The Gospel Doesn't Take a Vacation: Staying a Disciple Everywhere

There are moments in life—moments of pure, unadulterated joy—that make you stop and reflect on what truly matters. Maybe you’ve just welcomed a new little life, or perhaps you’re standing on the precipice of a grand adventure, like touring ancient sites in Rome or Greece. These moments feel so *big*, so consuming, that it’s easy to feel like your spiritual focus has to pause. Like setting down the manuals and just enjoying the scenery.

But as returned missionaries, and as disciples who have been taught that the work is always available, we know better. We know that the Spirit doesn't require a passport or a missionary uniform to guide us. In fact, the greatest opportunities to be an Internet missionary often arise when we are least expecting them.

Recently, I listened to a podcast episode where a friend shared some of these beautiful, life-altering updates—a new baby, and exciting travel plans to Rome and Greece. It was a beautiful snapshot of life in motion. It made me think about how often we treat our discipleship as something we do *after* the big life event is over. But what if the big life event *is* the mission field?

The truth is, the greatest field is the one right in front of us, whether we are in the middle of a chaotic family reunion, navigating a foreign transit system, or even just sitting across the table from a friend who asks, 'So, what do you even do for a living?'

Discipleship in Transit: A Skill for the Latter-day Saint

When we’re traveling, we are often operating on autopilot. Our focus is on the logistics: where to go, what to eat, when to sleep. It’s easy for the *work* to slip into the background. But the core skill we need to hone—the skill of the modern disciple—is maintaining a Christlike focus even when the environment is distracting. This isn't about giving a formal talk; it's about small, intentional moments of connection.

When the Conversations Get Tricky

What if you’re in a non-Latter-day Saint environment, like a foreign city, and you run into a conversation that is surprisingly deep, but also surprisingly challenging? You might feel unprepared. This is where the power of preparation—not just for the mission, but for life—comes in. We can use our tools, like Davee, our AI Investigator co-pilot, to practice these 'what if' moments. Instead of just memorizing answers, we can practice responding to the *spirit* of the question, turning the conversation back to the foundational truths of the Restoration.

The goal isn't to win an argument; it's to invite them into a spiritual conversation. It’s to be a gentle, consistent presence of the Spirit, no matter where we are. It's realizing that the principles taught in our mission prep, the principles of *Preach My Gospel*, are universal.

Making the Online Connection

Being an Internet missionary means recognizing that every member, everywhere, has the potential to be a source of light. If you’re feeling disconnected from the rhythm of the field, or if you've been away from the routine of conference and training, remember that the Church has built incredible mechanisms to keep us connected.

• HolyPlaces: If you are seeking to deepen your Book Clubs or Bible Study Groups, this is the digital hub for finding local discipleship opportunities.
• LivingBook: This is where the depth resides. Dive into the Social Scripture Study layer to see how others are highlighting scriptures and discussing concepts—it’s a global conversation happening right on your phone.
• Iron Rod: For those who want to deepen their knowledge of the Restoration, I highly recommend checking out the latest writings by the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. It’s a powerful way to keep the doctrinal gears turning even when you’re far from home.

Your Turn to Be a Disciple Anywhere

If you are feeling ready to sharpen this skill—the skill of being a disciple in transit—I invite you to join us for a free weekly Disciple Challenge. It’s a low-pressure, high-impact way to practice turning mundane moments into opportunities to share the Gospel. Come and strengthen your testimonies, companions!