USHUAIA, Argentina
General auxiliary leaders made a historic trip early this November to visit Church members in Ushuaia, Argentina – the southernmost city in the world.
Sister Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president, and Sister Vicki F. Matsumori, second counselor in the Primary general presidency, visited Ushuaia during a nine-day training trip throughout Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay on Oct. 31 through Nov. 8.
They were accompanied by Elder Shayne M. Bowen of the Seventy and president of the Church's South America South Area, and his wife, Sister Lynette Bowen.
In Ushuaia, the Church has a district with four branches. Sister Beck and Sister Matsumori — the first general auxiliary leaders to visit Ushuaia — said the members there are very faithful.
Sister Beck noted that in the past three years, "17 bright and shining couples" from the isolated city have married in the temple.
Sister Matsumori said the members were so appreciative of the visit that they put together a choir to perform for the auxiliary leaders. The choir sang the last verse of one song in English. "They had been practicing for months and months," Sister Matsumori said. "It was their way of showing their appreciation for having someone come to them and be with them."
These are wonderful Latter-day Saints who gather despite harsh conditions, Sister Beck said.
During meetings, the leaders spoke about preparing to attend the temple (they are part of the Buenos Aires Argentina Temple district) and encouraging young men to serve missions.
In addition to Ushuaia, Sister Beck and Sister Matsumori visited several LDS women in their homes, toured Beehive Clothing and the Church Distribution center in Asuncion, Paraguay, and spoke at numerous member and leadership meetings.
One stake Primary presidency traveled seven hours because they heard the auxiliary leaders would be in Montevideo, Uruguay. "They had that kind of desire to follow the counsel [from Church leaders] about what they can do to help strengthen children," said Sister Matsumori. "That was a great blessing to see them."
At the end of the trip – after they had met with Church members and had an understanding of some of their concerns and questions — Sister Beck and Sister Matsumori participated in an area-wide training broadcast. "The Lord is raising up wonderful leaders," said Sister Beck.
Sister Beck said another highlight of the trip included seeing Church members line up around the Buenos Aires Argentina Temple the day before it closed for renovations.
"The lines of people there with such a desire to get to the temple was outstanding," Sister Matsumori said.
