Family history work excites youths

MESA, Ariz. —

Youths in the Val Vista Ward, Mesa Arizona Mountain View Stake, did a lot more than swim, watch movies or hang out with friends during the summer. Instead they participated in what ward leaders called the "STEP" program — Students Trying Elijah's Promise.Charles Doane, a Mormon bishop, said the youth in his ward are usually challenged to read the Book of Mormon during the summer, but this year they decided to focus on family history work.

"This has been an incredible, life-changing experience for the youth in my ward," he said.

Before school even got out, the young men and young women had become familiar with the LDS Church's Web site, new.familysearch.org. During Sunday school time and with the help of ward family history consultants, each youth got a sign-in name and password.

At a combined youth meeting May 31, Bishop Doane challenged the youth to research their ancestors and find those who needed temple work.

See the full story on ldschurchnews.com.