Growth, fellowship mark development of Spokane's Spanish Branch
By Kara Houser, Staff WriterShare:  
June 14, 2010 — "For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fullness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language..."D&C 90:11
Joseph Smith received this revelation in March of 1833, and now 177 years later, one small fulfillment of this revelation is thriving in the Indiana (Spanish) Branch of the Spokane Washington West Stake.
The branch membership on the day it was officially organized in 2008. Photo by Elder Julio E. Davila.
President Richard Lee, who learned to speak Spanish while serving a mission in Guatemala, makes it very clear that the main purpose of the branch is to follow this revelation from the Lord, and not to create any sort of isolation among the members.
"We are here to teach the gospel in their own language and to help them progress," he said. "Many of our members struggle to fit in to an English-speaking ward, because interpreting is a very tiring process."
Cande Lopez, a member of the branch, simply says, "When you listen in your own language, you can feel it more."
This particular Spanish branch was officially opened 21 months ago and now has approximately 90 members, with 60 that attend regularly. Elder Davila, a native of Peru and student of BYU until his mission call came, was one of the missionaries that helped get the branch started. He has a strong love for teaching Spanish investigators and members about the gospel.
"Everything in the Book of Mormon is related to their direct ancestors," he said. "It is a testament of their own heritage, and they can feel the truth of it. The gospel can change their lives."
For Davila and his companion, Elder Harper, the missionary work is going strong in the branch because the members are so open and willing to welcome new people into their lives. Elder Davila says they truly put into practice the idea of 'Mi casa es su casa' or 'My house is your house."
"It's like they are saying "My church is your church," Elder Davila said.
Lopez echoes this feeling. "Most Hispanic people, they enjoy having people in their home, enjoy sharing their experiences," he said. "It's easy to convert when you share your own feelings, and it's a good feeling."
His wife, Josephina, who still struggles to learn English, especially values the social aspect of attending the Spanish branch, but even with a limited vocabulary loves having people visit the branch and even her house. She welcomes all with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, and a plate of handmade tortillas.
It was this overwhelming sense of fellowship that helped Les and Val Dixon get through their first Sunday at the branch. Neither speak Spanish, but when they heard a talk by President Lee about the needs of the branch, they told him they would serve if there was something they could do. They were immediately called to serve 18 months in the Spanish Branch. Val plays the piano for Primary and baptisms and teaches junior primary. Les is the financial clerk, because, as he says, "You can count money in English or Spanish." They also often provide the missionaries with transportation.
It just so happened that the first Sunday they attended the branch, the headphone system was broken, so they had no translation services at all.
"Within about 25 minutes I had a huge headache, just trying to understand anything," said Val. "I felt like I would give my soul itself just to understand one sentence! I remember realizing that this was going to be a lot harder than we thought."
The Dixons have been in the branch for about four months, and Val can understand about a third of what is being said in their Gospel Essentials class, provided she keeps up with her study program at least nine hours a week. For someone who has always had a powerful love for and understanding of the English language and communication, this has been a challenge for her, but one that she is embracing.
"They are extremely patient with us and delighted with even our smallest efforts, because they have done and are often still doing the same thing themselves, learning a new language and a new culture," she said. "Even when we can only say the same thing over and over again."
She also admits that they still miss important announcements and often show up early for an activity that was changed or go to the wrong temple session. They are learning a lot about patience.
Don Condon and his wife Elizabeth, were called to serve in the branch six months ago. Don had learned some Spanish from medical training he received in Mexico years ago, but he quickly points out that this did not give him too much of an edge, because medical terminology and uses are extremely different from ecclesiastical. He is the ward mission leader, and acknowledges this calling as the reason his Spanish has progressed so well. He was immediately expected to go out with the missionaries and into Spanish-speaking homes to share the gospel.
"It's called language by immersion," he said. "At first the language hits you like a wall. You try to be friendly and smile a lot, but inside you are frustrated. But my listening skills have gone way up!"
Condon also believes that the Spanish heritage of the members directly affects their missionary zeal.
"They have a Lamanite heritage and it helps them tune into the Spirit easily," he said. "They like how they feel, so they come."
Condon admits that this simplicity of belief is something at times he envies.
No branch or ward of the church is without its particular struggles, and the Spokane Spanish branch has its fair share. President Lee and Elder Davila both point out the economic troubles with many members being out of work or with little or no education to gain better employment. Since many of them come to the United States to work and make money for their family, they struggle with balancing church assignments and work requirements. Often they work long, difficult hours and take multiple jobs so many work on Sundays and attendance can swing widely from week to week. Almost all the members are converts of only a few years, so most are learning about teaching lessons or building leadership, but Condon loves that they are "so appreciative in all things."
One of the largest problems for the branch is sheer size, because it extends from Post Falls to Ritzville. Every member associated with the branch made one similar plea, which was for more help. Anyone with Spanish language experience, especially return missionaries in the area, are encouraged to contact the branch and see how they can help.
Young men who have received calls to Spanish-speaking missions are also encouraged by President Lee to come and get a taste of the "real world". Even if you do not speak Spanish, there may be other ways you can help such as transportation for the missionaries or computer skills. Anyone who would like to attend the branch is more than welcome and interpreters are available for Sacrament Meeting services.
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