Antonio Jose Pinto Rocha and Inácia da Conceição Aneixa Reimundo Rocha

We had the wonderful opportunity to interview Brother and Sister Rocha on behalf of Brother Doug Holt...a former Mission President here in Portugal and gatherer of Historical records for the Church.  What another delightful visit we spent with these two members of our Evora Branch!  We went with an outline but with their friendship we often laughed and had to get back on track...so after quasi 6 hours of recording their story, we also had lunch with them.  We made a lunch for them and they for us, so we put ours in their fridge for them to enjoy later.  

Antonio Rocha was the first Portuguese Missionary.  He had a part in introducing the Church to Portugal and has had so many experiences along the way.  As each convert, his story is both amazing and unique.  For Antonio, his struggles, the travels, the sacrifices, the funny times, temptations, and trying times all tied together formed a firm testimony of The Gospel of Jesus Christ in his heart.  He fled Portugal for France and first heard about the Church and was baptized there. He was called later to serve a mission in Spain.  He carries his call each Sunday and loves to show it as he remembers very clearly the words from The Holy Ghost that came to his mind in his conversion and retention at exacting times:  "Remember, I have given you the chance to know the Gospel of Christ."  



Sister Rocha is so interesting and funny.  She gives hugs and smiles and I love to visit with her.

There are so many details to this story, but we have it all on tape for later.  I think you would love to know that he keeps this photo of the first vision because when he first saw this photo and learned about it, he felt something wonderful go through him and he knew that he was hearing truth. He basically was on his own from age 11 on...giving him a very independent and surviving spirit, and this knowledge changed everything about his life.  

One quick little story:  He was on his way home from the store with some wine in his sack when the thought came to him that he was at a choosing place in his life and that this little decision would make a huge difference to his whole future.  When he got home, he opened his bottle of wine (Portuguese are famous for and take great pride and pleasure in their wines).  Antonio opened it like always... but instead of pouring it in a glass, he poured it all down the drain... never to buy it again.



In their yard they have etched into the cement part of their testimony and they have named their dog, Laminita...(Ha!) just in case anyone asks about the words in the cement or about the dog's name...then they can share what the gospel means to them. 


 And of course, they sent us home with fruit from their trees.   Yesterday, after church, Inacia opened her purse and pulled out a little baggie full of fresh eggs for us.  I will type more but I need to go hang some clothes on the racks.  It is over 105 degrees... so the good news is...they will dry quickly!!!  

We love meeting so many good people...and we Love each of YOU way beyond words.    

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