Dear Sisters and Elders –
As we discussed in zone conferences this week, we are encouraged to use family history work in our proselyting efforts. In Preach My Gospel, we read: “Family history is a powerful resource to use in finding those whom the Lord is preparing to receive the restored gospel. … In addition, convert retention is enhanced as new members are able to search their family roots and perform sacred ordinances in behalf of their ancestors” (165).
Why is family history such a powerful resource for finding and helping others come unto Christ? “People typically have spiritual feelings as they talk about families. People also feel the Spirit as they are taught about the doctrine concerning why we do family history work” (PMG, 165). Many are now being prepared for the gospel by the Spirit of Elijah which is “a manifestation of the Holy Ghost bearing witness of the divine nature of the family” (Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, Apr. 1998).
Moreover, there are many that have died and are in the spirit world that have accepted the doctrine of Christ, but are waiting for the completion of vicarious ordinances by their descendants still living. These too are praying for and preparing descendants to receive the message of the restored gospel. As explained by a former apostle, Melvin R. Ballard (1873-1939):
“It was made known to me that it is because the righteous dead who have received the Gospel in the spirit world are exercising themselves, and in answers to their prayers elders [and sisters] of the Church are sent to the homes of their posterity so that the Gospel might be taught to them, and that descendant in the flesh is then privileged to do the work for his [or her] dead kindred. I want to say to you that it is with greater intensity that the hearts of the fathers and mothers in the spirit world are turned to their children now in the flesh than our hearts are turned to them” (Melvin J. Ballard, Crusader for Righteousness, Bookcraft, 1977, p. 219).
I invite each companionship to review the doctrines contained in the following scriptures: Malachi 4:5-6; JSH 1: 36-39; D&C 110:13-16; D&C 128:15-18; and D&C 138:32-34, 46-48. Review Preach My Gospel pages 163-165. Pray to be aware of opportunities to use family history in your finding, teaching, retention, and activation efforts. As you do, the Lord will lead you to more of those that are prepared to receive the gospel message and will remain converted.
In addition, I invite each of us to become familiar with the Church’s online FamilySearch program in order to use it more effectively in proselyting efforts. (Go to https://familysearch.org/ and sign in using your Church username and password.) Going forward, you may replace the 1 hour per week using Mormon.org with 1 hour per week doing FamilySearch instead. Search out your own ancestors online at a local public library or at a family history center if you have one in your area. Find the names of those ancestors that need ordinance work completed and then do their work in the temple during your assigned time each transfer.
I know that the Lord is hastening His work (D&C 88:73) at this time and that family history and temple work are an important part of that effort.
With love and admiration,
President Pingree