Missionary Service Blessed My Life Forever

Reflecting on Personal Missionary Service

President Ballard shares his personal experience of serving a mission in England and how it blessed his life and shaped his spiritual destiny. He discusses the impact of his mission on his personal and professional life, and his subsequent service in the Church.

One of those experiences is how my full-time missionary service as a young man in England blessed my life and shaped my spiritual destiny.

My missionary service prepared me to be a better husband and father and to be successful in business. It also prepared me for a lifetime of service to the Lord in His Church.

• How did President Ballard's missionary service shape his spiritual destiny?
• What were the impacts of his mission on his personal and professional life?
• How can you see your current or future service shaping your spiritual journey?
• What personal and professional benefits do you hope to gain from serving a mission?

Encouraging Missionary Service Among Youth

President Ballard encourages young men and women to consider serving missions. He emphasizes the importance of having a solid testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and keeping oneself clean and worthy.

As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I now call upon you young men—and those young women who desire to serve a mission—to begin right now to talk with your parents about serving a mission.

Commit to yourselves and to your Heavenly Father that you will serve a mission and that from this time forward you will strive to keep your hearts, hands, and minds clean and worthy.

• What does President Ballard suggest for young men and women considering serving a mission?
• Why does President Ballard emphasize the importance of having a solid testimony and keeping oneself worthy?
• How can you start preparing for a mission now?
• What actions can you take to keep yourself clean and worthy?

Role of Parents in Preparing Children for Missionary Service

President Ballard discusses the vital role that parents play in preparing their children for missionary service. He encourages parents to talk with their children about serving a mission.

Fathers and mothers of these wonderful youth, you have a vital role in this preparation process. Begin today to talk with your children about missionary service.

We know that the family is the most profound influence in helping our young men and young women prepare.

• What role do parents play in preparing their children for missionary service according to President Ballard?
• Why does President Ballard believe that the family is a profound influence in this preparation process?
• As a parent, how can you begin to prepare your child for missionary service?
• How can you use your influence as a parent to encourage your child to serve a mission?

Invitation to Serve for Those Who Have Not Yet Served

President Ballard extends an invitation to those who have not served a mission due to the pandemic or other reasons. He encourages them to speak with their bishop and prepare to serve the Lord.

If you are still in the age range for missionary service but have not served yet due to the pandemic or other reasons, I invite you to serve now. Talk to your bishop, and prepare to serve the Lord.

• What is President Ballard's invitation to those who have not served a mission due to the pandemic or other reasons?
• Why does he encourage them to speak with their bishop?
• If you are in this situation, how can you prepare to serve now?
• What steps can you take to start your preparation for missionary service?

Advice for Current Missionaries

President Ballard thanks current missionaries for their service during the pandemic. He acknowledges the unique challenges they face and encourages them to continue serving diligently. He also advises them to continue to be active in the Church after their mission, building upon the good habits they learned.

To the missionaries currently serving, we thank you. Your mission has been during a worldwide pandemic.

When you are released from your mission, remember that you are not released from activity in the Church. Build upon the good habits you learned on your mission, continue to strengthen your testimony, work hard, pray, and be obedient to the Lord.

• What does President Ballard say to current missionaries serving during the pandemic?
• What advice does he give to missionaries after they are released from their mission?
• If you are currently serving a mission, how can you apply President Ballard's advice in your service?
• How can you continue to be active in the Church and build upon the good habits you learned on your mission after you are released?