Tell us about your mission and the people.
I’m serving in the Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar Mission. I love my mission so much. The mission is non proselyting, we are here as English teachers. Although, the Lord definitely still finds ways to progress His work. We have had great success bringing souls unto Christ. I’ve never met people who are so humble and grateful for everything they have.
What led you to the decision to go on a mission?
It was a no brainer for me. I grew up always looking up to missionaries and couldn’t wait until I had the opportunity to serve. That said, once you receive your call back from the First Presidency it really hits you that you’re leaving on a mission for two years. I think fear and feeling the weight of what you’re doing hits everyone before you leave for the MTC even if it’s just for a second or two.
Also knowing the fact that we are commanded to do so and it’s a great opportunity to gain life experience and possibly get to learn a new culture. My dad was a convert to the church, so I am the first in my immediate family to serve a mission. So I hope to be an example for my kids and grandchildren. Having great examples of missionaries in my ward, and having my family encourage and support me no matter what my decision was, gave me confidence that I was doing it for all the right reasons.
What advice do you have for the youth and YSAs members of the stake that are contemplating serving a mission?
Just do it. You can always rationalize reasons not to serve a mission. This is really the best time in your life to take this adventure, to love people unconditionally and grow spiritually. My dad told me that as you get older many things that you look back on that are of the world, like college, careers, and just stuff in general seems to be rushed. In my opinion, experiences and relationships are what you will cherish once you get older. The decision is 100% yours to make, but I can promise you that you will love it so much. I have learned more in the past year, than I ever thought I could. I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on this opportunity.
What advice do you have for how best to prepare for the mission for those that have decided to go and are just waiting to put in their papers or for the call?
That is a hard question, because every mission and person is different. My advice would be to go out with the missionaries, gaining teaching experience with them helped me so much to learn how to keep the doctrine simple. It also allows you to learn how to teach and meet people in a missionary setting. I would also ask priesthood leaders a lot of questions about running church meetings, pay attention during Sacrament meetings and other church meetings, watch the format and order of everything. In my current branch I’m serving in, we are basically the 1st and 2nd counselors and clerk. So we ask members to talk, conduct, and help with fast offerings and tithing. It has helped to show me the importance of the priesthood. I’m so grateful for all of the leaders in my home ward that do so many things behind the scenes that go unnoticed. Lastly, I would say to not freak out. You will never know everything, and I don’t think you can ever be 100% ready and that is alright, that’s when Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father come in and help us grow through the Holy Ghost to do what they have called us to do.
How have the changes allowing for contact with your family impacted you personally?
I know its helped my Mother the most and of course Skyping my family more often is amazing for me also. I feel that the change really was inspired. Having the opportunity to get to talk to them makes keeping them informed on what I’m doing so much easier. It helps me feel that I’m not alone, sequestered away. Also, in my opinion, it makes it easier for non-member friends of our family to not think it’s weird that we can’t communicate other than very specific days, with the technology that is available now. I love my family so much. I’m so grateful for the change.
Were there any fears that you had when you were considering serving a mission that you found were simply not warranted or melted away after you began serving?
My main fears were all the unknowns, I also knew that I would miss my family very much. The thought of two years still is a little scary, also would my friends be around when I get back? Would it be weird? I feared I would not like my companions and living 24/7 with someone with no real alone time scared me. Once I found out where I was going…would I be able to learn the language?? The church is the same, but would the culture of the people be hard to learn and apply in Church? I had so many questions!
I have found that almost all fears go away once you begin serving. Heavenly Father really does bless His missionaries. I have never felt closer to the Spirit, and the Spirit helps to melt away those fears. As for my family as I said above the weekly talking directly is a big help. It helps me feel still part of the family and really lets me know I’m not missing out on much from week to week. I think it also helps the time to move faster, so two years is going pretty quick. I also get tons of emails from a lot of my friends even being out almost a year and sending out my weekly’s with pictures keeps them in the loop. The language is getting better, now it’s more about wanting to share more from my heart but finding the right words in their language. The people are great, we are all children of our Heavenly Father and He loves all of us and wants us to love one another. I want the people I come in contact with to feel their Savior’s love through me.
Anything else that you’d like to add?
The Lord knows where you are needed to serve, if he didn’t, this fair skinned guy that gets cold in 80 degree weather would not be here in Mongolia in –40 degree weather haha. It has been incredible for me to meet these people. Their humble conditions have made me so aware of how blessed we are in the United States. I have seen first hand how the gospel is true and will spread throughout the earth in these latter days.
