At first, it was not easy for Elder Benjamin D. Maughan of Easley, S.C., and Elder Andres J. Valenzuela of Norwalk, Calif., to teach the seven members of the Miguel and Treva Salazar family in Odessa, Texas. They were often thwarted in their efforts to share testimony.

"I remember the first day we went to Church. I did not want to go, especially because I had to wear a dress," said Crystal, a daughter.

"I did not feel like going; but I got up and got ready," said Efren, a son.

"The first day I went to Church, I did not want to go. We did not know anyone," said Angel.

"I never liked to study when the missionaries came. I always got mad. I did not like to listen," said Jasmine, a daughter. "But the more they came, the more the Holy Ghost prompted me to get closer and closer to God and His Church."

It was the same for Crystal. "The more the missionaries came and taught us, the more I liked it. I understood everything and it all made sense. Now, I like going to Church and learning about Him.

"My favorite part is that we were baptized as a family. Now we are preparing for the temple."

Tatiana, a daughter, feels the same. "I saw the happiness in my family's faces before we were baptized. Everyone seemed so happy. I will remember that day for a long time. My family has changed a lot because of the Church's help."

"For me, this has been an extraordinary experience because the gospel has shown me how to be a better person, a better human being, husband, son, brother," said Brother Salazar, the father.

"My baptism has brought me closer to my Father in Heaven and I feel a sense of peace and tranquility. … I am so glad to know that we will be an eternal family."

When the missionaries visited, "I would do everything to avoid them," said Sister Salazar, the mother. "My husband would say, 'Let's listen to what they have to say.'

"I finally accepted, and as we started to learn, I really liked the gospel of Jesus Christ. What I like most is the opportunity to become an eternal family. That thought gives me a lot of comfort. I wanted to get baptized with my husband and children. … Since my baptism everything is calm."

The Miguel and Treva Salazar family was baptized Oct. 18, 2009, bringing new strength and vitality to their Spanish-speaking branch.