Every Convert
is Precious!
We can't tell how strong a person's testimony is by looking at them, just as we can't tell how deep the roots of a plant are by looking at them. We need to help each other in the process of conversion. As we are converted, we turn from our "old" life, to a "new" life. Satan will always be there to tempt us-as converts we will be tempted to return to our old lives. Pres. Hinckley has taught that our new members need our help. They need a friend, a responsibility, and spiritual nourishing by the good word of God. We need to be friendly and welcoming to new converts and members as they come into our ward. Carl B. Pratt of the 70, in a Conference talk in 1997, spoke about taking his family to different wards throughout the world and shares about the differences that they could feel in the various wards. He mentioned that some of these wards were not as welcoming or friendly. How are we doing in our ward? We can take as our example, Pres. Monson, who seeks out the one to uplift them. It's important for us to "notice" others, or nurture others. We can do this by sitting by them in our meetings, getting to know them, and serving each other-such as when we fasted for Kinzee Wyatt, or taking food for LeEtta's friend. We can strengthen each other through Visiting Teaching. We minister by: Praying daily for the sister and her family; seeking inspiration to know her and her family; visiting her regularly to learn how she is doing, to comfort, and strengthen her; Staying in frequent contact through visits, phone calls, letters, etc. and simple acts of kindness; greeting her at church; helping her when she has an emergency, illness, or other urgent need; teaching her the gospel from the scriptures and the visiting teaching messages; and inspiring her by setting a good example. These are all things that we could do to help new converts as well. Elder Pratt continues, "In building the kingdom of God, every positive act, every friendly greeting, every warm smile, every thoughtful, kind note contributes to the strength of the whole. It is my prayer that we may be open and outgoing, friendly, and helpful to all who come among us. But let us give special care and concern for the new converts to the Church. When we detect a halting step or a stumble as they begin their journey on the gospel path, let us be there to lift and support with words of kindness and concern; let us be available to give gentle, loving counsel that will strengthen and sustain. Let us conscientiously look for occasions to show that love which the Savior admonished us to have when He said, 'A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another' John 13:34"
