The ManicaPost
An African proverb says, “Every time an elderly person dies, it’s as if an entire library burned down.”
Every day we lose our loved ones as they grow old and pass away. We lose their company and their love; we also lose their memories. Unless we talk to them and preserve their memories, this treasury of the past is lost forever. The Latter-day Saints are keen on finding and preserving everyone’s family history. It is an official program of the church.
Q: Why is preserving family history important to the Latter-day Saints?
A: Much family history in Africa is in the memory of older family members. In the past, this family knowledge has been passed down through word of mouth and by telling stories. With many young people leaving family homes for new locations it is difficult to pass on family histories. We must take notes while our elders talk to us. Or we must record them.
- Why should we pass on our family history to our children and grandchildren?
A; Learning about our ancestors helps us better understand who we are—creating a family bond, linking the present to the past, and building a bridge to the future. Psychological studies show that people need to know they are part of something larger than themselves. Many people feel “unconnected.” It is good for our emotional well-being to now we are a “leaf on a big family tree.”
- How important are families in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
A: We believe that the family is the most important unit in society. We believe that family relationships are eternal and that we can remain together as a family for all eternity, meaning even after death. We believe that in the family we can find the greatest joy. We lived with God before coming to earth and will return to Him after we die.
- What is the LDS Church doing to gather and record oral histories in Africa?
A: The Latter-day Saints church currently sends people to visit towns and villages to interview older residents and record their memories. Before talking with the villagers, permission is obtained from head men and community leaders. After we have received permission, memories are recorded then made into written documents. Projects to gather oral records are in progress in many countries throughout Africa. In 2018 over 3,000,000 oral memories have been recorded. Written histories are also important.
To contact us for any further information call +263 77 212 5326. Email address: [email protected]
