Addicted to the Temple

I have said it before, but probably the only downside to this mission is that there is no temple within mission boundaries, meaning I don't get to go to the temple too often. That has been driving me crazy over the past few weeks, especially as my companion and I have been focusing a lot on family history with the members of this branch. We have shown several of them how to reserve and print out names for the temple. I am so happy to see them feel the joy of the Spirit of Elijah and being able to help their ancestors gain salvation, but it would be nice if I could go to the temple and do a little bit of work for the other side of the veil, too. There are a few people we are helping to progress towards the temple right now, and that just makes my desire to go to the temple even stronger. I guess that is motivation to do all I can to help them go for the first time, so that they can invite the missionaries along. Can you say ulterior motive? No, just kidding, I really DO want these people to enjoy the blessings that come from receiving ordinances and attending the temple. If we get to tag along because it's their first time, that's just a happy side-effect.

On the subject of family history, we have a family history class every Saturday. Unfortunately, nobody has been coming for a while. We were considering shutting it down, but this week, we had several people from the branch come. They had felt the Spirit of Elijah very strongly last Sacrament Meeting. We were able to help them, and I can see their hearts also turning toward missionary work. It is incredible to see the effect that family history has had on them already. And I know it is going to revolutionize the area. This stake has set a very high convert baptism goal this year, about 3 times higher than what was achieved last year, but they have the faith that it can be accomplished, and we have already seen success throughout the stake. Many, many years ago, then Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve visited the stake and made the apostolic promise that the stake would grow exponentially. We are starting to see the fulfillment of that prophecy, and I am glad to be a part of it.

I think we sometimes place too large a distinction between family history work and missionary work. We need to realize that they are all a part of the same great work of salvation. Each one is interwoven with the other, and both of them are necessary for the gathering of Israel. If you will commit to yourself to accept the Temple Challenge, which is to take as many names to the temple as you have ordinances done for in the temple, then you will feel the power of the Spirit in an incredible and powerful way. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Until next week, never forget your ancestors.

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The Lord's Soldier,

                      Elder Jacob C. Tibbitts

Jacob and Elder M shoveling snow off their front porch.