Journeys on the Covenant Path

It is Thanksgiving weekend, and we have much to be grateful for in this blog posting. First, we are grateful to be on this mission and to enjoy good health (except for minor illnesses and body aches). Our family is healthy and safe, and all are well. Secondly, our good friends were married and baptized this past weekend. Ramon and Cynthia live here in Lowell. We’ve known them for several months now as they began attending our Spanish group and being taught by the young missionaries. On Saturday, November 19 they were married in a ceremony conducted by our bishop. It was a lovely wedding that the members of the Spanish group decorated for and made very special for them. They are from Peru, so it was arranged for their family to view the ceremony via Zoom from Peru. Elder Zollinger was asked to escort Cynthia down the aisle, that was reminiscent of our daughter Vika’s wedding. We were able to talk to Ramon’s parents and sister via Zoom and congratulate them on their son’s wedding. Ramon’s parents have been receiving the missionaries in Cuzco and have been attending church there.

Cynthia Gayoso on the left with Bishop Randy Miller in the center and Ramon Montalvo on the right

New bride Cynthia with sons David and Josue and the new groom, Ramon.

​The next day on Sunday, November 20, 2022, Ramon and Cynthia were baptized and confirmed members of the church in a very special service. The couple have two young sons, David (4), and Josue (3). The whole experience was special for the Spanish group as they have become beloved members of the group over the past few months. Now they will work towards making temple covenants in the future as they grow and progress in the church.

"Welcome to the baptism of Cynthia and Ramon"

Left to right, Hermana Woolner, Hermana Widdison, Cynthia and Ramon Montalvo

Left to right back row, Elder Zollinger, Ramon and Cynthia Montalvo, Sister Zollinger. Front row left to right, Josue and brother David

Reflecting on these events and what it means to follow the word of God, I wrote a poem that reflects my thoughts and feelings:

Iron Rod
by
​Michael Zollinger

​Each day I live and walk with God
I grasp with faith His iron rod
It leads along a narrow path to guide me through life’s wheat and chaff
The rod is long and straight and sure and leads me to His distant shore
It is His word the scriptures say; forged in fire to guide my way
Most times I walk straight with care; the rod lightly clasped but always there
Sometimes I stumble and lose my grasp; my spirits sag and my hopes are dashed
On my knees I tearfully seek the rod’s close comfort on my dampened cheeks
Then, I’m up again with my grasp renewed; my tears now dried my journey not through
His iron rod cannot be seen with mortal eyes by you and me
Instead it enters in our hearts and with fire emblazoned on our inner parts
For then this iron from His rod unseen strong bones for mortal men will be

From the church's website. I enjoy the imagery

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that even though life might be hard at times, we can count our blessings still the same.