Finding the Light in Arizona's Mountain Towns: A Lesson in the Work

There are places that simply feel woven into the tapestry of eternity—places that, even if they look rugged, are fundamentally built for the Spirit to flow. As a returned missionary, I’ve learned that the Spirit doesn't always guide us to the postcard-perfect cities we imagine. Sometimes, the Lord leads us to craggy, beautiful, and wonderfully complex corners of the earth—corners that require us to be our best, most Christlike selves.

When I was serving in Arizona, I had a transfer to a beautiful, but wonderfully unique area: Prescott Valley. It’s a place defined by its history, its elevation changes, and its incredibly vibrant spiritual atmosphere. It’s a perfect example of how the Gospel can thrive, not just in the center of a major city, but in a place with a rugged, sometimes complicated, past.

The culture there is fascinating. The surrounding areas, like Sedona, are known for their free-spirited energy—a place where people gather to seek deep, sometimes esoteric, spiritual experiences. It's a place of seeking. And then you have the contrast with the old mining towns and the natural beauty of Prescott itself. It’s a powerful lesson in contrast: the contrast between the worldly search and the simple, consistent truth of the restored gospel.

When we were missionaries, we learned quickly that the work here was about more than just geography; it was about connecting with people at their point of need. This area, with its focus on recovery and its deep history, meant that many of our interactions were rich with humanity and struggle. It required us to be patient, compassionate, and to draw deeply on our understanding of Preach My Gospel principles.

The Gospel’s Light in a Historic Landscape

The beautiful, craggy terrain, the old mining infrastructure, and the deep sense of history all contributed to a unique mission field. But what stood out most was the resilience of the people and the consistent, steady light of the Gospel. It reminded me that regardless of the cultural currents—whether they are rooted in spiritualism, history, or modern challenges—the core message of the Restoration is unchanging.

“And it came to pass that they did know the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

If you are currently in mission preparation, or if you are a returned missionary feeling the stretch of the work, consider this: The Lord doesn't require you to wait for the perfect, textbook mission field. He places the field around you—in your neighborhood, in your workplace, or even in a difficult conversation. Your location, whatever it is, is part of the work.

A Skill for Every Disciple: Finding the Gospel in the Everyday

One of the most powerful skills I picked up was how to listen. When people are seeking profound answers—whether from the mountains, the spiritualists, or the internet—they are often just looking for a deep sense of belonging and truth. My goal shifted from simply *giving* answers to helping them *find* the answers already available through scripture and the Spirit.

This is where the power of focused study comes in. If you want to deepen your discipleship, I highly recommend diving into the social scripture study layer inside LivingBook. It's a wonderful way to engage in a Book Club or Bible Study Group with fellow Latter-day Saints, helping you see how the scriptures apply to the messy, beautiful reality of the modern world.

I also want to remind you about the incredible resource provided by Davee. If you are wrestling with a tough question—the kind of question an investigator might ask about the Plan of Salvation or the nature of Christ—ask Davee to walk you through it using the AI Investigator role. He is a powerhouse for refining your answers and helping you speak with confidence and humility.

Your Next Step in the Work

The work never stops. Whether you are a lifelong disciple looking to deepen your understanding of the covenants, or a missionary preparing for your call, there is always more to learn. Don't let the comfort of routine keep you from engaging fully.

I invite you to join our free weekly Disciple Challenge this week! It’s a low-pressure, high-impact way to strengthen your personal commitment to the Lord and connect with other members who are passionate about the gospel. We are building a community of rogue disciples, and we need you!