During the Saturday morning session of the October 2023 general conference, Elder David A. Bednar highlighted the contributions of millions of Latter-day Saints who served faithfully, quietly, and diligently. He said in part, “I am grateful for millions of Church members who today are coming unto the Savior and pressing forward on the covenant path in the last wagons of our contemporary wagon trains – and who truly are no less serviceable . . . [They are] the strength of the Savior’s restored Church.” There are many examples throughout the St. Cloud Florida Stake of faithful members who are in the “path of their duty” (Helaman 15:5-6).
Bob and Sandy Mortensen have been group leaders for the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) in the St. Cloud Florida Stake for around a year and a half. Each Monday at 7pm at the Canoe Creek building (2821 Old Canoe Creek Rd. | St. Cloud, Florida 34772), brothers and sisters throughout the stake are given an opportunity to deepen their faith in Jesus Christ and learn to more rely on His Atonement. The ARP is designed to help anyone who is “struggling with addiction or a problematic behavior” and give hope to those who “may feel trapped and fear that [they] will never be free.” You can learn more about attending an ARP meeting by reviewing this site: What Can I Expect from a Recovery Support Group?
Bearing testimony of the power of the program, Sister Mortensen commented, “[The program] is truly inspired . . . This is a Christ-centered program . . . What a difference it makes having Christ as the focus. Every meeting we have, we always bear witness of the Atonement of Jesus Christ . . . Brother Mortensen and I have come to know the Atonement [of Jesus Christ] better than, I think, we ever have in our whole lives. We have seen it work in the lives of these brothers and sisters that we’re working with.” Following up on his wife’s remarks, Brother Mortensen testified, “I am absolutely, totally convinced of the inspiration of this program.” He further remarked on the supportive and loving feeling which accompanies each meeting. When seeking help, love, and support, ARP meetings are one of the best places to look.
“No matter how lost or hopeless you feel,” the ARP website states, “you are a child of loving Heavenly Parents. Change and recovery are possible through Jesus Christ and His Atonement. As you reach out to Him, you can find recovery, peace, and hope.” Bob and Sandy Mortensen continue in the “path of their duty” by consistently providing a meaningful and Spirit-filled experience each Monday evening. They invite all members and non-members to attend a meeting, either in-person or virtually via Zoom, and be more fully blessed by the Savior’s Atonement.
In-person Details: Every Monday @ 7pm at the following address: 2821 Old Canoe Creek Rd. | St. Cloud, Florida 34772 in the High Council room
Virtual Details: Every Monday @ 7pm. Go to addictionrecovery.churchofjesuschrist.org, search for “St. Cloud, FL.”, and then select “St. Cloud Monday Zoom,” and then wait to be admitted to the meeting
St. Cloud Florida Stake Blog 