July R.S. Presidency Message

Dear Sisters,

This month we celebrate the arrival of the first saints to the Salt Lake Valley.
Doctrine and Covenants, Section 136, is the revelation given to President
Brigham Young at Winter Quarters, January 14, 1847. In it were given detailed
instructions as to how the saints were to be organized for their travels, what they
were to accomplish, and the gospel standards by which they were to live. Doc.
and Cov.136:2, “Let all the people of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints, and those who journey with them, be organized into companies, with a
covenant and promise to keep all commandments and statutes of the Lord our
God.”.
(vs. 31)“My people must be tried in all things, that they might be prepared to
receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will
not bear chastisement (adversity) is not worthy of my kingdom.” (vs.32)“Let him
that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his
God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he
may hear;”
(vs.33)“For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and
contrite. . ."Go as pioneers. . .to a land of peace.” (vs. 16). Brigham Young was
commanded to take a select group to prepare the way for the Mormon
colonization of the Western Frontier.

Today, faithful pioneers are found in countries the world over. They are
accepting the gospel, strengthening their testimonies and their families. They
also depend upon the guidance and strength from the Lord as they traverse the
personal wilderness of their lives.

Through our present day prophets we continue to receive inspired direction
from the Lord for our mortal journey.
Mary Scholes writes:
“We are the solitary pioneers of our own lives-
No one has journeyed our path before us.
No one began the trek with our particular assets and liabilities.
No one will endure our exact set of hardships.
No one has challenged our meanest enemies or stilled the terror of our darkest
moments.
Only we can struggle toward our own frontier- and our own promised land.”

Nephi was a valiant pioneer example. (2 Nephi 4:19-20). . .“I know in whom I
have trusted. . My God hath been my support; He hath led me through mine
afflictions in the wilderness. .”

“With faith, let US wend OUR way!”

Love,
Sister Marza Cardon