Latter-day Saint Voices

Blessing My Ancestors

By Abigahel Kinic, Québec, Canada

When I received my patriarchal blessing, my heart filled with love for my ancestors.

Photograph by Richard M. Romney

I was born in Cameroon, the land of my ancestors. Then I immigrated to France, where I lived, studied, and worked as a nurse in different hospitals in Paris. I now live in Montreal, where I still work as a nurse.

I had been looking for the true Church of Jesus Christ for years. When I met the missionaries in Paris, the Holy Ghost testified to me that I had finally found what I was looking for—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was filled with so much joy that I thought I must already be in heaven! I was determined to live the gospel to the fullest.

I was taught to search for my ancestors and to do ordinances on their behalf in the temple. When I received my patriarchal blessing, I was told that I would become a savior on Mount Zion and bring salvation to my family. My heart filled with love for them; I could not let them down. Ever since, I have worked tirelessly on family history and genealogy.

I had always known that I was born into a royal family of Cameroon, the Bamoun family. Oral tradition and legend say this people came from Assyria and mixed with other people during their migrations. They have kept their genealogy and written their history since AD 1300. The documents are in the library of the royal palace. Among many other histories, they tell the story of my maternal great-grandfather Fon-gouhouo, who reigned from 1818 to 1863.

I was able to return to my homeland, and as a member of the Bamoun family, I was given access to these documents. I also visited the king, met with other government officials, and spoke to authorities about the Church and its interest in family history. I am grateful that, thanks to the restored gospel, I can do my part to bless my homeland and my ancestors.