From the Field to the Forum: Finding the Spirit in Any City

It’s funny how the Lord prepares us. When I was first assigned to my mission, I thought I knew what 'field work' looked like. I thought it was about the grand moments: the perfect investigator breakthrough, the heartfelt conversion, the powerful testimony shared during a missionary discussion. But what I learned, years later, is that the Spirit doesn't wait for the perfect backdrop. It shows up in the mundane, the unexpected, and even the slightly chaotic.

I was recently looking back at some memories from my time serving in Boise, Idaho. And what struck me wasn't just the beauty of the Table Rock hike, or the unique potato ice cream—though I still dream about that!—it was the *pattern*. The pattern of finding the Lord’s kingdom, and the Savior’s influence, even when the surrounding culture was struggling.

The Gospel in the Everyday Ministry

One companion mentioned that Boise was "out of darkness." And while that sounds dramatic, it really speaks to something deeper about the work. It means that the needs—the struggles with addiction, the daily challenges people faced—were immense. It was hard work. It required patience that felt almost superhuman. You couldn't just move the timeline forward; you had to meet people where they were, help them overcome the immediate obstacles, and *then* gently guide them toward the covenant path.

That’s a lesson I keep bringing back to my own discipleship today. We sometimes think that being an Internet missionary means we have to be in a 'missionary moment'—a formal study, a chance to teach. But the Lord calls us to be disciples *anywhere*, all the time. Whether you're in a big city like Boise, or just across the street from your apartment, the principle remains: Be Christlike, be patient, and be ready to testify.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: Observation

If I had to pull one actionable skill from those memories, it’s observation. The missionaries were constantly observing: the local traditions (like the BSU spirit!), the local infrastructure (the Capitol building tours!), and the local culture. When we were given the tour of the Capitol, we were told to be quiet so we could be a good example. That’s a perfect parallel for us disciples today. We are the ambassadors of the restored gospel. Our quiet example—our consistency, our kindness, our genuine desire to learn and improve—is often the most powerful teaching tool we have.

It reminds me of what we discuss in the Book Club. It’s not just about reading the verses; it's about *seeing* how the principles of the scriptures apply to the headlines of the day. It’s about noticing the needs around you.

Join the Conversation

If you feel like you need to sharpen your observational skills, or if you want to discuss how to take the gospel principles we learn in our studies and apply them to the "Boise" of our own neighborhoods, I highly encourage you to join a local Book Club or Bible Study Group through HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to connect with fellow disciples who are ready to dig deep into the word.

For those who are feeling the pull toward the field, or just want to sharpen your testimony before you go, I’d love for you to connect with Davee. He’s been working on his AI Investigator skills, and he’s fantastic at walking through the hard questions an investigator might ask. It’s a great way to prepare your answers so you feel confident and Spirit-filled when you speak.

Remember, every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let’s keep the momentum going!