Strength from the Atonement

Lesson from the People of Ammon: Strength from the Atonement
Alma 53: 10-22

You will need:
two pieces of cardboard about 12" x 4"
Something to poke holes in the cardboard with (screwdriver, ice pick, sharpened pencil, etc)
Scotch tape

Tell the story of the people of Ammon. These people were Lamanites who fought and killed others regularly. 
* Take one piece of cardboard and stand it on it's end (the corrugation should be parallel to the ground). Push down firmly on the end and show how it stands stiff. Then let kids poke holes in the cardboard. Push on the cardboard again to show how it becomes weaker from mistakes. Just as the people's spirits became weak from their decisions to kill.

When the people of Ammon were converted to the gospel, they covenanted with Heavenly Father to never fight again. In fact, they buried their weapons in the ground so they wouldn't be tempted. By making this covenant, the Atonement of Christ made their spirits strong again.
*Use the second piece of cardboard; tape it to the one with holes. Now push on the two pieces together and show how it is once again strong.

The people of Ammon were relying on the Nephites to fight and keep them safe, but they began to feel like they needed to join in the fight. The fathers decided they would break their covenants in order to keep their families safe. Read: Alma 53:13

Helaman knew what would happen if they broke their covenants. Read: Alma 53:14-15
*Hold up the two pieces of cardboard taped together, and ask: Can Christ's Atonement keep them strong if they decide to break their covenants? 

The people decided to keep their covenants and they sent their sons, who did not take the oath, to battle instead.

How do you think the Atonement helped to strengthen the fathers as the boys were sent off to war?

How can the Atonement make you stronger?