I love how every person greets every other person at church with a "como esta?" and a kiss on the cheek for women and children, even teenagers, and quite often men. As we have come to know people better, the kiss on the cheek comes with a tight and extended hug around the back, too. I. love. it. I did, however, buy the wrong kind of glasses before we left. These frameless ones invariably end up lopsided and smeared. Again; nobody cares.
Chile has a very low church activity rate--something like 16 percent. We see a good solid base of people at church, but there is also
a percentage--maybe 30 percent--who seem new to us every week. With four sets of missionaries it's probable that some are investigators, but I just have to conclude that lots of members only come occasionally. This has got to be a focus as we move toward becoming a stake again. (Yes, Chile has a lot of branches and districts that used to be wards and stakes. We are working toward mature discipleship--my words-- and measured growth this time around.) Our great neighbor (in K-town) Jill Mills talked about the wards of the Church relying on STP (a fuel additive for cars), but in this case the Same Ten People; so in a way, it's a problem everywhere. We have a clot of folks who do everything, and others participate if they feel like it. BYU had a slogan, "fully committed," which is a good goal for individuals, families, wards and branches. There would be no having to rely on the STP if everyone were fully committed and carrying their little bit of the load. Wouldn't that be heavenly!? Fully committed, Not STP.So I'm thinking about conversion. It's not really "carrying the load" that matters. It's enjoying the fruits of the Gospel. What does real conversion do to a person? It makes them different. Two of our students that have been members less than a year have told us at one time or another that they are "better" men. It is noticeable to others. These people radiate love and testimony and goodness. "By their fruits ye shall know them."
The young LDS managers on the farm--returned missionaries, often English-speaking college-graduates--are impressive to their peers. One man, not a member of the Church, tried to explain to us the quality of men he works with, "They are.... (he struggled in Spanish to find just the right word) ....noble." And they are. After a full day's work on the Fundo, they go out with the missionaries, or they lead in Branch Presidency Meetings, or they participate with their families in English classes, or they watch over a Young Men's activity, or fulfill the goal to attend the temple every week--returning home just before midnight. They are anxiously engaged. Unselfish. Impressive. Yes, noble.
The olive trees provide many metaphors, but for this topic, the care and attention to the newly planted trees is apropos. The new directions from the Missionary Committee are critical--watching over our converts for at least a year--preferably years--as they are assimilated into the ward or branch with friends, callings and being nurtured by the Good Word of Christ. Every member needs the care we give to an orchard we love and have hopes for. The hugs and kisses we receive on Sunday are but a start, and if a person isn't attending regularly, they miss even that (not to mention renewing covenants with the Sacrament and the spiritual nourishment available only in that sacred setting). The trees can't tell us when they need water, or fertilizer until it's way past time to apply it. Similarly, our members don't give off obvious signals that they are in need. This is our challenge throughout the Church and in our families. If we have tasted of the fruit, and know that it is good, how can we share it?
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