Early converts now in temple presidency
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ASUNCION, Paraguay — Roger Gonzalez's first missionary discussion with the Samaniego family 28 years ago likely warranted little mention in his journal.
Some investigators respond immediately to the missionaries' messages, but the Samaniego family struggled. That first hour together in the Samaniegos' Asuncion, Paraguay, home was "a great challenge," recalls Brother Gonzalez, who served a full-time mission to the South American country in the early 1970s.
Then the gospel's spirit took charge.
"After that first discussion everything changed," Brother Gonzalez said, adding gospel seeds had been planted by other missionaries earlier. "It was almost like we could never get out of the house because they wouldn't let us. They were so excited to hear the message that had been delivered to their home. They could not get enough — they were hungry for the gospel."
Soon Abilio and Maria Elena Samaniego and their older children were baptized and became valuable members at a time when there were only two branches in Asuncion. Sister Samaniego began teaching seminary just weeks after walking from the baptismal waters. Her husband was asked to preside over a branch before he could mark the first anniversary of his conversion. The Samaniego children would grow up strong in the faith and teach their own children the gospel.
"The Lord has shown us much love, and I'm grateful," Brother Samaniego said.
Meanwhile, Elder Gonzalez returned home to the United States. With the passing years he remained in contact with the Samaniegos and thrilled in their friendship and continued devotion.
"It brings the feelings to the surface watching what this family has accomplished — to have been a small part in what they've done is incredible," said Brother Gonzalez, who now serves as a high councilor in the Provo Sunset Utah Stake.
President Gordon B. Hinckley announced on April 2, 2000, that a temple would be built in Asuncion. Brother Gonzalez knew it was time to make his first visit to Paraguay since departing almost three decades earlier, and attend the temple dedication.
"I wanted to return and see [the Samaniegos] and the temple and to see the things that had happened in their lives in the 28 years that I've been gone," he said. "There has been a marvelous transformation."
Brother Gonzalez and the Samaniegos were reunited days before the May 19 dedication of the Asuncion Paraguay Temple. The Samaniegos would be playing active roles in the new temple. Brother Samaniego had been called to the temple presidency while his wife accepted an assignment to be an assistant to the temple matron.
"I came to be the teacher many years ago," Brother Gonzalez said following the dedication. "I've returned to learn from them."
E-mail: jswensen@desnews.com
