Family History

In exchange for the gift of life and other blessings, we promised to provide our "fathers" with the ordinances of eternal life. They are counting on that promise and will do all they can to help us fulfill it, as will the Lord. The help may extend even so far as our own conversions. Often when I am on a speaking assignment, I ask all the converts in a congregation to stand. I then ask all who are the only Church member in their family to remain standing. Remarkably, in every case almost all remain standing. People tend to join the Church one or two in a family.

Elder Melvin J. Ballard reflected on this truth and received an answer to explain it. He taught: "Why is it that sometimes only one of a city or household receives the Gospel? 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 of the Church are sent to the homes of their posterity . . ., and that descendant in the flesh is then privileged to do the work for his 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 that our hearts are turned to them." (Melvin J. Ballard, Crusader for Righteousness, p. 219.)

We often wonder if our ancestors will accept the gospel. Ironically, in many instances, they accepted it before we did. Their prayers and faithfulness have brought the gospel into our lives instead of the other way around. Officiating in the temple for them is a deep expression of our gratitude and helps bind us to them.

If we are in tune, they will also help us as we try to locate the documents that record their names. As Elder Ballard said: "They know where their records are, and . . . the spirit and influence of your dead will guide those who are interested in finding those records. . . .. If there is anywhere on the earth anything concerning them, you will find it. .. . . If we have done our best and have searched and have discovered all that is available, then the day will come when God will open and part the veil, and the records . . . will be revealed. (Bryant S. Hinckley, Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin Joseph Ballard, p. 230.)

Recently in general conference, Elder David B. Haight gave an added witness to the truths taught by Elder Ballard: "I believe that when you diligently seek after your ancestors in faith needed information will come to you even when no mortal records of their lives are available." (Ensign, May 1993, p. 25; emphasis added.)

From S. Michael Wilcox, House of Glory: Finding Personal Meaning in the Temple (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 106-107.