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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

...bonds within the family can be eternal and peacefully joyous..." (6/22/2015)

So this is it! It's our last week in the Utah st George mission. Da
feels are real. We had a a amazing week last week though. We had zone
conference in ephraim! Super inspirational. Had an interview with
president that brought me to tears. We worked and watched the manti
pageant! Beautiful! Michelle, Caden, and Gary were baptized! Super
stressful day that was. Edwin continues to go to church. RL, Amanda's
husband got the priesthood and will be baptizing her this upcoming
weekend. Andddddddd we are getting a mini missionary today who will be
with us for 3 days. We got his crib ready. Haha. We told the kids at
the manor to haze him when he gets here. "He goin to learn today"
haha. Other than that all is well. I'm happily exhausted daily and I
wouldn't have it any other way. Gary had asked me to bear my testimony
at his baptism and in that I shared an excerpt from "The Family. a
Proclamation To The World". For those who don't know the article it
has been published by the prophets and apostles in these latter days
as Heavenly Fathers view on the family and the sacred roles a mother
and father have. Here is the excerpt!

"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is
essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within
the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who
honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is
most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord
Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and
maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness,
respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational
activities."

I testify that the family is ordained of God as it mentions. I testify
that the value and bonds within the family can be eternal and
peacefully joyous through living the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is
no other way. I testify that a mother and father though there roles
are different are equal partners in the upbringing of Heavenly Fathers
children. What a great trust has been placed on us. Let us be inspired
and accept all the tools our God has given us to make sure we do it
His way. I love you all. Happy Father's Day!

Elder Luis Augusto Castellanos