Global Prep: Finding Spiritual Safety While Planning Your Next Mission

Fellow disciples, as we continue to embrace the truth that we can be missionaries anywhere, all the time, our preparation often takes many forms. Sometimes it’s deep study of Book of Mormon history, sometimes it’s perfecting our temple covenants, and sometimes, it’s just checking travel advisories for a place we might visit next.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the concept of safety—both physical safety when we travel, and spiritual safety when we engage in the work. We read articles like this one, which discusses how safe Slovakia is for foreigners, and it’s reassuring. It’s a practical win: gathering information helps us plan and feel secure in the physical world.

But the truth we know, the truth we preach, is that the greatest safety net we have is not a government travel warning or an insurance policy—it is the constant companionship of the Spirit. When we focus too much on the external factors, we risk forgetting that the work itself is the source of our strength and security.

The Parallel Between Physical and Spiritual Safety

When I was in the MTC, I remember our district leader constantly reminding us that being safe meant being *prepared*. It meant knowing our scriptures, knowing our testimony, and knowing how to handle difficult questions. It's the same principle that applies when researching a foreign country. You gather data, you understand the risks, and you plan accordingly.

The video below gives a great firsthand account of how safe a foreign location can feel, surprising the traveler who expected danger. It reminds us that while the world may present unexpected challenges—whether those challenges are geopolitical or personal—the key is maintaining our spiritual bearings.

Preparing for the Hard Questions

Our goal as disciples is to be ready to share the gospel with conviction and humility. This preparation is where the Internet missionary truly shines. If you're worried about answering a difficult question during missionary discussions, remember that you don't have to have all the answers. You just have to know where to find them—and that place is the Spirit.

This is where our AI Investigator co-pilot, Davee, is a lifesaver. He’s trained to walk you through the toughest questions an investigator might ask—questions about science, politics, or even the nature of the Atonement. He doesn't give you the answers; he guides you in finding the *best* answer, rooted in scripture and truth.

A Little Challenge for Our Discipleship

To help us keep our focus on spiritual safety, I want to invite you to join our next free weekly Disciple Challenge. It’s a low-pressure, high-impact way to hone your skills and deepen your testimony. We’ll be working through a passage that helps us remember that no matter where we are—whether it’s in a comfortable home or in a foreign country—we are always surrounded by the protective hand of the Lord.

If you’re looking for deep dives into the scriptures, don't forget about HolyPlaces. Our Book Clubs and Bible Study Groups are perfect for focused study, and the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook is an amazing way to see how other members are highlighting scriptures and connecting with the panel.

Recommended Reading: The Power of Preparation

If you're looking for a resource to keep your mind focused on the work, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings on preparation found in the Iron Rod. Specifically, I encourage you to read up on the principles of being Christlike in all things. It’s a powerful reminder that our character is the greatest missionary tool we possess.