60 – A Youth Time capsule
While most of our episodes are reflections on missionary work, this is a group of Young Men sharing what their perspective in life is like. I hope you enjoy.
59 – Lanny in Vietnam
Have you ever heard of a soldier being set apart as a missionary in the middle of a war?
57 – Charity in the Temple Square Mission
Charity spent the entire 18 months of her missionary service in the smallest geographic mission in the world, just 5 acres! She could walk her entire mission in a matter of minutes. But although the area was small, the influence she had on visitors all over the world, and the influence they had on her, was life-changing.
56 – What Kennadee learned about consecration
And Kennadee settles the question between Zack and Jordan, which is better, stateside or Brazil?
55 – Kerry Bellessa – Nicaragua in the 90’s
Nicaragua in the 90’s was a tough place to be. Political and Civil unrest got so intense that missionaries were pulled from the country for years and years. Finally as things grew safe, missionaries were allowed back into the freshly torn country. Insert a 19 year old Kerry Bellessa, a grunge music lover, who struggles with speaking Spanish, swallowing new foods, and quiet dignity.
54 – From Rocker to Missionary
Do the work.
53 – Tales from Tennessee
“Become a nerd for the Restored Gospel and go all in”
52 – Scariest moments from our Missions
In the spirit of Halloween, Zack and Jordan share the moments they were most freaked out…
51 – There is power in remembering your mission
Jayson, Jordan’s brother, is back for part 2, sharing the lessons he learned from his time in the California San Jose Mission.
50 – Advice from Ecuador
Missionaries help people get married too? Absolutely. McKay shares among many experiences, the miracles he saw in helping families come together in Ecuador
48 – How Ben overcame a 17-year pornography addiction
“I felt hopeless. I was gripped with this seemingly unconquerable addiction, but now, my life, my story, is one of triumph”
47 – The Wise Words of Mission Presidents
Miracles are not limited to the missionary. Listen to hear the Rowleys, Mission Leaders over the Jakarta Indonesia and Malaysia Singapore Missions, share the blessings they saw as they served for 3 years.
46 – The Gospel has the power to change lives
Daniel served in the Florida Fort Lauderdale Mission and witnessed many miracles confirming the power of the Savior to change lives. Daniel shares his “take-aways” from the mission and how serving a mission prepared him for life afterwards: dating as a reserved person, pursuing a PhD, and raising a house of boys.
45 – Learning to Love the Work
Elder, why are you so happy? Whats the key to serving vs. suffering? Take a listen to find out how Drew found joy in the journey on his mission in the Paraguay Asuncion North Mission
43 – It’s not “your mission”. It’s the Lord’s.
This is His work. You just get to participate and learn. Listen to Lafe’s experiences in the Australia Sydney North Mission
42 – Season 1 Wrap up
Thanks guys! We’ve had a blast with this podcast, and we’re not done! Rate and Review and come back for season 2!
41 – Vance and the Chastity Warrior
Vance LOVES music and skateboarding a lot. Enough to contact every Paraguayan that shared that interest and develop a friendship. Leaning into what makes you unique allows you to be a better Missionary
40 – Why turning down sports to serve a mission was worth it
Corinne didn’t want to go on a mission. Her heart was set on collegiate volleyball, but she couldn’t deny the strong promptings she was getting.
39 – How I found what Real Success is in my “least successful area”
Kris was struggling in his first and second areas in Argentina. He’s was in the middle of the country, far from any major cities, and farther from home. The excitement to serve as a missionary was fading as overwhelming feelings of depression and frustration grew. “This was not what I thought it was going to be.” But then something changed. Not something physical, but an epiphany and understanding on what Kris could and couldn’t control. A correct understanding of the Lord’s definition of success. Kris learned these lessons, and so much more in the Argentina Bahia Blanca Mission.
38 – The vision in the subway that took away my shyness
Kyle’s perspective towards the people in his mission completely shifted during his mission. The strangers he rubbed shoulders with daily went from Canadians to his Brothers and Sisters, people he cared about and sincerely wanted to help.
37 – “Canadians are the nicest people you’ll ever meet”
What are Canadians like? According to our guest, Lucas, Canadians are the most polite people you will ever meet. Lucas shares his personal stories from the many people he met from not just Canada, but all over the world. Listen to hear his personal growing experiences and testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.
36 – Q&A: Why did you want to go?
A lot of people outside (and inside) the church think missions are mandatory, that its “just something you do.” In this Episode, Zack and Jordan take a step back after interviewing 35 guests and reflect on the first question we ask most of our guests, “Why did you want to go?”
35 – Going on a mission to Africa without my own testimony
What is Faith? Jared wasn’t sure if serving a mission was for him. He felt a lot of societal pressure, but deep down, didn’t know if it was right for him. Relying mainly on the testimony of his family and friends, Jared flew 20+ hours to find himself in a foreign land. But once there, Jared realized he needed to develop his own relationship with his Savior. Listen to hear his experiences and the impact his mission continues to have on him today.
34 – Piecing the puzzle of the Restored Gospel in Mexico
Is the Restored Gospel confusing to you? Kyle knew he wanted to serve a mission, but he didn’t always understand the Gospel well. It didn’t click for him, like it did for others. Kyle’s dreams came true when he opened his call and read that he’d be serving in the same country his parents did. But now instead of just learning the doctrine, Kyle now had to learn another language. Listen to hear how serving in Mexico helped Kyle understand how the puzzle pieces of the Restored Gospel fit together, and his personal feelings towards the Savior, Jesus Christ.
33 – What if I don’t fit the missionary mold?
What if I don’t fit the missionary mold? In this week’s episode we sit down with Damian, who was recommended by another guest, Max (Ep. 16). Damian wasn’t the “average” new missionary. Having lived away from home and been a business owner, Damian had a unique skill-set heading to the Midwest. But when he was transferred to a small town that had seen missionaries for years, he decided to go against the grain and use his talents to serve and expose previously hardened hearts to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.
32 – Kimmie in NZ, the best mission on earth!
We’ve asked a lot of questions on this podcast. This answer was probably our favorite. What should you do if you get called to New Zealand? “Get on your knees and thank Heavenly Father for sending you!”
31 – If the blessing I give doesn’t go the way I want, did I not have enough faith?
What is serving in the South like? How do you prepare to serve in a land known as the Bible belt? Jace answers these questions and more as he shares his experiences. Jace embodies the qualities of perseverance and sincerity. From starting as a scared new missionary, Jordan was sure Jace wouldn’t survive. But Jordan was wrong. By the end, Jace grew a beautiful testimony and confidence that made him a great missionary and leader.
30 – The Blessing of Covid-19 and being sent home, mid-mission
How has Covid-19 been a blessing in your life? Sister Riggs is a living example of the scripture “all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.” Despite some major hardships, Sister Riggs has the learned ability to recognize the Lord’s hand in her life in coming home due to the pandemic and her new mission call.
29 – God carried me physically the last half of my mission.
How has the historic missionary age-change announcement of 2012 changed you? What can a mission teach me? Larissa wasn’t planning to serve a mission. But something about that announcement resonated with her and lit a fire to serve. In Texas Larissa found herself, and discovered among many important lessons this; you need God.
28 – Missionaries repent too, and it feels wonderful!
When is the last time you “felt to sing the song of redeeming love”? In this episode our friend Trevor takes us on a deep dive into what the Restored Gospel is all about, the beauty of repentance and turning your heart to the Lord. We also discuss different leadership styles, serving with someone who refuses to testify of the doctrines taught, and what Trevor left behind in Mexico (his Appendix!)
27 – Panic Attacks moments before leaving to Russia, and why I still would recommend going
It’s the week of your mission assignment and you are packing your bags alone in your room. You’ve waited months, maybe years for this opportunity. A thought, familiar to anyone in that moment, hits you: “I don’t know if I can do this” But panic-attacks? Literally unable to breathe? An emergency visit with your church leaders? After asking not to serve in a foreign mission, Brooklyn’s was called to serve in Russia. Just getting out on her mission was a miracle, but the Lord wasn’t done with Brooklyn yet. Listen to hear of the miracles
26 – How the lessons in Leadership have blessed me after serving in Australia
What is leadership in the church all about? In this episode we sit with Dalton Brough, our first guest to have served in the land down under, Australia. Dalton is a wealth of knowledge on the culture and history of his mission. Dalton shares the miracles of he saw teaching people from all over the world, including the Middle East and those native to Australia, the Aborigines. But this interview is unlike any other we’ve had. Dalton flips the script and introduces an interesting topic: the perception of leadership in the church and on the mission.
24 – My first six months in Brazil, then Covid happened..
What miracles can you see in just 6 months?In this episode we’re joined by Clark Wilson, who was back in town due to the Corona Virus. Clark shares his love and shock of serving such a humble and kind people. His 6 months in Brazil were filled with miracles and lessons. Since this recording Clark has been reassigned and is once again a full-time missionary.@herebycalleddotcomherebycalled.com
23 – Companions share the Miracles they saw in Verona, Italy
We’re spoiled again to have companions reunited after their mission. Robyn and Cathy, both converts, served in beautiful Verona, Italy together. They share what its like to leave on a mission when your immediate family isn’t thrilled, how to learn a language, embrace a new culture, and how an amazing branch helped them find and teach. Stay to the end to hear beautiful testimonies in Italian.@herebycalleddotcomherebycalled.com
22 – Milwaukee Wisconsin
How do I break out of my shell? In this episode Bryce of HarkanFilms (check him out on IG @harkanfilms) tells us about serving in Wisconsin. His mission was filled with amazing highs and a few devastating lows. Bryce shares the power of his companions, and the experiences he was blessed to witness that helped him see people as God sees them. “A mission is sacred. It is hard, but it is sacred… I don’t know everything, but I know God truly loves all of his children”@herebycalleddotcomherebycalled.com
21 – New York, Rochester, Hill Cumorah Historical Sites Mission
What wounds can my mission heal?This week Jordan and Zack are introduced to Alex by her husband, Christiaan (he’s our guest from Ep. 14). Alex shares how she was not planning to serve a mission at all, and how serving in the “cradle of the restoration” changed her life. Alex shares what it was like to serve at a Church Historical site, give a tour to the cast of the Book of Mormon broadway cast, and the power of the Hill Cumorah Pageant. While growing up, Alex’s brother Lance was tragically killed in a car accident. Alex concludes with her testimony, and the beauty of serving in a place where doctrines on life after death were revealed to Joseph…
20 – Philippines, Iloilo Mission
What if I get called to the one place I don’t want to go?In this week’s episode, we sit down with Merrigan who recently returned from serving in the Philippines, Iloilo Mission. Merrigan shares the shock of serving in a 3rd world country, and what she did to acclimate to her new home and learn to love the people. She shares what it was like to not be able to communicate with any of her companions the first part of her mission, and the enabling power of the Savior that allowed her to learn and grow.@herebycalleddotcomherebycalled.com
18 – New York, Rochester / Hill Cumorah Historical Sites Mission
What if you’re scared to death of public speaking? In this episode we sit down with Nicole, who was part of the first wave of sister missionaries to replace senior couples as Church History site missionaries. She shares how she felt the enabling power of the atonement bless her to be able to speak and interact with people in a way she never though possible. She shares the power of serving in the “cradle of the Restoration” of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and an amazing convert she was blessed to teach.@herebycalleddotcomherebycalled.com
17 – The Qualms of Quarantine Chapter 2 – Brazil São Paulo West
Where were you when the Corona Virus hit?In this episode Jordan and Zack have the unique opportunity to talk to Elder Jones. Elder Jones is an active serving Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who just a week ago was walking the streets of Brazil São Paulo West Mission. As many of you know, thousands of Missionaries have returned home due to the concerns surrounding the Corona Virus, and Elder Jones was one of them. We talk to him about his time in Brazil and what he is doing during this “Limbo” stage of his mission to remain positive. @herebycalleddotcomherebycalled.com
16 – South Dakota, Rapid City Mission
How can I use my natural gifts and talents as a missionary?In this week’s episode we sit down with Max, one of Jordan’s best friends. From his love of wrestling, to softening hearts of a town following an ice storm, Max shares how humbling himself allowed Heavenly Father to mold him into a powerful missionary and leader. Max also shares his love of Preach My Gospel, and moments where he came to know Jesus Christ as his Savior, and Heavenly Father’s real love for him.@herebycalleddotcomherebycalled.com
14 – The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa Mission
Who is more important to focus on, a new investigator or a less-active member? This week Jordan and Zack are introduced to Christiaan Schmid by Scott The Giant (Ep. 6). Christiaan tells us of the adventures and miracles he witnessed in a “hardship mission”, the Democratic Republic of Congo – Kinshasa mission. Christian retells experiences from eating porcupine soup, teaching a dear friend to read, to being amazed by the humility of the people in his mission. Although sticking out first intimidated him, Christiaan shares how his confidence and love grew as a missionary. He shares how faith-filled prayer helped him finally learn the language. Christaan concludes with his experience coming home, waiting for his girlfriend to return from…
13 – Germany, Hamburg Mission
What impact will my mission have on my future posterity?In this week’s interview, Jordan and Zack sit down with Jay, Jordan’s father. Jay shares what it was like to serve in a country divided by the Iron Curtain of the Soviet Union, sit in a van with Elder Bruce R. McConkie, deliver an address to a congregation of another faith in their own church, and meeting the President of the church, Spencer W. Kimball, at the conclusion of his mission. Along the way, we learn about German culture, cuisine, Christmas, and an investigator Jay worked with. Stick to the end to hear Jay bear his testimony in German for the first time in 45 years.@herebycalleddotcomherebycalled.com
12 – The Baltic Mission, Estonian Speaking
How do I stay safe on my mission?In this week’s episode, our friend Josh recounts his experiences in Estonia. Josh shares many experiences, including learning about Russian Superstitions, a time he was protected by the Lord from being kidnapped, and overcoming depression after returning home. Josh also shares his advice to those called to the Baltic States, and the amazing faith of the members, many of whom are pioneers in a country ranked among the most Atheist in the world. Listen to the end to hear Josh’s testimony in Estonian, a language widely considered to be one of the most difficult to learn in the world.@herebycalleddotcomherebycalled.com
11 – Adriatic South Mission, Albanian Speaking
Was my service good enough? This week Jordan sits down with Elizabeth who served in the Adriatic South Mission. Elizabeth shares how she her nature and outlook on life changed through missionary service. She tells of amazing investigators, influential companions, and how her relationship with Heavenly Father grew in ways she never imagined. Elizabeth shares the depression of coming home, her experience with therapy, and her testimony in Albanian.@herebycalleddotcomherebycalled.com Pictured below in the middle is Ded, the amazing convert.
9 – Kolby, Living a Life of Service
What if my son didn’t serve a mission? In this episode Jordan, Zack, and Jayson (Ep. 5) visit with Kolby, an influential disciple in Jayson’s ward and stake. Kolby shares his rough upbringing and the moments that helped him turn his life to the Savior. Kolby shares the impact of marrying an amazing LDS woman, and how his unique experience allows him to empathize with those in his stewardship. Kolby continues to serve in the church and donates his time to help others recover from substance abuse.@herebycalleddotcomherebycalled.com
8 – Norway Oslo Mission, Norweigan Speaking
How do I know if I was/am a successful missionary? In this episode, Zack and Jordan speak to their first Sister Missionary, Zoe who served in the Norway Oslo Mission. Zoe shares what it was like to be one of the first sisters to serve after the historic October 2012 General Conference announcement. She teaches us about Norweigan culture and also sheds light on how to find joy in the work, despite serving among a country that is mostly atheist.@herebycalleddotcomherebycalled.com
5 – California San Jose Mission, Spanish Speaking
Have you ever talked to your siblings about their missions? I only knew about knew 10% of the stories and experiences my brother Jayson shared before the podcast. In this episode, we talk to Jayson who served in the California San Jose Mission, Spanish Speaking. Jayson talks about how his mission has helped him in his everyday life, the lasting influence of a companion he was with for 6 weeks, and how his mission has contributed to his service in his ward’s Bishopric.@herebycalleddotcomherebycalled.com
4 – Brazil Salvador Mission
What if I’m timid around strangers? Hunter shares how he gained his testimony before the mission, his secret to happiness as a missionary, and how his companions helped him improve as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Hunter talks about some of the miracles he witnessed in bringing one soul to the gospel and how that has affected the lives of countless others. Hunter also shares how he unkowningly fulfilled a blessing promised to his Grandpa, and how his testimony has buoyed him during trials after coming home.@herebycalleddotcomherebycalled.com
2 – Jamaica Kingston Mission
How do I get the members to give me referrals? Today, our friend Michael shares his thoughts on Jamaica and Jamaican culture. Michael shares his secrets to success as a missionary in Jamaica, understanding Rastafarian beliefs, and the deep impact members had on him. Michael shares key mindsets that helped him, as well as negative thought patterns and beliefs to avoid as a missionary.@herebycalleddotcomherebycalled.com