BARCELONA, Spain — Archie Acma knows the value of a testimony. In fact, he has collected nearly 1,000 written testimonies during the 22 years since his baptism.

Archie Acma

He began collecting the testimonies of others shortly after his baptism in December 1981. Testimonies come mostly from missionaries in the Spain Barcelona mission, mission presidents, Church members, and workers in the Madrid Spain Temple.

"It is interesting and marvelous to collect different testimonies because I love reading them and it has strengthened my faith and love for the Savior," said Brother Acma, a native of the Philippines who joined the Church a few months after he immigrated to Spain.

He has also kept a photo album documenting his membership in the Church, beginning with his baptism. He has photos of missionaries and General Authorities who have visited Spain.

Brother Acma, a member of the Barcelona 2nd Ward, Barcelona Spain Stake, has a great deal of enthusiasm for life and for the Church.

Every Sunday, he goes to the Church building at 6 a.m. He sweeps the sidewalk outside the chapel and helps get the sacrament table ready. He also frequently volunteers to clean the Church building.

"I want to demonstrate that I love the Lord," he said. "Since I've been baptized, my life changed completely. I learned the purpose of life. Joining the Church is the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Brother Acma also does all he can to support missionary work. He is a well-known figure to missionaries in the Barcelona area. He frequently prepares food for the missionaries, has used his vacation days to help with proselytizing, and is a regular when missionaries and members gather to sing in the Placa Catalunya every six weeks when the mission has its transfers. He enjoys going out to work with the missionaries.

"When I help someone, I feel happy," he said.

According to Spain Barcelona Mission President John L. Watson, "There are very few people in the Church who give such an effort to the welfare of the missionaries. He loves them with all his heart and he shows that through the food he prepares for them and the missionary work he does with them. He never lets missionaries leave him without asking for their most prized possession, their testimony."

Brother Acma speaks five languages: Filipino, Spanish, English, and some Japanese and German. He has been employed in a variety of jobs. One of his most interesting was portraying Fu Manchu and the Dalai Lama for a series of department store ads in Barcelona.

He received his endowments in the Madrid Spain Temple several years ago, and has returned to the temple a number of times, something that requires an overnight bus ride.

"I never get tired of going to the temple. It is the most precious building around," he said.

"Archie is a true example of a disciple of Jesus Christ. He is more giving than any other man I know. He would do anything in his power to help the missionaries, and the Church. Nothing in his life is more important than the Church and the Savior," said Elder David Clark, who served in the Spain Barcelona Mission.