Called to the Work

Adia Torres is Called to the Work

Host, Justin Barton interviews 19-year-old Adia Torres on the Called to the Work podcast about her decision to serve a mission. Adia, a BYU–Idaho student who enjoys singing, art, skateboarding, and musical theater, shares how her father—who served in the Idaho Pocatello Mission and recently passed away—inspired her and strengthened her testimony of the Plan of Salvation. She is called to the New Jersey Morristown Mission, Spanish speaking, and was set apart August 24, 2025. Adia describes being prompted by general conference, proceeding with faith without a dramatic confirmation, and later feeling peace in the temple about continuing. She is preparing by studying the Book of Mormon, returning to therapy, and focusing on repentance and the Atonement. She discusses goals, fears and hopes for companions, and testifies of Christ’s constant love.   00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:21 Meet Adia Torres 00:58 Dad’s Legacy and Faith 02:21 Mission Call Details 02:38 Choosing to Serve 05:16 Confirmation in the Temple 06:31 Preparing Spiritually and Mentally 07:45 Atonement and Repentance 08:45 Therapy and Healing 09:59 Goals and Fears 12:21 Companions and Hard Days 15:49 Who Jesus Christ Is to Me 16:58 Called to the Work Attributes 19:43 Ask and You Shall Receive 20:55 Testimony and Sendoff

Aiden Hall is Called to the Work

Justin Barton interviews Aiden Hall as he prepares to serve in the Peru Lima Tambo mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, beginning home MTC August 11 and reporting to the Provo MTC August 20. Aiden shares his background in Spokane, interests like art, nature, math, and his decision to stop playing video games, describing the initial emptiness and how he replaced it with family time, reading, and productive habits. He explains why he is serving a mission—obedience to God—and how he is preparing by cutting out distractions, studying Preach My Gospel and the scriptures, and going out with missionaries. Aiden discusses hopes to improve connection with people and discipline, fears about Spanish, culture, and leadership, and excitement to testify of Jesus Christ and experience Peruvian food. He describes how Christ brings peace amid anxiety, reflects on Doctrine and Covenants 4 and growth “one attribute at a time,” emphasizes being doers of the word, and closes with his testimony.   00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:17 Aiden’s Background and Interests 01:34 Quitting Video Games 02:59 Mission Call Details 04:31 Why Serve a Mission 05:13 Preparing Spiritually Now 06:08 Hopes and Goals After 07:16 Fears and Excitement 10:10 Christ’s Impact on Anxiety 11:47 Handling Hard Mission Days 13:00 DandC 4 Attributes 16:37 One Step at a Time 18:46 Doers of the Word 20:24 Testimony and Sendoff

Calie Tueller is Called to the Work

Justin Barton interviews Calie Tueller from Mesa, Arizona, who is leaving for the MTC on August 4, 2025, after being called to the Morristown, New Jersey Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which also covers parts of upstate New York. Calie shares how watching her brother serve and witnessing a long-time family friend finally choose baptism during her senior year inspired her to serve, and how a year of college, a YSA ward calling as ward missionary, and gospel conversations at school prepared her. She discusses nerves about leaving home and learning to recognize the Spirit, plus excitement to love and serve new people. Calie describes increasing scripture study, prayer, and temple attendance, hopes for stronger testimony and lifelong discipleship, plans to face hard times by turning to Christ, and reflects on D&C 4, focusing on patience, diligence, and choosing the desire to serve.   00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:59 Mission Call to Morristown 02:20 Why She Chose to Serve 04:18 Fears and Promptings 05:39 Preparation Through College 07:16 What Excites Her Most 08:12 Spiritual Habits to Prepare 10:00 Hopes After 18 Months 11:16 Handling Hard Times 14:17 Doctrine and Covenants 4 18:01 Temple Testimony and Closing

McKay Smith is Called to the Work

Justin Barton interviews McKay Smith on the Called to the Work Podcast about his background growing up in Spokane as one of eight kids, playing college basketball, and being the son of a bishop in the Green Bluff Ward. McKay shares his call to the Brazil Juiz de Fora Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his efforts to prepare by studying the Book of Mormon more deeply, and spending more time in the temple. He discusses choosing missionary service despite the pull of basketball, fears about Portuguese and other challenges, and excitement to witness the Atonement of Christ change lives through repentance. They reflect on Doctrine and Covenants 4, focusing on attributes like faith and diligence, and McKay bears testimony of Jesus Christ, the restored gospel, and the Book of Mormon.   00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:21 Growing Up in Spokane 00:57 Life as a Bishop’s Son 01:58 Mission Call to Brazil 02:55 Why Serve a Mission 04:04 Preparing Spiritually and Language 05:15 Mission Goals and Becoming Selfless 06:50 Fears and Excitement Ahead 08:20 Atonement and Real Repentance 10:29 Handling Hard Times Through Service 13:53 Called to the Work Attributes 15:55 Temple Focus and Conversion 17:20 Doctrine and Covenants 4 Lessons 19:59 Final Invitation and Testimony 21:23 Closing Blessing and Sendoff

Cole Houser Is Called to the Work

Host Justin Barton interviews Cole Houser from North Spokane as he prepares to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mexico City Chaco region. Cole shares his interests in math, tennis, and Etch A Sketch, then discusses reporting dates, learning Spanish, and how he’s preparing through temple attendance, receiving his endowment, reading the Book of Mormon, studying covenants, and doing family history. He explains why he’s always planned to serve, his fear of difficult companions, and what he’s most excited about, including teaching and hearing others pray. Cole reflects on goals like gaining meekness, relying on spiritual gifts, and enduring hard times through constant prayer and willingness, then connects Doctrine and Covenants 4 to missionary work and testifies of Jesus Christ, repentance, and ministering angels.   00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:16 Meet Cole Houser 01:05 Etch A Sketch Hobby 01:48 Mission Call to Mexico City 02:51 Preparing After the Call 04:25 Why Serve a Mission 05:41 Fears and Excitement 08:35 Temple and Covenant Focus 10:57 Mission Goals and Growth 12:25 Handling Hard Times 15:24 D&C 4 Attributes 18:07 A Marvelous Work 21:05 Testimony and Closing