Reaching Out to Recently Returned Missionaries

There have always been young adults involved in institute whose mission service was shortened. Regardless of why they returned early, many feel a sense of uncertainty as they wrestle with a variety of emotions, challenges, and decisions. They are often trying to reconcile their hopes and faith with unmet expectations. The following principles may be helpful as you reach out in love to recently returned missionaries. 

Listen and Seek to Understand. Listen carefully and prayerfully to their feelings and concerns. Be careful not to give advice or offer solutions too quickly. Ask clarifying questions. Allow for silence. Show compassion and be patient. 

Validate Their Feelings. Validate feelings by seeking to understand the emotions behind what a person is saying and acknowledging that their emotional experience is real for them. As young adults share their questions and concerns, we may unintentionally say things that dismiss their feelings. We should avoid phrases like “At least you. . .” or “Be grateful that. . .” Empathize with their feelings and concerns and listen and respond with love. 

Help Them Feel the Savior’s Love. Express the Savior’s profound love for them. Help them feel His concern for them. Invite them to study the way the Savior strengthens those who are suffering. Ask them to consider how they are experiencing His grace at this difficult time. 

Point Them to Prophets. Point young adults to the words of prophets for hope, perspective, and insight. Some examples include: 

• Called to the Work (David A. Bednar, Ensign, May 2017, 67–70)
• Elder Holland’s Counsel for Early Returned Missionaries (Gospel Media) 

Connect Them with Others Who Can Help. Help them connect with a support system that includes parents, priesthood leaders, others from their missions, classmates, and counseling services if needed. Some helpful resources include:

• Early-Returned Missionaries: You Aren’t Alone (Liahona Ficquet, Ensign, Jul. 2019, 45–47)
• Home Earlier Than Planned (Destiny Yarbro, Liahona, Jan. 2018, 44–47) 

Reassuringly, the Lord has said: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings” (Doctrine and Covenants 124:49). 

As we help these young adults to cherish their mission service, strengthen their connection to the Lord, and seek to receive His grace, we will be ministering in the Lord’s way.