"Miracles" occur every day as visitors tour the Mexico City Visitors Center, said Director Fernando V. Torrentera Herrera.

"Many people are touched by the Spirit as they learn of Heavenly Father's plan. They become happier people," he said.He said the visitors center is a resource well-used by both visitors and missionaries. In 1994, more than 90,000 people visited the center. Many of those who came are neighbors of the temple. A substantial number asked to hear more about the Church.

"About half of the referrals we receive are for the Mexico Mexico City East Mission, which includes the temple," he said, adding that the remainder of the referrals are mostly for people living within the boundaries of the Mexico City South and North missions.

"Many people want nothing more than to listen to the gospel, and to be loved," he said, observing that after a tour, many visitors feel fulfilled and eager to hear more.

He said missionaries often bring investigators to the center where they are taken on tours given by the full-time missionaries.

He told of one man who came to the center and was later converted.

The man had gone to a party a few days earlier. After the party was over, he was left alone by his friends and had no money or transportation to return to his home. As he began walking, he wondered how he could return home and to his job. Then a car stopped and its driver offered him a ride. On the way, the driver, who was believed to be a member of the Church, encouraged him to give some attention to spiritual matters and expressed love for him.

A few days later, this man felt impressed to come to the visitors center. As he walked in, he had the same warm feeling that he'd experienced with the driver who had given him a ride home, and he asked to hear more about the gospel.

Another visitor whose life was changed by her visit was a young woman of about 20. She came with her mother and her younger sister, a mentally disabled child. The young woman was very bitter about life, said Brother Torrentera. But as the tour progressed, she understood that she was a daughter of God and felt His love for her. As she understood the Plan of Salvation, the ill feelings left.

The young woman joined the Church and is preparing for a mission. Her mother is also receiving the missionary lessons, he said.

These are just a couple of the many examples of the people who have been touched by the Spirit at the center, said Brother Torrentera.

"There are many who are baptized after their experience here. We are pleased to hear of their conversions."

He added, "I am very thankful to the Lord for His love extended to my wife and me for this assignment."

Pres. Lynn E Smith of the Mexico City Mexico East Mission said the visitors center is an excellent resource for missionaries.

"We receive many referrals from the visitors center that help us greatly with the work," he said.

Elder Preston Hatch of Colonia Dublan, Mexico, said "My companion and I often baptize several people a month in this mission, and many are referrals from the visitors center."