Dear Family and Friends
What
a busy, but special week we have had in Curacao. The church has been
established in Curacao for 37 years. The building was in need of
renovation and was just recently completed.They were so proud to be able
to be able to share with their neighbors and friends the new look of
the building as well as their testimonies.Friday evening was dignitary
night and Saturday was the Open House. We probably had 120 guests come
and go over the two days and many were inactive members who had a
wonderful experience just remembering what it was like to feel the
spirit again and see old friends. Many visitors came to the church just
to see what it was we believed. It was a great opportunity for them to
see that we worship Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ not Joseph
Smith and the Book of Mormon. They all seem to be impressed with the
various auxiliaries of the church and the testimonies of the youth. When
one of our young men was asked "What would you do if your friends
offered you alcohol or drugs?" He answered "My friends know what I stand
for and they wouldn't be my friends if they asked me to do those
things!" The dignitary was one of the ministers of education in Curacao
and he went away very impressed by the conviction of the youth.
You
would have been very proud of Dad as he had worked tirelessly to be
able to offer the dedicatory prayer on the building in their own
language.
It was
very touching and emotional for them that Dad would take the time to
represent them before the Lord in their Papiamento tongue.
Whenever
a building or temple in the church has over an 80% renovation, it has
to be re-dedicated. So that was the case of the building here. The
members came together, along with the assistance of the Scott's (our
fabulous senior couple) and the missionaries. They were ready and proud
to show off their new church and it was very heartwarming to be able to
share in their joy.
When
you are sitting in your specific pew each Sunday, please remember what a
blessing it is to sit in a comfortable building with padded seats, air
conditioning, an organ and piano and hymnbooks. What we wouldn't give
to have every building equipped like this. We certainly have a greater
appreciation for those simple things that make worship so much nicer. As
usual, the blessings outweigh the sacrifice and we are happy to play a
little part
in the growth of the church in the Caribbean.
Love and miss you all,
Trini and Dad
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