The Call

The Call

A man was out preaching as I was in town today.
I wasn't going to listen but something made me stay.
He preached of Zion and a gospel restored.
And I couldn't help myself for I trusted his every word.

I rushed home to tell my family of this missionary.
... But before I even finished they were annoyed and wary.
You can't believe everything that you hear and see.
You can't give up all you have to follow a man across the sea.

It wasn't words only that gave me warmth inside.
So following him wasn't something hard to decide.
I would miss my family who couldn't believe at all.
But I knew where I had to go because I'd heard the call.

Riding on the ship for months along the rolling sea.
Made a miserable trip because I was almost always queasy.
The quarters were cramped and tight.
But I was with other saints and knew it would be alright.

Sailors laugh at our faith and they feel we are childishly trusting.
Who would want to ride the waves with the winds so powerfully gusting.
We told them we don't care what misery would befall.
For we knew in our hearts that we had heard the call.

Once to the states we met the other saints in the east.
The spirit there was like attending a spiritual feast.
Though I must say it wasn't exactly what'd I'd thought.
For in the states I felt mine adversity would be of not.

Yet here there are still many if not more.
Who say we believe in lies and for our lost souls implore.
We ignore them despite the strength of their gall.
For we know in who we trust and we have heard the call.

I joined a handcart company that was heading west.
We knew there we'd find Zion and a place to rest.
Many were worried because we started our trek so late.
However no one I think could've imagined our fate.

Wheels busting, food diminishing,
infants and children crying.
Then winter cold sets in and brings sickness and loved ones dying.
For some the spirit weakens as they see each loved one fall.
Then they forget that at one time they too had heard the call.

Many months of trials and our numbers are now few.
I try to fight it but I think my testimony is struggling too.
My toes are frozen and blue but I cannot feel them anyway.
And the Great Tempter on my emotions likes to play.

In the distance we see figures on horses but cannot believe our eyes.
Is this our rescue party? Had The Lord heard our cries?
There appearance our faith did reinstall.
For the Lord had heard our pleas and answered our call.

We pushed forward with our faith burning bright.
Again we knew in His care we'd be alright.
With our spirits renewed we knew the Lord we could rely on.
So we pushed forward west towards our hope of Zion.

My flesh was weak but my spirit was strong.
As along the trail we trudged along.
I saw the valley and knew I needn't any longer in the wilderness roam.
Then I saw my Lord and answered His call to come home.