By Ma.Teresa Pangilinan

 

Unlike the storms that regularly enter the Philippines, a different storm came into the life of Edita Mendoza Pesa when she met the sister missionaries in Cavite City in 1966. She was fixing their stuff after a storm hit their area when the missionaries came and offered their help. She instantly felt a liking for these young ladies who showed kindness to her. The Book of Mormon caught her attention with the visits that followed and eventually she was taught the gospel. However, her interest in the gospel was not sustained when the sister missionaries were transferred.

 

It was in 1968 when missionaries of the church again visited her. They informed her that Sis. Drieesen (the sister missionary who introduced the gospel to her) gave her name to them. Elder Kent B. Mc Donald and Elder Franklin L. Jones continued the discussions which were started by the sister missionaries. Her interest in the Book of Mormon was kindled again. She would read the book for hours and hours because of the rich history of the people in the Book of Mormon. She was eventually baptized near Nido Beach, Cavite City. A couple of members of the church witnessed the event including her father Adriano Mendoza and nephew Jose Mendoza who was also later baptized the same year.

 

“The feeling was still clear, I felt heavy and restless before entering the water, but I felt renewed after coming out,” she tearfully shared. She heard the water rushing through the shore as if it was singing. Tears rolled down her cheeks are she recalls the day of her baptism.

 

She was later married to Benjamin C. Pesa and was blessed with 4 kids. However in 1985 her husband passed away. It was a difficult time in her life. It felt like 40 long days of darkness just like what Noah experienced. Since that time all the things she learned in the church she applied them in her life.

 

She taught her kids obedience and self-reliance. They sold balut (cooked native eggs), candies and stuff to sustain their family. She encouraged them to attend seminary and all Church activities. She taught them to value education. She remembered her kids studying under the streetlight since they do not have electricity at home.

 

She was called to serve in various Church callings with being in the music committee as her favorite. Music kept her family together. They would sing and study music together. Her children later on became pianists and singers.

 

She also shared how her family donated labor cheerfully when the Cabuco Chapel was being constructed. It was the first chapel built in Cavite in the 1970’s. She also recalls meeting Brother and Sister Grimm. Sister Grimm assisted her in teaching the primary every Sunday.

 

Porta Vaga Chapel located at PN Dalahican, Cavite City was the second chapel built in the area. “We would carry heavy blocks, mix cement and prepare food for the volunteers each day after my class,” she happily shared. She brings her children to assist during Saturdays. Other wards/branches were created later on, Cavite 1st, 2nd and 3rd; Noveleta, Naic, Tanza, Trece Martires, Indang and Rosario. Rosario was the Stake Center then. 

 

Some of the pioneer members during time were President Luma, Danny De Guzman, Bishop Cock, Bishop Montemayor, Bishop Campol, Bishop Luyan, Bishop Celestino, Bishop Soleta, Bishop Afu, Jeff Campbell and President Charles Brookes.