When the Field Needs More Hands: Learning to See the Need

Sometimes, you feel like you've given your all. You've studied the scriptures, you've polished your testimony until it shines, and you feel like you’ve prepared for every possible question an investigator might ask. You're ready to go, ready to share the Gospel, ready to be a true disciple in the field.

But then, you hear a little snippet of something—a video, maybe, or a story shared by a brother or sister—and it hits you: sometimes the need is bigger than the people who showed up. Sometimes, the Lord calls for more hands than you thought you had.

Watching this little clip, I was reminded of the sheer, beautiful reality of the work. It’s not always perfectly choreographed, and sometimes, the resources aren't exactly where you expect them to be. It’s a powerful, humbling reminder that no matter how prepared we feel, the ultimate source of strength and the ultimate source of those needed hands is the Spirit of the Lord.

The Spirit Doesn't Count Headcounts

As returned missionaries, we learn so much about relying on the Spirit. We learn that when we feel overwhelmed—when the assignments pile up, or when the required follow-up seems endless—we can’t just count our own merits or our own energy. We have to remember that the Spirit is the power that moves mountains, and sometimes, it moves people.

This video, while perhaps intended to be lighthearted, speaks to a real principle of missionary life: the need is constant, and the Spirit is always providing the means to meet it. Whether we are in the MTC, preparing for transfers, or right here in our local wards, we are always called to be disciples who see the need and respond.

A Bite-Sized Skill: Seeing the Next Step

If I could pull one practical takeaway for all of us—the rogue disciples out there, the lifelong disciples, the ones who are just getting started—it’s learning to see the *next* step, even when the immediate situation feels chaotic or lacking. In the field, if you run into a dead end, don't just stop. Ask, "What is the next natural step I can take to help this soul connect with the restored Gospel?"

This is the same principle we use when we're studying in the Book Club or using the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook. We don't just read the verses; we look at the related panels, we see what insights others have shared, and we ask, "What does this lead to?" That proactive curiosity is what makes us effective internet missionaries.

Let's Keep the Momentum Going

The best way to keep our own spiritual batteries charged, and to better prepare for when the Lord calls us to a bigger effort, is to keep connecting. I highly encourage everyone to check out the latest discussions in HolyPlaces. If you've been wrestling with a concept from the Book of Mormon, or if you want to dive deeper into the teachings of the restored gospel, join a Bible Study Group. It’s a wonderful place to process what we’ve learned together.

And for those of you who are feeling the pull toward more focused study, I recommend revisiting the teachings on finding strength through scripture. If you haven't, take a look at the latest Iron Rod writing available in LivingBook. It always has a fresh perspective to anchor us.

Remember, we are called to be disciples anywhere, all the time. Let’s keep sharing the light!