Mission Stories

You’re a Son of God and I Have a Work for You: The Refiner’s Fire in North Dakota – Elder Carson Brown

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2508974/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn welcomes Carson Brown, a recently returned missionary who served in the North Dakota Bismarck Mission. Carson shares a powerful, vulnerable account of his journey from a cultural, passive "lukewarm" faith to a consecrated, "hot" discipleship forged in what he calls the "refiner’s fire". Through his experiences with difficult companions, lax mission cultures, and a lack of conventional success, Carson illustrates how owning your agency and identity as a son of God changes everything. From Passive Tradition to Active Choice Carson candidly admits that his initial decision to serve was a "no-brainer" based on family tradition and cultural expectations rather than a deep, personal witness. He categorizes this as a "good" reason to serve, but not the "best". The true transformation began when his bishop invited him to fill his life with the Spirit, prompting Carson to exercise his agency by choosing to read the Book of Mormon daily—a decision that planted the seed for his conversion. The Shock of the Field and the Danger of Lukewarmness After experiencing a high level of obedience in the MTC, Carson was shocked to find a "lax" and permissive culture in his first mission area, where disobedience had few immediate consequences. He describes the temptation to become "lukewarm"—passively following the "wind of doctrine" set by less-committed companions—and how this apathy began to erode his spiritual happiness. A pivotal turning point occurred when Carson decided to move from being "tossed to and fro" to actively advocating for mission standards, even when it was socially uncomfortable. The Refiner’s Fire and a New Identity The heart of Carson’s story is the "refiner’s fire" of serving in North Dakota, where traditional "success" in the form of baptisms was rare. Facing 60-degree windchills and the discouragement of being ignored, Carson struggled with an identity based on numbers and success. However, he experienced a profound spiritual shift from a "son of man" focused on his own failures to a "son of God" focused on fulfilling the Father's will. He realized that being exactly where God wanted him to be was enough, and that the trials he faced were not obstacles but a process of purification intended to bring out godlike characteristics in his soul. Conclusion: The Choice to Be Refined Carson concludes that the "fire" of his mission was painful but necessary, as it burned away the dross of passivity and selfishness. He reinforces the principle that when the fire gets too hot to stand, we must get on our knees and turn to God. His story serves as an invitation to all preparing missionaries to graduate from a cultural duty to an intentional, "hot" commitment to the Savior, trusting that the refiner’s fire will eventually allow them to reflect the image of the Father.

The Spirit of Truth in the Slums: Edification and Joy in São Paulo - Elder Sam Warner

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2508974/fan_mail/new] Sam Warner, a musician and skater from Encinitas, California, joins Shawn to reflect on the spiritual stretching he experienced while serving in the slums and favelas of São Paulo, Brazil. The core theme of this episode explores the transition from a "lukewarm" or "casual" faith to a "careful," intentional life of discipleship that invites constant revelation. Sam shares how he learned to set aside his "personal charisma" and the "arm of flesh" to rely entirely on the power of the Holy Ghost and the Savior's Atonement. Through stories of unexpected encounters and miraculous dreams, Sam illustrates that when a missionary works with a "fire in their heart," the Lord provides the "substance and evidence" needed for true conversion. Sam recounts the powerful transformation of Gustavo, a man who reached out for a Book of Mormon and was soon receiving "one-on-one tutoring sessions" from an angel in his dreams. This spiritual "snowball effect" was triggered by Gustavo’s willingness to keep simple commitments, pray with intent, and feast on the scriptures. In contrast, Sam shares the heartbreaking story of Lordis, who felt the Holy Ghost during lessons but failed to "practice" gospel habits independently. Her experience serves as a sobering reminder that feeling the Spirit is only the beginning; one must actively access the Atonement through "incremental" acts of faith to overcome deep-seated struggles. Finally, Sam describes meeting 14-year-old Felipe on a street corner, a "sweet kid" who immediately began highlighting entire pages of the Book of Mormon at school. Despite living in the "sketchy part" of a favela, Felipe’s relentless desire to feast on the word led to a rapid conversion and baptism within weeks. These stories highlight Principle Two: Revelation Leads to Conversion, and Principle Three: An Open Mouth Finds Listeners. Sam and Shawn discuss how the Holy Ghost is the "Spirit of Truth" that edifies both the preacher and the seeker, creating a light that grows "brighter and brighter until the perfect day". They teach that repentance is not a shameful burden but a "mighty change" that involves including God in every detail of planning and preparation. The episode reinforces the takeaway that God is intimately involved in the work and often uses weak instruments to perform His greatest miracles. Sam invites those on the fence to "just do it" and follow the first spiritual thought they receive, promising that God will provide a broader perspective and a joyous heart. The episode serves as a witness that the greatest privilege of a mission is sitting back and watching the Savior's Atonement take hold of a soul to bring them closer to God.

Finding a Family of Four: Specific Prayer and Miracles in Mexico City – Sister Anna Gray

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2508974/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn is joined by Sister Anna Gray, who recently returned from serving in the Mexico City North Mission. Anna shares how a mission transformed her from a "routine" churchgoer into a disciple who is truly "on fire" for the gospel. The conversation centers on the profound power of the sacrament and the reality of the Atonement in everyday life. Opening Anna arrives home with a palpable joy that Shawn likens to the experience of Enos in the Book of Mormon—a transition from a secular or "lukewarm" life to one that hungers for God. The core transformation discussed is the move from "casual" to "careful" discipleship, specifically regarding how one approaches the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Anna teaches that the primary goal of missionary work isn't just to "get people to church," but to lead them to a covenant encounter with Jesus Christ through the sacrament. Body Meeting Jesus at the Altar The turning point for Anna’s own conversion occurred when her mission president challenged her to study the Doctrine of Christ and the sacrament with new intensity. She moved from a "routine" participation to a state where she felt she was truly "meeting" and "communing" with the Savior each week. Anna shares that when she sits in the pew, she imagines Jesus Christ is right next to her, thanking her for showing up. Wendy and the "Home" Feeling Anna recounts the story of Wendy, a woman who stopped the missionaries on the street and was desperate to have her family baptized. Despite a motorcycle accident on the way to their first church meeting in years, Wendy’s family arrived bloody and bruised because she understood that she was there to "see Jesus". Wendy’s young son perfectly described the feeling of the Spirit at church as "going home". Through Wendy’s long process of repentance, Anna witnessed the sacrament serving as a purifying "hug" and a way to "unpack a backpack of heavy rocks". The Skater Kid and the Font During church tours, Anna would lead people straight to the sacrament table and the baptismal font, explaining that these are not just symbols, but manifestations of the power of godliness. She shares the story of Herardo, a 17-year-old skater who was initially quiet and reserved. After seeing a video of the Savior’s baptism and standing by the open font, the Spirit "penetrated" his heart, leaving him in awe and ready to commit to baptism himself. The Specific Miracle: A Family of Four Perhaps the most striking story is Anna’s month-long quest to find a "family of four". After dropping to her knees and making a specific request to the Lord, she and her companion fasted, prayed, and worked tirelessly in an area where no one had previously been taught. After the entire ward joined in a fast, they found exactly what they had asked for in the very last house of a "hopeless" street. Anna testifies that this was a direct answer to a specific prayer, teaching her that God is truly a God of miracles. Closing The episode concludes with an invitation to move away from "lukewarm" or "casual" religious habits and instead live an "intentional" and "careful" life. Anna encourages listeners to "meet Jesus" at the altar every week, recognizing the sacrament as a sacred communion rather than a box to be checked. Shawn reinforces that the joy Anna exudes is the natural result of a life built on the foundation of the Atonement and a "mighty change of heart".

The Field is White: Miracles, Angels, and Basketball in Peru – Megan Roberts Thomas

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2508974/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn welcomes Megan Roberts Thomas, who served in the Trujillo Peru Mission. Once a self-described "punk kid," Megan shares her transformation into an ambitious and consecrated disciple who learned to see the hand of God in the smallest details of missionary life. The conversation centers on the shift from a "lukewarm" or "casual" approach to the gospel to a "careful," intentional faith that allows a missionary to become a true instrument in the Lord's hands. The Power of Ten Minutes: The Story of Juan Megan highlights the principle that God often provides miracles after a trial of faith or a demonstration of diligence. After a "super tough week," Megan and her companion felt the temptation to finish their day early, but instead chose to use their final ten minutes to call one last referral. That referral was Juan, a man who had been waiting for the missionaries to call and was already "golden" and ready to receive the gospel. This story illustrates Principle Four: The Word of God, as Juan was converted primarily through his own "feasting" on the Book of Mormon. By the time the missionaries taught him, the Spirit had already acted as the teacher, providing the "substance and evidence" of the truth. Shawn emphasizes that while a missionary's charisma is helpful, it can never match the power of the scriptures to lead a soul to Christ. Visions and Restoration: Orasio One of the most profound accounts in the episode involves Orasio, a 75-year-old man who Megan describes as "humble" and "funny". Orasio had been listening to the missionaries teach his wife but was not initially interested in progressing himself. His heart changed following a powerful dream where he saw a person who told him he needed to become a "restored child of God". In a miraculous moment of divine timing, Megan happened to be carrying a framed picture of Jesus Christ to their next lesson. When Orasio saw the picture, he recognized the Savior from his vision instantly. This experience confirmed to Orasio that the message of the Restoration was what he had been seeking. Megan reflects on the deep humility required for a 75-year-old man to ride his bike to church in the heat, sweating but eager to be confirmed a member of the Church. The "Ghost" Basketball Player: Divine Redirection Megan shares an experience of "divine redirection" that underscores Principle Five: Angels and Miracles. After feeling a strong prompting to contact a man playing basketball, Megan and her companion tracked him to a specific house. When they knocked, the man was nowhere to be found, but they instead met a mother who had been praying for a "signal from God" to help her family. This prompting led to the baptism of her children and the family's sealing in the temple. Megan observes that while the initial goal wasn't met, following the Spirit led them exactly where they were needed. Closing: Careful vs. Casual Discipleship The episode concludes with an invitation to move away from a "lukewarm" or "casual" life. Referencing the teaching to be "careful vs. casual," Megan encourages listeners to act with intention in their prayers, scripture study, and covenants. Shawn reinforces that when we choose to be "hot" and intentional, the Savior can use us to perform miracles and find the "one" who is prepared.

"You Are Forgiven": Hearing the Voice of the Lord in the Wrestle of Repentance - Elder Trent Stock

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2508974/fan_mail/new] In this powerful episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn welcomes his best friend of 35 years, Trent Stock, to share a story decades in the making. While many episodes focus on recent returnees, this conversation dives deep into the "epic" journey of two lifelong friends preparing for their missions in the 1990s. The episode serves as a profound masterclass on Principle One: Agency and Principle Two: Revelation, illustrating how a "mighty change of heart" is fueled by the grueling but joyful process of repentance. From "Cold" to "Converted": Trent’s Rock Bottom In high school, Trent was known for being "feisty" and frequently getting into fights. After graduation, he drifted away from the gospel, eventually dropping out of college and moving to Arizona, where he describes himself as being "all cold"—completely out and searching for happiness in all the wrong places. He reached a "lowest of lows" characterized by darkness and despair. His transformation began when a faithful family in Arizona invited him into their home for family home evening and 5:00 a.m. scripture study. Initially resistant, Trent began to feel the stark difference between worldly "happiness" and gospel "joy". During a General Conference broadcast, he witnessed the peace of a young family and realized his "soul hungered" for what they had. He made the deliberate choice to return home and serve a mission. The 12-Month Wrestle: Learning to Believe Christ The heart of the episode explores Trent’s intensive 12-month repentance process. Shawn describes watching his friend move from "godly sorrow" to becoming a consecrated disciple. Trent candidly shares the "tricky" nature of the adversary, who planted seeds of doubt, leading Trent to believe he had to "suffer" for months to earn forgiveness. A major turning point occurred when Trent read the book Believing Christ, which taught him that he didn't just need to believe in Jesus, but he had to believe Him when He promised to make red sins "white as snow" immediately. After months of laboring, Trent experienced a literal "vocal voice" from the Spirit during a fireside confirming his forgiveness—a moment of "exquisite and sweet" joy that redefined his life. The Golf Course Miracle: Faith in Action As Trent repented, his "hot" commitment sparked a change in Shawn, who realized he had been "lukewarm"—not doing anything bad, but failing to do the "good things". The two friends began waking up at 5:00 a.m. to feast on the Book of Mormon and ride bikes to work at a golf course. They decided to put their faith to the test by fasting and praying for a specific missionary experience. On the very day they felt "it’s today," the Lord delivered a man with long dreadlocks to their work crew. They spent the day teaching him the gospel, witnessing the Holy Ghost confirm their words in real-time. This experience solidified their witness that God participates directly in the work when His servants exercise bold faith. Key Takeaway: The Speed of Thought Shawn identifies Trent as a hero because he taught him how to truly repent. Trent concludes with an invitation to "repent at the speed of thought"—to immediately turn to the Savior the moment a mistake is made. This episode reinforces that no matter how "cold" one has been, the Atonement is a gift that offers "pure joy" to anyone willing to choose the Savior.