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From Come, Follow Me:
In 3 Nephi 20–22, the Savior prophesied about the future of His covenant people (see especially 3 Nephi 20:30–32, 39–41; 21:9–11, 22–29). As you read these verses, remember what President Russell M. Nelson has said: “We are among the covenant people of the Lord. Ours is the privilege to participate personally in the fulfillment of these promises. What an exciting time to live!” The Gathering of Scattered Israel
Third Nephi contains several promises made to Israel, including:
The Lord promised Abraham and his descendants, including Jacob (Israel), that they would have access to all the blessings of the gospel and the priesthood.
“As you study your scriptures...I encourage you to make a list of all that the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel. I think you will be astounded! Ponder these promises. Talk about them with your family and friends. Then live and watch for these promises to be fulfilled in your own life.
My dear brothers and sisters, as you choose to let God prevail in your lives, you will experience for yourselves that our God is 'a God of miracles.'" President Nelson, Let God Prevail
See also: How President Nelson’s Invitation Has Strengthened Members Worldwide.
"When we speak of gathering Israel on both sides of the veil, we are referring, of course, to missionary, temple, and family history work. We are also referring to building faith and testimony in the hearts of those with whom we live, work, and serve. Anytime we do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—to make and keep their covenants with God, we are helping to gather Israel." President Russell M. Nelson, Let God Prevail
People everywhere desire to know of their heritage, leading to what the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches about sealing families. This can be a successful finding, teaching, and Retention Tool.
“The time has come for us to capitalize more effectively on the potent combination of the mighty change of heart, made possible primarily by the spiritual power of the Book of Mormon, and the turning of hearts to the fathers, accomplished through the spirit of Elijah. A yearning for connection to our past can prepare an individual to receive the virtue of the word of God and fortify his or her faith. A heart turning to the fathers uniquely helps an individual withstand the influence of the adversary and strengthen conversion ... The artificial boundary line we so often place between missionary work and temple and family history work is being erased; this is one great work of salvation." David A. Bednar, Missionary, Family History, and Temple Work
See also Kathryn Grant's blog post.
Role-play missionary scenarios where family history can be a tool for helping people know more about their families, and then talking to them about principles of the gospel. Try enlisting friends and neighbors for this activity.
Divide into companionships and practice door approaches with this guidance from Preach My Gospel: "Talk to people about their families. Help them see how the restored gospel can be a blessing to their families. Offer to help them find the names of grandparents, great-grandparents, or other ancestors. Enlist the help of ward temple and family history consultants."
Plan ahead to be prepared to ask and answer questions and to be able to help people find information about their families.
A fun question to ask is described in An Evening With Elder And Sister Bednar at 44:07. Elder Bednar suggests talking to people about the meaning of their surnames. Do a Surname Search on FamilySearch.org.
President Nelson invites us to gather Israel on both sides of the veil. Watch his General Conference talk to us all and his broadcast to the youth in which he states: "My dear extraordinary youth, you were sent to earth at this precise time, the most crucial time in the history of the world, to help gather Israel. There is nothing happening on this earth right now that is more important than that. There is nothing of greater consequence. Absolutely nothing.This gathering should mean everything to you. This is the mission for which you were sent to earth."
You are invited to check out the Youth: For Latter-day Saints for fun, engaging activities, and instruction and inspiration to do temple and family history work, no matter whether you are a youth or not!
"You cannot imagine, my son, how many spirits there are in the spirit world who have not yet received the gospel ... But many are receiving it, and a great work is being accomplished. Many are anxiously looking forth to their friends who are still living to administer for them in the temples." Read more here.
Here are some ways to find those who need ordinance work done (sign up for a FamilySearch account first):
When you exercise faith, you will receive inspiration to find the information needed for the temple. As Quentin L. Cook taught, you should not "underestimate the influence of the deceased in assisting your efforts."
See The Family History Guide: Temple Opportunities and Youth Home - Latter-day Saints.
"I invite the young people of the Church to learn about and experience the Spirit of Elijah. I encourage you to study, to search out your ancestors, and to prepare yourselves to perform proxy baptisms in the house of the Lord for your kindred dead (see D&C 124:28–36). And I urge you to help other people identify their family histories.
As you respond in faith to this invitation, your hearts shall turn to the fathers. The promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be implanted in your hearts. Your patriarchal blessing, with its declaration of lineage, will link you to these fathers and be more meaningful to you.
Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding. And I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary." David A. Bednar, The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn
In the video below, several cousins work together to discover information about their great-grandparents. This is a fun activity that can be repeated for any ancestors or living relatives!
See also: 10 Ways To Discover, Gather, and Share Ancestor Stories and Activities Videos.
From Come, Follow Me:
What impresses you about the Savior’s interaction with Nephi in 3 Nephi 23:6–13? If the Savior were to examine the records you have kept, what questions might He ask you? What important events or spiritual experiences should you record? Why is it important to do so? (see 3 Nephi 26:2).
Read more in this Book of Mormon Central article.
"Embrace your sacred memories. Believe them. Write them down. Share them with your family. Trust that they come to you from your Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son. Let them bring patience to your doubts and understanding to your difficulties. I promise you that as you willingly acknowledge and carefully treasure the spiritually defining events in your life, more and more will come to you. Heavenly Father knows you and loves you!" Neil L. Andersen, Spiritually Defining Memories
Consider creating a collection of your spiritual experiences, and those of your family members that they would like to share.
You may also record your spiritual experiences using the Memories Audio app or the "Record My Story" feature on FamilySearch Discovery. See also How do I create an album in Memories?
