The Church in Chile

It Started on the Internet
In the spring of 2001 Chile resident Gustavo Vergara sat at his computer seeking information on the Internet and found the Community of Christ Web site at www.CofChrist.org. Gustavo was already equipped with a thorough knowledge of the Restoration and “firm conviction of the truth of the testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon” according to his testimony. He entered Community of Christ’s online chat room at www.CofChrist.org/chat where people discuss their journey with Christ, ask questions, and offer advice.

As a Spanish speaker Gustavo’s first attempt at getting answers online was frustrating. However, he returned to the Community of Christ chat board and found Donna Boyd, a church member from Independence, Missouri, USA, who speaks English and Spanish. She and Gustavo became friends and began conversing electronically every night.

As Donna and Gustavo communicated, he became increasingly interested in Community of Christ. He asked questions about church history from various angles and “sometimes we discussed a particular concept like Zion,” said Donna. Gustavo’s interest intensified and he hoped it would not be too long before he could have face-to-face contact with Community of Christ.

Donna’s husband Theo Boyd, her listening and research partner throughout her correspondence with Gustavo, offered to find a way to travel to Santiago, Chile, to meet with the Vergara family. “With the approval of the apostle [Jim Slauter] I made plans to go,” said Theo. “Many people generously helped me meet the expenses of the trip,” he said.

Madelina and Gustavo at their computer

Theo spent November 7-20 in Chile and Seventy Steve Bootman, who had also corresponded with Gustavo, joined him there November 8-14. They met with Gustavo, his wife Madelina and their two children; his stepfather René and mother Irene; his brother Gabriel; and his brother Fernando, his wife Kathy, and their daughter. This family forms the nucleus of the church in Chile.

A significant amount of time was spent discussing Community of Christ’s mission and goals. Theo said, “We conveyed the concept of community, the respect for the culture of each country, and the importance of developing models of worship appropriate to them.”

Each evening they watched a segment from the video Sisters and Brothers in Christ. Gustavo used the facilitator book and led discussions. “He feels comfortable sharing the video with others and Fernando said he would have friends in his home to see it also,” said Theo.

Entering the Water
It was early spring in Chile and finding a place for baptisms was a challenge. Because no swimming pools were available, René suggested the river in the nearby mountains. The snow was melting from the mountaintops and the river was swift, swollen, and frigid. “I believe those who were there will bear testimonies similar to those of early Saints who broke the ice to enter the waters,” said Theo. Gustavo, Madelina, René, Irene, Gabriel, and Fernando were baptized that day.

Terry baptizes Gustavo's niece

Five more people were baptized during Apostle Jim Slauter and Bishop Terry Shelton’s visit on February 8-13. René knew of a neighborhood home that had a swimming pool and asked the homeowner if the group could use it. While there, Irene talked to the homeowner about Community of Christ.

The homeowner asked if the ministers could baptize her daughter. Irene explained that the church does not practice infant baptism but offered the sacrament of baby blessing, which she accepted. The woman has also expressed an interest in learning more about the church. Four baby blessings were performed during the week and Gustavo was ordained to the priesthood office of elder.

Powerful Indigenous Witness
Every evening between the traditional 6 p.m. and midnight meals, Gustavo, Jim, and Terry visited at homes in the community-a practice that Gustavo began some time ago. Jim said, “The openness of people in Chile was amazing. People answered their doors at 11 o’clock at night, saw Gustavo there with two strangers, and they let us in and made us feel like part of the family and part of the community.”

Jim and Terry with a neighborhood family

In a relatively short amount of time, Gustavo has digested everything available through the church’s Web site and other resources. When he shares his story it always begins with, “Let me tell you what the church’s mission is,” said Jim. “He shares the mission statement and about the family he feels part of around the world through the Internet and the people he’s met.”

Those people include Richard Allshouse, the presiding elder at the Bradenton-Sarasota, Florida, congregation. He already had a February trip planned to Santiago, Chile, when he heard of the new baptisms there and was interested in meeting the new members. The Vergaras were amazed that a person from Florida made a call to them out of the blue and wanted to meet with them.

Gustavo took an hour-long bus ride to Richard’s hotel because he wanted to escort him to his home. Richard met with the Vergara family. “I had the sense that they were hungry for fellowship,” he said, “knowing their last face-to-face contact with anyone from the church was in November.” His offer to serve Communion was eagerly accepted. “It was a very rich experience,” said Richard. This visit reinforced the Vergara’s already strong feeling that “this is a church that is like family,” as Gustavo tells people.

Gustavo witnesses to everyone he knows and everyone he meets, but he never attacks others’ beliefs. “He simply lifts up our mission and beliefs and explains that this is more than a church-it’s a community,” said Jim. Every testimony shared is accompanied by an invitation. Jim explained that the understanding is always implied, “‘This invitation is not in any way to pressure you. I want to share the joy, love, and community that my family and I have experienced in this church.’ It is a wonderful example of how we should share our witness.”

Doctrine and Covenants Section 161 has become very important for those who are sharing the church in Chile. Steve provided a Spanish copy to Gustavo in November, which he read aloud for his family. Theo said, “Everyone was so tremendously overcome with the Spirit and the witness that the church is still led by prophetic power.”

There has been a great deal of personal sacrifice for the Vergaras to lift up and plant the church in Chile. However their enthusiasm is unwavering and they are providing much-needed ministry to many people. For example, people who have not shared in Communion for years are overwhelmed at the invitation to be part of this sacrament. About 15 people meet every Sunday at the Vergara’s home for worship, with 22 attending when Jim and Terry were in town.

Gustavo continually told Jim and Terry, “You know my brothers, none of this is coincidence.” This message is reinforced in his testimony, which states: “I know that the Community of Christ is a community of joy, hope, love, and peace, centered in Christ who loves us all equally and without exceptions. … My heart overflows with joy--from the moment my family and I entered the tempestuous and freezing mountain spring water for baptism. The warmth of the testimony of the Spirit strengthened me and caused me to lift my head and see further.”

The “Cyber Congregation”
The relationships the Vergaras have developed with people through the Community of Christ chat board--known as the cyber congregation by its frequenters--remain very important to the family. Jim said, “Every night between about midnight and two a.m. the entire family gathered around the computer to read the day’s messages.” This includes daily contact with Donna and Theo.

Donna said, “I see the developments in Chile as a miracle of love. It began and grew from God’s heart in answer to Gustavo’s longing.” The Internet is an opportunity to reach out and provide ministry to many people that might not otherwise learn about the church.

Community of Christ webmaster David Francis said, “The cyber congregation enjoys participation from all over the world.” Live chats occur from 8:30 to 10:00 p.m. central time every evening and users can also read and post messages on the bulletin board. Sunday evening chats are hosted by the Seventy; Monday night is devoted to scripture study; and Tuesday focuses on prayer and testimony.

With 3,200 registered users and as many as 500 regular visitors, the cyber congregation is a major part of many people’s lives. “We don’t have a rostrum,” said David, “but we are ministered to daily by our journey together.” It is a community of Christ online and all are invited to logon for a visit: www.CofChrist.org/chat.

-Kendra Friend reporting