In early December 2004, I went with two missionaries, Elders Devon Kaplar and Daniel Sypher, to teach a discussion to Irene Carter, who was investigating the Church. Irene explained to us that she learned that the temple work had been done for her father and grandparents. She was also thrilled to know that she had relatives who were members of the Church even though she had never met them. I left Irene's home that day with a commitment in mind that I was going to find and make contact with her living relatives who are members of the Church.

After searching on familysearch.org, I found the name of a cousin, Berthold Neff, who had done the temple work for his and Irene's grandparents. Bert Neff passed away in 1991. More searching led to Bert's daughter Carol Bowen. Unfortunately, Carol had moved from the address I found. My next step was to provide what information I had to the Membership Department at Church headquarters and they were able to contact her.

Irene's baptism was scheduled for Dec. 29, 2004. At 10:45 the night before her baptism, I received the long-awaited call from Carol Bowen. She was thrilled to hear the news about Irene. Carol indicated that Irene's father, Christian Herr, had moved to Canada from South Dakota and that the family had lost contact. That is why only the temple work was done for Christian and not for his wife. Carol also said that her father, Bert Neff, had moved west, boarded with an LDS family and joined the Church. It was also interesting to learn that my grandfather, Edward J. Wood, sealed Bert and Patricia Neff in the Cardston Alberta Temple in 1942.

The baptism of Irene Carter was absolutely wonderful. I took a few minutes after the confirmation to tell Irene that I had been successful in making contact with her extended family members. I mentioned that the cousins lived in Wenatchee, Wash., and that her cousins' names were Carol and Doug Bowen. Elder Sypher said out loud, "I can't believe it, I know them. They are good friends of my family." I then gave Irene the names and addresses of her newfound relatives.

The Spirit was electrifying! Irene was so thrilled. I have felt the hand of the Lord in all of this. Extended family members who have been separated for so many years could now be reunited. The temple ordinances and sealing can now be done for Irene's mother. — E. Gregg Wood, Wascana Ward, Regina Saskatchewan Stake