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Family History a Channel to Other Worlds

Family History gives every member of the Church the opportunity to save his ancestors and of course, himself. We often forget that the work continues beyond the veil and does not stop at death. While doing genealogy research many both in and out of the Church have been touched by the Spirit of Elijah and they testify of special experiences.

It is interesting that this work is so grand that it required the Lord himself to initiate it:

I remember once on my mission finding a sister who kept hundreds of names on file in her storage box that she later sent to the temple after hearing about the work for the dead. She already had the Spirit of Elijah and did a better job of research than most members do in 20 years!

Here are some points to consider:
1. Many say they have been guided by actual ancestors who have already passed on. 2. The 'dead' do not like being called that (Dead) because they are very much alive. We would be well off if we remember that. 3. In special circumstances those beyond may be given special permission to help us, help them, so that the work is done. 4. We can never know whom we come in contact with as we research diligently, a friendly old man with a book of dates, a person touched by the Spirit of Elijah and told to help us, or even an angel disguised as a passer by to show us the way. Who knows?

What are your thoughts on this work?

Worlds to Channel History Family

I was called as the District Family History Consultant and I feel really blessed for this calling that will allow me to help the members and myself to do the work for those in the other side of the veil. This is a marvelous work, we cannot be saved without them as they cannot be saved without us. I gave a talk in my Branch last Sunday about it and I read this quote by Elder Richard G. Scott :

Family History a Channel to Other Worlds Studies Doctrine Mormon

"The objective of family history work is to make the blessings of the
temple available to all people, both living and dead. As we attend the
temple and perform work for the dead, we accomplish a deep sense of
alliance with God and a better understanding of his plan for the salvation
of the human race. We learn to love our neighbors as ourselves. Truly
there is no work equal to that done in the temple.

"In addition to the blessings we receive from doing work for the dead, we
receive personal blessings as we attend the temple."

(Howard W. Hunter, "We Have a Work to Do," Ensign, Mar. 1995, 65)

Worlds to Channel History Family

I was just wondering what the likelyhood or percentage is for those who have crossed over to accept the Gospel? Is it a matter of them suddenly saying, "Oh, so this was what it was all about, let me join in" or is it more a matter of "I am this way and will remain this way!"? Can we make an estimated judgement about if members of our family now passed on will accept the Gospel there if they did not accept it here?

Worlds to Channel History Family

How could we make such estimated?. I think we can just rely on the Spirit and have the hope they have accepted it. To be honest with you, it seems so difficult for me to understand how person 'living' the reality of how the after life really is like, having the presence of Prophets and loved ones testifying about the Saviour could reject such a message.

Family History a Channel to Other Worlds

Joseph Smith once said we cannot be saved without our dead. Have you done your Genealogy and Family History work? How far have you reached?

Family History Channel to Worlds

I have been working on my genealogy for about 18 years now. Of course, 14 1/2 years of that has also included growing "live branches" as we have had 5 children. More than anything I would tell someone to make sure someone else has a backup copy of your files. I had a backup and a computer backup and lost them both in a wind storm that took our home. It has taken me a number of years just to start rebuilding.

Family History Channel to Worlds Mormon Doctrine Studies

At one time I found a line in my Step-dad's line that went back to about 63 B. C. I love doing Genealogy. It's very relaxing and rewarding, frustrating at times.