Elder Gerrit W. Gong (Apr. '20): "Hosanna and Hallelujah-- The Living Christ: The Heart of Restoration and Easter"

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A NOTE:
Maintaining this blog at this time might be one of the most optimistic things I have done in recent memory :), although I am sure we will eventually be meeting together again for church.  I just have no idea when that will be.  Still, I want to continue this blog even in these times as an expression of hope.  In the meantime, I have begun a separate blog that focuses on sharing ideas to explore the messages of general conference in our homes.  That blog can be found here. 

In this talk, Elder Gong bears a strong witness of Jesus and I wanted this activity to help the class members tap into and feel the Spirit strongly in regards to these truths.

The Activity:
  1. Make sure that everyone has access to a copy of the talk that they can mark (digitally or physically).
  2. Divide the class into groups and assign each group a part of the talk.
  3. Ask the groups to read through their assigned parts together and to mark phrases about the Savior that stand out to them.
  4. Have the groups take a moment at each phrase and talk about why it is important.  As appropriate, group members can share personal experiences or insights that highlight the meanings contained in these phrases.
  5. Come back together as a whole class.
  6. Read par. 24, again ("In these times . . . individually and together").
  7. Talk about how this phrase may come about in our lives individually and as a society/quorum.
Using the Activity:

Research has shown that there is value in marking phrases in whatever we read to help us remember them.  So, part of the power of this activity is in asking people to mark some of those parts that stand out to them.  Also, by giving people a purpose for reading a specific talk, we increase their ability to have insights to it.  Coupled with the Spirit, then, these specific requests can be powerful tools in helping our class members find strength and conviction in what they read in Elder Gong's words.

While there are many possible variations on this activity, I want to make note of the last step.  We have repeatedly been told that our ability to withstand the trials of the last days will be increased as we become united with our fellow saints.  So, this last part of the activity where we discuss how our classes and quorums can better implement some of these teachings is potentially a powerful part of this lesson.

Please let me know how these activities go and if there are any things I can do to improve this blog.  Thank you.

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