Helvécio and Rudá Martins, a couple from Brazil, met Church missionaries in 1972. The Martinses were both of African descent, so they asked, “How does your religion treat Blacks?”
At the time, there was a Church policy that prevented Black members from being ordained to the priesthood. The missionaries prayed with the Martinses before explaining. And, incredibly, Helvécio and Rudá were touched by the Spirit during the conversation.
Helvécio remembered the “calmness, serenity, and happiness” that entered their home. They decided to get baptized—even though the policy probably wasn’t what they wanted to hear.
Three years later, the São Paulo Brazil Temple (pictured above) was announced. Though Helvécio knew he wouldn’t be able to participate in all temple ordinances, he agreed to be part of the temple’s public relations committee. He traveled the country and explained why the temple was so important. Rudá helped too—selling her jewelry and donating the money.
When the cornerstone of the temple was laid, President Spencer W. Kimball spoke to Helvécio privately. “Remain faithful,” President Kimball said, “and you will enjoy all the blessings of the gospel.”
On June 8, 1978, the Martinses heard wonderful news. Full priesthood and temple blessings would be extended to all worthy members, regardless of race!
“We wept as we thanked our Father in Heaven,” Helvécio said. The Martinses and their children were sealed in the temple.
In 1990, Helvécio Martins became the first man of African descent to be called as a General Authority.
Now that is faith.
Notes
For more about the Martinses, see these articles: