If it weren’t for their faith, Helaman’s young soldiers would have had good reason to feel afraid. But because of their faith, they had even more reason to be courageous. As you read about them in Alma 53–58, look for things that help you face your fears with faith in Christ. Consider focusing on the following verses: Alma 53:10–22; 56:43–49, 55–56; 57:20–27; and 58:39–40. This table could help you record what you find.

To win our spiritual battles, we also need the power of Jesus Christ. How can you access His power? Look for answers in President Russell M. Nelson’s message “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 39–42). You might compare his counsel with things that Helaman’s soldiers did.

After studying these things, think about your own spiritual battles. Write down what you feel inspired to do to exercise your faith in Jesus Christ.

See also Neil L. Andersen, “Wounded,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 83–86; “True to the Faith,” Hymns, no. 254; “Drawing upon the Power of God in Our Lives” (video), Gospel Library; Gospel Topics, “Faith in Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.

• You can use many resources to share the story of Helaman’s soldiers, including the pictures in this outline and “Chapter 34: Helaman and the 2,000 Young Warriors” (Book of Mormon Stories, 93–94). This week’s activity page can help your children think of ways they can be like the army of Helaman. Consider sharing some of the qualities of the young soldiers from Alma 53:20–21 to get them started.
  DOWNLOAD Youth Goal Planner “Discover Principles of Faith Taught by the Mothers of Helaman’s Stripling Warriors” (HERE or below)

  You could also sing together “We’ll Bring the World His Truth” (Children’s Songbook, 172–73).
  DOWNLOAD We’ll Bring the World His Truth song visuals (HERE or below)

Helaman and Pahoran had reasons to be offended. Helaman was not receiving support for his armies, and Pahoran was falsely accused by Moroni of withholding that support (see Alma 58:4–9, 31–32; 60). What impresses you about their reactions in Alma 58:1–12, 31–37 and Alma 61? Why do you feel they responded this way?

Elder David A. Bednar pointed to Pahoran as example of meekness and taught that “the most majestic and meaningful examples of meekness are found in the life of the Savior Himself” (“Meek and Lowly of Heart,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 32). Ponder how the Savior showed meekness. See, for instance, Matthew 27:11–26; Luke 22:41–42; John 13:4–17. How can you follow His example?

IDEAS FOR TEACHING CHILDREN

Moroni wrote that God would hold Pahoran responsible if he knowingly neglected the needs of the Nephite armies. What do you learn from Alma 60:7–14 about caring for people in need? What can you do to be more aware of and meet the needs of others?

• Helaman’s young soldiers looked to their mothers’ faith when they were faced with a great challenge. Perhaps you could read Alma 56:46–48 with your children and invite them to listen for what the mothers of these young men taught them about faith. You might ask them what they’ve learned from their parents—or other faithful adults—about the Savior. Why is it important to obey “with exactness”? (Alma 57:21).

• How can you—like the mothers of the stripling soldiers—make sure your children know of your faith in God? One way is to share how your faith affects your life. For example, how has He “delivered” you when you “did not doubt”?

Put a raw egg and a potato in boiling water to help you think about how you can choose to be either “softened” or “hardened” by your trials. While your egg and potato are cooking, study Alma 62:39–51, and notice how the people reacted to Helaman’s ministry after their long war with the Lamanites. You could then compare this to how they had reacted to his preaching 13 years earlier (see Alma 45:20–24). How were the Nephites affected differently by the same afflictions? When the egg and potato are fully cooked, crack the egg and cut the potato. How did the boiling water affect them differently? What are you learning about how we can choose to react to affliction? How can you turn to God during your afflictions?

• Your children might be able to talk about a time when someone made and kept a promise with them. How did they feel when the promise was kept? You could read Alma 53:10–18 and invite your children to look for how Helaman, the people of Ammon, and the sons of the people of Ammon made and kept their promises or covenants. You might share how Heavenly Father blesses you as you keep your covenants.
  NOTE: The people of Ammon were Lamanites who were converted and protected by the Nephites.

  BELOW are two activities telling of the history (leading up to the Helaman and his 2,000 stripling warriors)
  – Weapons of War Buried ⇒
  – Repentance is a change of mind and heart ⇒
  The sons of Mosiah taught the gospel to the Lamanites. Thousands of Lamanites repented and joined the Church. Those Lamanites who joined the Church called themselves Anti-Nephi-Lehies, or the people of Ammon. They are hard-working people who make a promise to God that they will never kill again.