Experiencing Joy in Our Calling

 President Spencer W. Kimball said that whatever our calling in the Church, most of us need occasional reassurance that our service is acceptable. We don’t need flattery, just an assurance that what we are doing is acceptable to the Lord and to those he has placed in charge of our efforts.

When serving as Temple and Family History consultants and leaders, we may need to be accomplishing something every week in order to feel that reassurance from our Heavenly Father.

I would suggest that each of us with these callings spend at least 2 hours per week actively serving in our calling. In the process, we will “learn by doing”. What can we be doing to prepare to help others?

1. Four-Generations – Firstly, make sure that in the FamilySearch Family Tree, you are connected to your deceased ancestors. You will need to create new records for living ancestors who are missing. If you are married, do the same for your spouse.

2. Temple Submissions and Temple Attendance – This is mostly paused during COVID19, until temples return to Phase 3 of operation. With 4-generations in your pedigree, Ordinances Ready has a chance to find your deceased relatives who qualify for temple ordinances.

3. Memories – Preserve old family stories and photos for future generations in FamilySearch Memories.

4. Research – This may allow you to add additional generations to your pedigree in Family Tree, or add missing spouses and children. The blue Record Hints can be an easy way to do this. Unfortunately, time spent on research does not guarantee success, but if your time permits, the next thing does…

5. Indexing – Many FamilySearch records exist only on microfilm or digital images. Indexing makes them searchable by computer. It also provides the Historical Record hints that we see as blue icons. Each hour spent indexing will move this work forward.

Regardless of our circumstances, if we have a calling in Temple and Family History, we should be able to do a little indexing every week. In my experience, the key to success is finding an indexing project that you enjoy, and sticking with it until it is ready for publication in FamilySearch Historical Records.

Ultimately, these activities will prepare us to help others, especially those turning 12, new converts, those returning to activity in the Church, friends, and others recommended by our Ward Council. These can be discussed in the ward’s regular Temple and Family History coordinating meeting.

President Russell M. Nelson is doing his part to hasten the work of salvation. Twenty new temples were recently announced. The Lord is depending on us to do our part. Thank you for your service. May we experience joy in our calling!

Bill Buchanan
Stake Temple and Family History Consultant