I have really gained a testimony of family history this week. For a long time (like, since last transfer) we have been trying to set up a time with an elderly member to enter some names into the church's database and set up a time to go to the temple. Whenever we knocked on his door, he was either in the Bronx with his grandchildren, or in Jersey visiting a son. Finally, in what I am sure was a miracle from the Lord, while I was on exchanges with one of our zone leaders, we were able to get into his home, and set up a time with him. The day of the appointment was also the day of our Zone Training Meeting (ZTM), so Elder Ruiz had some responsibilities to attend to, so I ended up assisting this member. This was my first time using the website the church has set up, familysearch.org (go into the lds.org site, and look under the resources tab), and it was amazingly easy to use. We went in with the names that he had, and most of them were already there. After updating some dates and places of birth and death, it was easy to reserve the names at the temple, and send those names to be printed in Manhattan.
I was surprised at how strongly I felt the spirit, and the joy of those anticipating their ordinances. It was
absolutely amazing, and the gratitude this member expressed to me was overwhelming. I challenge all of you reading this to make family history work a priority. The church has made it so easy and quick to search for names that do not have ordinances done, and then request and reserve times to do those ordinances in the temple. I promise you, that those on the other side, who are awaiting those ordinances, will express their gratitude and joy to you and your family, and that there will be a greater spirit of peace and learning in your home as the hearts of the children turn to their fathers.
And ... an excerpt from Elder Hull's email to his mom:
I am so sorry about not writing last week! Our wifi has been super spotty, and we were super busy. Yes, I did get my birthday package, and not just from you, but from Grandma and Nana Hull, and Kaitlyn actually sent me some chocolates. I also got a letter with some money from Grandma and Grandpa Hicken. A family in the branch thew me a little party with a nice chocolate cake and the appropriate number of candles. I'm still trying to get the pictures from them. We also made some cookie-brownies from a box mix, and ate the whole thing in one night. Thanks to everyone who remembered me on my birthday!
I'm glad to hear that Spencer had a good time on his choir trip to San Francisco. I know he loves roller coasters :) Dad told me that a lot of my friends will be getting the Melchezedic Priesthood, and if/when you see them, I hope that you'll tell them how happy I am for them, and that I miss them.
So, our boiler is out, so I haven't had a warm shower for three days, and it's been cold in our apartment for the past two. Now, thank goodness it's spring and not winter, because that was miserable, but I'm still looking forward to taking a warm shower tomorrow.
Hope all you guys at home are doing well, I love you all!
Love,
Elder R. Brandt Hull
I was surprised at how strongly I felt the spirit, and the joy of those anticipating their ordinances. It was
absolutely amazing, and the gratitude this member expressed to me was overwhelming. I challenge all of you reading this to make family history work a priority. The church has made it so easy and quick to search for names that do not have ordinances done, and then request and reserve times to do those ordinances in the temple. I promise you, that those on the other side, who are awaiting those ordinances, will express their gratitude and joy to you and your family, and that there will be a greater spirit of peace and learning in your home as the hearts of the children turn to their fathers.
And ... an excerpt from Elder Hull's email to his mom:
I am so sorry about not writing last week! Our wifi has been super spotty, and we were super busy. Yes, I did get my birthday package, and not just from you, but from Grandma and Nana Hull, and Kaitlyn actually sent me some chocolates. I also got a letter with some money from Grandma and Grandpa Hicken. A family in the branch thew me a little party with a nice chocolate cake and the appropriate number of candles. I'm still trying to get the pictures from them. We also made some cookie-brownies from a box mix, and ate the whole thing in one night. Thanks to everyone who remembered me on my birthday!
I'm glad to hear that Spencer had a good time on his choir trip to San Francisco. I know he loves roller coasters :) Dad told me that a lot of my friends will be getting the Melchezedic Priesthood, and if/when you see them, I hope that you'll tell them how happy I am for them, and that I miss them.
So, our boiler is out, so I haven't had a warm shower for three days, and it's been cold in our apartment for the past two. Now, thank goodness it's spring and not winter, because that was miserable, but I'm still looking forward to taking a warm shower tomorrow.
Hope all you guys at home are doing well, I love you all!
Love,
Elder R. Brandt Hull