ABC’s of Family History(Florie Fullmer)

Matt. 13:31,32 “. . . the kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustardseed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it isgrown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh atree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in thebranches thereof.”

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 159“The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of a mustard seed. The mustard seed is small, butbrings forth a large tree, and the fowls lodge in the branches. The fowls are the angels.Thus angels come down, combine together to gather their children, and gather them. Wecannot be made perfect without them, nor they without us; when these things are done, theSon of Man will descend, the Ancient of Days sit; we may come to an innumerablecompany of angels, have communion with and receive instruction from them.” JosephSmith

Vaughn J. Featherstone: “I promise you that all who faithfully attend to temple work will beblessed beyond measure. Your families will draw closer to the Lord. Unseen angels willwatch over your loved ones when Satanic forces tempt them. The veil will be thin andgreat spiritual experiences will distill upon this people.”

I. Statistics: http://www.familysearch.orgClick Library tab and read desktopAlso, slide bar down and click Press Room for new releases and FamilySearch Media Kit

II. New programs to make research easier

A. Card Catalog online: www.familysearch.orgClick Library tab, then Library Catalog. Search by Place, Surname, Keyword,Title, Film, Author, Subject, Call Number.

B. Microfilm in Granite Mountain Record Vault being digitized 2.4 million rolls from 110 countries

C. Indexing of digitized records150,000 volunteers indexing 1 million names per dayAt this rate - 8 to 10 years to complete1. Volunteer through www.familysearch.org click Index Records2. Search finished records www.familysearch.org click Search Records then

Click Record Search Pilot. Enter name of ancestor. Click Search.

D. Still filming more records - 200 cameras in 45 countries

E. What about books? Three libraries pool collections: Family History Library in SaltLake City, Utah, Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and BrighamYoung University Harold B. Lee Library in Provo, Utah combining skills to digitizethousands of published family histories and local histories that are rich in names aswell as biographical and genealogical data associated with those names.1. Collection can be accessed at www.familyhistoryarchive.byu.edu.2. New additions will be noted and hyperlinked in the Family History LibraryCatalog at www.FamilySearch.org.

F. Temple Name Preparation - can be done from home1. New FamilySearch www.new.familysearch.org

a. Combines into one family tree: Ancestral File, Pedigree Resource File, IGI,Church Membership Records

b. What Do?(1) See you and your own ancestors(2) Click on one to see details: can add new information or change(3) Possible Duplicates: Combine into one file(4) See who else is working on the line and contact by E-Mail

2. Family Tree http://www.familysearchlabs.org/ another interfaceEither format: determine who needs temple ordinances, select individuals, printordinance request form right from own home.

Goal: “Book containing the records of our dead. . . worthy of all acceptation” D & C 128:24Can you not see the Savior in all of this?

If you have had the feeling that someone on the other side is trying to “gather” you, orsolicit your help (referred to in parable of the mustard tree), may I make a suggestion? Geton your knees and acknowledge it to the Lord. Then, make a commitment–a commitmentof time according to your season of life. Keep that commitment. Pray and ask the Lordwhat you should do to use the time well. I believe inspiration will come.

Richard G. Scott, Ensign, Nov. 1990, Redemption: The Harvest of Love"This is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil wherehelp is given in both directions. It begins with love. Anywhere you are in the world, withprayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerfulcontribution. Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way. And it willmake you feel wonderful."