President Spencer W. Kimball stated: “It is by serving that we learn how to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves! In the midst of the miracle of serving, there is the promise of Jesus, that by losing ourselves, we find ourselves!”

President Ezra Taft Benson counseled: “If you would find yourself, learn to deny yourself for the blessing of others. Forget yourself and find someone who needs your service, and you will discover the secret to happy, fulfilled life.”

Over the past year I have heard numerous stories of remarkable blessings that have come to individuals engaged in indexing. I have also been made aware of how indexing has helped others in their search to find family members. Both those serving and those being served have experienced joy and fulfillment through indexing.

In January 2021 over 36 million new family history records were indexed from places all over the world. Over the past six months an average of 29 million new family records were indexed each month by approximately 318,000 individuals. At RootsTech 2020, Ty Davies, the Records Portfolio Director for Family Search, stated that at the rate we are indexing it will take us 170 years just to index the images currently available. At the time he said there were about 312,000 indexing volunteers.

Although the opportunities to index have actually been enhanced by the pandemic, it is surprising to me that more individuals have not discovered this wonderful opportunity to serve and be fulfilled. When you think about it, indexing provides a perfect opportunity to give service. Just consider the many benefits associated with indexing:

• Indexing can be done almost anywhere were you can access the internet
• Indexing can be done in small increments of time
• Indexing can be done by those of almost all ages
• Indexing brings a wonderful spirit into our lives
• By indexing we are helping families connect all over the world
• Indexing provides an opportunity to follow the counsel of the prophet during the times the temples are closed or limited to live ordinances
• Indexing helps those trying to overcome addictions by substituting meaningful positive behavior for less desirable behavior
• Indexing helps provide missing pieces to many family history puzzles
• Indexing helps us feel closer to the Spirit so we can be guided in other parts of our lives
• Indexing helps to purify, refine and bring us closer to the Savior

If you haven’t tried indexing before, it is easy to get started. You can go directly to FamilySearach.org and go through the overview and tour sections. If you want a little more direction, go to granitefhc.com, click on the Resources menu and then videos and tutorials. There you will find classes on indexing that are recorded. If you would like one-on-one training or assistance, you may also schedule an appointment at the Granite Family History Center where you or your family can receive instruction from one of our temple and family history consultants. Don’t delay. Take advantage of the wonderful opportunity to participate in indexing and help families all over the world find the missing link to connect their family members.

–Dave Castleton; Director – Granite Family History Center