The Same Spirit
10 Jul 2022
We traveled 4 hours on Saturday morning from Arequipa for our La Coasta Zone conference and descended nearly 8,000ft (2440 m) in altitude to the coast of Peru. Because of the usual thick coastal fog and the remote roads we were advised not to drive home in the dark so we stayed the night in the town of Camana. The sun goes down very early here at around 6 pm. On Sunday morning we attended a little branch in one of the Districts for which President Chipman oversees. A District describes a cluster of branches which are congregations of our church that are too small to be made into wards and stakes. Because of the lack of members and the long distances in between, it is often difficult to have enough leadership for these areas and that is why the Mission President presides over them.
The coast of Peru is very arid and there is little vegetation and it seems like most people live very humble lifestyles. It is winter here and off season, but I’m not sure if that changes things much even in the summertime. I’ll let you know in January!
When we entered the small branch building, we were warmly welcomed by the members who all wanted to shake our hands and then we sat on the stand and watched the tiny chapel fill with families and individuals dressed in whatever clothes they owned. Soon the meeting began and we sang hymns and partook of the sacrament and the spirit was very strong and I remembered that I felt that very same feeling in the sacrament meeting that I attended two weeks ago (mentioned in last weeks blog) where we partook of the sacrament in the the MTC with the Quorum of the Twelve and President Nelson. It was a life changing experience and one that I will always remember and cherish because of the way I felt. Today, once again, I felt that very same strong spirit manifest itself in that tiny humble and remote branch on the coast of Peru. It struck me that the church was just as true here in Camana, Peru as it was in the MTC in Provo, Utah and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone no matter their opportunities or circumstances. Our Heavenly Father loves all of his children and wants them to come unto Him. It was a beautiful realization and I couldn’t help but share my thoughts with the small congregation as President Chipman interpreted for me.
I’m not going to lie and say everything has been easy this week as we have tried to adjust to our new lifestyle in Peru as missionaries and leaders. There is so much to learn and our responsibilities seem quite overwhelming, but these simple but profound experiences have solidified my resolve to serve God with all of my heart and take advantage of this amazing opportunity!
