Young men and women, aged 14-18 years, from Belfast, Northern Ireland performed nearly 2000 baptisms and confirmations on their four day recent visit to the Preston Temple.
At 6.30am on Wednesday 2nd July, over 100 youth and leaders boarded coaches in Belfast and headed off to the ferry to Scotland before the drive down to the Preston England Temple. The youth had been challenged to research their own family line and submit the names of their ancestors so that they could perform the work themselves while at the temple. Family History consultants, Marjo Reid and Valerie Whittaker helped with the research and all the hard work carried out by the youth resulted in over 70% of the ordinances being completed.
On Wednesday evening the youth and leaders attended a fireside in the Chorley Stake Centre. President Murray, President of the Preston England Temple, spoke to the youth about important moments in their lives and how deciding to attend the temple was one such moment.
On Friday evening President and Sister Edwards, President of the Preston Missionary Training Centre, spoke at a special Fireside and Testimony meeting during which they shared their thoughts on 'Strengthening Testimonies and Listening to the Spirit'. The youth were invited to share their testimonies.
Gail Puckrin who attended the fireside commented, 'The whole experience was just wonderful, it was a privilege to be there and feel of the Spirit'. President William Napier, 1st counsellor in the Stake Presidency said that, despite all the hard work involved in organising temple recommends, transport, accommodation, family history etc. 'It was all worth it'.'