Blessings from Serving a Full-Time Mission - 3 May 2022

 

Just over six years ago, I put in my papers to serve as a full-time missionary. I opened my call in June, entered the Missionary Training Center in July, and arrived in Korea in September 2016. During the two years I served, I grew not only physically (as evident from the pictures) but also spiritually, intellectually, and socially.

My decision to serve as a full-time missionary has made all the difference in my life. While my mission certainly was a period of accelerated growth, more important is the trajectory my life has taken since. The origin of almost all of the relationships, focuses, and values that matter to me today can be traced back to some aspect of that experience. For me, that experience was a needed burst of spiritual momentum.

If you have not served a full-time mission but have any desire to do so, PLEASE APPLY! Please do not let any inadequacy, feeling of unworthiness, or personal doubt cause you to hesitate. When I started my mission, I was very awkward and ill-prepared in many ways, but God took me anyway and molded me into who I needed to become. No matter what you think you might lack, "if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work" (D&C 4:3).

Since returning home, I've had the chance to continue to work with many missionaries in the MTC and to hear from some of them in the field. Please enjoy reading what their missionary service has meant to them!

“I love my mission so much because Heavenly Father has been there with me the whole time and I have learned so much. For 2 years you get to study the scriptures, serve other people and teach the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ! Why not serve?? For all of those who may be considering serving, I would encourage you to do do:) It will change your life forever.”

“I've started to enjoy the mission and the work more than ever. It can be hard but it is rewarding. We need missionaries! If you have any thoughts or desires about serving a mission do it!! It will not disappoint!”

“I realized this week again how much I love being a missionary. I cannot imagine any other single experience in life that can change you spiritually, socially, mentally, intellectually, and even physically (haha) as much as this all in about two years.”

“It really has been a pleasure to be serving the Lord. There's nothing like the spiritual growth that you end up undertaking, as well as the amazing privilege of seeing those you teach and serve along side with grow as well!! If you're thinking about going on a mission, I highly encourage you to go on one. It'll be well worth your time and efforts, and the blessings that you'll see will be nothing more than miracles.”

“I just want to know how much serving a mission has blessed and changed my life. If you want to see a ‘mighty change wrought in your heart’ like it says in the scriptures, then come and do something that will be the catalyst for that mighty change. I've seen it in my own self and I am so grateful to be a part of this great work. Come and join us!! You will find the blessings of the Lord poured out like never before. It truly is a time of miracles and I love every second of it.”

“I am so grateful I made that decision two years ago to serve. My life has been forever changed because of it. If you are thinking about serving a mission, do it! The Lord needs you! It will be hard and it will stretch you to your limits and you will have challenging times, but in the process you will grow and become best friends with the Savior and experience joy like you have never felt before.”

“If any of ya'll thinking about going on missions just go. It's the best thing you can do with your life and sometimes it's really hard but you will change and grow and become closer to Christ more than you ever thought you could have.”

“Everyday I am able to realize more and more clearly just how grateful I am to be able to serve my Savior on this short mission. I thought I had a strong relationship with Him before, but it pales in comparison to the one I have started to develop and I can't even imagine what it will be by the time I get on the plane home! What a special opportunity!”

“Missions are seriously the best! They can be really really hard but they are one of the best experiences you can have. If any of you are thinking of going on a mission, you should definitely go. Study and pray about it for yourself but a mission really is one of the best experiences ever.”

“We need help!!! If you are thinking about serving, do it and do it now. Do not wait. Satan’s greatest tactic for good honest people is to get them to sit and do nothing or distract them with something good or ok from the best thing. Go now! As soon as possible!!! I know the Lord will bless you and those you meet and reach! I've seen it and am currently living it. You won't regret it one bit if you choose to serve. It’s not easy sometimes but when you are doing something for the Lord, he will help you. You can do it!”