ARTURO A. TOLENTINO: Thou Art a Good Shepherd

Bro. Tolentino and his wife

The old sinful ways of this blogger were left to oblivion when he was converted to the true Church of Jesus Christ here on earth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, popularly known as "Mormons."

The blogger's interest to know more about the true doctrine of Jesus Christ was held in abeyance for almost a period of six years till he was ultimately proselyted, baptized and confirmed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in La Carlota City Branch, Bacolod Philippines Stake sometime in 1980.

Elder Arturo A. Tolentino, a soft-spoken full-time missionary of the aforementioned Church was able to track this blogger's residence at San Agustin Street, La Carlota City sometime in May 1980. Elder Tolentino with his foreign companion, Elder Wagner started teaching him the basic missionary discussions on the first principles and ordinances of the gospel, which may include faith, repentance, baptism, words of wisdom, the Prophets among others.

Baptism Date

In 20 April 1980, the blogger was baptized by Elder Tolentino at the pond of MC Lumberyard and was confirmed member of the Church by Elder Wagner at the Church rented meetinghouse, owned by the Uriarte (a prominent family in La Carlota) at corner Gurrea and La Paz Streets of this city.

As the blogger maintained his membership with the Church, he was conferred the Aaronic Priesthood and ordained to the office of the Priest. He was given the authority to administer the Sacrament and to baptize. Through his exemplary actuations, he was able to convince his wife, Rebecca to join with him. In 22 June 1980, he baptized his wife.

The longer he stayed with the Church, the better opportunity for him to offer his services. Thus her was called to several Church callings like the Secretary of the Elder's Quorum, the Branch Clerk, teacher of Elder's Quorum, Seminary and Institute classes, and he never neglected them all.

Tolentino and Camporazo Couples

Now as of this writing, he is a 35-year member of the Church. He knows that God has given him the opportunity to serve Him because of Elder Tolentino, a good shepherd who found him as a lost sheep in the "wilderness" and brought him back to the fold of the Lord.

For him and his family, Elder Tolentino is really a good shepherd to them. He sent by the Lord to bring good tidings and to make them a "new creator", a "new being", a "born again" person. They know that he's called of God. He's among those "many who have been called, but few were chosen."

God bless you, Brother Tolentino and your family, Sister Juliet and your son, Bro. Joshua.