Young Mormons find growth in Jersey mission
Newark NJ Star-Ledger 26Jul99 C3
By Steve Chambers: Staff Writer

Elder Cameron Adams has been a missionary in New Jersey for the past 17 months, teaching everyone from a disabled man in a Roselle, New Jersey parking to to the residents of the state's most affluent suburbs. "I love New Jersey," he said. "In a lot of ways, this has been an eye-opener, but it's been one of the greatest experiences of my life."

Currently, Elder Adams and his companion, Elder Brett Berger, are working in the area of Elizabeth, New Jersey, part of the Morristown New Jersey Mission. The disabled man, Michael Murphy of Linden, New Jersey, who lost his legs in a train accident, listened to the Elders, and thanked them for their message.

The Elders say that they have more success in poor neighborhoods. "When the people are humble, it's easier to teach,"said Elder Berger. "In some neighborhoods, it's like, 'I'm Catholic,' and they slam the door. Here they say, 'Praise the Lord' when I knock."

One of their converts, Carmelita Servil, a Haitian immigrant who lives in Linden, is glad that she joined the LDS Church on January 10th. "I feel at peace in my heart now. I feel I've found the right way. These missionaries are doing wonderful work. They're doing a good job, and I think it pleases the Lord."

Elder Adams says about 20 people have joined the Church from his efforts, "I've seen every different kind of person join the church, from poor to rich," he said. "We're all the same under the roof of this church. I've seen people turn their whole lives around." The converts are now part of the LDS Church's 20,000 members in New Jersey.