to the fam, and all y'all out there

Dear Readers....

I really appreciate the responses I get from those who keep up on the blog. It is nice to know it is worth writing something every week. Those who read on the actual blog page, realize that it exists because of the help of my brother, Jay, who had the idea in the first place. He is the one who adds each entry and who keeps the page functioning. If you know him, give him a big thanks. Jay, I am very grateful for what you do to keep the blog up to date and working. Many people have commented to me that they think it is such a good idea and have enjoyed reading up on my mission.

Last week (I believe) I asked for different input on what people liked to hear about. I got some good ideas and hope I can start playing to your interests.

One of the greatest joys I personally get out of missionary work is working with recent converts. Even though in most cases I was not there for their initial conversion that brought them to baptism, it is a beautiful privilege to watch their lives mold and morph into something new, and something better. I feel a great spirit from hearing their testimonies, and seeing miracles in their lives, and working to improve glitches until they feel comfortable and confident, and are strong and influential members of the Church.

New members to a ward or branch are a unique responsibility, but also a great blessing. In most cases, the care for an investigator of the Church is primarily the missionaries'. Though we need, and greatly appreciate the support, service, and friendship given so selflessly from normal members of the Church, investigators very naturally look to the missionaries as the source for spiritual strength they are beginning to feel. We teach investigators to recognize the Spirit that comes from going to church and reading the scriptures and praying, and they connect that Spirit to the feelings they feel when we teach. Once an investigator "jumps the line" or "takes the swim," they, in a more literal and serious way, become the responsibility of the ward. The bishop is now in charge of that individual's progression, and the missionaries' part is greatly shared by the leadership of the ward and of quorums and classes therein. Each new member, as stated by President Hinckley, needs a friend, a responsibility, and nourishment by the good word of God. It is the duty of the bishop to see that each one has adequate fellowshipping, that they quickly accept a calling, and that they are visited by powerful, and effective home/visiting teachers, as well as continue to assist their church meetings faithfully. It is a unique time of life for the new members, and each one will require unique help and awareness of their situations.

I love working with recent converts. Their faith is often so great, and their innocence and humility so obvious. They often feel as though they know very little about the Church and need much help. They are often right, but their testimony brings a vibrant spirit that most older members may have settled into more. We spend a good amount of time working with local leaders to see to the needs of each recent convert, and there is no greater satisfaction. The only thing better than a baptism, would be a sealing of an eternal family. The greatest blessings of the gospel are to come after baptism, under the care of long-time members of the Church. I know that as members realize their responsibility to uplift new members, and become aware of the new members that may be in their ward, and as missionaries and members close the gap between their efforts, the Church will be blessed and we will grow more into a Zion people. I feel such joy in serving, and know that the same joy and the same blessings are promised to all who will give of their time.

I wanted to write about some of the recent converts here, but my time is gone. I might write more next week. I love you all. Take care.

-Elder Sam Bostwick