Temple experiences from this last week...

The picture above is of my 3rd Great Grandfather and Mother James Edmonson Wilson and Mary Annette Swissgood.

This last week I had the privilege to participate in ordinance work for some of my deceased ancestors. On Tuesday, my brother Javen took his son River to the temple for his first experience doing baptisms for the dead. Javen baptized River on behalf of his 4th great grandfather, James Edmonsen Wilson (Pictured Above). Then, Javen confirmed River and bestowed the Gift of the Holy Ghost for James.

It was so awesome to see my nephew have his first temple experience as a deacon. It was so great that he could have that experience with his father, and for one of his own ancestors.

That evening, my wife Jessica went to the temple to stand in for my 5th Great Grandmother Jane McCumsey. She participated in the initiatory ordinance and endowment for and on behalf of Jane. Jessica said that when she first got to the temple she felt a rush of excitement come over her. She felt like Jane was anxious to get into the temple and get started. All through the initiatory she continued to feel this sense of excitement.

When she got into the chapel to wait for the endowment session she felt a little calmer as if Jane new she was closer to her goal. Then at the end of the endowment she felt a sense of joy and peace as Jane had finally received those sacred ordinances.

The next morning I stood in for my 5th, 4th, and 3rd Great Grandfathers in the initiatory ordinances for them. (John Wilson (Jane McCumsey's Husband) > Samuel Wilson (their Son) > and James Edmonsen Wilson. (Pictured and Samuel's Son)) Usually they want you to take at least 5 names through. Since I had three names they asked if I would take a couple more. I said I would. They gave me the cards with those extra two names and I went to wait my turn.

I looked down and thumbed through the cards to see the names of the other two brethren I was taking through. To my surprise I found that the other two names also had the last name of "Wilson." They were brothers who lived in Ohio and who's family must be connected to the Wilson family I was taking through that day because they didn't live far from where my Wilson's lived. I haven't confirmed this yet, but I felt the Spirit strongly as I looked at those names. I don't believe it was a coincidence.

Next week I will join my brothers Jared and Javen to standing in for these same grandfathers so they can receive their endowments.

I have a testimony of the temple. I know that the Lord is turning the hearts of the children to their fathers and the fathers to their children through that sacred work. The Gospel is true. I pray that all may come to drink at the waters of life.


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