Review: Raising an Army of Helaman's Warriors by Mark D. Ogletree and Kevin A. Hinckley

 

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Raising an Army of Helaman's Warriors: A Guide for Parents to Prepare the Greatest Generation of Missionaries by Mark D. Ogletree, PHD and Kevin A. Hinckley, MA

Paperback, 192 pages

Published March 10th 2015 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media 

Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

 

Description: Turn your home into an MTC! With missionaries being called at younger ages and so many distractions and temptations to pull teens astray, parents need a plan to keep their kids on the missionary track. This practical, testimony-building approach to mission prep is perfect for parents and leaders. Start now so they can serve honorably and spread the word to all the world!

 

My Review: Right from the start, parents are warned with this quote by Quentin L. Cook: "Parents, the days are long past when regular, active participation in Church meetings and programs, though essential, can fulfill your sacred responsibility to teach your children to live moral, righteous lives and walk uprightly before the Lord." In today's world, parents can't rely on the Church or others to instill testimonies, faith, and beliefs in a child/teen. It's up to us. 

 

There are a lot of things that I thought I was doing, but after reading this, realize that I'm not doing well or doing enough of. The idea was presented that we spend hours preparing a lesson for our callings, but just a few minutes quickly throwing together a Family Home Evening lesson. Guilty! More effort needs to be placed in the important places--the family and the home.

I have two teenagers and I know they use the Come, Follow Me program at Church, but I haven't used that in my home. Why not?! There are so many wonderful resources available to parents in this day and age, especially with the use of technology. Scripture study and family time doesn't need to be boring with these tools.

The other thing that I really loved is that each chapter ends with a "Practical Application" section that gives great advice on implementing the ideas from that chapter into every day life. This is a great resource to have on hand for families wanting to step up their spirituality and prepare their kids for LDS missions.

 

Content: Material is specific to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

     

 

About the Authors:

Kevin Hinckley is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Private Practice. He received his M.Ed from Brigham Young University, with an emphasis in Organizational Behavior. He has developed numerous therapeutic programs, including inpatient and day treatment programs for addiction and trauma recovery. He has worked closely with the LDS Addiction Recovery Program and is the author of The Naaman Project, a day treatment program for Pornography Addiction. A former bishop and institute teacher, Kevin has written 5 books. He is a regular presenter at Campus Education Weeks at BYU-Idaho and BYU.

Mark Ogletree has a MS in education and a PhD in family and human development. He taught in the Church Educational System for 21 years, serving as seminary instructor and principal, institute instructor, and the director of the Institute of Religion in Dallas, Texas. He has also presented marriage and family workshops in the private sector, as well as for Education Week at BYU. Presently, Mark is an Associate Professor in the Department of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University where he teaches courses on preparing for marriage and living prophets. Additionally, Mark has worked in private practice for over 20 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Mark has also published several articles in the Ensign, in academic journals, and most recently teamed up with other professors at Brigham Young University and contributed to By Divine Design–a book to strengthen marriage and family relationships.