Have you ever wondered who answers when you call to get help on using FamilySearch?
The answer has recently changed and is much closer to home than perhaps you think!
As the work of the Lord hastens around the world, recent developments mean that those who call from the Europe area will be speaking to FamilySearch Support Missionaries who are themselves from the UK and Ireland.
We are now expected to be self-sufficient in providing Support Missionaries from our area to serve English-speaking patrons in the UK, Ireland, Europe, and the Middle East.
We are currently inviting members of the Church to join our team.
The mission service is part-time - normally for one or two years. All our missionaries enjoy serving and some, with approval from their Bishop and Stake President, choose to extend and continue their service for a longer period.
Current serving missionaries said:
- “This mission helps us firstly to serve our Saviour and secondly to learn, serve and grow even though we may be unable to leave our homes.”
- “This mission has blessed my life in so many ways as I have devoted time in the service of the Lord and in helping others in gathering their ancestors.”
We have a dedicated group of about 25 part-time service missionaries spread over England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Eire but working closely, as if they were in the same room. Support Missionaries work from the comfort of their own homes, connecting online with patrons and the rest of the FamilySearch network. Most older members, though not exclusively, are retired or have some regular time they can dedicate to the work.
All Support Missionaries find it a blessing to work from home where they can remain close to family, whilst having the opportunity of serving without the expense involved in serving away.
The missionaries come from all kinds of backgrounds, often with a lifetime of experience in Family History, yet they are constantly updated on the very latest developments in FamilySearch.
When missionaries join us, the FamilySearch Instructors give them training that is second to none, providing the tools needed to respond to each question posed by patrons. The UK and Ireland FamilySearch Missionaries are often trained in specialist subjects, becoming advisers to others.
Very often patrons need a greater understanding of FamilySearch so that ordinances can be performed for their dead. We help with this and in many other areas of FamilySearch.
Our opening hours are displayed on FamilySearch, generally Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 20.00, for calls, emails, and online chats (UK time).
If you would like an opportunity to serve, we would also love to hear from you.
For further information on the support available and about serving as a FamilySearch Support Missionary, please contact Sister Heather Ann Baker at heatherannbaker@familysearch.org (a FamilySearch Support – UK and Ireland team Recruitment/Welfare Specialist).