This
year we were treated to a very special program presented by
Jenny Phillips entitled "Journey Toward Zion."
In 1856, hundreds of European converts heeded the call to
come to Zion. Even though it meant crossing the seas and traveling
halfway across a continent, they walked most of the way and
pulled handcarts as they went. They had faith enough to leave
their homelands and nearly all they owned in order to journey
to Zion. But the Willie and Martin handcart companies, including
our ancestors from both the Cunningham and McBride families,
arrived late in the season, and their carts were not ready,
delaying them further. Still, they forged ahead, their sights
set on Zion. Armed with their faith and courage, they began
their journey across the plains. Many of these faithful men
and women would never make it to the Salt Lake Valley, and
thus, some view their story as a tragedy. Though their story
is marked with sorrow, it is one of triumph and discipleship,
of faith so strong that it invokes a remembrance of what it
means to truly be a saint.
The journey the handcart pioneers began, continues with us
today. The hour-long presentation used music, video projection,
and the spoken word to show how our journey today parallels
that of the pioneers. The program was designed to inspire
us to use the example of the pioneers to measure their own
lives. The program touched issues such as living faithfully
in our world today, standards, sacrifice, and repentance.
P.S. We were able to meet this year indoors with real air
conditioning! Thanks Rob!
P.P.S. You should have been there!
To
learn more about Jenny Phillips, her songs, music and other
programs click here:
http://www.jennyphillips.com/
