From City Slickers to Podunk: Finding the Work in Every Transfer

There are moments, even years after you’ve finished your callings, when you stop and think about the sheer breadth of what we were asked to do. People often picture the mission field as a single, consistent landscape—a uniform set of challenges or populations. But if you spent any time in the field, you know better.

The work is defined by its incredible, beautiful diversity. One day, you might be talking to a well-educated, affluent family in a city center; the next, you might be in a small, rural community where resources are scarce, but the hearts are open and the people are profoundly humble.

It’s that dichotomy—from city to nowhere in a single transfer—that often blows the mind of returning missionaries. It teaches you that the principles of the gospel don't change, no matter where the boundaries are drawn. The assignment might change, but the mission remains.

Watch: Interesting Facts About the Maryland Baltimore Mission

The Power of the Transfer

When I was serving, I remember hearing stories about the Maryland Baltimore Mission—a mission that covered such a vast and varied area. They covered everything from major population centers to tiny, isolated pockets, spanning multiple states and diverse economic levels. What struck me most was the consensus among the missionaries: no matter the area, the success of the effort ultimately depended on the willingness to work hard and the ability to adapt.

It’s easy, when we are just starting out, to feel discouraged by a community that seems “too content” or one that seems “too remote.” We can let our expectations of the field become a barrier. But the truth, as the brethren often remind us, is that the Lord gives us the people and the place. Our job is to approach it with humility, curiosity, and Christlike persistence.

This principle of adaptability is perhaps the most vital skill we can cultivate today, whether you are in a local ward setting, a college campus, or even just sitting in your kitchen doing your morning coffee. The Internet missionary life requires us to be masters of the transfer.

Discipleship in the Digital Field

If the physical field teaches us that effort is always required, the digital field teaches us that *presence* is always required. Our calling as Latter-day Saints has never been confined to a specific geographic boundary. We are called to be Internet missionaries, and that means bringing the spirit of the field into every corner of our lives.

When you feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of the work, remember that the Lord has given you a specific window of opportunity right now. Don't wait for the perfect time, the perfect location, or the perfect population. Start where you are. If you are struggling with how to talk about the plan of salvation with a friend who keeps changing the subject, don't wait for a formal missionary discussion. Instead, practice the skills you learn in your missionary preparation—the active listening, the gentle redirecting, the deep knowledge of the Book of Mormon—right now, with a friend or even a family member.

Need help practicing those tough conversations? Don't go it alone! I highly recommend tapping into our AI Investigator co-pilot, Davee. He is trained to walk you through the hardest questions an investigator might ask, allowing you to practice your answers in a safe, supportive space. It’s incredible preparation for the work.

💡 Mission Prep Skill Tip: When you feel discouraged by a difficult conversation, don't retreat. Pause, and ask the investigator (or friend) to repeat the core belief they hold. This simple act of reflective listening helps you identify the root of their misunderstanding, allowing you to address the belief, not just the surface topic.

We are a growing flock, and the strength of the movement comes from the continuous effort of those who have been there and those who are just starting. Don't let the diversity of the field intimidate you; let it inspire you.

Keep the Momentum Going!

If you are ready to deepen your knowledge of the gospel and practice the skills of the field, I encourage you to join a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. These are incredible places to connect with fellow disciples and deepen your understanding of the scriptures. If you prefer reading on your own, check out the latest Iron Rod author available in LivingBook. Reading will always strengthen your foundation!

I know the work can feel vast, but remember the warmth of the senior couples—the people who have seen it all and are still radiating joy. You have that strength in you, too. Keep striving to be Christlike, keep the faith, and know that every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time.