Recently, I received the calling to serve as the Temple and Family History Leader in my ward. In the weeks leading up to this, I had been anticipating a new calling, yet family history was the furthest thing from my mind. While I had engaged in some basic family history tasks previously, mostly focused on preparing names for temple ordinances, it was largely thanks to my wife’s passion and guidance. Truthfully, I hadn’t spent much time exploring family history work in depth.
Beyond temple work, I struggled to grasp the personal relevance and blessings of family history. I hadn’t actively sought to “liken” these activities to my own life for “profit and learning,” as Nephi taught (1 Nephi 19:23). However, upon receiving and being set apart for this calling, I felt a strong need to understand more. I knew I needed to learn about family history resources and how this sacred work could benefit both myself and my ancestors eternally.
That very day, as I delved deeper into the FamilySearch website and explored resources like Ancestry, a scripture I had often overlooked suddenly resonated with profound meaning. “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” (Malachi 4:5-6).
This scripture, in the context of FamilySearch LDS, became a personal revelation. What was once just a list of names for temple ordinances transformed into something much richer. Through FamilySearch, I began to see these names as real individuals with their own life stories, experiences, and inherent worth in God’s eyes. Discovering their histories ignited a desire within me to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ and to strive for peace, recognizing the divine blessing of unity (Psalm 133:1).
Exploring my family lines on FamilySearch deepened my commitment to my covenants. I felt a stronger pull to help my ancestors receive the essential ordinances for salvation and exaltation. Learning how to effectively use FamilySearch and dedicating myself to this sacred work became a joyful duty.
This journey into family history has brought unexpected comfort as I’ve learned about the trials and triumphs of my kindred dead. It has fostered a greater hope for the future and for an eternal connection with my family. It has awakened a profound sense of responsibility towards those who came before me.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we possess the knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. We have a sacred obligation to our ancestors to diligently seek them out and facilitate their temple work. Moreover, we owe this to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, who have blessed us with both the technology, like FamilySearch, and the spiritual guidance to accomplish this vital work.
Remember Helaman’s counsel to his sons: “When you remember [your ancestors] ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good” (Helaman 5:6).
I testify that engaging in family history, especially through resources like FamilySearch LDS, is a true privilege and a source of immense joy. I invite you to participate in this work as often as you can. You will undoubtedly be blessed as you do so.
