This is Elder Jara.
He is from Ecuador.
Before the mission he competed in
Olympic Style Weight Lifting.
He competed in many Countries. He was very good.
When he decided to go on his mission, his parents were separated.
His father was not a member of the church but his mother was.
He was a very successful missionary.
He was a trainer right after he was trained.
In fact, he trained Elder Hunsaker our assistant.
He was also a traveling assistant for 7 months
and an assistant to Pres. Mora for 4 months.
He brought many people into the Church.
But the most incredible story was the one that was
taking place in his home in Ecuador.
You see, he was fasting and praying and studying and writing letters to his father at home.
He would write all these great letters and send them to his father
and never get any response.
But he was persistent and full of faith.
Months passed ...
Then he found out that his father was taking the lessons in Ecuador.
His father started to attend church...
well, in shorts and a t-shirt.
Soon he started to wear pants and a polo.
Later he added suit pants, a white shirt, but no tie.
And then it happened, he was wearing All White - He got baptized!
Now he is wearing a suit and white shirt and tie.
You see...
Elder Jara is leaving a couple weeks early
so that he can go home to be sealed with his family in the Temple in Ecuador
His father was baptized a year ago today.
Now he and his family are all heading to the temple
on his parents wedding anniversary next week.
They are being sealed before his younger brother enters the
mission field.
We are thrilled. Of all the success this Elder has had in the field,
nothing was as important as his example and love and prayers for his father.
They will be sealed together forever
through the proper Priesthood authority here on earth.
We love you Elder Jara!
