There's a reason why Adrian Ochoa can move comfortably among folks from different cultures, backgrounds, businesses. The recently called second counselor of the Young Men General Presidency is, himself, a product of diverse worlds.

Yes, he was born in San Francisco and spent much of his youth in Los Angeles, speaking English and experiencing the opportunities and challenges offered by a sprawling city. But he also called the rural communities of Chihuahua, Mexico, his second childhood home. It was there with his Spanish-speaking grandparents that he rode his horse, ran with his dog and breathed "different air."

"I was able to be in touch with very humble people," he said of his split Los Angeles/Chihuahua experience. "I learned to understand all kinds of people."



Ochoa's background has also afforded him a personal understanding of those who might be less active in the church and find themselves in need of a mentor or friend.

Young Adrian Ochoa's grandmother was an active church member and taught her young grandson about the gospel. He was baptized when he turned 8 but was never really involved in the church while growing up. He was 25 years old and living in Mexico when he was befriended by the full-time missionaries. Despite his young age, Adrian was already a successful businessman, overseeing more than 200 employees. Still, he had not forgotten his grandmother's gospel teachings.

At the missionaries' urging, Adrian read the Book of Mormon for the first time. He was moved by an ancient prophet's teachings about humility found in Alma 32:15: "He that humbleth himself, and repenteth of his sins, and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed."

Adrian felt strongly that the Lord was eager for him to be humble so he could be blessed. He was anxious to "endure to the end."

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This story is provided by the LDS Church News, an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is produced weekly by the Deseret News.