Jan

23

Hispanics in Utah

Filed Under Home, Family and Church

Elder Winkle spoke at Stake conference this morning and cited some statistics about the growing hispanic population in Utah.

1985 – 35,000
1995 – 45,000
2005 – 270,000

The question is, what brings all these people to Utah? Many would assume it’s because they’re members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but, to my surprise, only 8 percent of these people are members of the Mormon church.

Rather exciting. I love these people because of my association with them while serving a mission in Coahuila, Durango and Zacatecas in Mexico.

Yesterday I had my inspection done at C & A Auto. The place, though slightly older and out of shape, was run well and they had me in and out very quickly. Hispanic run and owned businesses are popping up everywhere.

Though my neighborhood doesn’t have very many hispanic families, there must be someway to become better friends with this growing group of people. I feel like we’re living in two separate worlds and I don’t like it. These folks took such good care of me when I was in Mexico and I feel it’s my privledge to reach out to them as they come to Utah.


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2 Comments so far

  1. Rich Hogan on March 4, 2005 10:51 pm

    Neal–

    My wife and I have just been called to serve in the Torreon Mission, which I’m assuming by what you’ve written above is where you served. We live in Houston, Texas, and see some of the same issues. I’m sure you’ll find ways of making a difference. (It would be great to hear from you regarding your missionary service!)

  2. site admin on March 10, 2005 2:39 pm

    Congratulations! If you ever want to call or ask any questions about the mission, I’d be happy to.