Elder Kyle Sorenson: Elder Sorenson

Hi Everyone!

Today marks exactly one year ago that I was set apart as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. I know, it doesn’t seem that long ago, right? Well, it might for some but it feels like just yesterday when I went to the MTC, not knowing what to expect and not having a clue on how to teach random people the gospel of Jesus Christ. Honestly, it might come as a surprise to some but I have learned more about my beliefs and faith in the past year than I have in my entire life. I have learned why we are the true church, that I am not alone, Spanish (only by a miracle), the importance of opening my mouth to every person I see, even if my Spanish isn’t there, the power of the priesthood which I hold, the power of the Book of Mormon in my life, and the lives of my converts and investigators, and the importance, amount of revelations, and insights to Preach My Gospel contains. (If you’re preparing for mission, read the dang thing!) Although, I think the biggest miracle I have come to realize and recognize the power of the Atonement in my life and the role and has had in others.

Speaking of the Atonement, we have been working with an investigator, Jon, who loves talking to us and loves the message but he also loves drinking. It has been such an up-and-down roller coaster with him. Last night, we stopped by his house and he had been drinking. We sat down with him and he told us that he wants to change. So obviously, we taught him that he needs to have a desire to stop and that to stop completely he needs to turn to the Lord. A thought came to my head of what he could also do. I told him that every time he has that urge to drink, open the Book of Mormon and read (no importa donde). He took the invitation and we will see how it goes. He then asked us, with tears in his eyes, “How do you know that I can stop? And how do you know that God is at my side when I am like this?” The spirit filled the room and I shared first Corinthians 10:13. What a powerful scripture and what a wonderful promise! The Lord promises us that He will never give us any temptation or addiction that we can’t overcome! Or resist! I promise you that it is true that “God is faithful” in every moment.

So that being said, I want to invite all of you to read the Book of Mormon! If you’re struggling with an addiction (alcohol, smoking, pornography, etc.) you can overcome it with and only through Christ! When you have that urge for a drink or want to view pornography, have the strength to first open the Book of Mormon and I promise, in the name of Jesus Christ, that it will satisfy your desires in a much better way. Our prophet said it best, “If you’re not reading the Book of Mormon, do it now."

I hope each of you struggling, will
1. find a desire to change
2. come to Christ
3. put your trust in the Book of Mormon and when you have that urge, open it and read a part of it until the urge goes away!

General conferences are the most edifying events for missionaries (and everyone else)! I learned so much these past two days and feel like I am on a spiritual high from it. I hope you were able to watch it, and if not, visit www.lds.org and you can watch all of it there! I recommend watching ....ummm... THE WHOLE THING! Haha!

A quote from one of the General Conference talks is what I want to leave all of you with for this week, “Blessings will not come because of our abilities, but because of our choices.” So, that being said, make wise decisions and choices and the blessings will come! We were all sent here on earth with our own agency, but we all know the blessings will come from smart choices! The scriptures say it best, Luke 12:29-31.

I love all of you from the depths of my heart. You mean so much to me and I know I wouldn’t be serving without all of the support, prayers, and love I have received! Thank you and please read those scriptures I shared, watch conference, and read the Book of Mormon! I know it is a lot, but how much has Christ done for you?

Love Always,
Elder Sorenson