"RAISING AN ARMY OF HELAMAN'S WARRIORS: A Guide for Parents to Prepare the Greatest Generation of Missionaries," by Mark D. Ogletree and Kevin A. Hinckley, Cedar Fort, $15.99, 181 pages (nf)
Mark Ogletree and Kevin Hinckley have teamed together to write "Raising an Army of Helaman’s Warriors: A Guide for Parents to Prepare the Greatest Generation of Missionaries" that aims to help younger members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints effectively prepare to serve full-time missions.
The chapters cover topics from communication with others and the Lord and conversion to learning to work and emotional health and include quotes from past and present leaders of the LDS Church, personal experiences from the authors, helpful tips for parents, and words of encouragement for both parents and their youths. The authors also include practical applications, supplemental materials and references at the end of each chapter for further study.
Ogletree and Hinckley examine that as the age for those to serve Mormon missions has lowered, the need to instruct these youths must begin sooner, and more precisely, in the home. They encourage parents to begin preparing their children to serve missions now. The parents’ role in teaching the gospel to their children is discussed in great detail throughout the book, along with instructing children in obedience, helping youths recognize they are receiving answers from the Spirit, how to communicate in a healthy manner, having physically and emotionally healthy youths and creating an MPC — Missionary Preparation Center — at home.
"Raising an Army of Helaman’s Warriors" is a wonderful resource for those who have children or who are involved with the younger generation in any way.
Ogletree has a doctorate in family and human development and is currently an associate professor at Brigham Young University. Hinckley is a licensed professional counselor and has a master's degree in counseling from Brigham Young University. Both men have served and worked alongside youths for many decades in their respective lives professionally and ecclesiastically.
Micah Klug graduated with her bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho. She currently lives with her family in Utah. Her email is klugmicah@gmail.com. Twitter: MicahKlug