"With the ever-increasing number of converts, we must make an increasingly substantial effort to assist them as they find their way. Every one of them needs three things: a friend, a responsiblity, and nurturing with 'the good word of God' (Moro. 6:4). It is our duty and opportunity to provide these things." (Gordon B. Hinckley, April 1997)
Many of us remember when President Hinckley made that statement about new converts. I think that we can replace the word "converts" with "people doing their family history" in his statement and it will still be true.
As a family history consultant, being a friend is one of your most important roles. People beginning to do work on their family history are often hesitant and unsure of how to proceed. A friendly face at the family history center or in the ward who is willing to patiently guide and support them is very important. Often we have questions about confusing things in the records that we discover. A friend who understands a little bit about how to read them can be invaluable. A friend who is delighted when you call with a family history question, is willing to come to your house and sit by your side, and who loves your ancestors like you do, is a great blessing. Experts recommend that you have a friend look at your research; a fresh pair of eyes will often notice something that you overlooked. Some of my greatest family history moments have come from friends who suggested places to look after talking with me about my family. I have only been bold enough to attempt the scary and challenging parts of family history when I've had a friend (or family member) figuring it out with me. One of the most rewarding parts of being a family history consultant is when someone calls to celebrate their family history successes with you. Their family members may not understand why they are so excited, but you will.
The Prophet Joseph Smith has told us what our responsbility is: “The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead" (Teachings, p 475). Elder Bednar recently told us that "as members of Christ’s restored Church, we have the covenant responsibility to search out our ancestors and provide for them the saving ordinances of the gospel." (David A. Bednar, October 2011) Our responsiblity is clear.
But how do we do it? That is where the last thing we all need comes into play. Nurturing in the good word, as it relates to family history, would mean being nurtured in the processes, records, and methods of finding our ancestors and doing ordinance work for them. As part of your service at the family history center, you will be gently trained in how to research your own family history. You in turn can then nurture others. As President Hinckley said, it is our duty, but even better, it is our opportunity.
