We have been busy assisting with Cocoa Stake Youth Conference. The theme was Book of Mormon History with reenactments of various events from the Book of Mormon. Our part was portraying the initial scene of a wicked Jerusalem market place followed by a reenactment of Lehi preaching repentance.
What an event! It was awesome! We used the dividers behind the bleachers at the rodeo grounds and the surrounding area under a large oak tree to set up 17 vendor stalls and layed palm branches over the tops for shade and that authentic look.
The missionaries built a grand Jerusalem entrance
Joanna’s Fabrics, Aaron’s Idols and Graven Images, The Quilted Camel, David’s Sling Shop and Potiphar’s Pottery Barn. Elder Randall’s fishing challenge at Jonah’s Bait and Tackle was a hit with 12-foot-long cane poles with a new improved “magnetico” bait catching big bags of candy fish out of huge molasses troughs. 
Sister Randall’s face-veils complete with jewels sent from AZ, were hit with the young women at the Quilted Camel. The ward members created Mordecai’s Blacksmith Shop,
Swords R Us,
Deborah’s Deli,
the Walker family
Sister Randall, Tarah Wright, Tiffany Crosby, Brooke.
Left: Jackie Justesen
Right: Renee Jacobsen, our fearless leader
After 90 minutes in the market place the prophet Lehi came, called them all to repentance and the youth took off into the wilderness following the prophet. That was the beginning the their trip through the Book of Mormon for the next three days of all the wards reenacting different stories and activities from the Book of Mormon
Jerrick Walker going through the "Journey of Life" holding onto the Rod of Iron. The course was pretty treacherous! I tried it before. Lots of obstacles, unexpected turns, bumps, and cobwebs! Ugh! A lot like real life. and it left a big impression on them.
RJ making his way. Lots of the kids went barefoot, "Ranch style"!
of Liberty. They were awsome! It was portrayed very powerfully and here Captain Moroni kneels to pray and plead with the Lord for his people. The actual words from the sciptures were pre-recorded in the voices of the actors and it was broadcast over a huge sound system. Very moving! (Kevin as Moroni)
Below, I wish we could've caught the Lords part better as he sent a cool breeze to unfurl the banners of each of the tribes and they joined Moroni in the battle for the liberty of their God, religion, and their families. The Spirit flowed in with the breeze. And as we watched those flags unfurl, it caught us all up in the Spirit of what it all really meant. The tears were flowing and words were not enough.
Samuel the Lamanite Re-enactment
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...and ending with a reenactment of digging up the gold plates that were buried by Moroni ,just as the Prophet Joseph Smith did.--bringing it full circle back to the modern day prophet and the testimonies of their own leaders of the truthfulness of this precious book. It was a life changing event for these youth. And when asked them how they liked it, thinking they would complain of the extreme heat and bugs, all they said was; “It was wonderful!” with their faces lit up with big smiles! What a treat for us to be a part of this and get to observe our wonderful youth and their leaders in action.
Through Home and Visiting Teaching, Scouts and association with neighbors Elder and Sister Randall have had many opportunities to fellowship, friendship and teach the gospel. These are our favorite times here on the Ranch. For example, Liz and Buddy Oxford are our dear friends and we have such fun at their house. They were married last year and have four children between them. Liz was raised Baptist and is a wonderful mom, wife and homemaker. Last Monday Night they asked us to bring a FHE Lesson to do. They’ve decided to start having FHE! Yea! We presented part of Dave’s (Our son-in-law) “yet to be published” children’s book on the “Great Plan of Happiness” . Then we played “Killer Frog” and then had treats. It was so fun! The kids seemed to like it and Liz had some gospel questions we were able to answer. They usually go to the little community church near them and really like it, but Liz is open to learning about Buddy’s “Mormon” faith. His goal is to eventually get his family to the Temple. Awesome huh? This is a wonderful ward and place to be. But even here in “Zion” as with all wards there are many who are needy in spirit and faith. So we see much to do here to keep us busy beyond our ranch service responsibilities and within the guidelines and rules of “Service Mission”. We are finding we can still influence people around us to come to Jesus Christ and do real missionary work for the Lord even though we are restricting from actively proselyting here on the Ranch because we work for a "For Profit Corperation. You really just have to be a member of the church who cares and wants to serve & share, like all of you! Thanks for your wonderful examples that show us the way as we remember our associations with you.
We both feel sooo blessed! We feel so watched over. So exhausted and yet, so absolutely happy and full of purpose! We are sooo grateful. We love and pray for the Lord’s choicest blessing to be with each of you who are so dear to us.
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