257.2: Handcart Companies (D&C Gospel Doctrine Lesson 35)

“A Mission of Saving”

Even among the pioneer stories, no image is more iconic or moving than the pioneers who traveled not by wagon, but by handcart. And we are sobered and inspired as we hear the story of tragedy and rescue surrounding the Martin and Willie handcart companies. This episode explores these important stories and discussion will cover the following:

1) Overview of how we talk about the handcart companies in the Church

2) The handcart travels in context (how many of the pioneers came by handcart, when, why etc)

3) an overview of the stories of the Martin and Willie Handcart companies

4) The Sweetwater River rescue

5) Discussion of Francis Webster’s testimony about his experiences

Recurring Donation:

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One Time Donation:

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Questions to discuss

How can we benefit from our suffering and hardships?
How can we separate out those benefits from the idea that those hardships were “meant to” happen?
How can do what is required of us and serve others in a responsible way?
How do we know when people need to be “rescued”?
How can we effectively “rescue” others?

Class Member Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 4:4–7; D&C 18:10–16; D&C 52:40; D&C 81:5–6; Moroni 7:45–48; 3 Nephi 18:31–32; Luke 15:1–7; D&C 123:12

Additional Teacher Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 4:3–7; D&C 138:58; Alma 7:11–13; D&C 122:5–8.

Join Andrew, Konden, and Alyssa for a thought-provoking and enriching discussion.

You can access my Lesson Notes here.

You can access the Assigned Reading here.

Resources