Advertise on podcast: Mission Stories: Latter-day Saint Missionary Stories & Mission Prep

Send us Fan Mail Elder Roy Atkin shares post-WW2 West German Mission stories and LDS mission prep lessons on how bold invitations, opening your mouth, and the Book of Mormon help missionaries find the elect and invite true spiritual conversion through the Holy Ghost. A Foundational Testimony at Twelve Years Old Growing up in Boulder City, Nevada, Roy Atkin’s spiritual journey began at age twelve when a youth teacher claimed Joseph Smith was an epileptic hallucinator who could not have seen God. Encouraged by his sister to test the truth for himself, Roy read the Joseph Smith story and prayed. He received a clear, foundational witness of the Restoration that emboldened him to testify publicly. That early experience established a lifelong pattern of seeking personal revelation, searching the scriptures, and acting on spiritual truth. Reclaiming the Frenzel Family in Post-War Nuremberg Four years after meeting a young German missionary named Ben Frenzel at a Provo gas station, Elder Atkin felt prompted to search for Ben’s inactive family outside Nuremberg, Germany. Trudging through three feet of snow, he faced a family burdened by deep offense and wartime trauma caused by a former branch president who was a Nazi party member. Elder Atkin looked the father in the eyes and extended a bold, loving challenge: "Are you going to let all those circumstances keep your family out of the Celestial Kingdom?" Touched by the Holy Ghost, Brother Frenzel reopened his heart, and the entire family recommitted to the gospel, culminating in their baptism on New Year’s Eve. Frau Binnmüller and the Power of Mosiah 18 While serving in Würzburg—a heavily Catholic town with only six Church members—a copy of the Book of Mormon was left with Frau Binnmüller, a widow whose first husband had been killed in World War II. After feasting on the scriptures, she reached Mosiah 18:7–10 and fell asleep, receiving a dream where her late husband beckoned her across the water to be baptized by Alma. Desiring to belong to a covenant people who "mourn with those that mourn," she attended church, felt the genuine love of the saints, and requested baptism. Standing at the font on an American army base, she overcame initial hesitation regarding past wartime enemies, embraced the covenant, and witnessed her second husband abandon alcohol to eventually serve as branch president. Lifelong Missionary Discipleship Over sixty years after returning from his mission, Elder Roy Atkin continues to share the gospel with neighbors, friends, and family. His experiences testify that conversion is never brought about by human eloquence or personality, but by the power of the Holy Ghost and the word of God. When missionaries exercise agency to open their mouths, rely on scripture, and love others unconditionally, Heavenly Father directs them to His prepared elect.

Send us Fan Mail Sister Ward and Sister Harrell share LDS conversion stories and California Carlsbad Mission lessons on overcoming trauma, toxic relationships, and lukewarm faith through agency, Alma 7:11 revelation, and putting "both feet in" for Christ. From Rock Bottom Trauma to the Alma 7:11 Breakthrough Before her mission, Sister Ward hit "rock bottom" during her senior year of high school in Utah, trapped in an abusive, traumatic relationship that led her into lukewarm, passive indifference. Feeling isolated and wondering why she had to suffer, her turning point occurred late one night while driving home after finally ending the relationship. A sudden prompting brought the phrase "A 7-Eleven" into her mind—which she interpreted as Alma 7:11 in the Book of Mormon. Pulling over to read Alma 7:11–12 on her phone, the Holy Ghost filled her car with overwhelming peace, teaching her that Jesus Christ personally suffered her exact pains and knows how to "succor his people according to their infirmities." This revelatory experience restored her identity and moved her to make proactive, "hot" choices, including going through the temple and preparing for a full-time mission. Putting "Both Feet In" and Finding Andrew Serving in the California Carlsbad Mission, Sister Ward initially wrestled with severe health issues, difficult companionships, and lingering distractions from home. Inspired by her mission president's invitation to "forget yourself and go to work" and drawing on Principle One: Choose Ye This Day, she made a deliberate choice to end all distractions and put "both feet in." This total surrender unlocked remarkable spiritual power. Guided to Andrew—a media referral battling severe addictions who had survived three near-fatal overdoses—Sister Ward used her own trials and Alma 7:11 to testify that he was not alone. Within six weeks, Andrew was baptized and grounded in the gospel. Joined by Sister Harrell (from Wilton, Connecticut), who shares insights on Jeffrey R. Holland's teachings on agency and spiritual warfare, this episode demonstrates how bringing even "one soul" unto Christ transforms the missionary's own life forever. Conclusion True conversion requires exercising agency to move from passive survival to consecrated action. When we stop halting between opinions and choose to put both feet into the Savior’s work, He heals our past trauma, restores our divine identity, and uses our refined testimony to rescue His elect.

Send us Fan Mail Discover why Elder Boss served his Colombia mission with all his heart. In this LDS mission prep conversion story, learn how finding the elect and knowing your core "why" transforms a full-time mission into a powerful legacy of faith. At age twelve, Brayden "Boss" Latulippe had a profound spiritual awakening: every blessing in his life—being born in the covenant and knowing his divine worth as a son of God—existed because two devoted missionaries jumped into dumpsters on a construction job site to teach his searching father. Learning that he could be sealed for time and all eternity to his deceased mother and future wife hooked his father on the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. That singular realization became Elder Boss’s driving "why": If those elders could sacrifice to bless my family, I can do the same for others. Host Shawn Record and Elder Boss explore how a missionary's core motivation dictates their work ethic, spiritual resilience, and capacity to experience miracles. Elder Boss shares pivotal experiences from his prep and service in the Bogota Colombia North Mission, including: The Dumpster Lessons: How two elders demonstrated proactive discipleship by meeting a busy worker where he was, compacting trash while teaching eternal truths. Divine Tender Mercies: How unexpected MTC reassignments kept Elder Boss at home just long enough to support his critically ill father and receive a sacred father's blessing before departing for Colombia. Exact Obedience and Consecrated Effort: Why writing "Rest on the Plane" on his apartment ceiling fueled his desire to exhaust his strength in the Lord's service every single night. The Power of Unified Faith: A moving account from the Provo MTC where over 1,000 missionaries encircled an injured service missionary in prayer, feeling the tangible, pure love of Jesus Christ. Discipleship is defined by the depth of our purpose. Whether preparing to enter the mission field or navigating daily trials, understanding your identity as a son or daughter of God provides the foundation to serve with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. Examine your own spiritual "why," embrace exact obedience, and allow the Savior to use you as an instrument in gathering His elect.

Send us Fan Mail Elder Kade Uda shares his Philippines Bacolod Mission stories and LDS mission prep lessons on overcoming lukewarm faith, owning agency, and becoming a consecrated instrument in Christ's hands to help find the elect and invite true conversion. From Lukewarm Isolation to the Crossroads of Choice Kade candidly recounts how the isolation of the COVID pandemic hit during his formative teenage years, sending him down a path of spiritual coldness and worldly influences through high school. Despite growing up with faithful parents, Kade’s spiritual trajectory was initially driven by peer approval rather than a personal witness. His turning point began with a divinely orchestrated acceptance to BYU-Hawaii. Surrounded by faithful returned missionaries whose quiet examples shone brightly, Kade began to feel the subtle nudges of the Holy Ghost. However, he remained caught in a lukewarm state—torn between a worldly relationship and a desire to serve a full-time mission. Putting Both Feet In: The Turning Point in the Philippines Entering the Philippines Bacolod Mission still partially anchored to his past, Kade spent his first five months struggling with obedience and spiritual passivity. The true transformation occurred when he hit an emotional wall and spent a day reading Wilford Woodruff’s Leaf from My Journal alongside a talk by Hank Smith on Revelation 3:15–16. Realizing he could no longer live with one foot in the world and one foot with God, Kade exercised his agency to put both feet in. He surrendered his life to Heavenly Father, ended his relationship, and finished reading the Book of Mormon for the first time seven months into his mission, receiving an undeniable witness of its truth. Becoming an Instrument for Irving’s Miracle Graduating from keeping rules out of mere obligation to accepting them with a willing heart unlocked remarkable spiritual power. In his final months in Bacolod, Kade was guided to Irving, a father whose family belonged to the Church but who had resisted baptism for over seven years. Prompted by the Spirit, Kade extended a bold baptismal date. Though Irving initially planned to move away to Manila, a profound spiritual awakening led him to forfeit a costly plane ticket and declare, "I need to be baptized." At his baptism, Irving wept for the first time in front of his family as he felt the cleansing power of the Atonement—a miracle made possible because Kade chose to make himself a clean, prepared instrument in God's hands. Owning Your Discipleship Kade Uda’s journey demonstrates that Heavenly Father cannot use us as effective tools until we voluntarily choose to let Him drive our lives (2 Nephi 2:14). Discipleship is not about forced compliance, but a heartfelt choice to embrace the commandments and allow the Savior to transform our desires from the inside out. Stop straddling the fence, choose "hot" today, and experience the eternal joy of gathering Heavenly Father's elect.

Send us Fan Mail LJ Webb, a defensive tackle at Palomar College, joins Shawn to share a powerful witness of moving from a traumatic, fatherless childhood to discovering his true identity as a beloved son of God. Growing up in Ohio without a father, LJ was thrust into adult responsibilities as early as seven years old, helping sell drugs to ensure his four younger brothers had food on their plates. After being hit by a stray bullet during a gang shooting, his family relocated to Escondido, California, to seek a new start. Though he carried deep emotional scars and put on a mask to appear happy, LJ’s heart was secretly hurting—until a simple invitation set off a chain reaction of divine revelation. The Invitation that Changed Everything LJ’s conversion began through the simple boldness of a college football teammate, John Class. Demonstrating Principle Three: An Open Mouth Finds Listeners, John invited LJ to an Institute class with a simple promise of free food. Sitting in that room, LJ took a risk and asked a sincere question that had burdened him for years: "Who is God?" When another student answered, "God is love," the Holy Ghost bore witness to LJ’s heart with unmistakable clarity. For the first time in his life, LJ felt loved not for what he could perform or provide, but unconditionally. Growing up without an earthly father, he realized he had a Heavenly Father who had been watching over him all along. This single spiritual experience moved LJ from a survival-driven life into an active, intentional pursuit of truth. Identity, Scriptures, and Power over Darkness Meeting with the full-time missionaries, LJ was taught Moses 1, a lesson that permanently anchored his spiritual foundation. As they read how God repeatedly declared to Moses, "Thou art my son," LJ recognized his own divine lineage. Understanding that he was a son of God gave him the spiritual authority and strength to reject past darkness and embrace a new life. LJ quickly learned that coming unto Christ requires consistent feasting on the word of God. Moving beyond a casual relationship with religion, he threw himself into scripture study, testifying that reading the word allows God to guide a person's life and reveal their true purpose. He warns against living as a "hypocritical Christian" with one foot in the world and one foot in the gospel, urging every disciple to dive into the scriptures to see Christ clearly. A New Family in Christ Through his baptism, LJ experienced the fulfillment of his sincere prayer for a loving family. Surrounded by ward members who offered unconditional love—specifically the Hoops family—LJ discovered that the gospel replaces transactional relationships with genuine, Christlike covenant unity. Today, LJ radiates a genuine joy that replaces his old mask as he prepares to serve a full-time mission. His journey proves that no matter how dark or traumatic a person's past may be, the Savior stands ready to heal, transform, and reveal the divine potential within every child of God.

Send us Fan Mail Shawn sits down with Ammon Hiatt (Elder Hiatt), who recently returned from serving in the Salt Lake City Mission (covering Sugar House, Bountiful, and Big Piney, Wyoming). Having attended Shawn’s mission prep class through multiple sessions prior to his call, Ammon shares his journey from a self-focused, lukewarm mindset to experiencing a mighty change of heart through consecrated service and outward love. The Transformation from Self-Focus to Outward Love Ammon reflects on the stark contrast between his pre-mission life and the mature disciple he became. He candidly shares that early in his preparation, his life revolved around himself and his own pursuits. However, turning his focus entirely toward loving, serving, and sharing the gospel with others changed everything. He defines a mighty change of heart not as flawless perfection, but as an overwhelming, permanent desire to turn back to Jesus Christ. By choosing to lose himself in the Lord's work, Ammon discovered that true joy and maturity come when we stop focusing on ourselves and start seeking the welfare of Heavenly Father's children. An Open Mouth in Big Piney and the Miracle in Sugar House The body of the episode highlights Principle Three: An Open Mouth Finds Listeners and Principle Six: You Can't Bring Me Down. Ammon recounts visiting an Elders Quorum President in Big Piney, Wyoming, whose non-member son-in-law, Braden Anderson, was nearby stripping copper. Rather than keeping the visit strictly casual, Ammon and his companion chose to open their mouths and share a scripture. Braden stopped working, listened intently, and within days requested baptism so he could be sealed to his wife and ten-month-old daughter forever—a promise fulfilled a year later when Ammon attended their temple sealing. Ammon also details a intense trial of faith in Sugar House, Salt Lake City—an area densely populated with members that had not seen a convert baptism in eight years. After six weeks of biking in the winter cold and teaching zero people, Ammon felt ready to give up. A conversation with his father re-framed the trial, reminding him that God sends valiant servants to hard areas because He loves those children deeply. Encouraged by his companion to give "one more day" of total effort, a call came at 10:25 p.m. that very night. A teenage girl called asking the elders to teach her friend Taylor Bray, a non-member who had been quietly attending seminary for three years. Taylor accepted the gospel immediately, sparking a spiritual culture shift that led to six convert baptisms in the area the following year. Lessons in Sacrifice from Tonga The episode also highlights Ammon’s companion, Elder Taufa from Tonga. Elder Taufa faced severe family opposition and physical discipline for choosing baptism, and received no financial support for his mission. Despite speaking limited English and lacking formal training, Elder Taufa’s quiet, soft-spoken testimony brought the Holy Ghost into every room. His fiery commitment taught Ammon that genuine conversion requires stepping away from lukewarm passivity and giving everything to the Savior. Closing: An Invitation to Serve Ammon concludes by testifying that serving a mission was the greatest decision of his life, providing a joy that no earthly pursuit or job could ever match. He testifies that Heavenly Father loves us through our faults and that Christ is ready to change anyone who chooses to turn to Him. Listeners are invited to stop hesitating, exercise their agency to serve with all their heart, might, mind, and strength, and allow the Lord to use them as instruments to gather His elect.

Send us Fan Mail In a special teaching-focused reflection celebrating over 70 episodes of the podcast, Shawn Record dives into the single most crucial key to missionary success and personal conversion: the transformative, hopeful, and joyous power of repentance. Drawing on classic moments from past guests, Shawn dismantles the cultural misconception that repentance is shameful or scary, highlighting it instead as the ultimate gift of peace that prepares a missionary to lead others to Christ. From a "Starved Soul" to 10/10 Joy The episode opens with a clip from Kirra Eddington, who describes the spiritual apathy of her freshman year as feeling as though she "had no soul". When scriptures on procrastinating repentance struck her heart like a "dagger," she chose to meet with her bishop and begin the process of change. Kirra reflects that while her happiness was a 4 out of 10 while living in sin, active daily repentance transformed her life into a 10 out of 10. Repentance is not a sign that we are failing; it is the evidence that we are actively choosing to turn toward God. Sipping the Bitter Cup vs. Repenting at the Speed of Thought Highlighting a vulnerable moment with Trent Stock, Shawn addresses the common trap of believing we are beyond forgiveness or that Christ’s Atonement applies to everyone except ourselves. Trent admits to "sipping at the bitter cup" of guilt for months until he fully understood that Christ drank the bitter cup full in Gethsemane so we wouldn't have to. Once a disciple realizes the Savior has already paid the price, they learn to "repent at the speed of thought"—kneeling immediately upon making a mistake to receive instant peace and direction. The Sacrament Altar and Knowing the Savior Shawn breaks down the doctrine of the sacrament, explaining that the sacrament table is a modern altar. While ancient Israel offered animal sacrifices, the Savior now requires an offering of a "broken heart and a contrite spirit"—a humble, repentant soul filled with godly sorrow and gratitude. The ultimate reward of this daily offering is not just relief from guilt, but coming to personally know Jesus Christ. As promised in Revelation, when we open the door through repentance, the Savior enters in and abides with us. The Fruits of a Repentant Missionary The episode concludes with the story of Elder Carter Burrup, who delayed his mission departure to spend over a year feasting on scriptures up to eight hours a day to complete his repentance process. What felt like a frustrating delay became his greatest asset; because he personally experienced the cleansing power of the Atonement, Carter entered the field as a spiritual force, witnessing miraculous baptisms and transformed lives week after week. Shawn closes with an urgent invitation for all preparing missionaries to fall to their knees, lay down their pride, and experience the boundless joy of repentance today.

Send us Fan Mail Shawn Record sits down with his longtime friend and legendary missionary companion, Elder Jacob Pack, who served in Ukraine. Their conversation centers on Principle Two: Revelation Leads to Conversion, focusing on the reality that we cannot truly love the people we serve until we first experience the healing, sanctifying power of personal repentance. Pack shares a profound spiritual journey of moving from a state of heavy, anger-fueled guilt to becoming a consecrated instrument filled with Christlike charity. The Burden of Guilt and the Walk of Joy As a teenager, Jacob carried a heavy emotional weight, struggling with unresolved guilt that manifested as a constant, underlying anger. At age sixteen, during a Thursday night meeting at EFY, a counselor posed a piercing question about the reality of the Savior’s individual suffering. In that moment, Jacob experienced a deep godly sorrow, realizing his own sins had directly contributed to Christ’s agony in Gethsemane. This awakening set him on a rigorous path of repentance. After months of trying to carry the burden alone, he finally followed the Spirit's nudge to meet with his bishop. Walking out of that office, he received a clear, undeniable spiritual witness that he was clean, leaving him literally jumping and dancing for joy in the middle of the street. Perpetual Readiness and the MTC Covenant While in the Missionary Training Center, Jacob faced a painful lesson in spiritual preparation. Following a rough day of complaining about his struggles with the Russian language, his companion asked him for a priesthood blessing. Feeling spiritually unprepared, Jacob declined. This refusal brought back a familiar, heavy sense of guilt. That night, he knelt in deep humility, pleading for forgiveness and making a covenant with the Lord that he would never again allow himself to be spiritually unprepared when called upon to bless another soul—a promise he has kept to this day. From Competitive Pride to Consecrated Charity Two months into his mission, Jacob received a joyful call from his close friend, Elder Cody Akuda, who had just baptized a large family. Instead of rejoicing, Jacob found himself wrestling with bitter feelings of competitive jealousy over his own lack of baptisms. Ashamed of his selfishness, he immediately fell to his knees in repentance. He recognized that he did not yet truly love the people he was called to serve. From that night on, Jacob fasted and prayed daily for the spiritual gift of charity. The Lord answered his prayers, completely changing his heart, allowing him to lose himself in the work and view the Ukrainian people through the lens of pure, Christlike love. Witnessing the Sanctifying Power of the Spirit This transformation of heart unlocked a ministry of remarkable spiritual power. While teaching a seeker named Yuri, who described feeling the Holy Ghost like "static electricity" when reading the Book of Mormon, Jacob was asked to confirm Yuri's wife, Tanya. Terrified of his limited Russian, Jacob spent two weeks fasting and praying for spiritual strength. When he laid his hands on Tanya’s head, human words faded away; he was enveloped by a powerful, sanctifying peace, feeling as if he were standing in the very presence of God. Later, at the baptism of an investigator named Zena, Jacob watched as her countenance literally glowed in white during the singing of "The Spirit of God," serving as a physical witness of her cleansing. Closing Elder Pack’s experiences stand as an inspiring witness that repentance is not a shameful punishment, but the ultimate gift of joy that unlocks our capacity to love. True conversion is a process of sanctification that begins when we choose to lay down our burdens at the feet of the Savior. We are invited to stop waiting, step into the repentance process today, and let the Holy Ghost transform our hearts from the inside out.

Send us Fan Mail Elder Chase Lindsey, recently returned from the Ireland Scotland Mission, joins Shawn to share how a missionary's willingness to "invite boldly" acts as the catalyst for gathering prepared souls. Even while temporarily home recovering from a sudden shoulder injury, Chase models Christlike patience—defining it not as passive resignation, but as cheerfully doing everything within our power to serve God. His experiences in Dublin demonstrate a profound truth: when we open our mouths with faith, the Lord guides us directly to the "sleepers" who are actively seeking the light of the Restored Gospel. The Gathering on "Sketchy Street" The power of an open mouth is beautifully illustrated in the conversion of Samuel, a journalist who fled violent Christian genocides in Nigeria after receiving personal revelation to seek peace in Ireland. Only two weeks after arriving in Ireland, Samuel was found by Chase on a Dublin street famously nicknamed "sketchy street". Although Samuel got lost trying to find the church on his first Sunday due to having no phone data, his desire to find the truth was undeniable. Chase and his companion took the bus with him the following Tuesday to show him the way, feeling a deep spiritual confirmation that Samuel had been strategically placed in Ireland. When Samuel later stood up in fast and testimony meeting—boldly thanking the elders and declaring he had found "God's true church"—every doubt about his sincerity vanished, proving that the Lord prepares His elect to recognize His voice. From Palestine to the Covenant Chase also recounts the miraculous conversion of Rafat, a Muslim from Palestine who was contacted on the street. When Rafat walked into the chapel during General Conference, he looked at the prophet on the projector screen and felt an immediate, overwhelming spiritual witness. Despite intense opposition from his family—including an uncle who flew from Palestine to intervene—Rafat's conversion was swift and uncompromising. He read the Book of Mormon in Arabic and immediately abandoned his lifelong habits of smoking and drinking coffee the moment he understood they were commandments from God. Rafat’s story highlights the power of eliminating human "fluff" and inviting seekers to act on plain, bold truth. The Global Vineyard Shawn and Chase discuss how the Lord is utilizing global immigration as a divine tool to gather Israel. Out of ten baptisms Chase witnessed in seven months, nine were immigrants from Brazil and Nigeria. This pattern fulfills the ancient prophecy in Ezekiel 37, where the Lord promises to place His children where He chooses, using the "stick of Judah" and the "stick of Ephraim" to bind them to Him. Conclusion Elder Lindsey’s testimony is a stirring reminder that the Lord's sheep are actively waiting to hear His voice. When we speak with boldness and simplicity, substituting our own logic for the power of the scriptures, the Lord promises He will not make us liars. We are invited to examine our own lives: Are we actively lending our voices to help the Master gather His sheep, or are we letting fear keep our mouths closed?

Send us Fan Mail When we align our faith with the Lord's timing, the boundaries of language, distance, and circumstance dissolve. In this powerful reunion episode, Shawn is joined by returned missionaries and husband-and-wife duo Alex Tilton (England London Mission) and Olya Tyltina (Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission). Together, they explore Principle Five: Miracles and Angels Are Your Right, demonstrating that the miraculous is never a product of mere coincidence, but the mathematical "if-then" result of faith and consecrated preparation. The "If-Then" Pattern of Miracles Alex illustrates this divine pattern through the story of Steve, a London barber who had been inactive for twenty years, and his Ukrainian wife, Zena. Following a sudden prompting in traffic, Steve brought his family back to church, but Zena could not understand the missionaries' English lessons. In a showcase of perfect timing, Alex—a native of Ukraine—was transferred to the area the very next day. Prepared with a Ukrainian Book of Mormon in his bag, Alex was able to teach Zena in her native tongue. This miracle bore immediate fruit when Zena's father unexpectedly passed away shortly after her baptism; because of the Plan of Salvation she had just embraced, her grief was anchored in hope rather than despair. The reality of the Comforter's power is further highlighted in Alex's experience with Will and Clarissa, a young, struggling couple. On the morning of a long-awaited temple trip, Alex received a frantic 7:00 A.M. call. The couple had experienced a violent domestic conflict, leaving the husband injured and the room filled with heavy contention. Choosing the "spirit of the law" over rigid rules or personal desires, Alex and his companion rushed to the home and called their bishop. When the bishop arrived, he brought a spirit of peace so dense it immediately dispelled the darkness in the room. This turning point teaches that when priesthood keepers live worthy of their calling, they carry the light of Christ to heal any crisis. A Mission of Pure Testimony Olya shares the unique power of her mission on Temple Square, where the work of finding was replaced by the constant privilege of testifying. She recounts the miraculous baptism of Elizabeth, a 16-year-old Ukrainian orphan recently adopted by an American family. Because Elizabeth spoke no English, her parents brought her to Temple Square once a week, where Olya taught her the gospel in Ukrainian in quiet, sacred rooms. The journey culminated in Elizabeth's baptism inside the historic Salt Lake Tabernacle—a stunning testament that the Lord will prepare a way for every one of His children to hear the gospel in their own tongue. Conclusion The ultimate takeaway of these experiences is that spiritual things can only be discerned by those who exercise faith. Miracles do not precede belief; they follow it. Preparing missionaries are invited to daily do the hard work—studying the word, serving others, and purifying their hearts—so they can be prepared to step into any room and bring the healing power of the Holy Ghost with them.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn welcomes Olya (Leila) Tyltina, a witness to the "genesis" of the Church in Makiivka, Ukraine. Their conversation explores the profound spiritual awakening that occurred as the Iron Curtain was lifted, transforming a society built on communist "belonging" into one searching for eternal truth. Olya’s journey, beginning as an 11-year-old girl in the "hungry '90s," illustrates how the Lord prepares individuals and families through small, providential moments and the gift of faith. Providence on a Trolley Bus The branch in Makiivka began not through a grand event, but through a "one-time" desire to give thanks. When Olya’s sister, Yana, received a life-changing university scholarship, she and her mother set out for an Orthodox church to thank God. However, a series of seemingly mundane frustrations—an unreliable trolley bus and noisy arguments—compelled them to step off early and walk. In a narrow five-minute window, they encountered two missionaries standing outside a non-discrete building holding hymnbooks. This small act of agency led them into a meeting that would forever change their family’s trajectory. "God, If There is a God": The Sincere Prayer One of the episode's most powerful turning points involves Olya’s brother-in-law, Tolik, a hardworking coal miner and avowed atheist. While Jana and Olya embraced the gospel with immediate spiritual depth, Tolik remained indifferent and often fell asleep during lessons. The transformation began when Shawn moved beyond a structured lesson to build a relationship of trust based on Tolik’s interests. The spiritual "checkmate" occurred when Shawn invited Tolik to offer his first prayer. With raw sincerity, Tolik prayed: "God, if there is God... answer my prayer". The immediate witness of the Holy Ghost changed his countenance and his life. Tolik transitioned from a skeptical observer to a devoted disciple who, despite his dislike for singing, remained fully committed to the truth he had felt. The Treasure of the Word Olya recounts the "magical" arrival of the Doctrine and Covenants in Russian. For a branch of only about 20 members, these scriptures were a "treasure" that provided modern words of the Lord to sustain them through the difficulties of the post-Soviet era. Shawn shares the story of the first Branch President, Zakrev, who was struggling under the weight of his calling. By reading the words given to Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail, the Branch President found the peace and joy necessary to trust that the Lord would carry him through his trials. Conclusion Olya concludes with a powerful witness that the Church is not merely a global organization but a personal sanctuary. She teaches that through the gift of faith, every member can claim the Church as their own—"The Church of Jesus Christ of Ola"—refusing to let the attitudes or behaviors of others hinder their path to exaltation. The episode serves as a reminder that the Lord is actively involved in the "awakening" of every soul who is willing to look for the light.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Shawn welcomes Sister Elle Dorney, a "happy powerhouse" who recently returned from the Austin Texas Mission. Elle’s journey is a vibrant witness of how the Holy Ghost transforms a "lukewarm" high school experience into a life of consecrated discipleship. Her story centers on Principle Two: Revelation Leads to Conversion, illustrating that the only way to truly come unto Christ is through the discernible and constant influence of the Spirit. From Worldly Focus to a Trial of Faith Elle candidly describes her high school years as a "lukewarm" state, where her priorities were school, friends, and extracurriculars rather than a personal relationship with the Savior. Her spiritual shift began at BYU through the influence of a roommate who acted as a "spiritual catalyst," modeling a life of feasting on the words of Christ. Just as Elle committed to serve a mission, she faced a life-altering medical trial—a brain tumor and subsequent brain surgery. She reflects on this experience as a literal "trial of faith" as described in Ether 12:6, where she had to choose between turning away from God or turning toward Him in total trust. This foundation of trust prepared her to enter the mission field not as a casual observer, but as a devoted disciple. Relying on the Spirit in Austin Initially, Elle struggled to find success as she relied on her own charisma and mortal skills. She shares the transformative realization found in Doctrine and Covenants 50: that a missionary is ordained to preach only by the Spirit, and any other way "is not of God". This shift in reliance allowed her to witness profound miracles, such as the conversion of the Torres family. Carla Torres, at "rock bottom" after her husband was detained by ICE, sent her children to find the missionaries. Through their humble obedience to every commitment—especially daily reading of the Book of Mormon—the family was baptized, and they witnessed the miraculous return of their father just weeks later. The Light of the Book of Mormon The power of the word is further evidenced in the story of Leydi Castro, a biblical Christian who harbored deep doubts about the Restoration and Joseph Smith. The turning point occurred when Lady stopped merely reading with the missionaries and began to "feast" on the Book of Mormon daily on her own. Elle describes walking into Lady’s home for the next lesson and immediately seeing a "completely different light" and a brighter smile on her face. This visible transformation of countenance testifies that the Book of Mormon is the primary tool for inviting the Spirit of Truth to change a heart. Conclusion and Invitation Sister Dorney concludes with her "CPR for life" advice: Church, Prayer, and Reading—the three habits that keep a spiritual life breathing. She invites all preparing missionaries to move beyond cultural tradition and establish a personal, proactive relationship with Heavenly Father. Her mission in Austin serves as a reminder that when we open our mouths and rely on the Spirit, we find a joy that is "happier" and more lasting than anything the world can offer.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Shawn is joined by Lauren (Lolo) and Chase Routson, a missionary "power couple" who met while serving in the Brazil Goiânia Mission. Their narrative explores a profound spiritual transition: the move from being "acted upon" by circumstances to exercising the god-like power of agency. The core transformation highlights how a missionary must graduate from passive participation to an intentional, proactive choice to follow the Savior, even in the face of intense personal trauma. The Field is Ripe: Chase’s Journey to an Open Mouth Chase reflects on the early months of his mission when a language barrier left him feeling "rock bottom". This frustration drove him to a sincere prayer and a providential encounter with Alma 26: "Rejoice... ye did thrust in your sickle and did reap with all of your might". This revelation provided the spiritual "rest" and joy necessary to transition from frustration to work. Embracing Principle Three: An Open Mouth Finds Listeners, Chase and his companion used their native English skills as a tool for service. After boldly walking into a local news station in the city of Patos (Duck Country), they were featured in a broadcast that resulted in 250 people reaching out for English classes. This creative outreach opened doors that traditional proselyting could not, eventually leading to the baptism of multiple individuals, including a family of four. Chase also details a powerful manifestation of Principle Five: Miracles and Angels, where he felt a distinct prompting to make a bold promise in the name of Jesus Christ to an investigator named Jessel. By promising that the man’s lifelong smoking addiction would be removed through faith and baptism, Chase witnessed a literal fulfillment of prophecy as the man’s desires were entirely changed. Jesus Can’t Drive a Parked Vehicle: Lauren’s Choice at the Crossroads The episode reaches a turning point with Lauren’s harrowing account of witnessing a violent shooting while riding a bus halfway through her mission. The trauma left her "darkened" and paralyzed by anxiety, leading her mission president to offer her a choice: return home or transfer to a "safe" mission in the United States. In a state of spiritual "limbo," Lauren felt indecisive and overwhelmed. The epiphany came during a late-night phone call with her father, who reminded her that her presence in Brazil was not a cultural requirement but a personal choice. "It's not up to anybody else. It's up to me," she realized. This transition from a "lukewarm" or indecisive state to a "100,000% choice" allowed her to reclaim her agency. Lauren teaches that "Jesus can't drive a parked vehicle"—it is only when we put our foot on the gas and choose a direction that the Lord can steer us. By choosing to stay, she found a deeper identification with the Savior, who was "amazing" because He chose to overcome suffering through obedience. Conclusion Lauren and Chase reinforce the principle that discipleship is an active ingredient in a missionary's life. Lauren’s experience eventually fulfilled a promise in her patriarchal blessing that she would use her experiences to teach and empathize with other missionaries facing their own trials. The episode concludes with an invitation to move beyond being "parked" in fear or indifference. When we choose to be proactive, we invite the Savior to sit in the passenger seat and guide us toward a "mighty change of heart" and a life of intentional joy

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Shawn is joined by Jacob Woodward, who recently returned from the Washington Tacoma Mission. Jacob shares a powerful account of moving from a state of spiritual "lukewarmness" and reactive discipleship to a life of proactive, consecrated faith. The episode explores the foundational principles of conversion, illustrating how a single sincere choice to seek revelation can transform a mission from an obligation into a "marvelous work and a wonder". The Poverty of a Lukewarm State Jacob admits that upon receiving his mission call, he experienced a significant "halt" in his spiritual momentum. Having dreamed of serving in Washington, D.C., he felt a profound sense of disappointment when his call read "Washington Tacoma". This unmet expectation, combined with the looming reality of a two-year sacrifice, led him into a "lukewarm" state characterized by indifference and passivity. Shawn highlights that this "halted" state is often more dangerous than open rebellion, as indifference prevents a soul from hungering after righteousness or seeking a personal witness. The "Hot or Cold" Decision in Iowa The turning point for Jacob occurred while he was at a national debate tournament in Iowa. Realizing he was about to depart for two years to testify of a book he didn't truly know was true, he reached a state of being "fed up" with his own indifference. Exercising his agency (Principle One), he chose to move from a "lukewarm" state to a "hot or cold" one: either the Gospel was true and he was all in, or it was false and he would walk away. In a hotel room, he offered a sincere prayer and opened the Book of Mormon to Alma 39:16, which speaks of the "ministry unto which thou wast called". This encounter was not merely logical; it was a visceral, spiritual witness that entered "the fiber of his being," leaving him in what he describes as "checkmate". He realized he could no longer deny the truth and remain an honest man, marking the moment his faith moved from cultural habit to personal revelation (Principle Two). From Reactive to Proactive Discipleship Upon entering the mission field, Jacob found himself in a mission culture struggling with a lack of work ethic and "massive disobedience". Initially, he fell back into a reactive state, allowing his companions and the surrounding environment to dictate his level of commitment. However, through the influence of powerful role models—zone leaders and a senior companion—he learned that a disciple must "set the stage" rather than merely reacting to it. Jacob transitioned into a proactive missionary who focused on obedience and charity, realizing that he couldn't do "the Lord's work, the world's way". This shift led to miraculous experiences in his area of Lacey, such as challenging a Buddhist woman named Joanne to pray in the moment and feeling the room fill with the Spirit, and conducting a transformative baptismal interview for a Catholic man who needed to square his lifetime of tradition with a modern sign from God. Conclusion: God Answers Teenagers Jacob concludes that the joy of a mission—where your "feet aren't even touching the ground" after a lesson—is available to anyone who chooses to take action. He reinforces the truth that "we worship a God who answers teenagers," and that the most powerful being in the universe is ready to communicate with anyone who will simply open their ears and look. His story serves as a clear invitation to move beyond a "halted" state and engage in the "scientific process" of conversion through faith, repentance, and sincere prayer.

Send us Fan Mail Claire Peterson from Kyle, Texas, joins Shawn to discuss her transition from a faithful but "casual" teenager to a "red-hot" missionary in the Hawaii Laie Mission. The conversation centers on Principle One: Choose Ye This Day, and the vital necessity of moving from a lukewarm state to one of intentional, bold discipleship. Claire shares how she overcame the "indifference" of spiritual passivity by making a definitive choice to serve after a "lightning strike" experience with the Book of Mormon at FSY. The body of the episode explores the critical concept of "setting the stage" in a companionship. Claire reflects on her early transfers where she was reactive to her companions' patterns—one who focused strictly on the letter of the law and another who was lax with mission standards. She teaches that a missionary will either proactively set the stage for work ethic, miracles, and obedience, or they will be forced to react to the stage their companion sets. Claire describes the pivotal moment in her sixth transfer when she finally seized control of her mission's destiny, graduating from being "antsy" to becoming a powerhouse who established a reputation for being bold and miracle-seeking. Claire provides a masterclass in Principle Two: Revelation Leads to Conversion, specifically through her work at the Laie Temple Visitor Center. With only 15-minute windows to teach visitors from all over the world, she learned to rely entirely on the Spirit to discern exactly which person in a crowd of thirty was prepared to hear the message. Standing before the Christus statue, she would boldly testify of the Savior’s mission and then ask the crucial identifying question: "How do you feel right now?". This intentional approach helped visitors spiritually discern the peace they were feeling as a witness of the Holy Ghost. The episode reinforces that a missionary’s true calling is to lead souls to Christ, which is fulfilled primarily by planting seeds of faith and helping others identify revelation. Claire concludes with a powerful witness of Jesus Christ, testifying that when we choose to look for Him, He is already there, ready to change our intentions and desires from the root.