With the local newspapers proclaiming "President Carlos Salinas de Gortari to visit the Mormons," the little LDS community of Colonia Juarez sprang into action, preparing for the Nov. 11 visit of the Mexican head of state.

At the invitation of Fernando Baeza, the governor of the state of Chihuahua, Pres. Salinas visited the Mormon colony, one of several founded by Church members in 1885. The governor, a friend to the LDS community in Mexico, admires the lifestyle of the Mormon people, and wanted Pres. Salinas to become acquainted with them. Due to Mexico's strong policy of separation of church and state, however, such a visit to a religious group is seldom done.Preparing for the presidential appearance, Colonia Juarez hummed with activity. Residents, proud of their community and honored by the expected presidential visit, tidied their yards, fields, and orchards, the fruit from which is famous throughout the country. Pot holes in the highways were filled in, new white lines were painted, and bridges and signs were given a fresh coat of paint.

As the president and his party arrived at the campus of the Church high school, Academia Juarez, the school band greeted them playing, "The Grand March." Pres. Salinas stopped to enjoy the music, and complimented band director Kenneth Farnsworth and the 70 band members.

For a banquet later served to some 400 invited guests, Gov. Baeza had requested turkey and apple pie, products of the area. The president was delighted with the meal and the homemade candy given him, and took a plate of candy home to share with his family.

Men at the banquet arrived wearing suits and ties, but removed their suit coats and ties after being informed that Pres. Salinas considered this an informal occasion, and would be dressed accordingly.

At a ceremony following the banquet, David R. Brown, a member of the Colonia Juarez Stake, gave a brief history of the Mormons in Mexico, including the fact there are currently more than 600,000 members throughout the country in 1,200 wards and branches. Other speakers thanked the president for his efforts in drug enforcement and the curbing of inflation.

A microphone was brought to the president's table, where he stood to express his gratitude for the community's cordial welcome, hospitality and the delicious food. "I'm pleased," he said, "to have fellow citizens such as the Mormons. You are a good people who do good!"

He personally thanked the stake Relief Society president, Celia O. Loera, for the grace and efficiency with which the sisters of the stake carried out their assignments for the banquet.

As Pres. Salinas' helicopter was ready to leave, Academia Juarez student body president David Memmott presented the state leader with a copy of A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, The History of the Mormon Colonies in Mexico, a triple combination engraved with the president's name, and a video tape of "Our Heavenly Father's Plan."

Sister Loera presented the president with a handmade quilt from the LDS women of Colonia Juarez, explaining that it was typical of Mormon culture and handicraft.

There were many requests for copies of the Book of Mormon from among those accompanying the president, and several missionary referrals.