Elder Jensen speaks at BYU Family History and Genealogy Conference At a keynote address given Tuesday, August 1, at the 38th annual BYU Genealogy and Family History Conference, Elder Marlin K. Jensen, a member of the Seventy, urged family history “enthusiasts” to actively seek out opportunities to share what they’ve learned with others. “I want you all to know how grateful we are for you and how critical your support and assistance will be to the success of the Church’s family history enterprise in coming years,” said Elder Jensen, who is also the Church Historian and Recorder and Executive Director of the Family and Church History Department. He said the staff at the Family and Church History Department, under the direction of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, are hard at work developing an Internet-based system to better assist members do family history work. Elder Jensen said the new system, announced by President Hinckley in the October 2005 general conference, will minimize duplication of work and consolidate the Church’s family history software products. “Lest we forget why we are going to such great lengths, let me remind us all that . . . family history and the temple are inseparably connected by sacred doctrines having to do with the eternal nature of marriage and families,” he said. “Family history research should be the primary source of names for temple ordinances, and temple ordinances are the primary reason for family history research. Family history is more than just a hobby.” He said those who are successful at family history work are examples to give hope to those who “still stand on the outside of family history looking in.” “As you assist with the recruitment and training efforts that are planned, your devotion to and love of the work will be contagious and critically important.” He said one way to promote greater interest in family history is for those already involved to share their feelings and spiritual blessings of the work. “To borrow a little phrase from my days as a lawyer, we need to ‘make a case’ for family history,” he said. He said he believes that engaging in family history work for the benefit of ancestors motivates people to get along better and create stronger relationships with living family members. He quoted President Harold B. Lee: “Now keep in mind this: that when the full measure of Elijah’s mission is understood, that the hearts of the children will be turned to the fathers and the fathers to the children. It applies just as much on this side of the veil as it does to the other side of the veil.” Elder Jensen said family history work by its nature is a constant reminder of the worth of a soul as each person, one by one, is identified by name and other verifying data. “Jesus, who did nothing but what He saw the Father do, ministered in this very personal way.” Elder Jensen said another element to family history work is to become better acquainted with ancestors, such as discovering inter-generational transfer of values and things held dear. He said engaging in family history work requires strong faith in the reality of deceased ancestors, their need for saving ordinances, and the eventual reunion with them. He said the Holy Spirit plays a vital role and those who perform family history work are entitled to help from the other side of the veil. “The ultimate reward we receive in doing family history work is to be found in the relationship and feelings we develop for those for whom we stand as proxy or saviors on Mount Zion or in the temple.” Elder Jensen concluded his address with his testimony: “I testify that family history is an essential part of God’s work and glory and of our preparation to be like Him. May we be blessed to perform it faithfully and to lovingly assist others to do likewise, is my prayer.” Elder Jensen’s keynote address kicked off the conference, which runs August 1–4 in the BYU Conference Center. The theme is “Strengthening Ties That Bind Families Together Forever.” More than 100 classes for beginning, intermediate, and advanced researchers will be taught, with class topics such as “Using the Internet to Create and Support a Family Archive,” “Research Guidance: FamilySearch’s Best Kept Secret,” ”Digging into the Archives,” and “Attracting Youth to Family History.”