Tonight we attended the baptism of Guillermo Almonacid and Tamara Muñoz Leveke in the Paine Branch. I love attending baptisms, but this one was particularly special for me. I truly felt that joy that is spoken of in Doctrine and Covenants 18:15-16 “And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!” I truly had an overwhelming abundance of joy and gratitude fill my heart as I witnessed this baptism, and the light and joy in their eyes when they bore their testimonies. I know that choosing to make and keep covenants with the Lord brings a miraculous change of heart and an abundance of joy and peace!
We met them for the first time on August 9, 2022 when Elder Diaz, and Elder Tavarez, invited us to a lesson with them. Tamara comes from a family of many members and was ready and excited to join the church, but her partner, Guillermo, was not seeing the need for the church in his life. He had Word of Wisdom issues that he wasn’t feeling the desire or need to change. On top of all of this there was the issue of them needing to get married before baptism. In Chile, there is more incentive to stay single because government programs for assistance for getting into a home are better if you are single so this was an issue for them also.
Through out the lesson, Guillermo seemed pretty closed off. His arms were crossed and he didn’t make much eye contact as the missionaries shared their message. At the end of the lesson Dave was prompted to share his conversion story with Guillermo. There was a very distinct shift in the Spirit and a noticeable shift in Guillermo as the Spirit touched him as Dave bore testimony. It is a beautiful thing to observe and be a part of! Guillermo’s heart was softened and he followed the invitation to read the Book of Mormon and know for himself that the gospel is true.
Over the next several months, we kept them in our prayers, and we ran into them several times, which gave us the opportunity to make them feel as special as possible (Dave is amazing at this)! Tamara had joined the Buin District Choir soon after this lesson and as she travelled to the different branches to sing, he would go too. We had heard they had set a wedding date for January and had plans to be baptized right after that, but it seemed so far off we were not certain it would happen. Sure enough! It is amazing what a difference it made when all the members of not only the Paine Branch, but the District Choir and all of the other branches fellowshipped them and made them feel welcomed and wanted everywhere they went. That ministering by the members is very powerful!
I’ll never forget the huge hug I received from Tamara’s grandmother after the baptism. As we embraced and shared tears of joy, I felt her happiness that after all this time, all her faith and prayers for her family, she could reap the reward of joy in this day. I know those desires for my family well, the fasting and prayers, the hope and trust placed in the Lord. All I want for my family is to take part in the true joy and peace that comes from following our Savior Jesus Christ. Life is not easy, it wasn’t meant to be, but He gave us a plan and showed us the way back. I know my Savior lives and that this truly is His work, in His way and in His time. And I am so grateful to be a part of it!
From left to right, Elder Crosby, Guillermo, Tamara, Me, Elder Tavaraz & Elder Diaz
From left to right Elder Matthew Adams (Sacramento CA), Elder Austin Martell (Monticello, UT), Elder Fernando Pugliesi (Brazil), Elder Estêvão Costa (Brazil), Kevyn Leveke, Guillermo Almonacid, Tamara Leveke, Mario Leveke, Elder Diaz (Argentina), Me, Dave, Elder Rylan Simmons (Spokane, WA) , Elder & Hermana Jones (Bountiful, UT), kneeling in front: Elder Bradley Andino (Honduras) & Elder Tavaraz (St. Anthony, ID)
I love to watch the love and connection that Dave has developed with these missionaries we work with!
Lots of love in attendance.
Bless, Lift & Connect 