Speaking Life into Dead Places: A Message from the Field

There are times, even when you feel like you’ve seen it all—when you’ve been in the field, served in the MTC, and seen the initial sparks of the Spirit—that you feel the weariness. You’ve been through the highs, the lows, the intense moments of missionary discussion, and sometimes, you just wonder: what’s next? Where is the breakthrough?

I was listening to Daniel Bashta recently, and his journey resonated deep in my spirit. He spoke of a life full of musical gifts, planting churches in dangerous places, and a journey of identity that took him from the intensity of Amsterdam to the global impact he saw in London. It was a powerful reminder that our discipleship isn't just about the structured moments—it’s about the messy, beautiful, sometimes confusing journey of becoming.

What struck me most was his honesty about the lows. He admitted to praying for the destruction of the Church at one point. Friends, we are all susceptible to that. We can get so invested in the *work*, in the *missionary preparation*, that when things don't move the way we expect, the doubt can creep in. It can feel like the desolation is too deep.

The Shift from Destruction to Restoration

But here’s the pivot point, the thing I want us to hold onto as we continue our calling as Internet missionaries: the shift from desiring destruction to yearning for restoration. Daniel found that shift through deep personal experience—through the adoption process, through the sheer miracle of life returning to his family. It wasn't just a single event; it was a continuous process of God showing him, time and time again, who He is.

When we focus on that—when we focus on God’s Fatherhood and His power as a Warrior—the message becomes so clear. It’s not just about singing good songs or having powerful testimony; it’s about speaking life into dead places. It's about showing that the Lord *will* restore the Church, and that we are the vessels through which that restoration flows.

Discipleship Beyond the Mission Field

This is the core lesson for us, the Rogue Disciples. We don't need to be physically planted in a foreign land or even in a local ward to be doing the work. We are called to be Internet missionaries, disciples anywhere, all the time. Our "field" is wherever we are, and our greatest tool is our willingness to keep asking those breakthrough questions.

If you’ve been feeling spiritually dry, if your personal scripture study feels rote, I encourage you to look at what Daniel found: community and persistent testimony. If you’re wrestling with a difficult question about the Plan of Salvation, don't let it sit alone. Use the tools at hand. Dive into a Book Club in HolyPlaces, or maybe join a Bible Study Group to wrestle through the Book of Mormon together. If you’re ready to tackle the tough questions head-on, I highly recommend using Davee. Let him walk you through the AI Investigator role on a difficult doctrine—it’s like having a seasoned district leader right there with you.

Remember that the greatest acts of faith often follow the deepest valleys. Let's keep our eyes on the promise of revival, and let's keep speaking life into the places—both in our communities and in our own hearts—that feel dead.

If this testimony stirred you, I invite you to join us this week. We’re hosting a free weekly Disciple Challenge focusing on building our personal testimony through service. It’s a low-pressure way to practice being Christlike disciples in the modern world. Check the link in our bio for details!