Monday, May 28, 2018

Elder Sorenson - May 28, 2018

Hi everyone!

Today I would like to talk about diligence in the Lord’s work. Here in Ecuador, specifically in Loja, it is a little hard finding new people to teach and getting them to church. Contacting doors doesn’t work much because nobody wants to answer. The reason I say this is because I want to tell you that the work is not easy, never was and never will be. I get rejected and yelled at but, it doesn’t ever change the testimony I have of this church. I know it’s true and that is why I am trying to give it my all every single day.

Diligence is defined as, “A constant and valiant effort, particularly in the service of the Lord, and in the obedience to his word.” The word that sticks out to me the most is CONSTANT. Diligence is not a one time thing and it is not at the specific hour of the day. It is constant. Constantly finding and constantly inviting His children to make covenants. I have to admit and say I am not always finding because nobody is perfect but even if people reject me, I try my best to not let it affect my diligent consistency.

Everyone should and does have a responsibility in the church, the fact of the matter is if we are being diligent in our own calling. An apostle was once asked what the most important calling in the church was. He responded with, “your calling.” So I know that whatever calling you have, you were called from the Lord and He loves you so much for all of the effort and time you put into your church duties. Please remember that even when times are tough and it might not seem like there’s enough time to visit anyone due to your busy schedule, remember that the Lord called you and He supports you and comforts you when you need extra energy. I promise that the blessings of serving other people and magnifying your callings are much greater than extra sleep, an extra movie, or an extra post on Facebook. 

I love you!

Love Always,
Elder Sorenson

Jacob 1:19
D&C 107:99-100








Monday, May 21, 2018

Elder Sorenson - May 21, 2018


Hi Everyone!

I had a crazy week with a lot of good byes and hellos. I have a new companion; his name is Elder Dorivs. He is from St. George, Utah. He is my first companion from Utah, can you believe that? Haha! But we had a great week with a lot of finding new people and being able to teach! I am excited to see how much success we will have here these next few weeks. I am still in Loja, so by the time this transfer ends, I will have been here for 6 months. I have learned so much in this city. The biggest thing I have learned is this Branch is the power and importance of PATIENCE with everything. Every single person has imperfections, but the trick is that you have to learn to love the imperfections of other people. Without that, there would never be any happiness and be a ton of contention between people.

I know that the head of the church is God the Father and Christ His Son. I also know that They run this Church by inspiring their leaders. I know that the leaders are not perfect but they have been called of God to serve.  I know that His Church is perfect and that I need to always magnify my callings in the Church to be able to help other people at all times. (Jacob 1:19) I will forever be loyal to my callings and try my best to serve and support my leaders for the rest of my life. There is honestly nothing better for me than serving the Lord every day and being 100% diligent in His work.

I know, without a doubt, that this church is true. I invite all of you to be more diligent in your callings and always remember who really called you to serve. I also invite you to see the good in each leader and I promise you will always be happier and be even more in tune with the Spirit. I love all you and hope that you have a great and amazing summer. Enjoy it because time goes by way too fast!  Be safe and eat an extra Otter Pop for me!

Love,
Elder Sorenson

That He May Become Strong Also
Henry B. Erying – Priesthood Session, October 2016
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/10/that-he-may-become-strong-also?lang=eng


 

 

Monday, May 14, 2018

Elder Sorenson - May 14, 2018

Elder Sorenson did not have time to write a letter today, but did ask that these pictures be posted on his blog! He continues to positively impact peoples' lives in Ecuador. :-)



Happy 20th Birthday to Elder Sorenson!















Happy Mother's Day - phone call home!

Happy Mother's Day - phone call home!


Sunday, May 13, 2018

Elder Sorenson - May 7, 2018

Hi everyone!

This week went by so fast and I can’t believe I’m turning 20 in two days. I had a lot of fun with my companion this week and was able to really think about how great my mission has been. My companion is ending his mission in a week and, as his companion, it is inevitable not to think about all I have learned in these last 19 months. I have grown so much and I have dedicated myself to God. With that being said, I want to bear my testimony about this work in the church.

I love this gospel and I know, without a doubt, that is true. At times, I get sad that people don’t except the message we bring or don’t ever attend church, but every time that happens I remember and ponder in the Atonement of Christ. There is not a single human that understands the atonement 100%, but I know it is true and that it allows me to repent. He is my Savior and redeemer. I love Him and I will forever be in debt with Him. I know that Russell M Nelson is the prophet of God and he helps us build our testimony and he helps us recognize the presence of the Lord in our lives.

I know, with all the certainty of my heart, the Joseph Smith restored the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know he was called of God and I know he was a prophet in these latter days. I know through the power of God, he translated the Book of Mormon. I have a profound love for this book and the knowledge it has given me. I have no doubt that it comes from God and I know that from reading it. I didn’t ask a friend or look it up on the internet, but I actually read it. I receive such an amazing feeling of peace and happiness every time I read it. It radiates in my soul during the day and I honestly can’t express to you how much I love this book. I know that missionary work is true! Christ will come again, but we need to be prepared. I promise that if you pray read and go to church, you will have the spiritual strength to do anything.

I love you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Love Always,

Elder Sorenson

1 Corinthians 10:13 Matthew 7: 24-27