Elder Kyle Sorenson: November 2017

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Elder Sorenson - November 20, 2017

Hi Everyone!

I can't believe that I have been in this country for a year now! It is crazy to think back and see how lost I was, how I couldn't talk to anyone, and how small my testimony was. Now, I am fine with my Spanish and I have a firm testimony, but I still get lost every once and awhile. Haha!

This week was quite crazy because of the baptism of Luis. Baptisms are a lot different here. The missionaries here have to do everything or else it won't get done. We set up decorations for the party, cleaned, filled the font, set up everything, brought everyone, and even bought the food. It was quite a hassle getting everything ready, but with the help and patience of the Lord, we got it done!

My investigator who was baptized is such a special person and I love him to death. His name is Luis and he has such a strong testimony of the Gospel. He told me something that will help me and hopefully you get through this life with happiness and joy. He said, "You members have something amazing. You might not know what you have in this church but from the outside you have salvation and exaltation with every family!" I really know that what he said is true and that I am a Disciple of Christ sent to Ecuador to teach and inspire people to want to learn how to reach exaltation and better understand what salvation means for them.

I learned this week the importance of patience and that, I, as a missionary am responsible to find, teach, and baptize. If I am not doing one of those things, I need to rethink and realize that I am not here to waste the Lord's time. I am here to make Him proud and do all that I can do to help build up His kingdom and I need to start with myself.

I can promise all of you that I am converted to the Gospel and I know these things are true. I will never give up what I have and I will never deny that Christ lives and that He loves every single one of you!

Love Always,
Elder Sorenson

2Nephi 31:14 - You know what you have so don't fall away from it.

Preparing the wedding party for Elder Sorenson's investigator!

The wedding party of Elder Sorenson's investigator!

Elder Sorenson and his companions singing Happy Birthday to his mom back home in California! #bestbirthdaypresentever

Preparing the wedding party - silly face

Elder Sorenson's investigator, Luis, cutting the cake!

Elder Sorenson's investigator, Luis, baptism!

Elder Sorenson's zone enjoyed lunch together on Monday, 11/20/17! Hamburgers, French Fries and Coke!

Monday, November 13, 2017

Elder Sorenson - November 13, 2017

Hi everyone!

These weeks are going by too fast! I discovered how out of shape I was playing basketball with the Zone. Neither my companion or I could walk for a few days. Ha ha! The mission really does change you!

A spiritual experience I had was with an investigator who is going to get baptized this next Saturday. His name is Luis, and he is so down to earth and loves the gospel. Speaking of him, I got to go to his wedding today which was awesome! Anyways we watched, “On the Lords Errand” with him and he loved it. Right after, he told us, “I 100% believe that Thomas S Monson is a true prophet of God. I just know it. “It is so amazing to hear an investigator say, “I Believe.” Sometimes it takes one lesson for someone to know that it is true and sometimes it takes months. It’s the Lord’s way and His time for people to know.

Earlier this week, we were teaching a sister named Sandy and she asked a powerful question, “How is the Book of Mormon the word of God? “With pleasure, my companion and I both testified of the book and promised the next lesson that we would go more into detail about it and invited her to pray. We visited her a few days later and started teaching what she had wanted when she stopped us mid week. She told us, “Elders, I know 100% that the Book of Mormon is true because I prayed yesterday and I got my answer.” My companion and I were just super happy and overwhelmed with joy that she knows the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

I learned to recognize this week, the power of the Book of Mormon and also, the power of the prophets. I know 100%, as well, that what I teach is true and I have really developed a deep passion and love for this gospel of Jesus Christ. I love the church and I love all of you!

Love Always,
Elder Sorenson

2Nephi 25:26

Wedding of Elder Sorenson's investigator!

After party of the investigator's wedding!

Friday, November 10, 2017

Elder Sorenson - November 6, 2017

Hi Everyone!

Well, it’s sad to know that the Dodgers lost in game seven, but there is always next year!

My Halloween this year wasn’t like last year when I was in the MTC. My companion and I just bought a bag of candy and gave it out to the kids that were dressed up, which was like three people the whole night. It is crazy how different cultures are around the world. It is crazy to think that this with my last Halloween in my mission, wow! Time flies!

I had a fun week though, I taught a bit during the week, but nobody was home Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Those four days we just walked in circles not finding anyone home because it was their version of Spring Break for everyone. Nobody works and nobody has school, so they all go to the beach or some other place for the weekend.

A spiritual experience I had during the week was during a lesson with a girl named Genisis. The rest of her family is Mormon so we are working on getting her baptized. We talked about the Book of Mormon during our discussion and the Spirit immediately filled the room. We testified of the power and truthfulness of the Book. After we finished, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. So this week we are going to teach her more and have her prepare for baptism.

My testimony of the Gospel has grown for sure. Before my mission, I never read the Book of Mormon regularly neither did I pray earnestly. I didn’t do what I needed to do to know the truth. Now, being out in the Lord’s vineyard, there isn’t anything better. I know with a surety that this is the Lord’s church and that I am doing the right thing. He lives and He loves me and you; through Him, we can be with our loved ones forever. In His name I pray and I testify, Amen.

Love Always,

Elder Sorenson

2 Nephi 31:21