Serving together, members and missionaries

Throughout our mission we have traveled every Sunday to attend church in one of the branches of our three districts, except for stake and general conference Sundays.  We have enjoyed a Primary program presented by the only 2 Primary age girls and the presidency.  We have visited on Fast Sundays where every person in attendance bears testimony every month.  We have listened to talks given by faithful members who have many different challenges and come from many backgrounds.

It has been a privilege to come to know these members and see their efforts to serve and obey and sustain the church in their home area.  Many branches do not have very many priesthood holders which brings additional challenges. Our missionaries often serve as branch clerks or counselors or with the young men and the sisters often help with primary or young women.

In most of the branches, the missionaries also teach Sunday School (Gospel Principles), often without prior notice.  They also often speak in Sacrament meeting.  Even though we have learned to know and love the members, as the missionaries serve and work in the branches and wards they form strong bonds with them.  The members return that love and serve as they give lunch to the missionaries, go out teaching with them, welcome their investigators and attend baptisms.  They are flexible about accepting missionary changes: saying a fond good-bye to those leaving and welcoming new arrivals.

None of us are perfect so occasionally problems arise, but overall members and missionaries work together to live the gospel and advance the work here in Chile and we are grateful to be part of it and also for the friends we have made among the members.

The pictures today include a couple from the self-sufficiency training, from our temple trip and from new missionary training.