We are seeing tremendous growth in the Church today. The Lord said, “I will hasten my work in its time” (D&C 88:73). President Monson taught, “We, as spirit children of our Heavenly Father, were sent to earth at this time that we might participate in hastening this great work” (“Hastening the Work,” Ensign, June 2014, 4). He further taught that this great hastening is occurring in the spirit world as well as on the earth. Through His servants in the spirit world, the Lord is preparing many spirits to receive the gospel.
As a family history center director, you have the privilege of helping Church members with their task of searching for their kindred dead who are likely among those who are being taught in the spirit world. These ancestors are anxious to receive their temple blessings. You can help Church members learn how to submit the names of their ancestors for temple work and encourage them to go to the temple to complete these sacred ordinances.
The scriptures speak of things being effectual, such an “effectual door.” The word “effectual” means to be successful in producing a desired or intended result. Think about yourself. How can you be an effectual family history center director as you help Church members with their sacred duty to find and take their ancestors’ names to the temple? Our first answer may typically be to learn the software or organize a well-trained staff. While these things are important, personal spiritual preparation may be the most important step you can take.
President Monson continued, “The Lord expects you and me to perform our family history work well. I think the first thing we must do if we are to perform our work well is to have the Spirit of our Heavenly Father with us. When we live as righteously as we know how to live, He will open the way for the fulfilment of the blessings that so earnestly and diligently we seek” (“Hastening the Work,” 4).
As you strive to live righteously and to invite the Holy Ghost to help you in your work, you will be blessed with inspiration and guidance in your calling. Heavenly Father knows which of His children have hearts that are turned or will be turned to their ancestors. You will be directed to these people. They will be directed to you through their leaders in their branches, wards, or stakes or through their own inspiration. You will be guided to promote certain discovery experiences (see Family History Center Discovery Experiences) that will inspire members who are ready to begin their family history journey. You will be inspired to help members find the records that give them the information they seek. You will be blessed in your own experiences in finding and taking ancestors’ names to the temple.
Remember to use prayer to invite the Holy Ghost to be with you in your family history center. Beginning each shift with prayer should be practiced in all family history centers. Invite your community staff to pray with you. This isn’t a requirement, but you may find that they appreciate knowing the blessings of heaven are being called down to assist them in their work that day. When possible, it is appropriate to offer a simple, quiet prayer with each Church member as you begin working together. Invite the Spirit in each interaction.
Paul the Apostle, in speaking to the Ephesians, states, “In the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him” (Ephesians 1:10).
We are living in that day. Our Lord is gathering all things in one in heaven and in earth. He is gathering us to Him. He is gathering our kindred dead to Him. Personal spiritual preparation will help you be an effectual leader in helping members break through the roadblocks they face as they gather their eternal family. Trust in President Monson’s counsel and promise: “Get down on your knees and ask the Lord to open the way, and He will open the way for you. I testify that is true” (“Hastening the Work,” 5).
