Helaman 16:1-8 He was Never Heard of More

In his 2008 First Presidency Christmas Devotional talk, President Eyring shared how his family re-enacted Samuel's prophesying of the Savior's coming:

Have someone stand on a chair as if they were on the city wall as they read these verses. When they finish, allow everyone else to toss wadded-up paper at them as if they were throwing stones. Remind them that Samuel cannot be hit.

Why were they unable to hit Samuel? Where did Samuel go? What do you think Samuel did after he fled from the Nephites?

Helaman 14:14-27 A Sign of His Death

Have each person draw a picture of event(s) at the time of Christ's death.

Were there any events listed that did not make it into any of your pictures?

For big kids, cross ref 3 Ne 8. Did Samuel get all of the events to occur at the time of Christ's death? If not, what did he miss?

Helaman 13:18-20 Whoso Shall Hide Treasures

Read v18-19 while the kids draw a picture of treasure. Why do you think that it's bad to hide up your treasure? The answer is in v20. Do these verses have application today? How? What are some of the treasures you have? What does it mean to hide them up unto the Lord?

Helaman 13:1-6 Samuel the Lamanite

Allow the reader to stand on a chair just as Samuel stood on the wall.

Why did Samuel get up on the city wall? Why didn't he just go into the city and preach? What message was he telling the people? This message was so important the Lord asked him to go back. Why was it so important?

Have you ever been rejected when you tried to teach someone? If the Lord commanded you to teach someone, and they did not accept you, what could you do to keep the Lord's commandment?

Helaman 10: 1-12 Nephi is Given the Sealing Power

Search: What is "the sealing power" described in the introduction of this chapter? Use the footnotes, Bible Dictionary, Topical Guide and other references if necessary. Why was Nephi blessed? How would you feel if the Lord said this to you? What was Nephi doing when the Lord spoke to him? How much time do you spend pondering?

Helaman 9:25-41 I am an Honest Man

Continue the drama.

• Nephi. Read v25-30. Suggested costume: Nephite clothing: robe, headband, etc.
• Seantum, murderer. Read v31-36. Suggested costume: a toy weapon (make sure it's not dangerous).
  
• The 5 accused. Read v37-38. Suggested costume: Nephite clothing: robe, headband, etc.
• The people. Read v39-41. Suggested costume: Nephite clothing: robe, headband, etc.

Do you think there were any that did not believe Nephi after this miracle? Why or why not? Is it possible to hide anything from God? Why or why not? These people began to believe Nephi because a "sign" was given to them. Is that a good way to build faith? Why or why not? What builds faith better than a "sign"? Have each person name something (start with the youngest and work up - as items are named off, it will get harder).

Helaman 8:11-20 Where are the Five?

Continue acting out this chapter. There are fewer parts in these verses:

• Judges. Suggested costume: a crown, a sceptre, and a robe.
• The 5 accused. Suggested costume: Nephite clothing: robe, headband, etc.
• The people. Suggested costume: Nephite clothing: robe, headband, etc.

Why do you think the 5 who went to see the chief judge believed Nephi, but others didn't? What do you think is going to happen to Nephi?

Helaman 14:1-8 A Sign at the Time of His Coming

Draw a picture of the events at the time of the Savior's coming.

What would it be like to have a night without darkness? Was there a night without darkness in Jerusalem as well?

Helaman 8:27, 9:1-10 We Will Know...Whether this Man be a Prophet

Act out these verses as you read. Start with the murder of the chief judge which Nephi prophesies about in Hel 8:27. A part of the fun will be allowing the kids to make or find their own costume. You will need someone to play the parts of:

• Seezorum, chief judge. Read v9. Suggested costume: a crown, a sceptre, and a robe.
• Seantum, murderer. Read v7. Suggested costume: a toy weapon (make sure it's not dangerous).
  
• The 5 accused. Read v2,10. Suggested costume: Nephite clothing: robe, headband, etc.
• Servants. Read v1,3-4. Suggested costume: Nephite clothing: robe, headband, etc.
• The people. Read v5-6,8, Hel 8:27. Suggested costume: Nephite clothing: robe, headband, etc.

Fill in the parts as the size of your family allows. The 5 accused, the servants, and the people will probably actually have to be represented by 1 or 2 members of your family. Family members could play more than 1 part if they wish.

The suggested readings are organized so that when family members are not acting they will be reading (narrating) to keep everyone busy. There are 2 verses, v2 & 7, that are speaking parts. These 2 verses are to be read by the respective actors if possible. Adjust according to your family's readers and non-readers.

Did the 5 accused who were at the garden of Nephi actually commit the murder? Do you think they will be acquitted (set free)? What do you think they will say?

Helaman 8:25-28 Your Judge is Murdered

Search: See who can find the verse where the Savior said "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (it's 3 Ne 13:20 or Matt 6:20) These were the Savior's words, spoken AFTER Nephi passed away. Why did Nephi know the Savior's words before the Savior said them? Before the Savior was even born, in fact?

Play the game Clue if you have it - and if you can make time. Before you begin, discuss how a murder mystery game could relate to these verses. How did Nephi solve the mystery? How did he even know the chief judge was murdered?

Helaman 8:1-10 He Spake Plainly unto them

What is the issue that is causing such a great controversy? Are there controversies today similar to the controversy in these verses?
Find examples in the newspaper or the internet. How are they similar to the controversy at Nephi's time? Give the kids an opportunity to share their thoughts on the subject. Try not to judge; try to listen and understand.

Helaman 7:10-18 Nephi Prays on his Garden Tower

Allow the kids to build a "garden tower" using cushions, chairs, or whatever you have available. Ensure that is safe; not too high and sturdy enough to hold someone without falling. Then allow them to take turns sitting on it as they read these verses.

What would you do if someone was watching you while you were praying? What would you say to that person?

Helaman 7:1-10 Nephi Prays on His Garden Tower

Draw a picture of Nephi praying on his garden tower with a multitude gathering around.

Why was Nephi praying? Was he praying loudly? Have you ever prayed loud enough that people passing by on the street could hear you?