Tell us about your mission and the people.
I am serving in the Colorado Denver South Mission and I have been out for a year. My mission is the most beautiful mission! Fun fact, the song, “America the Beautiful” was written while looking at Colorado. My mission has a large range of diversity. I started out my mission serving in Grand Junction. The people there are really humble and so down to earth! I have also served in Highlands Ranch, which is an area that is really close to the Denver Temple. The members in this area are so missionary minded! I am currently serving in a YSA ward in the metro side of Denver. It is a lot of fun and it has really helped me to find creative ways to do missionary work!
What led you to the decision to go on a mission?
I decided to serve a mission because I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. Someone once told me, ” Jesus Christ gave His life for you. 18 months or 2 years, is nothing compared to what He did for you.” This has always stuck with me and was what sparked my decision to serve a mission. After this I still wasn’t completely sure if I wanted to serve a mission. I started taking some paths that wouldn’t lead to a mission, but every time, there was a road block or a barrier placed in my path that led me to the path to serve a mission. To me, this was a sign that I needed to go and serve!
What advice do you have for the youth and YSAs members of the stake that are contemplating serving a mission?
If you are thinking about serving a mission, just prepare for one! It never hurts to prepare for a mission and you will never regret that preparation even if you end up not serving a mission.
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?
The best preparation that you can do is to build a relationship with your Savior, Jesus Christ. I say this because, Jesus Christ is the one that you need to rely on during your mission, He is the one that will give you the strength when you feel like you can’t go any further, and He is the one that will carry you through your trials.
How have the changes allowing for contact with your family impacted you personally?
I have absolutely loved the changes that have allowed me to contact my family. It is amazing to involve them more with the missionary work that I am doing in Colorado!
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?
I was afraid that I didn’t know enough. Something that I have learned is that you are never going to know everything and that’s okay! I do know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer! I know that if you turn to Him you can feel peace, joy, and comfort. I know that this is His Restored church and I know that because of Him, I can live with my family for forever. This is enough. I know that as anyone bears a small and simple testimony, the Savior will magnifying your words and your efforts.
Anything else that you’d like to add?
I know that this is the Lord’s work and because it is His work, we should be doing it just as He did. Loving others and building relationships with them! There is a quote that has really stuck out to me on my mission that states, “preaching the gospel doesn’t bring love, love leads to preaching the gospel”. I know that as we minister to those in need whether you have a black name tag or not, you will be able to help others come closer to their Savior Jesus Christ.
