A couple of years ago, my son was given a simple challenge in primary that has transformed him and our family for the better. The ward family history specialist came in to sharing time with a basket full of candy bars. Of course, every eye in the room was glued to that basket as the couple challenged each child to go home and ask their parents about their family history. They challenged the older kids to ask their parents about indexing. If they collected three family history stories or indexed 10 names with their parents, they could come collect a candy bar the next Sunday.
My son took this challenge to heart, and I knew no rest until we sat down and indexed 10, 20, then 50 family names. We talked about his ancestors, for whom he developed such a love that he decided to write an upcoming primary talk on one of his great-grandfathers. His face alight as he shared this ancestor's story with his friends, I saw the spirit taking root in his young heart.
This young boy used his considerable powers of persuasion to spend many more Family Home Evenings and family gatherings doing indexing, filling out his generational chart, and poring over fan charts. His enthusiasm filled me with a desire to get involved as well. The spirit of Elijah grew in our family thanks to this simple challenge.
Elder Richard G Scott added to this challenge: “Do you young people want a sure way to eliminate the influence of the adversary in your life? Immerse yourself in searching for your ancestors, prepare their names for the sacred vicarious ordinances available in the temple and then go to the temple to stand as proxy for them to receive the ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost...I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life.” (“The Joy of Redeeming the Dead,” Ensign, Nov. 20121, 94.) -Sister Bethany Draper, 6th Ward Young Women Counselor
My son took this challenge to heart, and I knew no rest until we sat down and indexed 10, 20, then 50 family names. We talked about his ancestors, for whom he developed such a love that he decided to write an upcoming primary talk on one of his great-grandfathers. His face alight as he shared this ancestor's story with his friends, I saw the spirit taking root in his young heart.
This young boy used his considerable powers of persuasion to spend many more Family Home Evenings and family gatherings doing indexing, filling out his generational chart, and poring over fan charts. His enthusiasm filled me with a desire to get involved as well. The spirit of Elijah grew in our family thanks to this simple challenge.
Elder Richard G Scott added to this challenge: “Do you young people want a sure way to eliminate the influence of the adversary in your life? Immerse yourself in searching for your ancestors, prepare their names for the sacred vicarious ordinances available in the temple and then go to the temple to stand as proxy for them to receive the ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost...I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life.” (“The Joy of Redeeming the Dead,” Ensign, Nov. 20121, 94.) -Sister Bethany Draper, 6th Ward Young Women Counselor
