Learning to be a Disciple Anywhere: Culture, Curiosity, and the Work

There is a specific kind of exhaustion that comes with being a missionary. It’s not the physical fatigue of walking miles every day, but the spiritual kind—the emotional whiplash of constantly translating, constantly adjusting, and constantly trying to navigate a culture that is deeply, wonderfully, and sometimes bewilderingly different from home.

When I was in Mexico, specifically in Chihuahua, I quickly learned that the preparation for the field isn't just about memorizing scriptures; it’s about developing a profound cultural humility. It’s about recognizing that every single person, whether they are a child, a shopkeeper, or a seasoned skeptic, has a story and a unique perspective on the Atonement.

The Gift of the Open Heart

The most striking thing about the people there was their sheer openness. They were curious. They were willing to hear us out. And what struck me most profoundly was the level of warmth and service. It wasn't just that they were polite; they were genuinely giving. When we were traversing the streets, people didn't just nod; they knew us. They started treating us like family. It felt like we weren't just foreign disciples doing ‘the work’; we were integrated into the rhythm of their lives.

It reminded me that being a disciple isn't just something you do when you're in the field. It's a state of being. It's that active, loving willingness to engage with the world, no matter what language barrier or cultural hurdle is in your way.

Navigating the Crossroads of Faith

The culture itself is a beautiful tapestry of faith—Catholicism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and of course, the message of the restored Gospel. And it’s a constant, wonderful challenge! At times, people confuse us with other religions, or they ask questions that require us to articulate the fundamentals of our belief system in a way that is both doctrinally precise and deeply heartfelt.

This is where the power of the Spirit and careful preparation comes into play. We learned that even when someone asks a challenging question—like, 'Why do you think your religion is the only true path?'—our job isn't to debate; it's to share the testimony of Christ and the power of the Plan of Salvation. If you find yourself facing a tough question during your own missionary discussions or even when you are serving in your home ward, remember that your job is to invite them to learn more. If you need help framing your answers, I highly recommend using Davee, our AI Investigator co-pilot. He can walk you through the hard questions an investigator might ask and help you prepare thoughtful, Christlike answers.

The Lesson of the Kings

I also loved the cultural celebration of the Three Kings Day. It wasn't just a holiday; it was a vibrant, communal tradition that taught me that the Gospel is not just a set of rules, but a joyous celebration of a Savior who came. The sheer depth of the cultural significance behind a simple piece of bread and a little plastic baby was astounding. It taught me that every culture, every tradition, and every seemingly small detail can point back to the central, magnificent narrative of the Redeemer.

These experiences—the formal greetings, the communal meals, the cultural holidays—show me that the work is everywhere. The invitation to be a disciple is not limited by zip codes or boundaries. It is a call to be Christlike in the grocery store, in the workplace, and across every cultural divide. We are all Internet missionaries, disciples anywhere, all the time.

Disciple Challenge: Finding the Local Culture

If you feel called to strengthen your ability to see the Gospel in your own local culture, I invite you to participate in our free weekly Disciple Challenge! It’s a simple prompt designed to help you observe a cultural difference in your immediate community and share a loving thought about how that culture can point back to the restored Gospel. It’s a powerful way to practice seeing the world through the eyes of a missionary.

For deeper study, if you enjoy diving into the rich history and foundational principles of the Church, check out the latest Book Club discussion in HolyPlaces. Learning together strengthens our collective resolve.

P.S. If you want to read more about how to approach these cross-cultural conversations, I highly recommend checking out the latest volume of Iron Rod available in LivingBook. It’s a wonderful guide for the lifelong disciple.