LDS disparity between black Africa and African-Americans

A few weeks ago, I watched the documentary "Pioneers of Africa" on BYU Television. It tells the story of church growth in Africa before the church was officially organized there. It also documents how the church membership in Africa has increased since the 1978 priesthood revelation.

I was amazed by the faith and testimonies of those featured in the program. I was humbled and inspired by what I heard. I was especially impressed by the faith and testimony of Joseph Johnson of Ghana and Moses Mahlangu of South Africa. Both men waited years for the church to be official in their countries so that they could be baptized.

While waiting, they were diligent in sharing the message of the restored gospel with their friends and family. So much so that the people had began organizing church meetings. By the time church officials arrived, thousands were prepared to enter the waters of baptism.

While watching this program, I couldn't resist comparing blacks in America to those in Africa. I pondered what it is that makes it easier for them to accept the restored gospel. Why is it that church growth in black Africa is increasing at such a high rate, while in America the rate seems much slower among African-Americans?

My theory is that it's because of the racial history in America, along with the priesthood ban and early teachings in the church about blacks. But Africa also has a racial history and those same prohibitions, yet many more people there became steadfast in the gospel.

Another theory that comes to mind points the finger at myself and other African- Americans in the church. That theory is whether or not I/we are doing our due diligence in sharing the message of the restored gospel with our African-American family and friends.

As I have discussed in previous columns, my family and friends know of my membership in the church. However, I am more inclined to censor my communication with them on spiritual matters. I freely and openly talk about gospel principles with other church members, but I "water" it down for those who are not. Are too many of us guilty of this?

The one thing that kept repeating in my mind as I pondered my words for this column was "missionary work." Johnson and Mahlangu were both great missionaries when it came to sharing the gospel with their family and friends. They could have kept to themselves the gift they received — knowledge of the restored gospel — but they didn't.

Is that the key difference?

I'd like to hear what others have to say about this matter. E-mail me at tequitia@yahoo.com with your comments.