Applying the scriptures: Foster attributes of warmth, sincerity, love for newcomers
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And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.
— Moroni 6:4
Missionary work throughout the world requires great sacrifice, and all of the sacrifice, effort and exhaustive preparation of missionaries may be in vain if those who accept the gospel do not receive a loving and warm welcome by Church members, said Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve in his October 1988 general conference address.
"We know from years of experience that the first contacts new converts have with members in wards or branches are critical to the conversion process," Elder Ballard said.
He related the experience of a woman who, after receiving the witness of the Spirit, never met her bishop, nor did she receive visits by home teachers or visiting teachers. She was given no Church calling. "For several weeks she attended Sunday ward meetings, but she was mostly ignored," Elder Ballard related. "She was not 'remembered and nourished.' Soon she stopped attending Church services, resumed her old friendships and lifestyles, and married a nonmember. Today she is a fine, productive, contributing citizen in her community and a loving, conscientious wife and mother. But she does not enjoy the rich blessings that come from full fellowship in the Church."
Elder Ballard appealed for members to "ever keep in mind the time, effort and other resources that missionaries and others spend to find and teach one of our Father's children. Surely, every one of us ought to be alert, looking for ways to be of service to the newcomer. We might ask ourselves how the newcomers in our wards would be treated if we were the only ones they ever met. Every member of the Church should foster the attributes of warmth, sincerity and love for the newcomers, as the missionaries are taught to do."
