Written Februay 1997

When the second rescue first started we were asked to write of our experiences.  I wished to write that which was given to me when moved by the spirit and there were no thoughts which came to mind.  I drew a blank and had no thrilling experience which I could relate.  I felt a bit disobedient to the counsel, but did not think that what I could write would be of any significance.  As I pondered this new effort with the Hunt and Hodgett wagon train I felt impressed to write the following:

          The blessings of this event will be to teach members to use the computer and programs for family history.  This will lift them to a higher spiritual plane.  They (the pioneers) came to find Zion.  We must bring Zion to them.  The work of the millennium has started and we are privileged to be a part of it by being obedient.

           If we will do the work and daily read the scriptures and hold family home evening and foster love in our families we will stand firm and help to establish Zion here in this corner of Wyoming.  When we get to a certain point angels cannot be restrained from being our companions and teaching us and helping us in this work.  As we put in order our homes, others seeing our good works and separation from Babylon will want to learn of Him.

          Then will the gospel blossom in the hearts of the righteous gentiles and the separation of good and evil be more clear- cut.  As we do this our desires for those things of the world lessen and we will be less inclined to be carnal, sensual, and devilish.  The veil of darkness will be removed from our minds and we will experience the true joy that comes from a knowledge  and personal testimony of the savior.  We will have a greater understanding and appreciation for the atonement and the prophesy will be fulfilled for us which was given by the prophet.  Because we will know the Lord.

          I have seen that change in the lives of the people who have been touched by this work and hope that they will continue to receive the full benefit of the blessing laid up in store for them.  My wife and I have been the recipients of this blessing, which has been poured out on this stake.  We have been interested in family history for a long time.  We have been sporadic in our research, but have been blessed to know and have more family history than the average member.  Coincident with the time that the Willie and Martin project started we have had many avenues open to us that were not available before.  We have discovered names that we had looked for and not been able to find and have discovered names that we didn’t know existed.  We have more than doubled the amount of physical information that we had in our possession.  This has come to us in remarkable ways.  We can testify that the spirit of Elijah is working on the people to make them more aware of their ancestors and families.  Many of our sources are not members of the church and have shared generously the information that they have had.  In some cases we have been able to help them with information that we have.  The other day I got an idea to see how many of my ancestors crossed the plains, and by what means.  I found that almost all came early and were true pioneers with ox carts, wagons and walking.  I probably would not have taken the time to research this if it had not been for the emphasis that has been placed on this project by the stake.  Truly our hearts have been turned to our fathers and mothers to appreciate what has been our legacy.