I was around 18 when construction for the Mexico City Mexico Temple had commenced. In those days, I remember the members would be asked to contribute financially toward the construction fund.

At one point we were asked to make one last financial effort to help in the completion of the temple. So those of us who had something of value, with which we could part, were encouraged to donate it to the fund. Our stake presidency volunteered to go door to door encouraging the donation of a watch, a ring — anything.

My bishop, Angel Dominguez, at the time was a very successful building contractor. He drove a fabulous sports car that I really liked. I would see him arrive at Church each time and I remember thinking, "Wow, the bishop has a really nice car."

One day, I noticed the car sitting in the Church parking lot, where it had remained for a few days with no sign of Bishop Dominguez. Soon after, I came to find that the bishop had donated his sports car to the temple fund.

The bishop became a living example to his members of how we can detach ourselves from the things which we give great value to or which we really enjoy in order to help the work of the Lord go forward. I never spoke to him about that although his example stayed with me.

A few years later, when I was preparing to serve a mission, I was accepted into a very prestigious university in Mexico. It was very difficult to get in. I began to think, "Should I go on a mission first and then return, perhaps to find that the opportunity might not be there anymore? Or should I go to school first and then serve a mission?"

I spoke with Bishop Dominguez. He told me, "I won't tell you what to do, but you should know that if you give the best to the Lord, He will always give you His choicest blessings."

I did take his counsel that day and learned for myself that when we put the Lord first in our lives, He does bless us. That principle has guided many important decisions in my life. I am grateful for that bishop's example. I came to find that not only did he believe what he taught, he lived it in his own life. — Victor Salinas, Tasqueno Ward, Churubusco Mexico Stake