Pioneer Heritage

Pioneers

by Patricia A Pitterle

Immigrants traveled hundreds of miles

leaving behind things they had loved and handed down

from generation to generation.

They left their familiar homes, and often their friends and families.

They came to America

with firm convictions, unity of purpose

and a true love of the Lord.

Crossing the vast ocean

and the wide expanse of prairie, 

They suffered hunger and thirst

and the weather was often a bitter enemy in their midst.

Many lived through the hardships and trials

but others did not.  

Friends and family were too often left

in shallow, unmarked graves.

The survivors often gave all they had to make the crossing

and came to the valley at last

with only themselves left to give.

Their offering was complete 

and they joined the saints in Zion

building up the kingdom of God here upon the earth.

He had gathered 

His children 

home.

We too,

must find within ourselves the willingness to sacrifice,

to share with others those things which are

most sacred and dear.

With firm convictions, unity of purpose,

and the love of the gospel in our hearts

we cross the large oceans of opinion

and the prairies of disbelief and ridicule,

seeking those who hunger and thirst after righteousness.

We must hold high the lamp that leads and guides

to eternal life

so that some may see and find the way.

There are many who will choose not to look,

for they have buried themselves

in the darkness of pride and worldly persuasions.

Those of us who diligently seek

are often asked to give all that we have

to the service of our Lord

until at last, we stand before Him

with only ourselves left to give.

Our offering is complete

And we join the saints and become one, in Zion.

For He has gathered us,

His children,

home.

"Missionary work is the lifeblood of the Church and the lifesaving blessing to all who accept its message."

Ronald A. Rasband, "The Divine Call of a Missionary," Ensign, May 2010, 51