When I was serving my mission, many of the members and even the investigators would ask me about my goals after my mission. Without hesitating, I would always respond, “I’ll go to school, work, and get married.” Then, when I was in the apartment with my companion, the truth would come out. I told my companions that it would be too difficult for me, that I could never have the money to do it. My good companions would try to encourage me by saying that the Lord would help me somehow if I were just patient. Still, it seemed hopeless.

The Perpetual Education Fund was an answer to my companions’ faith and the prayers of many others. Now I am achieving that dream. I am attending one of the best schools in my city. My desires and motivation are higher than ever. I can see how I will be able to help my family, the Church, and others, and I will return in many ways the assistance given me. I am so grateful once again to see the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise to “always protect His sheep.”

I feel so blessed to be among the first to receive a PEF loan in Peru. I know that Zion requires us to grow spiritually and temporally, and now I can do this. Education prepares me to provide for my future family and to serve better in my callings. I testify that the prophet is inspired, and I know that the Lord lives and loves His Church and His Saints and desires their progress.

When I returned from my mission there seemed to be so little hope. But through the Lord’s revelation to President Hinckley, we were given hope. Many good people have donated their money to make this possible, and we are so thankful. I have already completed part of my three-year course, and I am anxious to finish so I can repay the loan and help others who need it. I promise that I will make the most out of the PEF program to become a competent and successful professional and to be thus prepared to serve my family, the Church, and the community.

When I returned from my mission I tried to do everything I could to serve in the Church and the institute. Yet when I searched for a job, all the doors slammed in my face because I had no certificate or degree. My mother has to be both mom and dad for our family, and she has worked very hard to take care of us. I have had to work, too, since I was a little girl. But after my mission, I just couldn’t find a good job.

Then the Perpetual Education Fund was announced, and now I have the opportunity to succeed. I want to get a good job, to help my mother and family, and to help others with physical challenges. What a great blessing and hope the Lord has given to all the youth. I see others around me applying for PEF loans and I help them with their applications. We are all so grateful. I have a great desire to finish school, pay off the loan, and help others. I know the Lord lives and loves us. I know He has inspired our prophet to bless us. I know He gave His life for me and that He will bless me each day as I work hard.

This is a career I dreamed of, as I love medicine and helping people. Yet there was never any real hope. Now, because of PEF, it is within reach. I am the only member of the Church in my family, and my parents have been very difficult. But due to this inspired program, they now tell everyone that no other church cares about its youth like our Church. Thank heaven for a prophet!

The Perpetual Education Fund is an answer to the prayers of many, many people. When I returned from my mission, I knew I had to have a good, technical education. With my computer experience, I wanted to learn programs such as Unix, Linux, Windows, etc. There is a great demand here for computer technicians who can also do programming, both in large and small companies. With this training I will be much better prepared to serve in the Church and to provide for my family. I know that this is an inspired program, I have a testimony of this. I know that the Lord’s infinite mercy is in this effort.