King Benjamin Project News

Stories from San Juan

January 2007. Antonio and his wife were visited by a couple who they know. The couple lives in Salta province, the husband serves as bishop of their ward. They had spoken previously about the King Benjamin Missionary Clothing Program. This time, they were able to talk at length about the program. The bishop discussed a young man in his ward who recently received his mission call to Ecuador. He comes from a family of very minimal resources. Antonio and Virginia selected from their inventory most of the clothing this young man would need. The couple was very touched, and very happy with this donation. They repeatedly thanked the Ripolls, who in turn said they really were not doing anything much but it was the individuals in the US who were doing the work. This young man has a brother who has begun working on his mission papers, and there are 2 other prospective missionaries in this ward in Salta. Antonio and Virginia both told me in a January phone call that is really too bad that I cannot be there when people come to pick up missionary clothing. They said words are a poor substitute for the look of surprise and joy, and the tears of gratitude that are shed regularly.

Late in November 2006. Antonio ran into an acquaintance at the stake center. In the family is a 21 year old daughter and 19 year old son who are both in the process of filling out their mission papers. The father was very troubled because he just lost his job, and in his own words, "had no idea how they were going to get the two children prepared for a mission". The father was not aware of the King Benjamin Clothing Program. Antonio shared with him a little bit. A week later at seminary graduation, this individual and his wife approached Antonio and his wife and learned more about the program. At the same graduation, Antonio visited with an old friend of his. This individual is a day laborer. And he and his wife also have two children (both sons) preparing their mission papers. The program was explained to him also. On Sunday Dec. 10, both of these families (the parents) visited Antonio and Virginia in their home without any prior arrangement. The man who has lost his job just wanted to "see for himself" if he understood correctly. So Antonio and Virginia showed them into their bedroom where the clothing is stored, and brought out samples of the clothing to show them what nice things that are available for their sons and daughters. The parents all expressed the feeling that "I don't have words to share what a relief this is to our family". They were amazed and overjoyed, and look forward to visiting when their children have received their mission calls to select out their clothing.

Nov. 2006: A single mother recently accompanied her youngest son to the Ripoll residence. She had worried and fretted over how she would be able to send her son out on a mission, as she receives no financial support from her ex-husband. They brought along with them a young man from their ward, who along with his mother and a sister are the only members in their home. And unfortunately in his case, his father is physically abusive to both him and his mother.

When this sister saw the Ripolls begin selecting clothing from their inventory for her son, she broke down in tears. She was overcome with joy and surprise that this miracle was occurring that would allow her son to have the clothing necessary for his mission. The other young man had, in Antonio's word, 'the face of a child on his birthday'. As he approached their door to leave their home, he squeezed the bags of clothes in his hands with a face of pure joy and happiness.

Sep. 2006: From an Elder from San Juan, who is serving in the Argentina Neuquen Mission, who received some clothing via our program. In it, he states the following: "I'm sending you a few pictures where you can see me in the clothing you sent-using the shirts in the baptismal picture and pants and shirts in the other... We had to take in the clothing a little bit, but now it all fits great.... I know that God will bless you much.