Thriving as a Missionary during COVID-19
Your focus makes all the difference.
If someone had asked me a few months ago how I imagined my mission would be, I never would have predicted the journey that awaited me. But one thing is the same: I am still a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—but now I am also a missionary during a pandemic.
But what does that mean?
It means wanting to do the Lord’s will in a much deeper way. It means trying to serve the Lord and His children while facing constant change. It means learning to quickly adapt to new situations. It means learning to be much more flexible, tolerant, patient, and loving every day.
It also means facing a lot of uncertainty and asking a lot of questions like:
“Will my companion be sent home tomorrow?”
“Will we get moved to a different area because of the virus?”
“What will happen to the people we are teaching if I have to leave?”
We’ve been continuing our gospel teachings over social media, but it’s not always easy—and it’s definitely not the mission experience that any of us imagined. Nevertheless, we are still here, firm in our decision to serve wherever, to serve the Lord regardless of the situation or the way of doing it, to reach the hearts of His children.
Why do I still choose to serve?
Yes, the difficulties of missionary life are physical, mental, and spiritual—we’ve all been through at least one of them. Yes, we’ve faced a lot of struggle and will continue to face additional challenges, but thanks to Jesus Christ, who gave His life for us, we know that all of it is worth it.
I’ve realized that Heavenly Father is aware of all of us. He knew there would be missionaries who wouldn’t be able to go through the temple or set foot inside a missionary training center before leaving on their mission. He knew there would be young people who would never get the chance to serve in the lands they were called to. And yet these missionaries know that the Lord loves and protects us just as He always will. And that our efforts are enough in His eyes. We’ve all really learned that we can serve the Lord and share His gospel anywhere and in any circumstance. And it’s worth it.
What keeps me moving forward?
On the hard days, I’ve realized that there are two ways to view this time:
-
With a pessimistic attitude, waiting impatiently for things to return to normal.
-
Or with a new perspective, setting goals, planning positively and personally, using this situation as an opportunity to make changes we have long desired but postponed.
I try to choose the second option. As I’ve thought of the world’s current circumstances, I’ve wondered if COVID-19 is an opportunity to help us appreciate our relationships more or to encourage us to open our hearts even more toward our Creator and be willing to listen to Him. And to prioritize the gospel more than we ever have.
This isn’t just a hard time for missionaries—it’s hard for everyone. But just as Captain Moroni called for others to join the cause for freedom (see Alma 46), we are also called to rise up and not fear. And recognize that our Heavenly Father is truly always with us, enabling us to serve with all our heart, might, mind, and strength, no matter what (see Doctrine and Covenants 4:2).
As the Lord’s missionaries, we should keep our eyes always fixed on our Savior and our eternal goal. Let’s remember that Heavenly Father loves all His children and wants us all to return to Him.
Truthfully, as hard as it is to be a missionary in the time of COVID-19, we can make this time one of the best in our lives. In all honesty, it has been for me! And it’s all because of my focus, because I always try to remember my love for Heavenly Father and my desire to help Him gather scattered Israel. And I know that He will grant each of His missionaries tender mercies as we do our best to fulfill this call He has given us.