Family Night for Lucindo

Wednesday after Wednesday,  Lucindo Aderito Rodrigues Teixeira showed up at the young adult center to do family search with his 30 minutes on the computer. The center fills with young adults waiting for their turn on the computers, playing ping-pong, Uno, visiting, studying, applying for the Perpetual Education Fund, and emailing.  But for Lucindo, the need to search his genealogy and record his family names is paramount.

Lucindo had a free evening 7 months ago...(most evenings are free in Fogo and the people sit in front of their cement houses and visit into the night.)  Some of his friends were walking in front of his casa that evening... and they began visiting.  He wondered what their plans were and they invited him to attend something called: Family Home Evening (Noite Familiar).  That was last January.  Tomorrow night, Lucindo will begin teaching his Institute class.  He is excited to learn more about our Savior in studying the New Testament this semester.  As the Elder's Quorum President, he understands the importance of helping others learn as well.

He carefully takes the folded paper from his pocket, information that he has borrowed from his uncle.  Lucindo is second to the youngest of eleven children.  His Mother passed away when he was 5 years old and his father too, when he was 16 years old.  Lucindo is the only member of his family who attends church. He was baptized on Feb 25th, 2012 and has 5 months before he will be able to go on his mission and to the Temple to give his parents the opportunity of being sealed together forever.  His eyes light up when asked about his interest in Family Search...he says it is  because he has the power to bless his family forever.

Lucindo (on the right), with his friends...one already serving a mission in Mosambique, one on his way to Brasil, and the others waiting until they have had enough time in the church to put in their mission papers.  

Lucindo credits a Family Home Evening in January for the beginning of his conversion.  He has never had one with his own parents or brothers or sisters...

but if he has anything to do with it...He will...   He will!