Last week the leaders of the Granite Family History Center and the contributing stakes met to discuss the opening of the Granite Family History Center, the efforts being made in the wards and stakes to further Temple and Family History work, and the blessings of participating in this important work in challenging times.
We look forward to the opening of The Granite Family History Center more fully this month, (stay tuned for more information), as we discussed the successes we have seen during this past year, it was gratifying and inspiring to learn about your individual efforts to continue this great work and the collective efforts of many in your wards and stakes.
In a Church News article titled: 3 Apostles Share ‘Remarkable Blessings’ of Temple and Family History Work, Church leaders shared instruction during a Temple and Family leadership session on February 25. These leaders shared experiences of church members worldwide and their efforts to gather Israel through Temple and Family History work.
Elder Hamilton remarked, “If you will listen to that still, small voice, the Spirit will teach you all things that are expedient for you. I know that the Lord is anxious to share His knowledge with each of us as we strive to bring about the salvation and exaltation of God’s children.”
“Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is a principle of action and of power,” Elder Bednar said, adding that preparing names for proxy work when the pandemic limits temple operations “is an expression of faith.”
When youth participant, Zoï related inviting friends not of her faith to join in family history experiences. Elder Bednar applauded her understanding that “family history work and missionary work are the same work.”
Another youth participant, Gabriel spoke of the gathering of Israel on both sides of the veil, Elder Bednar explained, “those in the spirit world have a keen interest in their descendants being taught the gospel by Church members and missionaries because those living, hold the key to open the door to the ordinances of salvation.”
Youth participant, Hanae reminded us that when one does anything to help another — living or dead — prepare to receive an ordinance and progress along the covenant path, that person is assisting in the gathering of Israel.
Elder Bednar suggested a common theme from the youth discussion was “the power of one person to get things started.”
Simple ward plans are better and should address fundamental questions such as “Who can we help?” and “How can we help?” said Elder Renlund, underscoring the wide range of potential individuals and efforts. Elder Renlund said. “This is a spiritual work that relies on and fosters revelation.”
In his closing remarks, Elder Bednar invited listeners to consider two questions — “What have I learned, and what will I do with the things that I have learned?”
He promised inspiration to those who reflect on and review the things they learned. “But even more importantly, this is not simply to have additional knowledge in your mind. This is to be reflected in your faith as a principle of action. What will you now go and do that will bless and benefit many other people on both sides of the veil?”
His hope, is that every individual of every age will benefit from the instruction in helping him or her become “a more devoted disciple of Jesus Christ” and “to see the importance of this eternal work of providing saving ordinances and the associated covenants to all of our Heavenly Father’s children, again on both sides of the veil.”
As leaders, consultants and patrons of the Granite Family History Center, our goals are the same. We applaud your efforts in your stakes and wards and your individual efforts to move this work forward. This is God’s work and we are his stewards and servants to further this work.
–Elaine Hardman – Communications- GFHC