Trails to Testimony: Bringing Young Men to Christ Through Scouting

by Bradley D. Harris

either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. . . . I retired to the woods to make the attempt” (JS–History 1:13–14). When the Saints in this dispensation needed to separate themselves from persecution, they went to the wilderness— the American West. “. . . the word of God came unto John . . . in the wilderness. And he came unto all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Luke 3:2–3). When Christ needed to prepare for his ministry, he was “led up of the Spirit into the wilderness . . .” (Matt. 4:1). During His ministry when Christ was pressed by great multitudes, “he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed” (Luke 5:15–16). “. . . Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John . . . and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them . . .” (Matt.17:1–2). When Christ was fulfilling his ministry and the ultimate Atonement, “he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives . . .” (Luke 22:39). Throughout recorded scripture when the Lord needed to communicate with His children, He commanded them to be removed from the world and go into the wilderness. When prophets needed life-changing experiences or special instruction from the Lord, they went to the woods. So should we. Where should we take our young men regularly to help bring them to Christ? Young men should spend at least forty days (as Christ did) in the wilderness during their A...