In the coming weeks, members worldwide will observe the July 24th Pioneer Day celebration — an event commemorating the 1847 arrival of the Mormon Pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley.
But as members outside the western United States know, pioneers are not found only in Church history books. Wherever folks embrace the gospel in some corner of the world where the Church is young, they can aptly be called "pioneers." The ongoing story of the Church in South America is anchored by its pioneers. Some were among the first baptized in Argentina in 1925, just days after Apostle Melvin J. Ballard dedicated the continent for the preaching of the gospel. Other pioneers are joining the Church in modern times and remain living examples of the faithful who lead the way for others to follow.
In celebration of South America's pioneer experience, a series of documentaries has been produced by local LDS historian Nestor Curbelo. Six of the documentaries are being broadcast on a frequent basis in Spanish and Portuguese to millions of homes throughout Latin America via BYU Television International.
A convert to the Church and a native of Uruguay, Brother Curbelo has a soft spot for South America's pioneer stories. Countless members from the continent have sacrificed money, professional opportunities and personal relationships because of their decision to join the Church and raise their families in the gospel. Brother Curbelo has published several books on the history of the Church in the various South American countries and was eager to share some of the stories on film.
"In many nations we found members who embody the pioneer spirit," Brother Curbelo said. "They have demonstrated great strength and have sacrificed much to help build the Church in their lands."
He hopes the documentaries will also help viewers who are not LDS better understand the message of the restored gospel. Since joining the Church in 1966, he has witnessed plenty of myths perpetuated about the Church and its history in South America. The documentaries offer an inside glimpse into the lives of pioneer members and their respective testimonies.
The six documentaries tell the inspiring stories of rank-and-file members living in countries such as Peru, Ecuador and Argentina. Highlights include the story of a group of members who raise money to make the trip over land and water to worship together in the Lima Peru Temple. Another documentary captures the devotion of a Peruvian widow raising her young children in the gospel while practicing sacred principles of self-reliance.
Highlights from several of the documentaries can also be viewed, in part, online, in Spanish, at historiasud.com.ar/documentales.
BYU Television International is an apt programming venue for the South American pioneer documentaries. The channel was introduced by the Church-owned university three years ago and is offered by 248 cable companies in Latin America, according to station manager Saul Leal. The BYU channel reaches 5 million homes in several countries and offers educational, cultural, historical and entertainment programming. It has proven to be popular to LDS and non-LDS viewers alike. "It's one of the fastest growing channels in Latin America," said Brother Leal.
For many Latin American viewers, BYU Television International is their introduction to the worldwide Church. The pioneer documentaries are allowing millions to learn the personal stories of gospel conviction of the featured South American members.
"The pioneers reflect our culture through their stories of faith and perseverance," said Brother Leal, a Venezuela native.
