A Very Special Day
My family has always been a positive influence in my life. We all came from the land of Ecuador. Twenty-five years ago, the Lord led our family to New York City.
About three years ago, I was involved in a serious car accident. The miracle was that I walked away without a scratch. I pondered and prayed over what had happened. Then a few days later, I was home alone when I heard a knock at the door. It was two representatives from the Church, Elder Jeff Alexander and Elder Eric Medina. I knew and felt in my heart that their message was an answer from God. I was baptized July 24, 1994.
My mother and father were not pleased with my decision to be baptized, but they had always taught me in my youth to do what is right. I knew this was the right thing to do. But it was not easy. There was no support in my family. They did not want to hear anything about the Mormons. I was very discouraged for awhile. I found strength in exercising my faith in Jesus Christ and praying fervently that their hearts would be softened. In the meantime, I attended all my meetings, went out with missionaries, read my scriptures, served others in small ways and of course made sure I enjoyed myself by keeping the commandments.
About this time, I made up my mind to serve a full-time mission. My parents were very concerned about this, so they decided to do a little investigation of the Church themselves. They not only came to understand my desire to serve a mission, but they also gained a testimony.
I didn't know about any of this. The missionaries and ward members made sure I came to the meetinghouse the day of their baptism. I walked in to find my parents and best friend, Alejandra, sitting in white. My father took me in his arms. This was a very special day!
The Lord has bestowed miracle after miracle upon my family. On Sept. 19, 1997, my mom, Maria, and my father, George, were sealed in the Washington Temple.
I am currently serving in the Texas McAllen Mission. I love being a representative of our Savior and His true Church.
Elder Robert Andrade, Texas McAllen Mission - Church News, Missionary Moments, Dec. 6, 1997