A meeting with Guatemalan media
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QUETZALTENANGO, GUATEMALA
Thousands of Latter-day Saints from western Guatemala graciously welcomed President Dieter F. Uchtdorf to the "Land of Eternal Spring."
President Uchtdorf also made time to speak with a reporter from the national media about the role of temples and the future of the Church in Guatemala.
"It's a great privilege for me to be here," said the second counselor in the First Presidency during an interview with Nuestro Diario writer Cesar Cruz. "I've heard so much about Quetzaltenango — it's beautiful."
President Uchtdorf said his German heritage instilled in him an affinity for mountains — so he felt right at home traveling through the Guatemalan highlands. The beauty of the landscape, he added, is a reflection of the beauty of the people.
He explained to the newspaper reporter that the Church does not employ a paid clergy. "We do it to serve God, to serve Jesus Christ and to serve our fellow man. That is our goal."
During the interview President Uchtdorf also noted the strength of the Latter-day Saint youth that aptly represent both the culture of Guatemala and the spiritual strength of the Guatemalan members.
He also spoke about the vital role the new temple will play in the lives of Guatemalan families.
"We believe that families can live together not only here on earth, but that families can also live together for eternity — that is the central purpose of the temple."
President Uchtdorf said he hoped that he would fulfill a lifelong dream to explore Tikal, one of the treasured archeological sites of Guatemala. During his time as a commercial airline pilot he often flew into Central America and became intrigued with Mayan history.
He was asked to comment on the future of the Church in Guatemala.
"The Church will continue to grow," he replied, "because Jesus Christ wants us to continue this work."
President Uchtdorf added that the Church is committed to serving the people of Guatemala and strengthening the nation's families. "Our focus is to make strong families … out of strong families comes a strong nation."
