Hi, I'm Guillermo Sanchez

I was born and raised in El Paso, TX, served 30 years in Law Enforcement and retired and I am a Mormon.

About Me

I grew up in, what is now known as, the Chamizal area of El Paso, Texas in the 1950's. In 1962, I was taught the gospel and was baptized into the church by missionaries serving in that area. We lived about a block from the Rio Grande, which was also known as the Rio Bravo, and I just loved to walk over to the river and capture any wildlife we could get our hands on. This area was given back to Mexico by President John F. Kennedy and in 1965 our family had to move out before the area was completely razed. My parents purchased a house in the lower valley in El Paso. Our parents had one girl and six boys, in that order. I attended and graduated from Riverside High School in it's 1st graduating class. After working at several odd jobs, I was hired by the El Paso Fire Department and worked there for about 3.5 years, when I decided I needed to serve a full-time mission for the church and served in the California Ventura Mission and met many wonderful people. After my mission, I was hired by the El Paso Police Department and 1.5 years later, by the US Border Patrol and assigned to Cotulla, TX. I became a Criminal Investigator after 3.5 years as a Border Patrol Agent and assigned to El Paso, TX. I transferred to Denver, CO in 1996 and in 2000 was hired as the Resident Agent In Charge in Brush, CO. In 2003, the Department Of Homeland Security was created and became my new employer. I retired in 2009 and in 2010, my wife and I served a 1-year mission at the Family History Library.

Why I am a Mormon

In 1962, as a result of my mother's request, a couple of young missionaries started teaching my family about Jesus Christ and his Gospel. Even though I was Christian, the lessons taught by these young men made much sense and we decided to become members of the church. Since then, I have learned much about the Atonement and our responsibilities in making that effective in my life. This has brought meaning and purpose to my everyday life and activity and I enjoy many blessings as I follow His commandments. The Gospel of Jesus Christ includes a responsibility to our ancestors and it is only in his Church that I am able to work and perform important ordinances for my ancestors.

How I live my faith

As I get older, I have learned that it is very crucial that each person help others. One of the main purposes we come to this earth is to give of ourselves and fight the selfish nature of the natural man. All commandments fall into two categories; 1-Love God and 2-Love Your Neighbor. Following these have brought much joy and purpose to my life. I am very thankful for the many blessings I receive as I follow the teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

How can I know Mormonism is true?

Guillermo Sanchez answered...

I truly believe that we must be doers of the word and not hearers only and I apply this true principle to how to know if Mormonism is true. I have to study with real intent and then ask our Heavenly Father if it is true. After we have done our work, we will get an answer to our questions.
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Sean answered...

Before I was baptized, a missionary told me that I could read the Book of Mormon and find out for myself if it was true. I liked that idea. I've always been a person who wanted to know the truth for myself. After the missionary had suggested I read it, I decided to try. It was a big step of faith to pick up a book and read it without knowing for sure. Over time, I developed a testimony that the Book of Mormon is true.

The same goes for knowing if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true Church of Christ once again established on this earth. A simple prayer to your Heavenly Father can open so many doors of truth.

The real way that I know it is true is how it has helped my life. Without the Church, I'd be lost. I am grateful for it, and for the knowledge I have that it is true.

What are Mormon church services like? Are visitors allowed at church meetings? Can I attend church?

David answered...

Come to church with us! We would love to have you. I know attending an unfamiliar church meeting can be scary and intimidating. Feel free to go up to anyone you meet and tell them this is your first time coming. You should always feel welcome to come and attend with us. Mormon church meetings may be different than other church meetings you've attended. We typically have three meetings you can attend. Our main meeting, we call Sacrament Meeting, is intended for individuals and families to attend together. Sit up front, sit in the back. There are no assigned seats. In this meeting, we try to focus on the sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. You will hear several prayers and gospel messages given in this meeting. Another meeting we have on Sunday is Sunday-School. This meeting is designed to focus on specific teachings of Christ. It is often somewhat interactive, with some class members asking questions of the teacher throughout the lesson. You are free to ask questions or simply sit back and listen. We hope you feel a genuine spirit of warmth and friendship as you attend. The final meeting we have on Sunday is a Priesthood or Relief-Society meeting. Men and attend the Priesthood meeting and women attend Relief-Society. Here we focus on the teachings of Christ that are appropriate to our roles as men and women. You should also feel free to participate, ask questions, or simply sit back and listen.