A recent letter from the First Presidency dated October 8, 2012, encourages members not only to do temple work for their own family names, but also asks members to learn the doctrine of turning their hearts to their fathers and the blessings of temple attendance.
Watch and read what prophets and apostles have said about the Spirit of Elijah and the eternal blessings of temple and family history work.
“I testify that the spirit of Elijah is touching the hearts of many of Father’s children throughout the world, causing the work for the dead to accelerate at an unprecedented pace.
“But what about you? Have you prayed about your own ancestors’ work? Set aside those things that don’t really matter in your life. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences. Perhaps you have been prompted to look for ancestors but feel that you are not a genealogist. Can you see that you don’t have to be anymore? It all begins with love and a sincere desire to help those who can’t help themselves.
“This is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil where help is given in both directions. It begins with love. Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way. And it will make you feel wonderful.”
—Elder Richard G. Scott, “Redemption: The Harvest of Love,” Oct. 1990 general conference
“With that, natural affection between generations began to be enriched. This restoration was accompanied by what is sometimes called the Spirit of Elijah—a manifestation of the Holy Ghost bearing witness of the divine nature of the family. Hence, people throughout the world, regardless of religious affiliation, are gathering records of deceased relatives at an ever-increasing rate.”
—Elder Russell M. Nelson, “A New Harvest Time,” May 1998 general conference
