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Kirtland Today
By the People, for the People
Elder Rasband Speaks About Faith Stretching Through Generations at RootsTech 2026
The Apostle encourages church members to engage in 'spiritual latter-day work' of serving and worshiping in temples.
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke at the RootsTech 2026 family history conference, inviting church members to be engaged in the 'spiritual latter-day work' of serving and worshiping in temples. He shared stories from his family history to illustrate how faith is 'a gift passed from generation to generation.' Elder Rasband and his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband, emphasized the importance of temples and family history work in uniting families and strengthening generations.
Why it matters
Elder Rasband's address highlights the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' emphasis on family history and temple work as a means of connecting generations and strengthening faith. As temples continue to be built around the world, this message resonates with the church's global membership and their efforts to link their families to God's eternal plan.
The details
During his address, Elder Rasband shared a story about an ancestor who, though not yet a member of the church, donated a $5 gold coin to help build the Kirtland temple. He said this is an example of his ancestors' faith, which has been 'a gift passed from generation to generation.' Elder and Sister Rasband, along with some of their grandchildren, spoke about the importance of temples and family history work in uniting families and helping individuals repent and let God prevail in their lives.
- Elder Rasband and his wife spoke on Saturday at the RootsTech 2026 family history conference in Salt Lake City.
The players
Elder Ronald A. Rasband
A member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Sister Melanie Rasband
The wife of Elder Ronald A. Rasband.
What they’re saying
“I know you will be … armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.”
— Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Apostle (KSL)
“Often when we talk of family history, we tend to think only of the past. But, as we have pointed out, this work is also about the present and the future.”
— Sister Melanie Rasband (KSL)
“The choices we make today echo far beyond our own lives. We not only live for ourselves, but in time we'll be the ancestors to our own posterity. Every act of faith, every testimony shared, every righteous choice strengthens not only our own lives but the generations that come as we seek to leave a legacy of faith and devotion anchored to the beloved son of God, our Savior Jesus Christ.”
— Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Apostle (KSL)
The takeaway
Elder Rasband's message emphasizes the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' focus on family history and temple work as a means of connecting generations and strengthening faith. His stories and testimony highlight how the choices and sacrifices of ancestors can positively impact future generations, inspiring church members to engage in this 'spiritual latter-day work.'
