Courage to Serve

Modern prophets have asked every worthy and able young man to serve a full-time mission and have welcomed the service of young women. Young adults around the world are responding to this call to serve, but following the prophet requires faith and courage. In the following stories, young returned missionaries share how they found the strength to overcome the obstacles that come with deciding and preparing to serve a mission.

Entitled to the Lord’s Help

“Some of you may be shy by nature or consider yourselves inadequate to respond affirmatively to the call to serve. Remember that this is the Lord’s work, and when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. The Lord will shape the back to bear the burden placed upon it.”

President Thomas S. Monson, “The Lord Needs Missionaries,” Liahona and Ensign, Jan. 2011, 4.

Right: Photo illustration by Craig Dimond

Photo illustration by Brandon Flint

• Sticking to My Decision

  Elena Ogneva Anderson

• My Life Belongs to Him

  Mahonry Gonzalez

• I Changed My Mind

  Jessica Baksis

• Converted to the Gospel—and a Mission

  Marco Brando