Neil L. Andersen stated in his General Conference talk last week, “Regularly performing ordinances for our ancestors in the temple brings a sweet and sure confirmation that life continues beyond the veil.” He continued, sharing a story about how he received that confirmation.

While attending the temple one day, he was asked by a temple worker if he could do the initiatory work for an Eleazer Cercy. The following day, when participating in the endowment ceremony, he was, again, given the name, Eleazer Cercy. Later that day in the temple, he was asked by someone if he could join in the sealing ordinance for her father who, once again, was Eleazer Cercy. This was a testimony to Elder Andersen that this man was alive and ready to accept these ordinances.

I have experienced miraculous moments like this while doing my family history. These experiences have testified to me that family members beyond the veil are ready to receive temple blessings and are actively assisting us in the work of finding them.

Often, as I’ve done the research to build families in my line, I’ve found gaps between siblings. I’ve learned that a gap usually means a baby did not survive to adulthood or even childhood. 

Once, as I was doing research for my ancestors, George and Sarah Newman, of Nottingham, England, I noticed gaps of 3 or more years between some of their 6 children. Having already explored the parish christening records, I was prompted to explore the burial records. I found 3 more children who died before the age of one!

Since I was successful in finding children in these parish burial records, I decided to explore the death records in New York City, where the family later immigrated to. I, surprisingly, found 3 more children who all died as infants, as well. 

I felt sympathy for this family who lost 6 of their 12 children, but also joy that they were found and later sealed to their parents and siblings for eternity.

This experience assured me, like Elder Andersen, that our ancestors truly live beyond the veil and have a hand in helping us find them. This fills me with a deeper connection and love for them. It also testifies to me of a loving Heavenly Father who provides a way for all of His children to receive the saving ordinances necessary to return and live with Him.

– Christy Pugh, Communications, Granite FamilySearch Center