How does a district with only a few small branches have so many temple marriages in such a short time? The answer, according to local leaders, is simple: obedience.
"This is a great success story," says Marcelino Tossen, former president of the Ushuaia district. "These young people are setting a great example for Church members. One of the qualities they have is that they obey the Lord, the prophets, and their local leaders, and they follow the impressions of the Spirit. This quality unites the young people here in the Ushuaia district."
President Tossen admits, however, that local leaders "had to work on this districtwide effort for a while" before their teaching and counseling about the importance of temple marriage bore fruit.
Roberto Ignacio Silva, Ushuaia district president, says what got his attention after he moved with his family to Ushuaia in 2004 was the number of unmarried returned missionaries and young adult women. His daughter Gisela became part of that group. He said young adults had a goal to marry in the temple but needed some encouragement and direction.
"I told them that if we desire an eternal companion, we don't have to look for someone perfect," says President Silva. "But we must pray and ask the Lord to help us, and we must remain faithful in the Church."
In addition to increasing activities for young single adults—including firesides and combined activities with young single adults from Rio Gallegos and other cities to the north—leaders emphasized the importance of prayer, faithfulness, and worthiness. They also encouraged young adults in Ushuaia to muster sufficient faith to overcome their fears.