Sofia’s Conversion

March 2026

Sofia Vasquez grew up in a city outside of Quito, Ecuador. The examples of her two older brothers inspired her to serve a mission. She says, “I noticed from a very young age that it really shaped the way they think in terms of the gospel, and they had good experiences on their missions. I wanted to do that and have the opportunity to serve.” Vasquez served in the Colombia Cali Mission from 2021 to 2023.

While serving, she saw countless miracles and many lives change as people accepted the gospel into their lives. In one specific area on her mission, she taught a man who was highly intellectual. He believed that Jesus Christ was a good person but did not believe that He was the Son of God, the Savior of the World. Throughout his life, this man had been searching for proof that Jesus was real. When Vasquez and her companion first met with him, they asked him to read some of the Book of Mormon. He read the entire book in just three days! He testified to them of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and that he knew that Jesus Christ was his Savior. He entered the waters of baptism a few months later, and Vasquez realized how prepared this man was to hear the gospel.

Even though missionaries focus on the conversion of those they teach, they also become converted and have their testimonies strengthened while serving. “When you’re at the age of serving a mission, you are in a very crucial time when you are developing your character and you’re developing opinions, beliefs, and your testimony,” Vasquez says. “I think that is the reason why the Lord calls young people to serve. Serving a mission can change the life of any young person by giving them broader perspectives and encouraging them to make better decisions in the future.” To those who donate to the General Missionary Fund, Vasquez would like to say thank you. “Every person who has the desire to contribute to the General Missionary Fund is basically helping to lead the next generation to become people who have strong beliefs and who are very willing to serve and love others,” she explains. “I can’t really imagine how my life would be if I didn’t serve. Because of what I learned mostly on my mission, I’ve decided to stay consistent in the Church, serve others, and follow the example of Jesus Christ.”