Introduction

Course Objective

The purpose of this study guide and course is for you and your family to develop self-reliance and resilience, which will strengthen you, help you successfully endure the trials common to military life, and anchor you to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Who Participates in This Course

This course is designed for military families and single service members, whether they are preparing for deployment or not. Other nonmilitary individuals and families in the ward or stake who face similar challenges may also benefit from this resource. As members’ needs are discussed in ward council, priesthood and auxiliary leaders may recommend others to attend the classes.

How to Use This Study Guide

This study guide can be used either for personal study or for a class taught by a facilitator. If you are studying these lessons individually, be sure to record your thoughts and goals throughout each lesson. The lessons identify core principles that will enable individuals and families to become more self-reliant and resilient. Additional resources are listed at the beginning of each lesson, and you can use these resources for extended personal study. Some resources are on websites not maintained by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The links to third-party websites are provided solely as a convenience to you. Each linked site has its own terms of use, privacy policies, and security practices that differ from those on our website. By referring or linking you to these websites, the Church does not endorse or guarantee the content, products, or services offered.

Role of Facilitators

Military relations missionary couples have received training to serve as facilitators for this course. If a military relations couple is not assigned to an area, individuals who have had experiences with the military may be called to facilitate the classes.

For the Facilitator

• Prayerfully study the resources listed in each lesson.

• This course consists of eight 45-minute classes. Each class should not have more than 14 participants. Note: There is more material in the outlines than you will be able to use in a 45-minute lesson.

• If appropriate, consider sharing your own experiences as you teach the principles in these lessons.

• Obtain copies of this study guide (Becoming a Self-Reliant and Resilient Family) for the participants. Copies may be printed from churchofjesuschrist.org/military. The manual can also be accessed on the Gospel Library app.

• The Wi-Fi connection in Church buildings is not always reliable. Download any videos you want to show, and copy them to a USB drive or a DVD. If you need help downloading videos, see “How to Show Videos without an Internet Connection” on lds.org/media-library.

• Explain that these lessons are not group therapy or clinical treatment sessions. Encourage participants to share their experiences, but remind them not to share matters that require ecclesiastical or professional assistance.