Quetzaltenango Guatemala Temple: A return to the Mayan 'vineyard'
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.
QUETZALTENANGO, GUATEMALA
It isn't unusual for returned missionaries to travel back to the areas where they once served to participate in a local temple dedication.
But the number of returned missionaries to western Guatemala who attended the Dec. 11 dedication of the Quetzaltenango Guatemala Temple seemed unusually high. Many said they simply felt compelled to return to the "vineyard" where the Spirit seemed as rich as this land's natural beauty.
Counted among the many returned missionaries who attended the temple dedication in Quetzaltenango was Elder James B. Martino of the Seventy who serves in the Central America Area Presidency. While a young missionary laboring in the Guatemala-El Salvador Mission, Elder Martino was assigned to the Quetzaltenango area. His service here introduced him to a people who seemed defined by their sensitivity to matters of the Spirit.
"I have always had the feeling that these people are special — but 40 years ago we never even dreamed of having a temple in Quetzaltenango."
But when he looked at faces of the many Guatemalans who participated in the dedication, he knew the faithful here were deserving of such a sacred edifice.
"I have no question that these people are the descendants of Lehi," said Elder Martino. "They have been saved to come here at this time to enjoy the blessings that were promised by prophets of old."
Guatemala native Julio Alvarado presided over the Guatemala Quetzaltenango Mission from 1990 to 1993. Like Elder Martino, he observed in the people he served a special capacity to recognize truth.
"The members here are very faithful … there is an expectation of spiritual things," he said.
Brother Alvarado marvels at how the missionary work will advance in the region because a temple has been built where all can see. "Now when the missionaries teach the people about eternal blessings they will no longer have to show them a picture of a temple, the people can see a temple for themselves."
Guatemala Guatemala City Central Mission President M. Joseph Brough served in Quetzaltenango as a full-time missionary in the early 1980s. Now a section of his mission has been included in the new temple district. His former service among the humble people of Quetzaltenango and its surrounding communities offered insight into their character.
"The people here are very family oriented, so when they learn about temples and eternal families, they feel it in their hearts."
