Auxiliary presidents visit Peru, Bolivia
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
The Church's Relief Society general president and Primary general president visited 11 cities in Bolivia and Peru this spring, meeting with the countries' first ladies, visiting local hospitals, training auxiliary leaders and addressing 11,000 Church members. The two leaders, along with South America West Area president, Elder Marcus B. Nash of the Seventy, also participated in a training broadcast to every stake and district in the two countries.
Sister Julie B. Beck and Sister Cheryl C. Lant traveled to the countries March 7 through March 21.
"The spirit of Lehi is in strong evidence there and they carry with them the spirit of their ancestors," said Sister Beck, general Relief Society president.
Pilar Nores de Garcia, the First Lady of Peru, and Esther Morales Ayma, the First Lady of Bolivia, each praised the Church's broad humanitarian efforts.
Peru's first lady created a program in her country titled, "Planting seeds," wanting to promote clean water, sanitation, cooking and gardening.
"We had a warm visit with her," said Sister Beck.
Bolivia's first lady had recently completed a wheelchair project with the Church, during which she went into remote areas of her country and distributed Church-donated wheelchairs. Now, said Sister Beck, she wants to do it again.
"They are impressive countries," said Sister Beck. "These first ladies are women with vision and talent. They are educated, sophisticated and they are doing great work."
The auxiliary leaders also visited Pisco, Peru, the site of an earthquake that devastated a part of Peru in 2007. They met with Church members and learned of the Church's impressive efforts since the disaster. Local Latter-day Saint women, for example, made quilts for all the babies in the area.
"Local members didn't just take care of members of the Church," she said. "They reached out to the community and to their neighbors and friends."
"We really met impressive leaders," said Sister Beck.
Sister Beck and Sister Lant also visited women in their homes, working to "lift and strengthen them" and encourage them "to live the gospel in their lives."
