Martin's Cove Trek Report

This July I had the privilege to walk in the footsteps of the Mormon pioneers in Martin’s Cove. Although the Trek was somewhat difficult, I had many great spiritual experiences. While pulling and pushing a handcart for 7 miles a day was difficult, surprisingly, the hardest part of the Trek for me was enduring the 12 hour long car ride back, because I had to ride in the deacon’s car with them singing along to Taylor Swift, and singing the pillow pet commercial theme song.
The experiences that I had on this trek were different from the ones I had as a deacon on my first trek. On my first trek, I had many great experiences, but we were not actually walking along the same paths as the pioneers. It was great to be in the same place where the faithful …show more content…
I thought to myself: why were the elements not tempered to spare them from their difficulties? I believe that their lives were consecrated for a higher purpose. The sufferings of the pioneers, lead them to have great increases of faith. Our faith is like a muscle, and the Lord is our personal trainer, if we allow him to guide us, then we will increase in spiritual strength. Although the training exercises of life may be difficult at times, if we follow the guidance of our spiritual coach, we will be able to make it through the challenges of life, and lift the heavy load which we have to bear. All of the pioneers suffering, and sacrifice lead them to grow closer to God. Because of their experiences, their love for the Savior was burned deep into their souls, and was implemented into the lives of their prosperity. In D&C 136: 31 we read “My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom.” In our lives, we need to endure all things with faithfulness, that we may be worthy to enter into the kingdom of