“I know every worthy and able young man should serve a mission. But I have no desire to serve. How can I gain that desire?”

You can do many things to gain a desire to serve. First, you can pray for this desire (see 3 Nephi 19:24). Since a mission call comes from the Lord, He can bless you with the desire to fulfill that calling.

Strengthen your own testimony and conversion. Notice what happened to people in the scriptures after they were converted. Paul, Enos, Alma, and the sons of Mosiah wanted to share the gospel only after they gained testimonies and had a change of heart.

Consider serving simply because you love the Lord and because the gospel brings you so many blessings. Most likely, you will become more excited about a mission as you think about your love and gratitude toward Him.

Find out what a mission is like. Ask current and returned missionaries why they went on a mission and what they experienced. President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “What appears today to be a sacrifice will prove instead to be the greatest investment that you will ever make” (“The Question of a Mission,” Ensign, May 1986, 41).

Elders and sisters come home from their missions more confident, converted, and committed. They are more knowledgeable about the gospel, life, and relationships. A mission prepares them for school, work, marriage, and future Church service. They’ve learned how to work hard, pray with faith, and teach by the Spirit. They’ve learned that joy comes from service and that the gospel brings people happiness.