitor is known. But do not unveil the "Mystery Visitor" until all 10 questions have been read.

  1. As a young man, this Mystery Visitor's patriarchal blessing told him he had the gift of discernment (he explained this as the ability to hear the voice of the Spirit and to listen immediately).
  1. Our Mystery Visitor as a boy sacrificed train cars from his new Christmas train set to give to a boy who was very poor.
  1. After growing up, this man (while visiting saints in another country) saw that a church member's clothing was very old. Our Mystery Visitor went and changed out of his suit. He then gave his nice suit and shoes to the member.
  1. Our Mystery Visitor has kept a black cane for more than 70 years. Why? Because he was in a play as a small boy, using that cane in his role as one of the Wise Men. He liked pointing people toward Christ — even back then!
  1. Our Mystery Visitor did not know in advance he was being called to serve as a counselor in the Stake Presidency. The first time he heard was during Stake Conference. He still had the courage to go up and give a talk — unprepared!
  1. This man was called to be a bishop when he was only 22 years old. Every year while bishop he took his Christmas vacation time to personally visit all 85 widows in the ward. He would give each of them a hen he had raised from his poultry sheds.
  1. One of this man's favorite scriptures is: "Ye are on the Lord’s errand; and whatever ye do according to the will of the Lord is the Lord’s business (D&C 64:29)
  1. This man has nearly perfect memory, memorizing scriptures, poems, and stories. He even can recite the properties on the Monopoly game board all in order and the complete lineup of the 1948 Salt Lake Bees (a minor league baseball team).
  1. A friend called him, "The most loyal man I know."
  1. Our Mystery Visitor has said, “There has always been a need for those persons who could be called finishers. Their ranks are few, their opportunities many, their contributions great."

Now allow family members to share who they think the Mystery Visitor is. Unveil the picture by removing the construction paper.

Application: Repeat the quote from President Monson, our new prophet:

There has always been a need for those persons who could be called finishers. Their ranks are few, their opportunities many, their contributions great.

Ask the family what this quote means. Allow discussion for a few minutes. Ask them what President Monson has done throughout his life so that he can be a "finisher" for the Lord. Pass out the journals and pens and invite each one to write down a goal in his or her journal so they too can be considered a finisher at the end of his or her life.

Closing Song: #19  We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

Closing Prayer: By invitation.

Refreshments: President Monson's family survived the times of the Great Depression. A fun FHE treat for this week's lesson might be a frugal bowl of home-popped popcorn. Here is a link to an old-fashioned popcorn recipe!

Summary

The Lord has greatly blessed His children by calling men as prophets who love Him and who serve Him faithfully. President Thomas S. Monson is one such man, an individual whose life has been full of serving others with the purpose of strengthening the weak. What a blessing to have him at the helm of our worldwide church.

Let's pray for him as he shoulders the responsibilities placed upon him. But not only that - may we seek to follow his example by serving the Master and strengthening the weak.

Resources:

Maurine Jensen Proctor, "President Thomas S. Monson: The Pure Love of Christ," Meridian Magazine. 

 “President Benson Suggests Gifts of Service, Obedience to the Savior,” Ensign, Mar. 1987, 75–76

Thomas S. Monson, “The Priesthood — a Sacred Gift,” Ensign, May 2007, 57–60

Thomas S. Monson, “Treasured Gifts,” Liahona, Dec 2006, 2–8

Jeffrey R. Holland, “President Thomas S. Monson: Always ‘on the Lord’s Errand’,” Tambuli, Oct 1986, 14

Jeffrey R. Holland, “President Thomas S. Monson: Finishing the Course, Keeping the Faith,” Tambuli, Oct 1994, 16

C.S. Bezas' book has been described as perfect for youth leaders and parents of teens. Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers: Helping Youth Find Their Spiritual Wings is available in LDS bookstores and by clicking here.

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