Every time Conference comes around, there always seems to be a sweeter spirit around to me. This Conference was especially important to me because I have recently become interested in Family History. I am currently taking a Family History class, which definitely increased my interest in it. In that class I learn so much of the past scriptures and prophetic words spoken on doing family history and the spirit of Elijah.
The spirit of Elijah is so important to the work being done on this earth concerning our dead. Elijah appeared to Joseph and Oliver in the Kirtland, Ohio temple April 6, 1836. There, he restored the sealing powers to the earth.
According to David A. Bednar's talk during this conference, "The restoration of the sealing authority by Elijah in 1836 was necessary to prepare the world for the Savior's Second Coming and initiated a greatly increased and worldwide interest in family history research." That quote is so true--if you think about it, Family History work was never really emphasized prior to the organization of the church. Now, I've seen commercials from companies that have no LDS ties but who advertise new and improved ways to find ancestors!
Why all this interest in Family History???? Because of the spirit of Elijah of course!
David A. Bednar later said, "The Prophet Joseph Smith declared: "The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead.... For it is necessary that the sealing power should be in our hands to seal our children and our dead for the fullness of the dispensation of times--a dispensation to meet the promises made by Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world for the salvation of man.... Hence, God said, 'I will send you Elijah the prophet.'" That is why we have temples--to be sealed with our ancestors.
He later goes on to explain that we, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the covenant responsibility to find our ancestors and do the ordinances to save them, which ordinances will save us.
Then he addresses the youth of the church and tells them to get started now. He says that, "Parents and leaders, you will stand all amazed at how rapidly your children and the youth of the Church become highly skilled with these tools. In fact, you will learn valuable lessons from these young people about effectively using these resources. The youth can offer much to older individuals who are uncomfortable with or intimidated by technology or are unfamiliar with FamilySearch. You also will count your many blessings as young people devote more time to family history work and temple service and less time to video games, surfing the Internet, and Facebooking." I believe that is why so much technology has advanced so quickly--for the furthering of the work in the temples. I know that we need to do Family History to save ourselves and our ancestors, and David A. Bednar, an apostle of the Lord, says that same message.
I love this talk by Elder Bednar. I think it is important to remember to do family history. My new calling in my ward is to work on family history and I am so grateful for this opportunity to help others.
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