Reason #16 - Pioneers

Well, this may seem lame to some, but I never really thought that much about what the early pioneering Saints went through until I heard through various activities or talks concerning some of the hardships, persecutions, and strivings that these pioneers endured, not only during the very early stages of the church, but through many years of being run here and run there and crossing approximately 1200 miles worth of ground to reach their final destination out west, to include crossing icy rivers and snow covered ground and putting up with every hardship immaginable. If God wanted their gold to refine, the trials of these people had to make them shine, because these people were tried like no other. I can't imagine being pulled from my home by a mob, tarred and feathered and still giving a sermon the next day, or having my child die from exposure because a mob broke into my home in the icy days of winter. I can't imagine constantly being molested by these mobs and having my land taken from me because I had to leave for a safer place if I were to worship in freedom. I can't imagine my own country not helping me during these trials and then volunteering to help my country when they are in need (well, I might be able to understand this one a bit) or celebrating the independence of this country when people were allowed to do such horrible things to me in the name of God. I've asked myself many times what made them do it. What made them cling to the truth that they would endure such tortures and heartache as they did. The answer I get is always the same. It was their testimonies of a living Prophet and the restored gospel with God as their witness of truth. The Holy Ghost is a powerful witness of truth which cannot be denied, even upon threat of death by many. This is one reason that just has me in awe and wonder concerning this work. The scripture that often comes to my mind is one from Matthew chapter 5 verses 11 and 12...blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: For so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you.