A Personal Testimony of My Mission

I just heard an older couple (on the Mormon Channel--internet radio) describe the moment when they opened their mission call. It reminded me of that moment for me.

I was at Snow College, and I had let the post office know that it was coming and to watch for it (which they did). One morning, I was speaking to my mother on the phone (perhaps around 7:00 or 8:00), and when I hung up, I got a call from the post office. My mission call had arrived. I went to get it and returned. I called my mom back and let her know. She was excited. I began to read the letter.

I've long since laid little emphasis on where a missionary is called to serve. It's just not that important, really. It's interesting, but not important, because missionary work is the same work anywhere (though admittedly with fewer baptisms in some missions). When I ask someone who has just received a mission call about it, rather than ask where they are going, I ask how they felt.

As I read to my mother that I had been called to the Ivory Coast Abidjan Mission, I knew it was right. I knew it because of how I felt. It wasn't a powerful or overwhelming feeling, but instead very simple. It simply struck me as entirely natural. It was a feeling of, Yes, that's it. That's my mission. And that's all. While being so simple, it was also encouraging and exciting.

I don't think I even knew where the Ivory Coast was.

As I served there, I had times of weakness and times of strength. When I succeeded, and in the particular ways I was positioned by Heavenly Father to serve, I was certain that He had called me there to act in a role suited to my own strengths. It was important for me to serve in ways I could not have known beforehand. Sure, the work would have gone on even if I'd never been a missionary, but I was useful, genuinely useful, in advancing the work there in ways that others could not have been.

If we're faithful, we allow God to make us useful to Him, and that's about the best thing we can be.

Last thoughts for now: Even in a simple moment the Holy Ghost can testify to us. I've been very blessed to have had the opportunity to serve, and I am still blessed through service I am called to give. I know that my Heavenly Father knows me and knows what I can do. I know that He loves me and wants me to receive the great joy that comes through service.