The story of Allen

   Allen stood confidently at the front of the room.  The walls were covered with pictures of gospel prophets, scenes from the Book of Mormon, the Plan of Salvation, the three degrees of glory and other gospel themes.  The pictures and posters he had cut out and created himself. 

   His hair was combed, he wore a white shirt and tie and dark slacks, his shoes were shined, and he smiled at the group before him.  He began speaking and the Spirit filled the room, touching the hearts of everyone there.  He talked about the scriptures, holding each book up reverently, and flipped open pamphlets, briefly explaining what each contained and how it contributed to the gospel.  He pointed out prophets on the walls, speaking like they were lifelong acquaintances, briefly touched on the plan of salvation and what it meant to all.

    He paused for a moment, then quietly and powerfully bore his testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel.  Not a person doubted his belief in the words he spoke.  Some wondered how long it would be until he would be outside his home town, preaching the gospel.   

    Answer:  6 years.  Allen just turned 12.   His father, inactive, his mother a nonmember.  Allen lives in a tiny town called Tunuyan, about an hour outside Mendoza, Argentina.  The Tunuyan branch has about 50 members.  Allen showed up at the door of the chapel a couple of years ago and told the bishop “I felt like I was supposed to be here.”

He has been a force for good ever since.  A sister in the ward took him to the temple in Chile last month where he did 24 baptisms for the dead.  “It was the greatest thing ever,” he smiled, his eyes shining. 

     With youth like that, the Church is in very good hands.