Look
for how new converts fit into these verses.
64 That the work of the gathering together of
my saints may continue, that I may build them up unto my name upon holy places;
for the time of harvest is come, and my word must needs be fulfilled.
65 Therefore, I must gather together my
people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may
be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with
celestial glory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every
man according as his work shall be;
Doctrine & Covenants
101:64-65
These verses speak of “gathering” to “holy places” and then the wheat being secured
in the “garners”. Garners are what they formerly
put wheat into so it would not go bad, and to keep pests from the precious
wheat. In Alma 26:5, speaking of their
new Lamanite converts, Ammon said, “And they shall be gathered into the
garners, that they are not wasted.” How
is your ward doing with the function of preserving the conversion of people
that come into it? Is you ward a “holy place” or “garner” where new converts
can come into the church and not be wasted?
Most
return missionaries can speak to the different types of wards. In some wards, when they brought an
investigator to church, the person was immediately swept away with people
introducing themselves to them, and people inviting them to come to the other
meetings with them. Then in other wards,
people were so wrapped up in themselves, the missionaries wondered if a single
person would say hello to their investigator.
We need to make our wards so that it is very likely that those who are
new, will remain strong through friend-shipping, nourishing with the Word of
God, and people looking out for them.
Today’s Takeaway:
This coming Sunday, be on the lookout for faces you don’t recognize. Smile and
introduce yourself. Help them feel welcomed. Let them become part of your
circle of friends.
