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Lessons from My Mission
What are the most important spiritual truths the Lord has taught me during my full-time missionary service?
After the April 2022 general conference, hearing the prophet and apostles emphasized the importance of serving a full-time mission, I started considering this question.
Feelings of inadequacy and feelings of low self-esteem, among other obstacles, worried me about my ability to serve. One thing that bothered me the most was the thought of “will I be loved and appreciated by people?”
This was an obstacle for me. The adversary tried to distract me from what my real purpose as a missionary was. Nevertheless, I did overcome that fear by seeking to learn and to know what the Lord would think about me. I studied several resources. I listened to many general conference talks to feel that reassuring love of my Heavenly Father. I came to know these obstacles were part of my learning process.
After study and prayer, I received a reaffirming witness that my decision to serve a full-time mission was indeed divine. I will remain grateful to Heavenly Father for the day I made that decision. I received a call to serve in the Ghana Accra Mission.
During an interview with my mission president, President Young, he looked straight in my eyes and, with a kind smile, said, “Elder Washington, I desire that you will come to understand how much Heavenly Father loves you.” That was indeed a revelatory moment for me.
I asked myself haven’t I felt this love before. I had sung the songs of redeeming love (See Alma 5:26). At that moment I knew I had so much to do while on my mission. I had to start by extending my love to Heavenly Father by being more committed in the work I have been assigned by Him to do. This indeed was a transformation for me as I began to serve others selflessly, to appreciate myself and the efforts I put into the work, I can indeed testify that I have felt that love. There is nothing more satisfying and liberating than that, one of the pivotal moments on my mission is knowing full well that I am being guided by the Spirit and that the people we meet and teach are edified after our discussion with them.
Near the end of my mission, I was privileged to meet a lady who seemed to be a very faithful member of our Church. She was a chef at a restaurant where we had lunch with some of the senior missionary couples. She gave me some counsel. “Don’t return home and think you are done serving. You are done but not done.”
I know that after returning home, my life of service and devotion to the Lord’s work continues. I have learned that missionary service is a divine calling that comes with great responsibility from our side and great and marvelous blessings from our Heavenly Father’s side. I have witnessed these blessings, and I can’t deny the change that has come upon me this past two years of full-time service to the Lord.
I promise to stay on the covenant path—see you there!
I have come to know and feel how much I am loved by Heavenly Father, that despite my flaws and weaknesses he still loves and cares for me. Most times I panic, doubting my capability but through the thoughts and insights He gives to me through the Holy Spirit, I feel more confident, and I witness His overwhelming guidance.