Area Authority in Peru

“Observing the faith, diligence, perseverance, and testimonies of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve, and other General Authorities has helped enormously in the development of my testimony,” says Elder Alejandro Robles, Area Authority Seventy in the South America West Area. To illustrate, he cites an experience that took place several years ago when he was a member of the Lima Peru Temple presidency and Elder Russell M. Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was in the city. At that time a severe drought was afflicting the Peruvian people. Drinking water was rationed in some places, crops were lost, cattle were dying, and reservoirs and lakes were almost dried up.

“That Sunday in the temple,” Elder Robles recalls, “Elder Ballard offered a fervent prayer and asked the Lord to work upon the forces of nature so that rain would fall upon the country. That very night, the rains began in Lima, Junín, Puno, Piura, and so on. In some places it rained in torrents. The phenomenon lasted several weeks.”

Elder Robles says that his experience as an Area Authority Seventy has reaffirmed his belief that the Lord guides and directs the affairs of His Church. “When I have been assigned to create or reorganize a stake, I have been able to feel His desires clearly,” he says. “He has manifested His will in the selection of those who are to preside over the stake.”

On 7 July 1965, after being introduced to the missionaries by his brother, Claudio Augusto, and taking the discussions, Elder Robles was baptized. His wife, Gloria, was baptized on 29 November 1975, and they were sealed in the temple two years later.

“It is a blessing to have a little bit of heaven in our home,” Elder Robles says. “Our homes really can be an extension of heaven if we live the commandments and keep the ordinances and covenants.”

Elder Robles is a professor emeritus at the University of San Marcos School of Dentistry in Lima. He continues to practice in the field of pediatric dentistry.

Elder Alejandro Robles (back, center) with sons Alejandro (left) and Marco. Daughters Carol (front, left) and Letty are seated on each side of Sister Gloria Robles.