The Lloyd's in...

December 11, 12, 13, 2015

Tender Blessing Abound

Quezaltenango Temple Workers Devotional

     Each year, the Quezaltenango Temple has a devotional for its workers. One of the area presidency is always invited to speak but due to schedule conflicts, none of them were available. Elder Duncan, the area president, suggested, "Maybe someone who served his mission there could possibly go in our place, Elder Lloyd." That was the beginning of many very tender blessings for Elder and Hermana Lloyd that weekend.
       Saturday morning, we left our hotel in search of the home of Maria Oroxom, one of Spence's converts. He thought it was close by and he could find it. He did and it was only about 5 blocks away. On a previous trip to Guatemala, about 8 years ago, we found her and some of her family. We remember quite fondly how young and spry she seemed for a woman in her 80's. Spence had heard she had since passed away but still wanted to at least find the family. When her son answered the door, he said that she was there but was housebound due to a bad fall a few years ago. We did not recognize her when we first saw her. Although she could not see or hear well, she recognized Elder Lloyd and could not stop holding his hand and repeating his name over and over. Afterward, we walked around the corner and visited her daughter, Gloria,for a few minutes. A tender blessing.

        This same weekend, there was the Dia de Guadalupe celebration honoring the birthday of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Our hotel is just off the town square where all the celebrating was happening. Lots of people, tons of food, things to buy, and various activities.Throughout the country, children dress in typical clothing paying homage to the Virgen de Guadalupe and having their picture taken at 2 "stands" elaborate decorations. 

The Devotional

     Sunday afternoon we spoke to about 300 members and temple workers. Yes, I SPOKE...ok, I read most of it but also spoke a little without my notes. It even sounded like Spanish! I felt elated! President Galvez told the whole audience it was "excellente"! I admit, he probably said that just for me so I would feel good. It worked! 
      Afterward, two women came up to Spence and asked if he had baptized their grandmother, Maria, and mother, Gloria. "Yes", he said, " I did." Then, they wept and thanked him for bringing the gospel to them. A tender blessing.

      The two families asked if they could come to our hotel later and bring other family members. What a surprise...families kept coming and coming! Gloria´s daughters brought Gloria, two other sisters, two brothers plus all their families. Each family group came up to Spence thanked and embraced him for his service. Afterward, they all gathered together and expressed their testimonies by singing "Army of Helaman". We were so overcome with love and gratitude. Another tender blessing. 

                               "Our Family Picture"
     Gloria's son, Guillermo, said that Maria had 150 descendants who are active members of the church.  Here are about 25 of them. Although Spence has no idea of the results of his service those many years ago, he does know that ONE family loves the Gospel of Jesus Christ and is faithful...to the end. Truly, a tender mercy.

     Just before they left, we met them outside on the street. We were greeted with them singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Felize Navidad" with sparklers in hand! 

Thank you Orozom Family. You are a treasure to us!!!