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Ivan B.

17, Zagreb, Croatia

Photograph by Ashlee Larsen

I’m the only member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in my school. Once at a birthday party, my friends started drinking. I felt uncomfortable and went home. When they asked why I left early, I said I don’t drink and wasn’t comfortable. They didn’t like that answer and were kind of weirded out. But over time, my friends have kind of accepted it.

Another time, my teacher asked me to share a PowerPoint presentation about the Church. A lot of my classmates had questions, and I felt like Jesus Christ was teaching through me. When you share your testimony, you don’t have to be afraid of what others think. If you trust in the Lord, He’s going to help you know what to say.

I want to go on a mission so I can bring other people to Christ. I believe that the Savior took the sins of the world upon Himself. We can gather Israel and invite everyone to come unto Him.

When you share your testimony, you don’t have to be afraid of what others think.

Environment: There are over 1,000 islands off the coastline of Croatia.

Traditional food: Crni rižot (black risotto, often made with rice, cuttlefish, and black cuttlefish ink).

The Church: Almost 700 Church members live in Croatia.

Fun fact: Neckties were invented in Croatia and were originally silk scarves (cravats) worn by soldiers.