Christianity

I found some interesting statistics recently.  The restored gospel of Jesus Christ was first taught in the Philippines in June of 1961 when the first 4 official missionaries were sent to Manila. In just over 60 years of history, the Philippines has become the 4th largest concentration of latter-day saints in the world. The top few countries with their membership are as follows:

The United States - 6,868,793 with 1,709 stakes, about 2.1% of the population, 100 + temples

Mexico- 1,516,406 with 287 stakes, less than 1% of population, 27 temples

Brazil - 1,494,571 with 230 stakes, less than 1% of population, 27 temples

Philippines - 867,271 with 131 stakes, less than 1% of population, 14 temples

Peru - 637,180 with 115 stakes, about 1.9% of the population, 10 temples

    What surprises me is how quickly the Philippines has become a major player in the church culture.  In just 60 years, it is a powerhouse of strength.  The church started preaching the gospel in Mexico in 1875. Brazil had missionaries start in 1928.  Peru was 1956.

It is interesting to be a part of that. When we were at the Cebu temple, every session had at least one person, usually 5 or 6 people, going through for the first time. 

Picture with our Bishop's wife who was a missionary in Cebu in the late 1980's. I am finding more missionaries serving who are the grandchildren of early converts.