Member Voices
Small and Simple Things
Adriana and Donald Martina have been married for 28 years and have been members of the Church for over 30 years. They are the parents of the first pair of siblings, Raymond and Sabrina, from Curacao that were called to serve their full-time missions to the same mission.
Adriana lovingly recalls them as being good children but not perfect. They had the typical sibling conflicts yet would always end up friends. Their individual characteristics complemented each other and on their family outings people would often comment how the children were so calm, positive and polite. However, Adriana recalls that although family home evenings were not always harmonious, they trusted their challenging moments would make their family stronger.
Donald says, “I think a positive factor in our children’s lives were their primary and seminary leaders as well as the opportunity to attend youth conferences. The principles taught in these programs allowed them to feel the Spirit and to build their confidence to make good decisions, like serving a mission.”
President Howard W. Hunter [1907–1995] taught that “frequently it is the commonplace tasks . . . that have the greatest positive effect on the lives of others, as compared with the things that the world so often relates to greatness.”1
Alma taught that “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6).
Raymond and Sabrina acquired their testimonies over time because of their Church experiences, family routines and personal efforts to seek the Spirit. These moments invited the Holy Ghost to testify of the truthfulness of the gospel, preparing them for a lifetime of service and blessings.
When Raymond made the decision to go on a mission, Adriana asked him, “Are you sure? You have to have conviction that these things are true.” Upon the arrival of the mission call, Adriana was delighted to discover that her son would serve in her home country in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo West Mission (2018–2020).
Two years later, and in the middle of the pandemic, Raymond’s return to Curacao included a 14-day quarantine. The process of making simple posters of encouragement and displaying them outside his window uplifted everyone’s spirits. When Raymond finally completed his quarantine, and the family was reunited, they were all able to see that small things lifted them and resulted in great blessings.
Sabrina’s decision to serve a mission brought great joy to her parents and a great surprise when they read the call announcing that she would serve in the same mission as Raymond. In a joking manner, Donald suggested that Sabrina was called to finish Raymond’s job, but Adriana added: “Raymond did his job, maybe Sabrina needs to reap what Raymond sowed,” which implies that our small efforts can also come from a collective source and bless many lives.
Adriana and Donald acknowledge that even though they raised their children, they often saw themselves being taught by Sabrina and Raymond. They express deep gratitude to the Lord for the challenges and blessings they and their children have experienced.