June 28th was the beginning of this year’s Camp Zion as the participants used the drive to Kolob Mountain to prepare for Heart of Zion theme which included memorizing a scripture and a hymn. Approximately 110 Young Women and Young Men 16-18 years camped out from Wednesday to Friday and were kept busy with classes and activities. Wednesday rotation class subjects were Communication with Heavenly Father and others, Recognizing and Understanding the Spirit, You Are Loved, and Friends and Examples. Thursday class subjects covered My Purpose as a Missionary and in Gathering Israel, The Purpose of Eternal Families: Roles of Men and Women, My Purpose in Getting an Education, and Building Relationships of trust and Working with Others. The Stake leaders and those in charge of Camp Zion were determined to help all the youth who attended to understand their roles, responsibilities and potential as they strive to live righteous, steadfast lives. Beside the spiritual and serious work that they did the kids had fun and were well fed. Time was set aside each evening for quiet discussions and Q&A sessions. It was a busy few days on the mountain that allowed the Young Men and Women to be device free and concentrate on their spiritual futures. A testimony meeting for the youth was held Sunday June 30th at the Stake Center giving all who wanted the opportunity to share their feelings about Camp Zion. Thoughts from some of the youth: Camp Zion this year was amazing. I learned so much. One of the biggest things I learned was loving others but not only that I also needed to love myself and have confidence in myself. I was asked to be a group leader and didn't know how well I was going to do. I looked at the list of kids I had and realized that a lot of them could've fit the place better and were spiritual giants. One of the lessons given by Brother Dodenbier was about the parable of the talents. Something I never realized was that the one with fewer talents and the one with more received the same blessing because they had given their everything so I realized from that point on I was going to give my everything for myself and for my group. I felt peace as I faithfully encouraged my group and gave my all. Overall camp Zion was an amazing experience and I loved every part of it. I felt the our father in heaven and our Savior's love for me. The spirit was undoubtedly evident. I am so grateful I had this experience. Jeremy Perkins Camp Zion helped prepare me for my mission by allowing me to learn from many different leaders and allowing me to have a group of friends around me. It helped my testimony of gathering Zion because as all of the youth stood together in unity, I knew that this church is true and we are the chosen generation to further the work. Jaxon Snarr Camp Zion was an awesome experience. The greatest thing that stood out about it was the sense of love. Everyone was loving to everyone they saw and looked for opportunities to serve. The lessons were amazing and uplifting. The spirit was strongly felt during them. We learned about making and keeping sacred covenants, and that we prepare for them by living worthily of them now. I learned more about what I can do to prepare to be a Melchizedek priesthood holder, missionary, husband, and father. I left the mountain with a stronger testimony of Jesus Christ and the profound love he has for me and everyone around me. I am grateful for the opportunity to go and for the amazing leaders in this valley who selflessly served us so willingly. Coleman West **Thank you Melissa Julien for the wonderful photos.

Elder Brayton Tobler has returned after serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brayton served 24 months in the Urdaneta Philippines Mission. Brad and Stephanie Tobler of the Mesquite 4th Ward are his parents. Elder Brayton Tobler reports on Sunday, August 11, 2019 at 11 am in the Stake Center, located at 100 N. Arrowhead. Welcome home! Elder Tobler said this about his mission: "If I could sum up my mission in two verses that verse would be proverbs 1:7 and 2 Nephi 28:30. These verses basically say the same thing. In Proverbs 1:7it states "The fear of the Lord is the start of all knowledge and wisdom" and in 2 Nephi 28:30 it talks about learning God's plan precept upon precept. I learned the importance of the plan of salvation in my mission. I am so grateful for every single piece of revelation the lord has blessed us with through His scriptures. I am grateful for the spirit that guides teachers, priests, apostles, missionaries, and even the prophet as they clearly unfold the "Mysteries" of God. I know that the Book of Mormon is the most perfect translated revelation given to us through the ancient American prophets. Through applying its precepts as Joseph Smith states, a man may get closer unto God. I am so grateful for the full gospel and I'm excited to share it with those around me through example and ministering unto their needs. I leave these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

Sister Resha Bunker has returned after serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Her mission began in February of 2018 and she returns August 7, 2019. She is the daughter of Robert and Jocelyn of the Bunkerville 1st Ward. Sister Resha Bunker will speak on Sunday, August 11th at 10:30 am in Bunkerville. Welcome home! This is what she had to say about her mission experience: "I spent 18 of the most wonderful months in the Pennsylvania Philadelphia mission. I served in Woodstown New Jersey,Valley Forge Pennsylvania, and Newark, Delaware/Elkton Maryland. The east coast has become such a sacred and special place for me. Largely, I know it is so special to me because this is where I learned to truly love, know, and trust my Savior Jesus Christ. I know that Christ is there for us always, through the good times and the bad. It is up to us to open the door and let him in. Christ and his teachings are the way to TRUE joy."

The Stake celebrated Pioneer Day with an ice cream social inside the cool Stake Center. There were about 2 to 300 in attendance.

Youth from the Bunkerville 2nd Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints went on a 4-day hiking and river rafting trip to Moab, Utah. The 45-youth who went earned money for their trip by cleaning yards in the spring. They traveled the southern route by Lake Powell, Little Onion Creek and the upper Colorado River. To emphasis the theme of their experience “Moving Forward with Faith,” the youth searched stories of their pioneer ancestors to share at evenings programs. Each class or quorum also gave a devotional message each evening. They went on a guided river rafting trip on the upper Colorado River for 3 days with the river guides providing the meals each day. The weather was hot but they easily cooled off in the cold water of the river. Hiking later on the 3.9 miles of Fish Tower Trail really pushed them, but the scenery of the rock formations made the hike memorable. Fort Bluff visitor’s center gave them an opportunity to learn about the pioneers who traveled the “Hole in the Rock Trail” to settle southeastern Utah. They saw an original wagon that made the trip down the treacherous “Hole in the Rock” trail. They visited the blacksmith shop, cabins and buildings at the historical site.

Class will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM on the following dates. All students entering 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades are invited to attend. Please make an effort to come and bring your friends with you. The reading listed for each lesson is not a requirement but choosing to read before class will greatly enhance your personal experience in class and relationship with the Savior Jesus Christ outside of class. Date Lesson Reading Wednesday July 17th ...The Savior’s Profound Influence 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:15-16, Doctrine & Covenants 20:22, Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 22:42, John 6:38, 3 Nephi 11:11, John 4:1-29 Tuesday July 23rd... Jesus Christ Went About Doing Good Acts 10:38, Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 7:1-5, Matthew 5:9-12, 21-24, 38-41, 43-47 Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Cost and Blessing of Discipleship” April 2014 Conference Wednesday July 31st... The Savior Atoned for the Sins of All Mankind Mark 14:33-36, Luke 22:39-46, John 15:13, 1 Peter 3:18, 2 Nephi 9:21, Mosiah 3:7, Alma 7:11-13, Doctrine & Covenants 19:15-20 David A. Bednar, “The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality” Ensign April 2012 p. 40-47 Wednesday August 7th... Jesus Christ is the Light, Life, and Hope of the World Psalm 146:5, John 8:12, Romans 5:3-5, Romans 15:13, 1 Peter 1:3, Ether 12:4, Moroni 7:3, 40-41, Doctrine & Covenants 88:6-13, Doctrine & Covenants 138:14 Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Hope of God’s Light” April 2013 Conference

Elder Tyson Wilson served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Brazil Belem Mission was his home for 24 months and on July 16th, he returned to Bunkerville. Trent and Vicki Wilson of the Bunkerville 1st Ward are his parents. Elder Tyson Wilson will report on July 28, 2019 at 10:30 in the Bunkerville Chapel. Welcome home! Spiritual thought from Elder Wilson.....Some people wonder why we walked in the humid heat, the rain, and storms every single day, talking to people, helping people, there are many answers to that question but the one answer that matters the most is because this is the Lord's church.

Twenty-one boy scouts and 4 leaders from Troop 2596 sponsored by the Mesquite 5th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints went on a trip and camp out to Manti, Utah. They went camping, hiking, fishing and having some fun up Manti- La Sal National Forest. On the way home they watched the Manti pageant on the hillside of the LDS temple in Manti. The young men went to the Manti temple and did baptisms.

Elder Reid Jensen will return July 11, 2019 after serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in the Brazil Belo Horizonte Mission. Andrew and Janell Jensen of the Bunkerville 1st Ward are his parents.Reid plans to continue his education at Dixie State University. Elder Reid Jensen will report his mission on July 14, 2019 at 10:30 am in the Bunkerville Chapel.

Scouts from Troop 2640 sponsored by the Mesquite 6th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints went on a camping trip to Panquitch Lake. Activities included canoeing on the lake, skeet shooting, rifle merit badge, shot gun merit badge, and cooking merit badge. Scouts that went are Ezra and Hyrum Baker, Eli & Seth Syndergaard, Jake Hafen, Oak Bundy, Parker Jensen, Trevor Everett, and Stewart Plank. Their favorite meal was Dutch Oven Potatoes and chicken. Many thanks to the three leaders, Josiah Jensen, scoutmaster, Brian Mickelson, and David Everett took the scouts on the trip and over the mountain on side by sides (4 wheeling).

Elder Tanner Empey will serve a 24 month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will serve in the Des Moines, Iowa Mission. Tanner's parents names are Craig and Cindy Empey. He'll report to the Missionary Training Center on June 26. Elder Tanner Empey will speak on Sunday, June 23, 2019 at 10:30 am in the Bunkerville Chapel.

Elder Jared Memmott will serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the El Salvador San Salvador East Mission. He is the son of Kyle and Christine Memmott of the Mesquite 7th Ward. Jared leaves for the Missionary Training Center on July 10th. Elder Jared Memmott speaks Sunday, June 30, 2019 at 9:30am in the Mesquite Stake Center.