Back to the Drawing Board

Back to the drawing board, because a new area means new ideas, new challenges, and a whole new (or different approach). What worked in Botshabello isn't quite as effective here, in Kroonstad, and what worked in Hillcrest doesn't really make sense on this end of the field. So what's the problem? What's the solution?

Fewer members. Let's start there. We all know that the strongest, most active members are likely to come through and because of the members. Let's face it. It's someone they know, someone they trust, and someone that'll stay. Even someone who can fellowship more often than just the three hours at church, and the one hour at home (if that). It's someone more likely to identify and resolve concerns, more cabable of making the experience as meaningful as can be, and available for more than just missionary-related activities. I know, I was there.

But the members are few, and the referrals far-stretched. The inactivity, and less-activity, of many members is apparent - and reaching them proves to be another challenge. So how do we help in a group that's already trying themselves? The ones who are active, I mean. How do we find, teach and keep those who'll actually be committed? And how can we make an actual difference?

It's time to think outside of the box. It's time to have the people know who we are other than the two suits attacking them with a copy of the Book of Mormon. It's time to work with the members and get creative. It's time to show that we actually care. And the ideas are rapidly approaching. Time to implement.

This morning Elder Santagane and I started with morning traffic light proselytising. Yes, we grabbed a board and wrote out: "I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. - Mosiah 24:14" and "Hy sal julle vertroos in jul verdrukkinge. - Jakob 1:3". We handed out verses, pass along cards, pamphlets, and copies of the Book of Mormon with our contact details. But the greatest success I noted was the smiles, the rolling down of the windows to say, "Julle het my dag gemaak!" Which is to say, "You made my day!" And having our photos taken in the middle of the street.

On Saturday we'll be at the shopping complex, and soon we'll be having an open house with the members. The twins, a powerful pair of sisters preparing to serve a mission, have offered to bake cookies and muffins to take to our less-active members, just to open some doors.

We keep looking. We keep searching. And we'll continue to find, teach, uplift, and inspire. The Lord is preparing His people. Let us be the ones to offer ourselves as the instruments, and make the difference.