So why is indexing so important?

Finding a name to take to the Temple is an exciting discovery. Many have been able to do just that. The indexing effort has a direct relationship to discovery. The chart below shows just how many records have been indexed at the time this article was written (1,305,948,057). These indexed records are placed in the Family Search database and become searchable. They also are matched to individuals as record hints, which in turn make it possible to discover new cousins and ancestors.

Unfortunately not all languages are equal in the amount of records indexed. The majority of current records indexed are in English. There is now a Call to Arms going out to those who speak a foreign language or those willing to learn to index in a foreign language. A special focus for French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish speakers is being made. New training guides and videos and other resources are available to help willing volunteers to learn how to index certain types of records in these languages. Visit FamilySearch.org/indexing for more details on these new materials and training sessions.

The videos and training can also be accessed within the indexing program. Go to Help, and then to Resource Guide, then Indexer, and then Language and Handwriting Helps. Be sure to enter the language in which you want to volunteer. Here you can find Quickstart Guides and videos and other resources. Now the treasure hunt begins! Click Here to view Quickstarts

Have a Little Fun While you are Indexing!

The Indexing Song Click Here

Inspector General Click Here

Liahona 1st Ward, Mesa South Stake

We are pleased to highlight the Young Women of the Liahona 1st Ward and Sister Berta Lujan, the Ward Indexing Director.

We give our special thanks to Shannon Lista, Nadia Morello and Shelem Romero, the adult Young Women Leaders who made this happen and for the constant help and testimony of Berta Lujan.

The Liahona 1 Young Women are participating in Family History by working on indexing in spite of the difficulties many have because they do not have computers in their home.

Do You Need Help?

Whether you need help with Indexing or Family History research, there are several places you can get help. Does your Stake have a Stake Indexing Director? Do you know who your Ward Family History Consultants are? You can check out the Get Help at FamilySearch.org. Local help is also available at the Mesa FamilySearch Library Training Center. Starting May 2nd the Library has new extended hours.