Sharing The Gospel With
Those Around Us - In 1998, there were 49 convert
baptisms in the stake, less than half of 107 in 1997.
Member missionary work is critical to the spreading of
the gospel - only a small percentage of
referrals to missionaries come from members, but a majority
of those baptized are from member referrals. Additionally, most
converts from member referrals stay
active, much moreso than for other types of referrals.
Interestingly, converts have an average of
4-5 contacts with members/the Church
before being baptized, and nearly always comment that the
example of LDS members was a significant part of their
interest in the Church. Even if your efforts do not
yield baptisms, they will have an influence in the lives
of those people!
The Lord is preparing many people to
receive the gospel; pray to know those you can influence,
and make focused efforts in their behalf.
Full & Part-time
Missions - Our balance of export vs. import
missionaries very good: [50] are serving from our stake, and
[28] missionaries from the Oakland, CA
Mission serve in our stake.
*There remains a near-desperate need for couples throughout the
world for various types of missions: international welfare service,
country reps, teachers, physicians, music teachers,
family history, temple, etc. Adult Brothers and Sisters
not yet in circumstances where you can serve, please plan
your time and resources that such service is possible.
There are also opportunities in the Part-time Church
Service Missionary program; there is new emphasis in this
area to take advantage of the time and efforts of willing
people who cannot serve full-time or in other locations
around the world. Contact your Bishop for more information on the
opportunities that are available now.
Current Missionary Service
- (as of Jan 1, 2000)
K Young Men: 37 (xx%)
J Sisters: 8
K Couples: 2
K [Part-time
efforts]