I joined the Church in the spring of 2014 following several years of investigation. My family wasn't supportive, and it was easy to feel isolated as the only Church member in my family. Just a few months after joining the Church, I began doing my family history.
To my absolute amazement, I discovered that one of my 6x great-grandfather's grandsons (my first cousin, six times removed) was also a member of the Church!
He, like me, lived in a small village in England (only about two miles away from where I currently live) and was the only member of his family to join the Church. Like so many early English Saints, he left for Nauvoo and crossed the plains to Salt Lake. From documents I have looked at on FamilySearch.org, it appears that he left for America and never saw any of his family again. His name was John Field. There is even a photo of him online.
It was the most incredible discovery because I had felt completely alone in my decision to join the Church. I didn't even want to think about family history or about my family after the trouble they had given me for joining the Church, but I followed the promptings I received. On the first night of doing family history, I was led to John Field and discovered that I am not the only relative to join the Church. I can't even describe the feeling that gives me!
I have now done about 140 baptisms and confirmations for my ancestors (including John Field's great-grandparents, for whom he didn't manage to do the work) and I am starting a temple preparation class soon. I have been to the temple to do baptisms about once a month since joining the Church. I have been so blessed in doing my family history and I can't believe the progress I have made in such a short time.
This article was submitted by Georgia B.
