Fortuitous detour leads to life's blessings
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TORCY, France — At age 23, Jhon Londono left his native Colombia in 1990 with two friends, intending to make his way to England. Instead, he settled in France, a detour that has brought blessings, particularly of family and the gospel.
Fifteen days after arriving in France, he met a young woman from Colombia, Giovanna Ramirez, who is now his wife. She had come to France in 1989 with her father when he had a contract as a musician.
In the early months, Jhon and Giovanna found themselves down and nearly out; at one time they were living rough on the streets with no home or work.
They learned of the gospel when a fellow Colombian, Marisol Restrepo, approached them, having heard them speak Spanish to each other.
"Although this sister was less active, her mother (Ester Restrepo), also a member, was a very good missionary," Brother Londono said. "She was a good friend to us; she often invited us to her home for meals, where she spoke to us about the gospel. Then she introduced the missionaries."
This had a dramatic effect on Brother Londono. "As soon as I saw the missionaries, even before they said anything, I knew that the Church was true. I felt something very special inside me," he said.
At first, Sister Londono was a little reluctant and unsure. She prayed for guidance from the Lord, however, and eventually she decided to join the Church. One of the things that touched her was the love of the members. "They were really like family to us," she said. "People are often cold toward us because we are seen as foreigners, but Church members have always been warm towards us."
Brother and Sister Londono were baptized in 1991, and their children are being raised in the gospel. They have four children: Laura-Cathalina, 11; John-Emmanuel, 6; Andres-Felipe, 5; and Juan-Pablo, 6 months. Married in 1991, Brother and Sister Londono were sealed in the Frankfurt Germany Temple in 1994.
"The greatest strength to my testimony is to see my children grow up in the Church," Brother Londono said.
Brother and Sister Londono serve as Primary teachers in the Torcy Ward, Paris France East Stake. They recently served as ward missionaries and haven't forgotten the kindly way they were introduced to the gospel and fellowshipped by members. They regularly open their home to friends, several of whom have been taught by the missionaries.
For the Londono family life now is, figuratively, a million miles away from those hard times not too many years ago. Brother Londono, 36, is a senior manager in a contract painting company and they enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Both are quick to see in this the hand of the Lord and the effect of the gospel in their lives.
"We have been very much blessed by the Lord," said Brother Londono. "The Church is everything for us," added Sister Londono.
