When Struggle Points to Christ: Being an Internet Missionary in the Trenches of Life

There are moments in life—times of quiet grace, times of profound joy, and times of intense, challenging struggle—that test the very core of our faith. As returned missionaries, we learn that the field doesn't just exist in the assigned boundaries of a ward or a district; it exists everywhere. It is in the hospital room, the kitchen table, the college dorm, and the moment a friend faces a diagnosis that feels overwhelming. These are the moments where the gospel becomes the most powerful witness.

The Witness of Suffering and Strength

The message of the restored Gospel is not a guarantee against pain, but a promise of enduring hope. When we see friends or family members facing serious illness, or struggling with deep doubt, we are reminded that our testimony must always point upward—to Jesus Christ. It is a powerful reminder that the central theme of the Plan of Salvation is that Christ is the ultimate source of healing, strength, and redemption.

This message is beautifully captured by the efforts of MercyMe, who are rallying prayer for a friend, Lauren. Their focus isn't just on the physical healing; it's on the way that her struggle—and the strength she shows—can point all eyes back to Christ. This is the essence of being an internet missionary: pointing people toward the Savior, no matter the context.

Translating Faith into Action: A Mission-Prep Skill

How do we, as disciples, take the principle of "pointing to Christ" and apply it in a missionary discussion? It's a skill, and like any skill, it requires practice. When you find yourself in a conversation with an investigator who is struggling (maybe they are dealing with loss, or chronic illness), don't try to solve their problem. Instead, focus on the eternal nature of their struggle and the eternal nature of the gospel.

The Skill: The 'Source' Question. Instead of saying, "You will feel better," try asking, "Where do you find strength when things are at their hardest?" This gently guides them away from temporary solutions (money, relationships, etc.) and toward the divine source of power. It shifts the focus to the Savior.

This type of conversation is exactly what we practice in our AI Investigator role with Davee. He is fantastic at walking you through these hard questions and helping you formulate answers that are both empathetic and gospel-centered. Don't wait until you are assigned to the field to use this resource—you can practice it right now.

Being Christlike, Anywhere, All the Time

The calling to be a disciple means being a disciple wherever you are. Whether you are a lifelong disciple, a pre-missionary studying for the MTC, or a returned missionary setting up transfers, the mission field is the realm of your heart and your daily actions. Our Lord taught us that our actions and our character are our greatest testimonies. To be Christlike means having a focus that always returns to Him.

If you want to deepen your understanding of how Christ’s Atonement relates to suffering, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings found in the Iron Rod. It contains powerful insights into how the gospel helps us bear our own burdens and endure to the end.

Where to Continue the Work

The greatest way to sustain your missionary efforts is through community. If you feel the Spirit prompting you to dive deeper into scripture and study the covenants, I encourage you to join a Book Club or Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. These groups are a wonderful place to process what we learn and prepare for the next wave of disciples.

Keep praying for your friends, keep sharing your faith, and remember that your strength, like the faith shown by Lauren, is a powerful testament to the Savior. The work awaits!