Church

Both of you commented that you have had trouble getting people to come to church.  Don't miss what I said before, that church is a social construct; and it is awesome.

Jacob - you are doing the exact right thing to line up members to sit by and fellowship investigators.

Caleb - you are doing the exact right thing getting investigators to come to church activities.

Both of you... Keep it up.  Maybe the following thoughts can help...

The fact that investigators don't come is no reason to stop waging the war.  You will fight this the rest of your missions.  You will likely see it the rest of your life.  When you get to the end of your missions, you should take joy that you are exhausted because of trying to get people to "come and see"...  Remember that, in this pursuit at least, you are walking in His shoes and exactly emulating him...

"And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.  Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?  He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

This pursuit will humble and purify you.  One of the most tender passages in the New Testament is found in John 6.  Jesus fed the 5,000 and they testified that he was a great prophet and immediately followed him, desiring to be taught.  The trouble was, when he testified to them as to who he was, the record states, "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.  Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?  Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life."

The feelings you both have on Sunday when your investigators don't come to church are the exact feelings Christ had.  The frustration is real.  The Savior himself was uncertain and, in a moment of uncertainty, asked the twelve if they would also leave.  It must have been real low point for him to get to where he asked the question... he was perfect.  Thank heaven for Peter for always saying what was on his mind...

The social aspect of the church is awesome.  Where else can you find anything to rival it?  Only at home if you have a functioning family and good quality family life.  That is the one social construct that is far better than anything the church can offer through meetings or activities.  Other than that, it's the best thing going.  There are other great religions, university clubs, skiing buddies, biking buddies, etc. but the church stands alone as the paramount institution where you can bless others and be blessed in return.

So... Be proud of the church.  Advertise it as awesome.  Create curiosity in the minds of your investigators.  Then know that some will "come and see" and abide, and some will not.  It simply isn't their time.  That said, your love for them should transcend their ability to make and keep commitments.  There should never be any question about that.

Okay.  I love you both so much.  Your service strengthens me on a deeply personal level.  Keep it up.

Dad