When I was 14 years old, my older sister and I joined the Church. My father had just died and we were touched when the missionaries taught us about the plan of salvation. After our baptism, our relatives began to make fun of how we began to live. They mocked at our decision not to drink coffee and told us that we have gone beyond their reach. We became a topic of conversation and were subjected to constant scrutiny. During these hard times, I learned that the best way to respond to persecution was to simply go on with your life. When they would ask about our beliefs, I would tell them what they wanted to know. I continued to attend Church activities and chose to stay in the Church no matter what. I found strength in the Lord’s promise in the Book of Mormon that if we would trust Him, we would be made strong despite our weaknesses.

Sister Torio - Philippines Naga Mission