The Compulsion to Serve: Finding the Field Wherever You Are

If you've ever felt that deep, quiet ache in your heart—a compulsion that whispers, “You were meant for this,” or “There’s work to be done”—you know that feeling well. It’s the call to the work. It’s the feeling that the Spirit has stirred something deep inside you, a desire to help others understand the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

As a returned missionary, I often look back at those years and realize that the mission wasn't just a service; it was a masterclass in discipleship. It was a period where the Lord didn't just give me a location; He gave me a curriculum: how to be a companion, how to navigate cultural differences, and how to keep my focus on the Savior, no matter what chaos was around me.

The blessings that come from that experience are often profound and surprising. One sister shared that her mission helped her learn Spanish, a skill that has since been a massive blessing in her secular life. Another learned how to handle conflict and build deep relationships with people who were completely unlike her. These aren't just 'mission memories'; they are foundational spiritual and practical skills that redefine who you are.

The Work Doesn't End When the Mission Does

It’s easy, when you’re in the middle of the field, to think that the calling only exists in that geographical area. You feel the intensity of the companionship, the daily routine of missionary discussions, and the immediate need to share the gospel. But the greatest revelation I received was that the work—the eternal work of the gospel—is not confined to a specific country or quadrant. It is everywhere.

“Every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time.”

That realization changed everything. The feelings of compulsion that drew me away from home didn't vanish when I returned. Instead, they adapted. I learned that the skills I honed—the patience, the deep listening, the ability to speak truth with gentleness—those are the tools I bring back to my neighborhood, my workplace, and my family. I learned to be a disciple in the mundane, just as much as I learned to be one in the spectacular.

Preparing the Heart, Not Just the Passport

If you are feeling that pull—that beautiful, earnest compulsion to serve—please know that the Lord knows that feeling. It’s a wonderful gift. But preparation for the mission isn't just about getting your clearances; it's about refining your spirit. It’s about asking, “What part of me needs to be perfected so I can serve with greater power?”

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: Practicing Spiritual Companionship

One of the biggest takeaways from the field is the power of companionship. It’s not just about having a companion; it’s about learning to be one—to lift, to encourage, and to hold space for someone else's vulnerability. As you prepare, practice this skill locally. When you are with a friend or even a family member, resist the urge to immediately offer a solution or a perfect answer. Instead, practice the art of simply listening and asking, “What does that feel like?” That deep, empathetic listening is the heart of gospel companionship, and it's a skill you use every day as a disciple.

Where to Continue Your Discipleship Journey

The journey doesn't end with the mission; it deepens. If you are looking for places to hone those spiritual muscles, I have a few recommendations:

• Dive into the Social Scripture Study: Head over to LivingBook and explore the Social Scripture Study layer. Highlight a verse that has prompted you lately, and see how the community has interpreted it. It’s a wonderful way to deepen your personal scripture-discipleship.
• Book Clubs and Bible Study Groups: Consider joining a Book Club or Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. These groups are fantastic for structured, focused learning and connecting with other Latter-day Saints who share the same hunger for knowledge.
• Consult Davee: If you have a tough question about the gospel or are preparing to talk to an investigator, remember your AI Investigator co-pilot, Davee. He can walk you through the hard questions and help you articulate the answers with clarity and compassion.

Finally, I recommend revisiting the teachings of President Nephi in the Book of Mormon, particularly his journey and commitment to gathering Israel. It’s a powerful reminder that our mission is never truly finished. We are always called to gather, always called to learn, and always called to be Christlike.