Apr 11, 2024

“It’s amazing the experiences Wilford Woodruff had and the Spirit I can feel just by reading his journals,” said Michelle Pack, a volunteer on the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project. She continued, “I have enjoyed having that Spirit with me.”

Michelle found out about the Wilford Woodruff Papers through a Missionary Moms Facebook group, and after submitting a list of her talents, she was put to work writing articles, including finding quotes and stories from Wilford Woodruff’s writings.

“I have known who Wilford Woodruff was and I have studied his teachings before, but I haven't gotten into his life,” Michelle said. “I have enjoyed the opportunity to go through his Papers and journals to find experiences to include in the articles I am writing.”

Currently a grad student at Utah Tech University working on a master’s degree in technical writing and digital rhetoric, Michelle is well suited to the task of article writing. She also worked with co-founder of the Wilford Woodruff Papers, Jennifer Ann Mackley, to update a new digital edition of Wilford Woodruff’s Witness: The Development of Temple Doctrine that includes direct links to the online documents now available at wilfordwoodruffpapers.org.

Michelle noted that her work for the Project has allowed her to express her testimony of the gospel through writing. “This was an opportunity to combine two things I love—the gospel and writing—and maybe make a difference by helping others learn more about President Woodruff’s exemplary life,” Michelle said. “I was drawn to the opportunity to express my testimony using his experiences and words.”

In addition to expressing her testimony, she has also strengthened it. She said, “In writing the Come, Follow Me articles, my testimony has been strengthened. Writing these articles has given me another time in my day when I can think of the gospel with a focused purpose and with others in mind.”

Michelle has had special experiences while researching for her articles that have strengthened her faith. For example, she recently found a story from one of Wilford Woodruff’s missions in England in which he and the entire congregation were moved to tears. Michelle was touched to see the Spirit work on Wilford Woodruff and to read his record of that day.

When asked what she would share with someone who was considering volunteering for the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project, Michelle said, “It’s a great Foundation full of individuals who know the value of connecting the lessons learned in history. They want others to gain a testimony of the gospel through the teachings of Wilford Woodruff.”

If you are interested in strengthening your own testimony of the restored gospel and helping others gain a better understanding of the Restoration, consider volunteering with or exploring the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project. Send an email to contact@wilfordwoodruffpapers.org or visit wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/get-involved to learn more.