Eagle Mountain West Stake
2008 Youth Conference
“WHEN THOU ART CONVERTED…”
SCRIPT
BUILDING OF THE TOWER: DAY 1 8:00AM
(Purpose: Set the stage for the bus ride to camp)
TRAIL MIX LADIES’ VIGNETTE
Lady 1
[gesturing to a youth] Hello Dearie. Come and sample some of these lovely dates and nuts. We have everything you could need to satisfy a hunger after a long days work on the tower.
Lady 2
At this rate I don’t think they’ll ever be done. How many months have they been working on it already?
Lady 3
At least three months and maybe more. I haven’t seen my husband so worked up about anything as this since we’ve been married. He won’t even bother to fix the roof on our house. [mockingly] He says we won’t need a roof when we get to heaven.
Lady 2
Well he’s right about that. There ain’t gonna be any need for a roof or a house when we leave here and walk up the tower to heaven.
Lady 1
That’s all find and dandy, but what’s she to do about a roof in the mean time. [talking to a youth] That’s right dear try a dried fig or a nice tasty banana.
Lady 2
[Yelling out to the youth] Who’ll be the first to sample my rolls! Their nice and soft in the middle and crusty all around!
Lady 3
[referring to Lady 2] Just like you dear!
[Lady 1 and Lady 3 Laugh uncontrollably. Lady 3 ignores them]
Come now, who will try my rolls? Last one to sell all of their food has to wash the builder’s arm pits. [They all return to feverishly selling their food]
BUILDING OF THE TOWER: DAY 1 9:30AM
(Purpose: Set the stage for the bus ride to camp)
CONFOUNDING OF THE LANGUAGES: DAY 1 10:00AM
[Over the speakers is heard the pre-reenactment music. This is followed by the voice of a Narrator]
NARRATOR: (Voice of Joseph Smith)
And the people said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
The curtains open to reveal a tower that is partially built. Men are working on the tower.
Foreman
Get to work men! I want to be able to touch the clouds by nightfall! Build it higher! Build it high! All the way to heaven men!
Builder 1
So, my wife says to me, [mockingly] “when are you going to fix the roof”? And I told her we weren’t going to need a roof as soon as the tower’s finished. We can just live in heaven with God where it never rains and it never gets too hot or too cold.
Builder 2
What did she say to that?
Builder 1
Same as always, “Tower, tower, tower, that’s all you ever talk about”. I just ignore her.
Builder 2
Can you imagine? A tower all the way to heaven. I don’t know why we didn’t think of it before! Imagine it. When we finally finish the tower, and we can speak to God face to face, what do you think he’ll say?
Builder 1
He’ll say, “You did it. Congratulations! Come on in.” After all, that’s why he sent us here to Earth, isn’t it, to learn how to return to live with him? He’ll be thrilled and throw a big party.
Builder 2
[Looking up in the sky] How much further do you think we have to go?
Builder 1
A lot!
Foreman
Get back to work you two! I’m not getting any younger and I want shake God’s hand before kick off!
NARRATOR: (Voice of Joseph Smith)
And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the Lord said, Behold, the people are one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.
[At this point, the actors begin to speak in different languages. They mingle among the youth looking confused and trying to get the youth to understand them. Eventually, they drift off the stage and the Narration continues]
So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.
[Jared and his brother enter the stage and Jared is speaking to his brother urgently.]
And there was one Jared who came forth with his brother and their families, with some others and their families, from the great tower, at that time when the Lord confounded the language of the people. And the brother of Jared was highly favored of the Lord. And Jared, his brother, said unto him: Cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound us that we may not understand our words.
[The brother of Jared kneels as if to pray to God]
And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord, and the Lord had compassion upon Jared; therefore he did not confound the language of Jared; and Jared and his brother were not confounded.
Then Jared said unto his brother: Cry again unto the Lord, and it may be that he will turn away his anger from them who are our friends, that he confound not their language. [The brother of Jared kneels again and prays] And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord, and the Lord had compassion upon their friends and their families also, that they were not confounded.
JARED
Friends and family, the Lord hath been merciful unto us and he hath granted that our language be not confounded. Therefore, hath the Lord greatly blessed us this day. And the Lord hath granted that we should leave this land, and He will go before us and lead us into a land which is choice above all the lands of the earth. And there will He bless us and our seed, and raise up unto Himself of our seed, a great nation. For He hath said that there shall be none greater than the nation which He will raise up unto Himself of our seed, upon all the face of the earth. Come, let us follow the Lord.
[Jared and the brother of Jared lead the youth to the other side of the Stake Center. The Narrator is again heard]
NARRATOR: (Voice of Joseph Smith)
And it came to pass that the Lord did go before them, and did talk with them and gave directions whither they should travel. And it came to pass that they did travel in the wilderness, and did build barges, that they might cross many waters, being directed continually by the hand of the Lord.
And it came to pass that when they had prepared all manner of food, that thereby they might subsist upon the water, it came to pass that they set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God.
[The youth follow Jared and his brother out of the building and are loaded onto the buses and they leave for the promise land]
INTRODUCTION: DAY 1 1:00PM
(Purpose: Setting the tone for Youth Conference. Inviting the Spirit)
[The congregation finishes singing the end of a hymn. Joseph Smith rises and preaches to the small gathering of Saints in an assembly hall. They are intent on hearing his message. Joseph reads from the Book of Mormon.]
JOSEPH
Great and marvelous were the prophecies of Ether; but they esteemed him as naught, and cast him out; and he hid himself in the cavity of a rock by day, and by night he went forth viewing the things which should come upon the people. And it came to pass that in that same year in which he was cast out from among the people there began to be a great war among the people.
[A man enters the assembly hall. He approaches a woman and indicates he wants to go. She pleads with him to sit down. He notices everyone has stopped and is looking at him. He looks at Joseph and sees that Joseph is stopped and is looking at him too. He sits down next to the woman. Joseph goes back to reading.]
JOSEPH
Let’s turn to Ether chapter fifteen, verse twenty-eight. And it came to pass that when the men of Coriantumr had received sufficient strength that they could walk, they were about to flee for their lives; but behold, Shiz arose, and also his men, and he swore in his wrath that he would slay Coriantumr or he would perish by the sword. And it came to pass that when they had all fallen by the sword, save it were Coriantumr and Shiz, behold Shiz had fainted with the loss of blood. And it came to pass that when Coriantumr had leaned upon his sword, that he rested a little, he smote off the head of Shiz.
[Joseph closes his scriptures and addresses the saints.]
JOSEPH
And thus was the destruction of the Jaredites, save Coriantumr, who God had promised, through Ether, would see the total destruction of his people. And thus we see how Satan seeks to destroy the hearts and the minds of men and to utterly destroy them. My friends, we came to this earth that we might have a body and present it pure before God in the celestial kingdom. The great principle of happiness consists in having a body. The devil has no body, and herein is his punishment. He is pleased when he can obtain the tabernacle of man. Let us not suffer the same fate as the Jaredites. Let us be united and rebuke the tempter and deny him our souls. Amen.
CONGREGATION
[In unison] Amen
[The congregation rises and begins to leave. Joseph comes down from the podium and stops Jedidiah as he and his wife are leaving.]
JOSEPH
Brother Williams, how refreshing it is to see you at today’s services.
JEDIDIAH
[Irritated and not making eye contact] Hello, Joseph.
JOSEPH
You seem troubled, JEDIDIAH. Is something weighing on your heart?
JEDIDIAH
The only trouble I got, Joseph, is that my wife doesn’t know when to leave.
JOSEPH
How long have we known each other, Jed?
JEDIDIAH
Oh, I’d say ‘bout 2 years; ever since you and the rest of the Mormons come to this area.
JOSEPH
And in all that time, even though Mary joined the church, you have never once sat down during one of my sermons. So why the sudden change?
JEDIDIAH
Don’t start, Joseph. You ain’t gonna get me to go join’n the Mormons. I ain’t ready to go do all that.
JOSEPH
Why? What’s stopping you?
JEDIDIAH
I’ve got my reasons, and no, I ain’t gonna tell you what they are.
JOSEPH
[Pausing] Do you wrestle, Jedidiah?
JEDIDIAH
Now, Joseph. You know there ain’t no one can beat me at sport.
JOSEPH
I’ll make a deal with you, Jed.
JEDIDIAH
What’s that?
JOSEPH
I’ll wrestle you. If you win, I’ll let it go. No more questions. If I win, you tell me why you haven’t joined the church.
JEDIDIAH
Alright! But don’t say I didn’t warn you.
JOSEPH
[Putting his arm around Jedidiah’s shoulder] I wouldn’t dream of it, brother. I wouldn’t dream of it.
[They exit the stage. Joseph still has his arm around Jedidiah’s shoulder]
NEPHI’S COURAGE: DAY 1 4:00PM
(Purpose: Addressing JEDIDIAH’s issues with the Book of Mormon)
[JEDIDIAH and Joseph enter the stage. They are rolling down their sleeves and appear physically worn out. JEDIDIAH speaks first and sits down.]
JEDIDIAH
Alright, Joseph, you win.
JOSEPH
Well then, our wager was that if I win that you will tell me why you haven’t joined God’s true church. You’ve heard of His miracles in our day and the tremendous blessing he has poured out upon us. Yet you keep yourself apart from us. Why?
JEDIDIAH
Well I guess I just don’t know that I believe all that…the whole angel and the golden book.
JOSEPH
Have you read it?
JEDIDIAH
Well, I flipped through a few pages…
JOSEPH
Have you read it?
JEDIDIAH
Nope. Can’t say as I have.
JOSEPH
Then how can you say that you don’t believe it? Do you believe that the Bible is the word of God?
JEDIDIAH
[Defensively] Of course I do.
JOSEPH
Have you read the Bible?
JEDIDIAH
Cover to cover.
JOSEPH
And if you hadn’t read the Bible, or heard any of its stories, how do you think you would react if someone came up to you and said that there’s a book that tells of a flood that covered the whole earth, or a man who cut a giant lake in half so that thousands of people could cross through it on dry land, or a man who lived in the belly of whale for three days, or that God had a son and he came to earth and suffered for every sin you or I or anyone else on this planet has or ever will commit and then they killed him, or how that same Son of God rose from the dead three days later. How do you think you would react to hearing of such a book?
JEDIDIAH
Well, I suppose if I had never heard of those things before that I would be kinda skeptical.
JOSEPH
JED, the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Of that I testify to you. And the ancient record from which the Book of Mormon was translated was delivered to me by an Angel of God. Of that I testify as well. And you can get closer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book. In many ways, it is just like a Liahona.
JEDIDIAH
A lia what?
JOSEPH
A Liahona. An instrument provided to the people of the Book of Mormon. It’s discussed in the first Book, the 1st Book of Nephi. Here, I’ll show you…
[Joseph and Jedidiah exit the stage looking the Book of Mormon]
[Nephi enters and speaks. On the other side of the stage, Lehi passes through a tent door and finds the Liahona. He picks it up and examines it. Nephi picks up a bow and arrow made out of sticks and approaches his father. All of this as he narrates the story.]
NEPHI
And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morning, and went forth to the tent door, to his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round ball of curious workmanship. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness.
And we did follow the directions of the ball, which led us in the more fertile parts of the wilderness.
And it came to pass that as I, Nephi, went forth to slay food, behold, I did break my bow, which was made of fine steel; and after I did break my bow, behold, my brethren were angry with me because of the loss of my bow, for we did obtain no food.
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did make out of wood a bow, and out of a straight stick, an arrow; wherefore, I did arm myself with a bow and an arrow, with a sling and with stones. And I said unto my father: Whither shall I go to obtain food?
[Nephi crosses to Lehi and Lehi indicates (non-verbally) that he will inquire of the Lord. Lehi kneels and lifts the Liahona toward heaven and slowly lowers it as his facial expression changes to one of shame and despair.]
And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father; and he was truly chastened because of his murmuring against the Lord, insomuch that he was brought down into the depths of sorrow.
And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord said unto him: Look upon the ball, and behold the things which are written.
[Lehi looks at the Liahona and gestures to everyone to look at what is written there. Nephi takes the Liahona and examines it. He hands it back to Lehi and crosses to the other side of the stage and draws his bow.]
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them.
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did go forth up into the top of the mountain, according to the directions which were given upon the ball.
And it came to pass that I did slay wild beasts, insomuch that I did obtain food for our families.
[Scene changes to Alma Sr. speaking to his son. Alma Sr. is holding plates, as if expounding the scriptures to his son.]
ALMA SR.
And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the thing which our fathers call a Liahona, which is, being interpreted, a compass.
And behold, it was prepared to show unto our fathers the course which they should travel in the wilderness.
And it did work for them according to their faith in God; therefore, if they had faith to believe that God could cause that those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it was done; therefore they had this miracle, and also many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day.
Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means it did show unto them marvelous works. If they were slothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence then those marvelous works ceased, and they did not progress in their journey;
And now, my son, I would that ye should understand that these things are not without a shadow; for as our fathers were slothful to give heed to this compass they did not prosper; even so it is with things which are spiritual.
For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land.
[End of scene. New scene begins with Nephi hammering on boards for the ship. Laman and Lemuel enter.]
LAMAN
Our brother is a fool, for he thinketh that he can build a ship; yea, and he also thinketh that he can cross these great waters.
[Nephi stops working on the ship and sits down looking discouraged]
LEMUEL
[Laughs out loud. Then indignantly he speaks.] We knew that ye could not construct a ship, for we knew that ye were lacking in judgment; wherefore, thou canst not accomplish so great a work.
NEPHI
[Nephi’s courage returns and he approaches his brothers] Do ye believe that our fathers, who were the children of Israel, would have been led away out of the hands of the Egyptians if they had not hearkened unto the words of the Lord?
Now ye know that Moses was commanded of the Lord to do that great work; and ye know that by his word the waters of the Red Sea were divided hither and thither, and they passed through on dry ground.
And notwithstanding they being led, the Lord their God, their Redeemer, going before them, leading them by day and giving light unto them by night, and doing all things for them which were expedient for man to receive, they hardened their hearts and blinded their minds, and reviled against Moses and against the true and living God.
LAMAN
[Laman crosses to the other side of the stage, Lemuel discovers he is on the wrong side of the stage and crosses over to Laman] Thou art like unto our father, led away by the foolish imaginations of his heart; yea, he hath led us out of the land of Jerusalem, and we have wandered in the wilderness for these many years; and our women have toiled, being big with child; and they have borne children in the wilderness and suffered all things, save it were death; and it would have been better that they had died before they came out of Jerusalem than to have suffered these afflictions.
NEPHI
Behold, the Lord hath created the earth. And he raiseth up a righteous nation, and destroyeth the nations of the wicked. And he leadeth away the righteous into precious lands.
…and the wicked he destroyeth, and curseth the land unto them for their sakes
LEMUEL
Behold, these many years we have suffered in the wilderness, which time we might have enjoyed our possessions and the land of our inheritance; yea, and we might have been happy.
We know that the people who were in the land of Jerusalem were a righteous people; for they kept the statutes and judgments of the Lord, and all his commandments, and our father hath judged them, and hath led us away because we would hearken unto his words; yea, and our brother is like unto him.
NEPHI
The Lord commanded our father that he should depart into the wilderness; and the Jews also sought to take away his life; yea, and ye also have sought to take away his life; wherefore, ye are murderers in your hearts and ye are like unto them.
Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an angel…
…and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder.
O, then, why is it, that ye can be so hard in your hearts?
[Laman and Lemuel pick up tools and approach Nephi as if to strike him. Nephi puts out his hand in a gesture to stop them.]
In the name of the Almighty God, I command you that ye touch me not, for I am filled with the power of God, even unto the consuming of my flesh; and whoso shall lay his hands upon me shall wither even as a dried reed; and he shall be as naught before the power of God.
Murmur no more against our father; neither should you withhold your labor from me, for God has commanded me that I should build a ship.
If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done.
And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship?
[Nephi steps up and touches each of them and they fall to the ground shaking. Then they immediately get up and start feverishly working on the ship.]
KING BENJAMIN: DAY 2 9:30AM
(Purpose: Addressing JEDIDIAH’s issues with revelation)
JEDIDIAH
Alright, so God spoke directly to Nephi. Why him?
JOSEPH
Because Nephi believed in God and he believed God and the promises that God has made to all his children.
JEDIDIAH
What promises are those?
JOSEPH
That He will go before us and mark the path that we should take in order to someday return to live with him. And because Nephi had such great faith, God was with him and he became a great prophet.
JEDIDIAH
They say that you are a prophet, Joseph. Does that mean that God talks to you? Do you hear his voice?
JOSEPH
I do, Jed. God reveals to me His will for His church on the earth. He can talk to you too.
JEDIDIAH
Me! No, what would he want to say to me. I ain’t nobody.
JOSEPH
You’re his son and he speaks to all of his children. He speaks to us through the writings of prophets, both living and dead. One of the greatest prophets in the Book of Mormon was King Benjamin. When he knew that his life was coming to an end, he gathered his people together. Listen to what he had to say…
[Joseph opens the Book of Mormon to Mosiah, the scene shifts to King Benjamin standing on top of a tower and addresses a large crowd.]
KING BENJAMIN
My young brothers and sisters, all ye that can hear my words. I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view.
I have not commanded you to come up hither that ye should fear me, or think that I am more than a mortal man. I am like yourselves, and have labored with my own hands, that I may serve you; that ye should not be laden with heavy taxes.
I have not done these things that I might boast, neither do I tell you these things that thereby I may accuse you, but I tell you these things that you may know, that I can answer a clear conscience before God this day.
Behold I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn that when you are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God. I say unto you that if you should serve him, who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath that ye may live, and move, and do, according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, that if ye should serve him with your whole souls, yet, would ye be unprofitable servants.
And all that he requires of you is that you keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments, ye shall prosper in the land
I have caused that ye should assemble yourselves together, that I may declare unto you that I can no longer be your teacher and your king. For even at this time my whole frame doth tremble exceedingly while attempting to speak to you; but the Lord doth support me.
Oh my people beware lest there should arise contentions among you, and ye list to obey the evil spirit which was spoken of by my father.
And moreover I would desire that ye would consider on the blessed and happy state of all those who keep the commandments of God. For they are blessed in all things both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven; that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true for the Lord hath spoken it.
I have somewhat more to speak to you, and the things which I shall speak to you are made known unto me be by an angle from God. And he said unto me, Arise, and I arose and Behold he stood before me.
And he said unto me: Awake, and hear the words, which I shall tell thee, for behold I am come to declare unto you the glad tidings of great joy.
For behold, the time cometh that the Lord Omnipotent shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth working miracles.
And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, even more than man can suffer. For behold blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.
NARRATOR: (Voice of Joseph Smith)
Now it came to pass that when king Benjamin had thus spoken to his people, he sent among them, desiring to know of his people if they believed the words which he had spoken unto them. And they all cried with one voice the words which king Benjamin
did desire of them.
[Runners are sent out to each of the tribes to deliver slips of paper with Mosiah 5: 2-5 printed on them. The youth stand and recite the following in unison: “Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually. And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days” The youth then return to a seated position and king Benjamin continues.]
KING BENJAMIN
As I look out upon you I see that ye have fallen to the earth, for the fear of the lord has come upon you.
As you cry out for mercy and forgiveness to the Lord, you are being filled with the Holy Spirit. You have a peace of conscience because of your exceeding faith in Jesus Christ.
Believe! That ye must repent of your sins, and forsake them and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now if you believe these things, see that you do them.
And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you, That is; for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins day to day, that ye may stand guiltless before God; I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.
And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order, for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again it is expedient that he should be diligent that thereby he might win the prize; therefore all things must be done in order.
And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers’ ways and means even so many that I cannot number them.
If you do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in faith even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now O man, remember and perish not.
And now, because of the covenant which ye have made, ye shall be called the children of Christ.
There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh;
Therefore I would, that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all of you that have entered into the covenant with God, that ye shall be obedient unto the end of your lives.
Whosoever doeth this shall be found on the right hand of God for he shall know the name by which he is called; For he shall be called by the name of Christ.
For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?
Therefore I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable always abounding in good works, that Christ the Lord Omnipotent, may seal you his, that ye may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy, of him who created all things, in heaven and on earth, who is God above all… Amen
ALMA SR. AND THE WATERS OF MORMON: DAY 2 11:00AM
(Purpose: Addressing Jedidiah’s issues with sacrifice.)
Note: Each Tribal leader is given a basket with monster cookies in it. They show them to the youth but DO NOT EAT.
JEDIDIAH
There’s something I don’t understand.
JOSEPH SMITH
What’s that?
JEDIDIAH
You and your people seem so happy – and yet you have had to give up so much - your homes, your comfort, your security…
JOSEPH SMITH
All things shall work together for good to them that love God.
[JEDIDIAH shakes his head, confused]
JEDIDIAH
How can anyone love God that much?
JOSEPH SMITH
The prophet Abinadi was willing to give up his life, because he loved God that much. His testimony and his willingness to die for what he believed – stirred Alma’s soul enough that he gave up his position of power in the king’s court, and was converted to the gospel; which eventually saved his people.
[Alma Sr. and a small group of followers sit near the stage surrounded by reeds as if sitting near a body of water]
ALMA SR.
Behold, I am Alma and I am a descendant of Nephi. Yea, and though I was a priest of King Noah, behold I believed the words which Abinadi spoke…
[King Noah enters and addresses the Youth. His priests enter and take their places. Alma Sr. also takes his place]
NOAH
I am Noah; your king! And I require that you demonstrate your devotion to me. Therefore, from this day forward, you will pay one fifth of all you possess in taxes to support me and my priests; one fifth of your grain, your herds, your gold and your precious gems.
What are those? [Pointing to the cookies] Those I will take now, as a special expression of your devotion to me. GUARDS!
[He motions to the guards to collect the cookies. As the they do so, Abinadi is brought before the king and his priests. His hands and feet are chained. He addresses the king and the priests.]
ABINADI
Are you priests, and pretend to teach this people, and to understand the spirit of prophesying? I say unto you, w o be unto you for perverting the ways of the Lord! For if ye understand these things ye have not taught them; therefore, ye have perverted the ways of the Lord. Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. Therefore, what teach ye this people?
PRIEST
We teach the law of Moses.
ABINADI
If ye teach the law of Moses why do ye not keep it? Why do ye set your hearts upon riches? Why do you cause this people to commit sin, that the Lord has cause to send me to prophesy against this people, yea, even a great evil against this people?
ALMA SR.
…for I knew concerning the iniquity which Abinadi had testified against our people and I began to plead with the king that he would not be angry with Abinadi, but suffer that he might depart in peace. But the king was more wroth, and caused that I should be cast out from among them, and he sent his servants after me that they might slay me.
[Alma Sr. rushes off the stage and around the back of the set. The guards pass by. Alma Sr. returns to the waters of Mormon]
ALMA SR.
But behold, I fled from before them and hid myself that they found me not. And being concealed here for many days I did write all the words which Abinadi had spoken.
KING NOAH
Abinadi, we have found an accusation against thee, and thou art worthy of death. And now thou shalt be put to death unless thou wilt recall all the words which thou hast spoken evil concerning me and my people.
ABINADI
I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true; and that ye may know of their surety I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands. Yea, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you. And if ye slay me ye will shed innocent blood, and this shall also stand as a testimony against you at the last day.
[King Noah begins to look uncomfortable and nervous]
PRIESTS [In Unison]
Burn him! Burn him!
[King Noah regains his composure and gestures that they take him away. Guards take Abinadi away and burn him]
NARRATOR: (Voice of Abinadi)
Behold, even as ye have done unto me, so shall it come to pass that thy seed shall cause that many shall suffer the pains that I do suffer, even the pains of death by fire; and this because they believe in the salvation of the Lord their God. And it will come to pass that ye shall be afflicted with all manner of diseases because of your iniquities. Yea, and ye shall be smitten on every hand, and shall be driven and scattered to and fro, even as a flock is driven by wild and ferocious beasts. And in that day ye shall be hunted, and ye shall be taken by the hand of your enemies, and then ye shall suffer, as I suffer, the pains of death by fire. Thus God executeth vengeance upon those that destroy his people. O God, receive my soul.
ALMA THE YOUNGER’S CONVERSION: DAY 2 1:00PM
(Purpose: Addressing JEDIDIAH’s issues with believing there is a loving God)
JEDIDIAH
So what you’re saying is that repentance is possible for anyone? Even someone with the grossest of sins?
JOSEPH SMITH
That is right. The Lord has taught us that through His atonement, all mankind can be saved through obedience to the principles of the gospel, including faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
JEDIDIAH
And that’s all you have to do to become clean? Those seem pretty easy to me.
JOSEPH SMITH
[Joseph Laughs] It sounds simple. It’s not something you just do once, though. Following Christ after sincere repentance requires diligence. You must work at it your whole life - like Alma the Younger.
JEDIDIAH
Who was he?
JOSEPH SMITH
Alma the Younger was converted after an angelic messenger told him he’d be destroyed if he continued to persecute the church. His father was the prophet of the church, and yet he and his friends were working to topple it.
[Reading from Book of Mormon] Now the sons of Mosiah were numbered among the unbelievers; and also one of the sons of Alma was numbered among them, he being called Alma, after his father; nevertheless, he became a very wicked and an idolatrous man. And he was a man of many words, and did speak much flattery to the people; therefore he led many of the people to do after the manner of his iniquities. And he became a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God; stealing away the hearts of the people; causing much dissension among the people; giving a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his power over them.
The Lord would not allow Alma to destroy His church.
[ALMA THE YOUNGER AND SONS OF MOSIAH ARE SEEN WALKING DOWN A ROAD]
[Alma the Younger and sons of Mosiah are laughing and are loud, improvising mocking how the Christians are like sheep, etc.]
[Sound effect of rumbling thunder in the distance or a clap of loud thunder.]
[They cover their faces as if shocked by the blast of an explosion and fall to the ground. In a firm, loud voice, the angel is heard speaking.]
ANGEL
Alma, arise and stand forth, for why persecutest thou the church of God? For the Lord hath said: This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people.
[Alma the Younger pulls himself from the ground and stands trembling and cowering.]
ANGEL
Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou might be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.
And now behold, can ye dispute the power of God? For behold, doth not my voice shake the earth? And can ye not also behold me before you? And I am sent from God.
Now I say unto thee: Go, and remember the captivity of thy fathers in the land of Helam, and in the land of Nephi; and remember how great things he has done for them; for they were in bondage, and he has delivered them. And now I say unto thee, Alma, go thy way, and seek to destroy the church no more, that their prayers may be answered, and this even if thou wilt of thyself be cast off. If thou wilt of thyself be destroyed, seek no more to destroy the church of God.
[Alma the Younger collapses as the angel leaves, as though he is dead. The sons of Mosiah carry him to the stage. Scene is changed to Alma the Younger lying on a pallet; his father Alma Sr., the sons of Mosiah, and his mother are standing near by.]
ALMA SENIOR
Come, let us pray once more. The Lord has listened to our prayers for two days and two nights, and he will continue to listen as long as we have faith in Him.
[The group kneels together by Alma the Younger’s bedside, and Alma Sr. prays.]
ALMA SENIOR
Oh Lord, please open the mouth of Alma, my son, that he might speak. Please bless him that his limbs might receive their strength—that the eyes of the people might be opened to see and know of the goodness and glory of God… .
[In the middle of Alma Sr.’s prayer, Alma the Younger slowly rises from his pallet and looks around.]
ALMA YOUNGER
Be of good comfort. For I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord.
[His mother rushes to him to embrace him. Sons of Mosiah welcome him back to the world of the living. ]
ALMA YOUNGER
And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;
…I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins.
So great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.
And it came to pass that while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more
And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!
ALMA SENIOR
You are born again.
[Alma Senior comes and embraces him. Everyone leaves the stage except Alma the Younger who turns and addresses the audience.]
ALMA YOUNGER
Yea, I ask of you, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
[Alma the Younger walks down off the stage and walks amongst the people.]
If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?
Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God.
I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; and my soul is pained no more…
[Alma the Younger returns to the front]
Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.
Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely.
AMMON, KING LAMONI AND HIS FATHER – DAY 2 2:30PM
(Purpose: Addressing JEDIDIAH’s doubts about the power that comes from belief in God)
[KING LAMONI’S PALACE]
[King Lamoni sits on his thrown facing stage right. A few servants come rushing in with a large full sack. They set the sack down and bow down before the king. ]
SERVANT ONE
[Breathless] Good King Lamoni, in this sack are the arms of many men. We bring them as proof of the great power of thy servant Ammon.
SERVANT TWO
He has powers beyond any man. For as we were leading thy flocks to the place of water, behold, a certain number of the Lamanites, came and scattered our flocks insomuch that they fled many ways. Now we began to fear lest thou, good king, should be angry and slay us.
SERVANT ONE
But Ammon said, “My brethren, be of good cheer and let us go in search of the flocks, and we will gather them together and bring them back unto the place of water”
SERVANT TWO
And we did gather them together again. But those men again stood to scatter our flocks; and Ammon commanded us to encircle the flocks round about and that he alone would go and contend with these men who did scatter our flocks.
SERVANT ONE
Your majesty, they were in number not a few, but he began to cast stones at them with his sling; and he slew a certain number of them insomuch that they began to be astonished at his great power; nevertheless they were angry because of the slain of their brethren, and they were determined that he should fall; therefore, seeing that they could not hit him with their stones, they came forth with clubs to slay him.
SERVANT TWO
But behold, every man that lifted his club to smite Ammon, he smote off their arms with his sword. [Points to the sack] They began to flee before him; and he caused them to flee by the strength of his arm
[The king is astonished and pauses for a moment]
LAMONI
Surely, this is more than a man. Behold, is not this the Great Spirit who doth send such great punishments upon this people, because of their murders?
SERVANT ONE
Whether he be the Great Spirit or a man, we know not; but this much we do know, that he cannot be slain by the enemies of the king; neither can they scatter the king’s flocks when he is with us, because of his expertness and great strength; therefore, we know that he is a friend to the king. And now, O king, we do not believe that a man has such great power, for we know he cannot be slain.
LAMONI
Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them.
[The king begins to look fearful.]
LAMONI
Where is this man that has such great power?
SERVANT TWO
He is feeding thy horses.
[The king is astonished. He stands up and faces away from his servants. ]
LAMONI
Now I surely know that this is the Great Spirit, and I would desire him that he come in unto me, but I durst not.
[After a minute the servants sense that they should leave him alone. They start to leave as Ammon walks in. They each bow to Ammon.]
SERVANT TWO
Rabbanah
SERVANT ONE
Powerful King
[The servants leave. Ammon approaches the king and respectfully bows.]
AMMON
What wilt thou that I should do for thee, O king?
[Lamoni does not reply. ]
AMMON
Is it because thou hast heard that I defended thy servants and thy flocks, is it this that causes thy marvelings? [Pause] Behold, I am a man, and am thy servant; therefore, whatsoever thou desirest which is right, that will I do.
LAMONI
Who art thou? Art thou that Great Spirit, who knows all things?
AMMON
I am not.
LAMONI
How knowest thou the thoughts of my heart?
[LAMONI finally turns around and faces AMMON]
LAMONI
Thou mayest speak boldly, and tell me concerning these things; and also tell me by what power ye slew and smote off the arms of my brethren that scattered my flocks—
AMMON
Wilt thou hearken unto my words, if I tell thee by what power I do these things?
[LAMONI turns away again]
LAMONI
I will believe all thy words.
AMMON
Believest thou that there is a God?
LAMONI
I do not know what that meaneth.
AMMON
Believest thou that there is a Great Spirit?
LAMONI
Yea.
AMMON
This is God. Believest thou that this Great Spirit, who is God, created all things which are in heaven and in the earth?
LAMONI
Yea, I believe that he created all things which are in the earth; but I do not know the heavens.
AMMON
The heavens is a place where God dwells and all his holy angels.
LAMONI
Is it above the earth?
AMMON
Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning.
LAMONI
I believe all these things which thou hast spoken. Art thou sent from God?
AMMON
I am a man; and man in the beginning was created after the image of God, and I am called by his Holy Spirit to teach these things unto this people, that they may be brought to a knowledge of that which is just and true.
LAMONI
O Lord, have mercy; according to thy abundant mercy which thou hast had upon the people of Nephi, have upon me, and my people.
[Lamoni falls to the ground and the actors exit the stage except for Lamoni, who stays lying down. QUEEN OF LAMONI enters and sits with him to set up for the next scene. Scene begins with her mourning quietly. Ammon enters shortly after having been called to come to her.]
QUEEN OF LAMONI
The servants of my husband have made it known unto me that thou art a prophet of a holy God, and that thou hast power to do many mighty works in his name;
Therefore, if this is the case, I would that ye should see my husband, for he has laid here for the space of two days and two nights; and some say that he is not dead, but others say that he is dead and that he stinketh, and that he ought to be placed in the sepulchre; but as for myself, to me he doth not stink.
[Ammon looks down at Lamoni’s body and perhaps sits on his haunches to look at him closely.]
AMMON
He is not dead, but he sleepeth in God, and on the morrow he shall rise again; therefore bury him not.
Believest thou this?
QUEEN OF LAMONI
I have had no witness save thy word, and the word of our servants; nevertheless I believe that it shall be according as thou hast said.
AMMON
Blessed art thou because of thy exceeding faith; I say unto thee, woman, there has not been such great faith among all the people of the Nephites.
[The queen kneels next to her husband. Ammon leaves. She watches over the bed of her husband pacing occasionally, sitting down next to him, praying, etc. The queen’s servant woman, ABISH, comes offering food but the queen turns her away. Ammon returns and kneels next to Lamoni. After a minute, Lamoni rises and embraces his wife.]
LAMONI
Blessed be the name of God, and blessed art thou. (speaking to wife)
For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name.
JOSEPH SMITH
Now, when he had said these words, his heart was swollen within him, and he sunk again with joy; and the queen also sunk down, being overpowered by the Spirit.
[King and Queen Lamoni have both fallen to the ground and are lying still]
JOSEPH SMITH
Now Ammon seeing the Spirit of the Lord poured out according to his prayers upon the Lamanites, he fell upon his knees, and began to pour out his soul in prayer and thanksgiving to God for what he had done for his brethren; and he was also overpowered with joy; and thus they all three had sunk to the earth.
[A few servants and others come in to see the scene.]
JEDIDIAH
That would be quite an unusual scene to come across.
[JEDIDIAH is drawn in also. He stands on the opposite side from the other onlookers. JOSEPH SMITH does not follow.]
JEDIDIAH
[Looking back at Joseph Smith] Must everyone who is converted… faint like this.
JOSEPH SMITH
No, but they must be born again - of water and of the spirit.
[ABISH comes in and takes the Queen by the hand and she kneels.]
QUEEN OF LAMONI
O blessed Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell! O blessed God, have mercy on this people!
[The queen and Abish take the king by the hand and they stand up. ]
LAMONI
[To JEDIDIAH] Believest thou that there is a God?
[JEDIDIAH is surprised that Lamoni is speaking to him. He looks to Joseph Smith. Joseph nods indicating that it is okay for him to answer him.]
JEDIDIAH
I want to believe. I am trying to believe…
QUEEN OF LAMONI
[To JEDIDIAH] I do not know what that meaneth.
JEDIDIAH
Well, how can there be a God when there are so many bad things that happen in the world.
AMMON
[To JEDIDIAH] Believest thou that there is a Great Spirit?
JEDIDIAH
Yes, but can he really know – with all the people in the world – can he really know us each individually?
QUEEN OF LAMONI
[boldly] Yea.
[JEDIDIAH seems shaken by her simple reply]
JEDIDIAH
But how can he-
LAMONI
This is God.
[JEDIDIAH pauses for a moment looking down.]
JEDIDIAH
[with emotion] But does he know me? Does he really know me?
AMMON
Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning.
JEDIDIAH
[with emotion] and … you … ?
AMMON
[Seeming to know what JEDIDIAH was asking] I am a man; and man in the beginning was created after the image of God, and I am called by his Holy Spirit to teach these things unto this people, that they may be brought to a knowledge of that which is just and true; And a portion of that Spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth me knowledge, and also power according to my faith and desires which are in God.
[JOSEPH SMITH has come into the scene also and he puts his hand on JEDIDIAH’s shoulder.]
JOSEPH SMITH
Jedidiah, you can know just as strongly as they know. But you have to ask God. Follow the promise that is in the book of Moroni, chapter 10: “…remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your heart. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” [pause] Will you ask tonight, Jedidiah?
JEDIDIAH
Yes, Joseph. I will pray and ask God tonight.
AMMON, KING LAMONI AND HIS FATHER – DAY 3 4:15AM
(Purpose: Addressing JEDIDIAH’s doubts about Christ’s appearance in the New World)
The youth are awakened by loud noises that are meant to simulate the destruction that took place in the new world at the death of Christ. Their Tribal Leaders lead them to the temple set where they are instructed to be seated on the ground. A voice from Heaven is heard but cannot be understood.
NARRATOR:
Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name.
The voice from Heaven is again heard, but still cannot be understood
NARRATOR:
Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name.
The voice from Heaven is again heard, and this time is understandable. Christ is seen is dressed in white. Music plays as Christ walks among the youth. Then Christ exits.
JEDIDIAH TEACHING ON MISSION: DAY 3 8:00AM
(Purpose: to emphasize that conversion should lead to missionary work)
[A MEETING HOUSE SOMEWHERE IN THE US]
[JEDIDIAH is standing at the pulpit preaching, while a small congregation of people listen. Its several years after his conversion. He’s on a mission to and has an unshakeable testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Priesthood and the Lord Jesus Christ.]
JEDIDIAH
I would exhort you to ask yourself the same question the prophet Moroni asks.
[reading from Book of Mormon—Moroni 10: 4-6]
And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
[While JEDIDIAH is finishing the scripture, a new arrival comes onto the set and walks over to the group to listen.]
JEDIDIAH
Like many of you, I struggled with doubt. I wanted to know and God revealed the truth unto me and he will do the same for you. If you seek to truly know God and His Son, Jesus Christ, if your heart is sincere and your intent real, even if you can only desire to believe, God will reveal the truth unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost.
My friends, I stand before you as a witness of the truth. Jesus Christ has restored His Church on the earth.
Joseph Smith, a prophet of God and man who I was privileged to know, was and is indeed a prophet of God. He sealed his testimony with his own blood and stands forever as a man who has done more for mankind, save Jesus Christ alone, than any other man.
Of this I testify to you, in the name of our savior and redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen
CONGREGATION
[In unison] Amen
[As the congregation leaves, the newcomer stays behind. When everyone else is gone, he approaches JEDIDIAH.]
NEWCOMER
You say that God revealed truth to you.
JEDIDIAH
Yes. That is what I said and that is what I know and believe.
NEWCOMER
What makes you think that God even knows who you are, or who I am? What makes you think that God knows any of us or cares what happens to me or to you?
JEDIDIAH
That’s an excellent question, friend. Do you wrestle?
[JEDIDIAH puts his arm around the newcomers shoulder and they exit the stage discussing the gospel.]
THE END.
