The Global Thumbs Up: Finding the Spirit of Love in Unexpected Places

When I think back to my mission, I often focus on the big moments—the breakthroughs, the doctrinal discussions, the time I felt the Spirit guide me to a particular investigator. But sometimes, the most profound lessons are found in the mundane, in the unexpected moments of simple human connection. They are the moments that remind you why you are doing the work, why you are here, and why the Gospel is so precious.

The Universal Language of Kindness

A friend recently shared a video about his time in Paraguay. What struck me immediately, watching it, wasn't the vibrant culture or the beautiful landscapes, but the sheer, overwhelming generosity of the people. He talked about how the people—despite any struggles—had these huge hearts. They seemed to give anything to anyone, and specifically, they showed such remarkable love and support for missionaries and members alike.

It was a powerful reminder that while we study our scriptures and learn our lessons in the Missionary Training Center (MTC), the core of the message—the love of Christ—is understood universally. The video captured this beautiful spirit, this willingness to connect simply with a heartfelt, thumbs-up gesture.

The experience highlighted something crucial: sometimes, the simplest gesture speaks louder than any doctrinal explanation. The thumbs up, the smile, the genuine attempt to connect—that is the first language of the Gospel. It shows that the Spirit doesn't require perfect Spanish or French; it requires only an open heart.

The Call to Be a Disciple Anywhere

As returned missionaries, we often feel like we have to 'do' something big to stay connected to the work. We feel like we need to schedule a formal study, or travel somewhere exotic. But the lessons from Paraguay taught me that the work doesn't stop when you step off the plane. You don't need to be a missionary to be a missionary; you just need to be a disciple.

This is the heart of what it means to be a Latter-day Saint today: that we can be an Internet missionary, and a disciple anywhere, all the time. Whether you are standing in a public square, waiting for a bus, or just scrolling through your phone, you have the opportunity to share the Spirit.

The key isn't the perfect talk; it's the sincere heart. It's the genuine smile and the simple desire to know another person's story.

Mission Prep Skill: The Gift of Observation

My takeaway for all of us—whether you're a pre-missionary getting ready for your transfers, or a lifelong disciple who hasn't been in the field in years—is to practice observation. When you interact with people, don't rush to the doctrinal point. First, observe their needs. What are they laughing at? What are they worried about? What do they genuinely care about? The best missionary discussions always start there, rooted in the reality of the person standing in front of you.

This focus on the individual is something I’ve been practicing lately, and I’ve found it really helps me in my own life. It’s helped me see the Book of Mormon not just as a text, but as a story of persistent, loving connection. If you want to deepen this, I highly recommend reading The Art of the Possible by an Iron Rod author. It’s a wonderful reminder that even the smallest action can have the greatest impact.

Stay Connected to the Work

The joy and love shown in that video are contagious. They are the kind of joy we need to cultivate here, in our own community. If you feel the Spirit prompting you to share a testimony or practice a new skill, please join us this week for our weekly Disciple Challenge. We’re focusing on ‘The Art of the Simple Hello,’ and it’s a great way to put the principle of kindness into action right in your neighborhood.

And remember, the learning doesn't stop at the blog post. If you want to dive deeper into the questions of modern discipleship, I always encourage using Davee's AI Investigator role. He is a phenomenal resource for walking you through the tough questions that might come up in a missionary discussion, helping you structure your answers with confidence and Christlike humility.