TRUJILLO, PERU
Members gathered here on Sept. 14 to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the future Trujillo Peru Temple, signaling the commencement of construction on what will be this nation's second temple.
Elder Rafael Pino, a member of the Seventy and president of the South America Northwest Area, presided at the event and offered a prayer of dedication. He also offered remarks and encouraged the members to rebuild their own lives even as the temple is being built.
"The beginning of this construction project can represent a time for us to construct our lives based on the teaching of the Lord, Jesus Christ," he said.
Elder Pino said the future temple in Trujillo is a reflection of the steady growth of the Church in Peru. The new temple will help that growth continue and help build the people and families who call Trujillo their home.
He encouraged the members to place an image of the future temple in a prominent place in their homes and to speak often with their children about the many blessings that can be enjoyed inside the House of the Lord. The construction period also offers a special opportunity to invite less active members to return to full activity and to prepare to worship in the future temple.
Elder Juan Uceda, first counselor in the area presidency, anchored his remarks on the words of the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah, who declared: "Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place" (Jeremiah 7:3).
The temple, Elder Uceda said, is a holy place of learning that teaches the sacredness of the body, the sanctity of marriage and the importance of living eternal covenants.
"We need a place like the temple to help heal the damage done by the evils of the world," Elder Uceda said.
Elder W. Christopher Waddell, second counselor in the area presidency, said the future temple will offer the people of Trujillo and its neighboring communities a fixed and true point to help them navigate through the storms of life. The temple will warn them of the dangers around them and will help the faithful reach their final destination — an eternal home in the presence of their Father in Heaven.
Those who apply the teachings of the temple in their lives will be better parents, spouses, neighbors and citizens, he added.
Following the prayer of dedication, the area presidency and their wives participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking, turning shovels of soil. They were joined by the mayor of Trujillo, Mr. Cesar Acuna, and the mayor of the district of Huanchaco, Mr. Fernando Bazan.
