#GeneralConference and engaging in the work of Salvation

Next week is General Conference, and there won't be a post to this blog then, so to help prepare, I wanted to share just a few quotes from our Leaders regarding Temple and Family History work. 

We begin with one by Elder Cook

"Love is also at the center of our temple and family history effort to gather Israel on the other side of the veil. When we learn of the trials and hardships our ancestors faced, our love and appreciation for them is magnified." (Great Love for our Father's Children, April 2019 General Conference)

Elder Renlund had some incredible quotes from another conference:

"As Church members, we do have a divinely appointed responsibility to seek out our ancestors and compile family histories. This is far more than an encouraged hobby, because the ordinances of salvation are necessary for all of God’s children."

Elder Renlund also shared a quote from President Nelson that I have shared before, but it's really good.  He stated:

"President Russell M. Nelson, however, cautioned: “We can be inspired all day long about temple and family history experiences others have had. But we must do something to actually experience the joy ourselves.” He continued, “I invite you to prayerfully consider what kind of sacrifice?—preferably a sacrifice of time?—you can make [to] do more temple and family history work.” 

Elder Renlund then added his own remarks to President Nelson's words by giving the following promises; "As you accept President Nelson’s invitation, you will discover, gather, and connect your family. Additionally, blessings will flow to you and your family like the river spoken of by Ezekiel. You will find healing for that which needs healing." (Sealing and Healing, April 2018 General Conference)

Other promises by Elder Renlund are on this blogpost

President Eyring's remarks in another General Conference were similar to President Nelson and Elder Renlund's words:

"Our Heavenly Father is anxious to gather and bless all of His family...For example, as you follow the promptings to learn about your family history, you may discover that a distant relative shares some of your facial features or your interest in books or your talent for singing. This could be very interesting and even insightful. But if your work stops there, you will sense that something is missing. This is because to gather and unite God’s family requires more than just warm feelings. It requires sacred covenants made in connection with priesthood ordinances.

Many of your ancestors did not receive those ordinances. But in the providence of God, you did. And God knew that you would feel drawn to your ancestors in love and that you would have the technology necessary to identify them. He also knew that you would live in a time when access to holy temples, where the ordinances can be performed, would be greater than ever in history. And He knew that He could trust you to accomplish this work in behalf of your ancestors." (Gathering the Family of God, April 2017 General Conference)

The final quote is from Elder Cook in the April 2018 General Conference, where he quoted President Joseph Fielding Smith as follows:

“None is exempt from this great obligation. It is required of the apostle as well as the humblest elder [or sister]. Place, or distinction, or long service in the Church … will not entitle one to disregard the salvation of one’s dead.” (Doctrines of Salvation, quoted in Prepare to meet God, Elder Cook in April 2018 General Conference)

This is not a comprehensive list, but I hope you can see that each of you are needed in this great vicarious work of the Lord, either through family history or Temple work. 

I encourage you to prepare for #GeneralConference this next week by taking some time on the Family Tree Mobile App, or the Family Search Website to look up your ancestors, discover their stories, and then use the ancestors with tasks section of the app to see if you have departed relatives that Family Search has found new records for.  You may have family members that haven't been found yet or attached to your family tree. You can view some tips on this blog that can help you. 

It will help you prepare for Conference in a whole new way, and as you watch, you will be strengthened from both sides of the veil. 

I know this work is real, and is true.  Some of the greatest joys I have experienced have come from Family History and Temple Work.  I testify that it can change your life for the better, and as Elder Renlund has said, it can heal you.

You can watch #GeneralConference next weekend on BYUTV through your cable provider, or the church has a list of streaming platforms and apps it will be broadcast on.