Valiente

Today our friends, the Bentley's invited us to go with them to the Valiente Branch for church. This is the branch that we told you about a couple of weeks ago, where we teach English and the Bentleys teach piano.  Kris and Steve Bentley are going home in one week and wanted to see how the branch was functioning on a Sunday.

President Julio Ogando, Kris and Steve Bently

Today they had 141 people in attendance. The Sacrament meeting program was presented by the youth. They had two musical numbers that were beautiful. Three young women sang "His Hands", which is a favorite of mine, and the other one was presented by the whole young men and women group. It was awesome!

John Henry, Peggy and Kris

Afterward, I went to the youth Sunday School
class. It was fun. The youth are so enthusiastic
and friendly.








The highlight was right after the meeting,when there were two baptisms. Two brothers, Wilfredo and Ender, who have been coming to the English class, decided to receive the missionary lessons. Their mother was baptized in 1994 and stayed active for four years and then dropped off. She came today and bore her testimony after the baptism and said that she has missed the spirit she had felt when she was active and the fellowship. So she will be coming also. She was on cloud nine and so proud of her boys.

Elder Celeya,, Wifredo, Mom, and Ender

We are so blessed that we have had a tiny roll in helping this branch. Julio, the branch president, is so faithful. There are already too many people in the building and Julio is looking for a larger building to rent. What a great problem to have! Yesterday at English class there were 240 students! The Lord will provide a building so the church can continue to grow.in Valiente.
The scripture in D&C 64:33 says, "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing; for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small  things(branches) proceedeth that which is great."
This branch is going to grow to be a ward quickly. Every time we go there, more are coming. I keep thinking it will slow down and it doesn't. The spirit was very strong today and many who attended were not members. How exciting!  Kris said, as we drove home, "What a nice way to end our mission." I agree Kris.   Peggy

Peggy, Pres. Julio and Randy 

Going Away Party

Our friend Reid Cornish, son of the Area President Elder Dven Cornish, is leaving the Caribbean and the DR after five years and moving to Utah.  Elder Cornish is being called to a new assignment over the Family History program in Salt Lake City and leaves July 1.  A few of the senior missionaries decided to give Reid a little going away party.

He loves to go bowling so that's what we did. The McGuire's, Dukes, Park's and DeWitt's joined together for the little bowling activity at the Senegel Lanes.  We rolled three games, laughing at each other, cheered when a strike or spare was made (Reid bowls a lot of strikes) and groaned at the "splits" and many gutter balls.

Reid and Jon Duke

It was a lot of fun and Reid was absolutely in heaven.  Following bowling, we all took him to dinner at that famous Dominican restaurant Denny's.  It was a great Saturday afternoon.
I also like to play basketball with Reid at the Missionary Training Center court.  The two of us play the shooting game "Horse" but I modified it and call it "Caballo" which means horse in Spanish.

Reid and Elder Park at the MTC Basketball Court

We count and keep score in Spanish to help us practice counting.  We have foul shooting contests, play one-on-one games and I have taught him to dribble with his left so he can "go baseline on me." I told him when I get home to Utah I will call him and we will play.  He gets the biggest smile on his face.  In the meantime I tell him to keep practicing with his left hand.  Everyone will miss Reid and I will miss his big hug every time we greet each other.  He is a good friend.  Randy