2020
Connect
June 2020


“Connect,” New Era, June 2020, 40–41

Connect

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Photograph of Fofoa and Etuale

Photograph by Leslie Nilsson

Fofoa V., (left) age 18

Etuale V., (right) age 16, Savali, Samoa

In our family, everyone helps.

Fofoa: Our family believes in working together. My brother Etuale and I gather firewood for cooking. We also help make food to sell. I remember one time when our family didn’t make enough money to pay an expensive water bill, so we all did our part to help. My sister sold barbecue. Etuale and I gathered coconuts and other food and then helped sell the food to raise money. By working hard as a family and trusting God, we were able to get the water turned back on.

Etuale: God helps me with everything in my life. He gives me strength and blesses me every day. I love living in Samoa. It’s very peaceful here. My biggest dream is to serve a full-time mission! I want to offer my two years to God.

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young man

Keith K., 19, Arizona, USA

I’m Keith, and I am an aspiring rapper, music producer, and recording engineer. I have a testimony because I wanted one. I wanted to know that the Church I had spent my whole life in was true. So I studied the scriptures, prayed earnestly, and looked to others in my ward for guidance. And sure enough, through those things, I was able to gain a testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel.

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young woman

Dzuliah B., 13, Philippines

I love dancing and singing. When I was in fifth grade, I joined an interschool dance competition. Our choreographer decided to have practices on Sundays. Without thinking twice, I went to him and told him that I wouldn’t be available on Sundays because I honor the Sabbath day. He was disappointed, but I remembered my two favorite hymns, “Choose the Right” and “Do What Is Right.” After this incident, I felt the assurance that I did the right thing.