Making Friends Right to the End...

We had the opportunity to have five Baptisms this past week in the Ucayali Ward. Martin Trigoso, Kevin Vasquez, Peter Hauyaban, Cecilia Ortiz, and Jhonny Montes were all baptized and what a special baptismal service it was. Martin and Peter are already planning to leave on a mission once they have one year as a member. Kevin is the only member in his family but after his baptism his mom shared her desire to get baptized as well so he is already showing a good example to his family. Cecilia Ortiz is a single mom who has been attending church and listening to the Missionaries for over a year and finally made the decision to get baptized. Jhonny Montes has a story a little bit different.

Jhonny´s older brother Manuel was baptized about seven months ago by Elder Rich. During that time Jhonny´s Father was still alive but two months ago Jhonny´s dad died from cancer and with his death it took a toll on the entire family. Jhonny´s mom felt overwhelmed and his brothers as well felt overwhelmed with their new responsibility to provide for the family. When we started teaching Jhonny he didn´t show much interest so we decided that really what he need was a friend. We became friends and little by little he became more receptive to the lessons. When he taught him The Plan of Salvation he told us that was what he and his family needed. He made the decision to get baptized and achieved it this past weekend. He has such a strong testimony of Joseph Smith and of the Families Being Together Forever. What a great kid!!! He always goes on visits with us when he gets home from school and just enjoys sharing his testimony with others.