How to Be a Member Missionary

Yesterday I received an email from a old high school buddy. Hmmm...maybe I should rethink that word "old." She was organizing an elementary school reunion and trying to track down friends she had lost contact with over the years. She was looking for a particular person who she remembers was Mormon and since she knows I'm Mormon she was hoping I'd know her. Kind of like asking someone from the gigantic state of Texas "Oh, if you're from Texas then you must know so and so." Well, I thought it was cute, but I was sorry to tell her I didn't know her former gal pal.

I DID know how to help find her and I thought I'd pass this information along should you ever be in a similar situation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known as the Mormons, has a resource for locating members all over the world. It's a process that allows for privacy and security. You can simply call the Member and Statistical Records Division at the church office building at 801-240-3500. Request a copy of the "Membership Contact Form" and you will receive it by mail. Remember snail mail? Currently there is no electronic version of this form.

Fill out two forms, which ask for information about the person's name, age, birthplace, and other facts that might be helpful in locating the one you are trying to reach. You also have to write a brief statement about why you want to contact the person. Return both forms to the address provided at the top of the forms. One of those copies will be sent to the person you are trying to locate, who then can decide whether or not to contact you. If the Church can't find the person you will be notified.

This service is especially helpful if you're trying to find a woman who may have married and changed names. You can also write to this department, rather than call, at this address:

It's always fun to reconnect with old friends and I suspect that we'll be spending a good amount of time in eternity just hugging and catching up with dear ones. At least I hope so!

The heavens rejoice when a good soul returns, so you can imagine the party going on up there with the return of our beloved prophet and friend, Gordon B. Hinckley! He has finally joined hands again with his wife, whom he called "the love of my life." Surely one of the first to run and greet him was his mother who had died when he was just a boy. Can you imagine the cheers and enthusiastic hugs waiting for him from prophets of old? What a happy reunion it must be!

The last time I saw President Hinckley was just 2 weeks ago at a special broadcast Stake Conference for the saints in California. I thought to myself that he looked tired and eager to go home...his heavenly home. And so he has.

What a tremendous life he lived. Out of his long 97 years, he dedicated the majority of them to the building of the kingdom of God here on earth. Most people remember him for his incredible temple-building mission and for his wonderfully contagious sense of humor. My kids always knew he'd say something funny at General Conference and they were never disappointed. Who else would knight a new apostle with his cane? I attended a Stake Women's Conference 2 nights ago where Mary Ellen Edmunds spoke. Her eager-to-laugh personality matches President Hinckley's and as she shared her testimony of the Prophet she giggled "The only reason President Hinckley carries a cane is so he can trip other people."

I love the video the apostles made together to celebrate the recent turn of the century where they each shared testimony, standing next to important church sites and at other historical locations. President Hinckley's concluding statement summed up his immense love for the Savior and the Church when he said "How I love my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! His stirring commission and His divine love motivate all of us in this work. I love my brethren. To a man they are loyal. Without hesitation they respond to every call. They are true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is He, Jesus Christ, who stands at the head of this Church which bears His sacred name. He is watching over it. He is guiding it.
Standing at the right hand of His Father, He directs this work.

Unitedly, as His Apostles, authorized and commissioned by Him to do so, we bear our witness that He lives and that He will come again to claim His kingdom and rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Of this we are certain and bear apostolic testimony in His holy name, even the name of Jesus Christ, amen." Read the entire text of the Prophet and Apostles' Testimony of Christ.

I know that he was a true prophet of God. It's always fascinating to watch the wheels of succession begin to turn. How comforting to know that the Creator of All doesn't leave His children without someone to guide them, especially during these last days. "Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard? 'Tis not so; all is right!" (Come, Come Ye Saints)

Let us celebrate his life with happiness and look forward to a new chapter in the Church's growth as we prepare the earth for the Savior's return in glory!