We are quickly approaching the one year anniversary of the historical announcement by President Nelson about ministering. Since that time, we have all participated in many presentations and discussions about ministering. We are learning how important ministering is to those we minister to and to us. We have learned that it is flexible, customized and Spirit led to help family, friends and neighbors take the next step on the covenant path.

In a letter from First Presidency regarding ministering dated April 2, 2018, we read: “The Savior’s ministry exemplifies the two great commandments: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” and “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” Matthew 22:37, 39). In that spirit, Jesus also taught, “Ye are they whom I
have chosen to minister unto this people” (3 Nephi 13:25).” We know the Lord has chosen us today to minister.

As you look for ways to minister have you considered the amazing opportunities temple and family history may provide? Let me share just a few ways I have personally experienced or seen others use to bless Heavenly Father’s children:

1. Visit the temple together or provide an opportunity for the individual you are ministering to attend the temple.
2. Help an individual record an oral history or a family memory.
3. Take a class together at the Family History Center.
4. Find out what ordinance is next in line for the individual or members of his/her family and then assist in preparation for that ordinance.
5. Show the individual the Ordinance Ready feature in FamilySearch or the FamilySearch app.
6. Help the individual discover or build their family tree so they can feel more connected to their family and to God.
7. Find out about favorite family recipes of the individual or share your family recipes. Make the recipes and share them with each other.
8. Review the booklet “My Family” with the individual or family.
9. Participate in one of the numerous family history activities now found on FamilySearch or The Family History Guide.
10. Bear testimony of the Spirit of Elijah and then help the individual feel that spirit and connect with their ancestors.
    

After Alma and his followers were driven into the wilderness by the people of the wicked King Noah, Alma sought diligently to teach the people important gospel principles that would protect them against the Lamanites and the wicked Nephites. His people did become true disciples as they ministered to each other. In Mosiah 23:18, we read: “Therefore they did watch over their people, and did nourish them with things pertaining to righteousness.”

What a blessing we have today to have abundant temple and family history opportunities to assist us in nourishing those we minister to in those matters pertaining to righteousness. Let us make use of those opportunities to minister even as the Savior would. –Dave Castleton, Director, Granite Family History Center