Records

Missionary life involves teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many times Senior missionaries are asked to give lessons that encourage disciples of Christ to do certain things, things like keep a journal, get more education, and prepare wisely for the future.

I love journaling and as Senior Church History missionaries we are tasked with collecting stories, stories about BYU Pathway, Conversion Stories on the Covenant Path, Pioneer Stories, and Leadership stories – all within three countries – Bulgaria, Greece and Cyprus.

Recently we were asked to give a Family Home Evening lesson for all the Senior Missionaries in our mission. Naturally we talked about keeping records, histories, and journals. We opened with the following slide:

Most of the missionaries opted to give a story from their family history. This was fun! So many people had fun stories to tell! But we still made sure to cover 1), Alma 37 which shows that without records the 4 sons of Mosiah could never have converted the Laminates to Jesus Christ, and 2) D&C 69 which declares how important these stories are for the “rising generations that shall grow up on the land of Zion”….

That rising generation is us! Our kids, our grandkids, and our great- grandkids! These family stories give the rising generation knowledge to stand on, a perspective they can relate to, and a foundation of faith. How did grandpa serve a mission when it was so hard to leave his car behind? How did grandma overcome her fear of speaking in public? Your family stories are relevant, fortifying, and binding.

Joseph Smith was directed to find and translate an ancient record, destined to change the world, and fill the whole earth with the knowledge of God. (Daniel 2) By small and simple things are great things brought to pass – as Alma told his son – and truly the kingdom of God is a great thing! (Alma 37) And it all came from one family’s story!

The Book of Mormon provides the pure gospel of Jesus Christ AND an example of personal history. Our Journals, our humorous stories, our faith promoting experiences can be passed down from one generation to the next, building and growing knowledge and faith until we are a people worthy to stand in the presence of God when He comes again.

In this small way we can leave a legacy of love for our children and demonstrate our hope in a glorious future.

Cool Beans!