A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Cali Colombia Temple last Saturday. The event brought together leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, local authorities and community members, including the mayor of Cali, Alejandro Eder.
The dedicatory prayer was offered on the site by Elder Jorge T. Becerra, South America Northwest Area President.
"On this day of dedication," Elder Becerra prayed, "we ask Thee to help each of us to become true followers of Jesus Christ. Help us to live the gospel and more fully become converted to Thy Son."
Mayor Alejandro Eder, affirming the city administration's commitment to religious freedom, thanked the Church for blessing the city of Cali with a House of the Lord. "It will strengthen freedom of worship and religion in our city," he said.
Reminding the attendees why sacred temples are built, Elder Harold Turque, the Area Seventy conducting the ceremony, said, "It is so that we can make agreements with our Heavenly Father."
Elder Becerra reflected on the symbolic meaning of "breaking ground," the act marking the beginning of construction and signifying change in people's hearts.
"In a way, we also 'break' our hearts. The terrain of our hearts is changing," Elder Becerra said.
In reference to the parable of the sower, Elder Becerra invited the attendees to reflect on the importance of cultivating good ground in their hearts for the gospel seed to flourish.
"Each of us needs to change something in his life so that the Lord can sow in our hearts and thus [help us] achieve greater peace and happiness," he said.
The Cali Colombia Temple will be the fourth temple in the country. The other three temples announced or in operation are in Bogotá, Barranquilla and Medellín.
Currently, 215,000 Latter-day Saints call Colombia their home. There are 260 congregations. The first mission was established there in 1971.
Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are considered the houses of the Lord. Here families are united for eternity through marriage, baptism and other ceremonies. Here the teachings of Jesus Christ are reaffirmed through making these sacred covenants.
Read the full article here.