Lesson Helps

FHE Lessons on "Trek": Coping with Tragedy Through the Atonement

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This month's edition of weekly FHE lessons is based on the new family movie Trek, which follows a young Mormon teenager named Tom and his friends on their handcart journey. Each lesson includes a scene from movie to watch and discuss. Your whole family will laugh along and be inspired by Trek: The Movieavailable at Deseret Book stores and deseretbook.com.

Song: “Abide With Me!” (Hymns, 166)

Scripture: “If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea;

“If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can’t you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to prison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb;
“And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
“The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?” (D&C 122:5-8).

Lesson:

Discuss the following scene from Trek: The Movie:

In a flashback, Tom recalls the accident that has made him question his faith and feel reluctant to go on trek"Bobby fell into the river on a scouting trip and Kent, Tom’s best friend and Brother Pratt’s son, attempts to save him. Kent’s selfless act had cost him his life.

Questions to Discuss:

- Why would someone risk their life for someone else?

- Why did Tom feel so let down by God?

- Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?

- How can the Atonement of Jesus Christ help us cope with life’s tragedies?

- Why is the plan of salvation also known as the “plan of happiness”?

Because we live in a fallen world, we are prone to sadness, calamity, and death. When tragedy strikes, it can sometimes cause us to question whether God really cares about our happiness—or whether God is aware of us at all. When we understand that experiencing death and opposition are part of His eternal plan, however, we can find peace in knowing that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all things will be made right. As we turn to Him, we can find confidence knowing that death isn’t the end. The Savior will give us the strength we need to press forward regardless of the trials we face.

Additional Resources:

“Be With and Strengthen Them” by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (April 2018)

"Last January 14, a Sunday, just a little after 5:00 p.m., my young friends Brett and Kristin Hamblin were chatting at their home in Tempe, Arizona, after Brett’s day serving in the bishopric and Kristin’s busy day caring for their five children.
"Suddenly Kristin, a seemingly successful survivor of breast cancer the previous year, fell unresponsive. A call to 911 brought an emergency team trying desperately to revive her. As Brett prayed and pleaded, he quickly placed just two other telephone calls: one to his mother requesting her help with the children, the other to Edwin Potter, his home teacher."

Continue reading the entire conference talk here

 “Turn to the Lord” by Elder Donald L. Hallstrom (April 2010)

"Many years ago, I observed a heartbreak—which became a tragedy. A young couple was nearing the delivery of their first child. Their lives were filled with the anticipation and excitement of this monumental experience. During the delivery, complications arose and the baby died. Heartbreak turned to grief, grief turned to anger, anger turned to blame, and blame turned to revenge toward the doctor, whom they held fully responsible. Parents and other family members became heavily involved, together seeking to ruin the reputation and the career of the physician. As weeks and then months of acrimony consumed the family, their bitterness was extended to the Lord. “How could He allow this horrible thing to occur?” They rejected the repeated efforts of Church leaders and members to spiritually and emotionally comfort them and, in time, disassociated themselves from the Church. Four generations of the family have now been affected. Where once there were faith and devotion to the Lord and His Church, there has been no spiritual activity by any family member for decades.
"In the most difficult circumstances of life, there is often only one source of peace. The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, extends His grace with the invitation “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He further promises, “My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you” (John 14:27)."

Continue reading the entire conference talk here

“Healing Soul and Body” by Elder Robert D. Hales (October 1998)

"Since we assembled in general conference last April, as many of you know, I experienced my third heart attack, which necessitated bypass surgery. Because of skilled doctors; a caring and well-trained medical staff; my wife, Mary, who is my patient, loving, and constant caregiver; and the prayers offered by so many in my behalf, I have been blessed with renewed health and strength. Thank you for your concern and for your prayers.
"My message today is how to aid the healing process of the soul. It is a message to lead you and me to the Great Healer, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is a plan to read the scriptures, pray, ponder, repent if necessary, and be healed with the peace and joy of His Spirit. May I share my ponderings as I went through the healing process."

Continue reading the entire conference talk here

Image from Shutterstock

Help your family celebrate our pioneer heritage by watching Trek: The Movie on Blu-ray and DVD, available at Deseret Book stores and deseretbook.com.

The movie Trek follows a young Mormon teenager named Tom and his friends on their handcart journey. Along the way, they try to smuggle in unsanctioned food, battle sibling rivalry, encounter a "special ops" Young Men leader, match wits with a Twinkie-loving skunk, and ponder doctrinal brain teasers like, "Do general authorities go to PG-13 movies?" But, when they encounter unexpected trouble, their faith is tested much like that of their pioneer ancestors. Whether you've been on a trek or not, your family will laugh along and ultimately be inspired as you enjoy this delightful film.

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