En cierta ocasión, un trabajador del templo entró en el vestíbulo de uno de los templos y preguntó si alguien hablaba español.
It seems that a sister who understood no English, had just amived from Mexico to go through the temple for the first time.
Someone was needed to help prepare her and escort her through the session. A shy young American sister who was in the lobby, at first said nothing. She felt that herability in Spanish was so inadequate that she would be of no help; but when she saw that no one stepped forward, she offered her services.
Perhaps you have had an experience similar to the one recounted here. Or perhaps you could have had
one, but lost the opportunity because you were not prepared or felt you couldn't handle it. It may be
you've had the chance to tell someone about the Church, but couldn't do it because your religious
vocabulary was so limited. Perhaps you've gone to Church in a Spanish-speaking meeting, and said
nothing because you were too inhibited. It is our hope that these materials will be of help in preparing
yourself for the next time opportunity knocks.
It is assumed that you know some Spanish, or are actively learning it, so you already know that the best
way to become proficient in the language is to use it. If you are fortunate enough to be in situations where Spanish is used in Church settings, take advantage of them as much as possible. Use these materials to prepare yourself. Go to meetings early and find members of the Church to talk to. Often there are older, lonely people waiting for the meeting to start whose life you can brighten as you practice the language. Members and investigators of the Church are open, tolerant and understanding and will not make fun of your errors or lack of eloquence. You cannot find a more appropriate environment for leaming Spanish. Volunteer to say prayers and give talks. Participate in classes and join in any kinds of activities being carried out. You may have to memorize some things such as prayers, testimony, the Joseph Smith story, etc., but what you put in your vocabulary becomes a base that you can use over and over again.
As she was introduced to the quiet little Mexican sister, whose eyes were brght wih anticipation, an immediate bond was formed. Although the American sister's Spanish was limited, especially her religious vocabulary, she was able to make herself understood and that day began a friendship which has deepened and continued over a number ol years. The American sister still refers to that temple session as one of the greatest spiritual experiences she has ever had.
one, but lost the opportunity because you were not prepared or felt you couldn't handle it. It may be
you've had the chance to tell someone about the Church, but couldn't do it because your religious
vocabulary was so limited. Perhaps you've gone to Church in a Spanish-speaking meeting, and said
nothing because you were too inhibited. It is our hope that these materials will be of help in preparing
yourself for the next time opportunity knocks.
It is assumed that you know some Spanish, or are actively learning it, so you already know that the best
way to become proficient in the language is to use it. If you are fortunate enough to be in situations where Spanish is used in Church settings, take advantage of them as much as possible. Use these materials to prepare yourself. Go to meetings early and find members of the Church to talk to. Often there are older, lonely people waiting for the meeting to start whose life you can brighten as you practice the language. Members and investigators of the Church are open, tolerant and understanding and will not make fun of your errors or lack of eloquence. You cannot find a more appropriate environment for leaming Spanish. Volunteer to say prayers and give talks. Participate in classes and join in any kinds of activities being carried out. You may have to memorize some things such as prayers, testimony, the Joseph Smith story, etc., but what you put in your vocabulary becomes a base that you can use over and over again.
Whenever you can, read the scriptures in Spanish, and read other materials such as the Liahona, lesson
manuals, tracts, and other Church writings which are available in Spanish. Always carry your dictionary
and a notebook with you and write down new words and expressions. Make the language active in your own life. Use it in blessings on the food and in family prayer. Find friends who know the language and practice with them. It may well be that the Lord has a special task waiting for you which will require you to use Spanish. Get ready for that time.
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Parece que una hermana que no entendía inglés acababa de llegar de México para pasar por el templo por primera vez. Se necesitaba alguien que la ayudara a prepararse y la acompañara durante la sesión. Una tímida y joven hermana estadounidense que estaba en el vestíbulo, al principio no dijo nada. Sintió que la herabilidad en español era tan inadecuada que no sería de ninguna ayuda; pero cuando vio que nadie se adelantaba, ofreció sus servicios.
Cuando le presentaron a la tranquila hermanita mexicana, cuyos ojos brillaban de anticipación, se formó un vínculo inmediato. Aunque el español de la hermana estadounidense era limitado, especialmente su vocabulario religioso, ella pudo hacerse entender y ese día comenzó una amistad que se ha profundizado y continuado durante varios años. La hermana estadounidense todavía se refiere a esa sesión del templo como una de las experiencias espirituales más importantes que haya tenido.
Quizás haya tenido una experiencia similar a la que se relata aquí. O tal vez podrías haber tenido
uno, pero perdió la oportunidad porque no estaba preparado o sintió que no podía manejarlo. Puede ser
ha tenido la oportunidad de contarle a alguien acerca de la Iglesia, pero no pudo hacerlo porque su religión el vocabulario era tan limitado. Quizás hayas ido a la Iglesia en una reunión de habla hispana y dijiste nada porque estabas demasiado inhibido. Esperamos que estos materiales sean de ayuda para preparar usted mismo para la próxima oportunidad.
Se asume que usted sabe algo de español, o lo está aprendiendo activamente, por lo que ya sabe que el mejor. La forma de dominar el idioma es usarlo. Si tiene la suerte de encontrarse en situaciones en las que se usa el español en el ámbito de la Iglesia, aproveche al máximo estas situaciones. Utilice estos materiales para prepararse. Vaya temprano a las reuniones y busque miembros de la Iglesia con quienes hablar. A menudo hay personas mayores y solitarias que esperan el comienzo de la reunión y cuya vida puede iluminar mientras practica el idioma. Los miembros e investigadores de la Iglesia son abiertos, tolerantes y comprensivos y no se burlarán de sus errores o falta de elocuencia. No puede encontrar un entorno más apropiado para aprender español. Ofrézcase como voluntario para decir oraciones y dar charlas. Participa en las clases y únete a cualquier tipo de actividades que se realicen. Puede que tenga que memorizar algunas cosas, como las oraciones, el testimonio, la historia de José Smith, etc., pero lo que ponga en su vocabulario se convierte en una base que puede usar una y otra vez.
Siempre que pueda, lea las Escrituras en español y lea otros materiales como la Liahona, lección
manuales, tratados y otros escritos de la Iglesia que están disponibles en español. Lleva siempre tu diccionario y un cuaderno contigo y escribe nuevas palabras y expresiones. Haga que el lenguaje sea activo en su propia vida. Úselo en bendiciones sobre la comida y en la oración familiar. Encuentra amigos que conozcan el idioma y practica con ellos. Bien puede ser que el Señor tenga una tarea especial esperándote que requiera que uses el español. Prepárate para ese momento.