Review: Raising an Army of Helaman's Warriors

About the book:
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!

About the author:
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.

From Reidhead Randomness:
The story of the Army of Helaman and the 2,000 stripling warriors is one of the more popular stories from the Book of Mormon.

Helaman, son of Alma the Younger, was a leader in the Nephite army. About 62 B.C. Helaman wrote a letter to Captain Moroni, telling him of the faithful and valiant young men whom he had led in battle. He called these two thousand warriors his “sons,” because of their youth and his affection for them. (See Alma 53:20–21; Alma 56:46.)

Even though these sons of Helaman had never fought in battle before, they were not afraid. Their Ammonite mothers had taught them that they would be protected if they had faith in God and obeyed His commandments.

"Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them" (Alma 56:47).

 This books purpose is to help parents teach their kids prepare to be great missionaries.  Some of the topics covered are:  Obedience and the blessings of work, how to ask and receive answers to prayers, and proper communication between family members.  There are some topics that help you as parents, such as:  learning to recognize if your using discipline or punishment.  Also covered are helping your children prepare emotionally, physically, and spiritually. 

Raising an Army of Helaman's Warriors is well written and includes lots of scriptures and quotes from leaders in the church.  One of my favorite sections was "how scriptures can be used in our homes."  There were several creative ideas that I have never tried before (using 3 Nephi 11:29 about contention, or Ephesians 4:29 for the critical talk).  I also like that there is supplemental materials listed at the end of each chapter.  These were very helpful when I was wishing for just a little more info or help on certain topics.

One thing I especially enjoyed is that I could read a chapter, and use that information for a FHE (Family Home Evening) lesson for Monday night.  I thought this would be a great way to make sure I was teaching my kids all that they should know/do...to live with HIM someday.  Maybe not all 12 chapters would be suited to do that, but certainly the majority of them would be great!

I received a copy of this book to review, however all opinions expressed are my own.