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In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, shawn interviews his niece, Reese Wren, who recently returned from serving in the Chile South Mission. Reese describes her mission as a "magical" place characterized by German-influenced architecture, the constant smell of bread, and even penguins. While she is now "on fire" for the gospel, she candidly shares her journey from being a fearful, "lukewarm" missionary to a consecrated disciple of Christ.

Overcoming the "Lukewarm" State

shawn recalls a pre-mission trip to Washington D.C. where he challenged Reese to imagine contacting the hundreds of people walking by; at the time, she admitted she didn't care about them and had no desire to stop them. This apathy followed her to Chile, where she spent her first few weeks in a "passive decision-making mode," terrified of the language and relying on her companion to do all the teaching.

The turning point came when Reese realized she wasn't doing anything "wrong," but she also wasn't doing anything "right". In what she describes as her "Enos moment," she knelt for 20 minutes and pleaded with God to show her her weaknesses so she could change. This act of humility triggered a "mighty change of heart," transforming her greatest fear—street contacting—into her favorite part of missionary work.

The Story of Juan: A "Golden" Soul

The heart of the episode is the story of Juan, a 63-year-old construction worker who had smoked since he was 15. Despite his rough outward appearance, Juan was a "golden" investigator who was desperate to change his life. To overcome his lifelong addiction, Juan made a pact with Reese to drink mate (a traditional herbal tea) every time he felt the urge to smoke, even sending her "proof" photos three times a day.

Reese highlights the spiritual struggle of fighting for Juan’s soul when some local church members and leaders expressed doubt about his ability to truly change. Through this experience, Reese learned to see Juan not as a "dirty" stranger, but as a beloved brother and a son of God. shawn notes that this is the ultimate purpose of a mission: to learn to love others the way the Savior does.

Key Principles and Advice

Principle One (Choose Ye This Day): Reese emphasizes that every day on a mission is a deliberate choice to stay and work, rather than just being "acted upon" by circumstances.

Principle Three (An Open Mouth Finds Listeners): Though she was initially terrified, Reese discovered that opening her mouth on the streets was the most joyful way to find those the Lord had prepared.

The Power of Repentance: Reese defines her mission experience as a process of continuous repentance, which she describes simply as a "willingness to change".

shawn concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to get off the fence and serve. Reese’s final advice to those considering a mission is direct: "Do it," because the experience of losing yourself in the service of others is the only way to truly find your own conversion.

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In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn sits down with Brynlee Brown, a BYU student from Carlsbad who is preparing to serve in the Bahía Blanca Argentina Mission. The conversation dives deep into the heart of missionary motivation, specifically exploring the power of actively choosing to serve versus simply being told to go.

The "Why" Behind the Mission

Shawn notes that many missionaries serve because of a "grand revelation" or a specific command in their patriarchal blessing. Shawn shares his own experience of receiving a powerful, undeniable "burning in the bosom" that told him his life would be better if he served.

In contrast, Brynlee reveals that she did not receive a dramatic sign or a clear command. Instead, she simply chose to go because she wanted to become a better, more Christlike person. She explains that while she prayed for a clear answer, she eventually realized that making the choice for herself was an act of faith. Shawn identifies this as a "best" reason for serving, noting that using one’s agency to follow the Savior’s example is profoundly powerful.

The Path to Self-Improvement

Shawn and Brynlee discuss the difference between the world’s view of self-improvement and the Lord’s way. While the world suggests degrees, money, or status as markers of growth, Brynlee concludes that the most effective way to grow is to do what Jesus Christ did: serve others.

To illustrate this, Shawn shares an analogy of two people climbing a mountain. While one could climb alone to seek their own reward, carrying someone else up the mountain (like "Grandpa Chris") results in greater physical strength, more endurance, and a shared joy that is "much more grand" than succeeding alone.

A Mighty Change of Heart

The episode highlights the scriptural precedent for this outward-focused growth. They discuss Ammon in Alma 26, who rejoiced not in his own strength, but in being an instrument in God’s hands to bring souls to Christ. Brynlee observes that while she is going on a mission to "better herself," she knows that once she gets there, the work will stop being about her and will become entirely about the people. She describes this as a "mighty change of heart," where a person moves from being selfishly focused to caring deeply about God's children.

The Power of Agency

Shawn emphasizes that God does not want "slothful servants" who must be commanded in all things; He wants His children to use their free will and choice to do good. Brynlee’s decision was also influenced by seeing the dramatic growth in her brother after his mission to North Dakota.

Shawn concludes by advising listeners that even those who feel "commanded" to serve must still actively own that choice. He warns against being "passive" or "lukewarm" in the work, noting that a mission is most meaningful when the missionary chooses to be all-in. Brynlee’s story serves as a testament that seeking after one's own salvation through the service of others is a joyful and transformative path.

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In this powerful episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn and co-host Lauren are joined by Jack Eliason, a recently returned missionary who served in Las Vegas, and Shawn’s son, Evan. The discussion centers on the profound spiritual transition from the "natural man"—who is inherently focused inward and selfish—to a disciple of Christ who has forgotten themselves in the service of others.

The Natural Man and the Quest for Glory

Shawn opens the episode with a philosophical question about selfishness, noting that the "natural man" is always focused on "me, what I want, and when I want it". Jack candidly admits that before his mission, his identity was largely wrapped up in being the "smartest guy in the room" and winning debates. He acknowledges that his initial motivation for serving was a "good" reason—honoring his heritage and seeking the same "glory" and praise he saw other returned missionaries receive—but it wasn't yet the "best" reason.

Rocky the Romanian: A Lesson in Compassion

The heart of the episode is the story of Rocky the Romanian. Jack, a new missionary in a trio with two struggling companions, used his competitive nature to "open his mouth" and talk to everyone at Las Vegas apartment pools in 114-degree heat. There he found Rocky, a man who had fled the "German mob" and ended up in Vegas with no money, no papers, and no English.

Rocky was "compelled to be humble," living at "ground zero" and begging for food for his family. As Jack taught him, something shifted. Witnessing Rocky’s brokenness and his immediate connection to the Spirit changed Jack’s heart. Jack realized he no longer cared about his own "glory"; instead, he felt an overwhelming desire to give Rocky everything he had. Shawn connects this to Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life, where partaking of the fruit (the love of God) immediately makes one "desirous" that others should partake as well.

The Pattern of a Changed Heart

The group shares several stories that reinforce this theme of outward-focused love:

Shawn’s Story: In Ukraine, Shawn felt a "mighty change of heart" when he saw an investigator named Victor, a coal miner, covered in soot after a grueling shift. This compassion transformed Shawn’s teaching from a duty into a plea for Victor to find joy in Christ.

Evan’s Story: In Brazil, Evan felt a powerful love for a teenager named Nicholas, who had to find the courage to ask his abusive mother for permission to be baptized.

Lauren’s Story: Lauren describes feeling like a "bus hit her" with love for Charmaine, a woman living in extreme poverty. Even though Charmaine didn't get baptized, the experience was converting for Lauren because it replaced her self-focus with charity.

Overcoming Fear Through Others

Jack shares a final story about Elder Malberg, a new missionary who was traumatized after having a gun pulled on him. Jack helped him overcome his desire to go home by using a "Jedi mind trick": he stopped Malberg from focusing on his own trauma and instead spent the day talking about the people they loved and the members who needed them. By focusing outward, Malberg found the hope and confidence to become a "firm and confident" missionary.

Final Advice: Be All-In from Day 1

Jack concludes with a piece of advice for future missionaries: do not wait to be "ready.". He warns against waiting until you know the language or have a "good" companion to start working. Instead, he encourages missionaries to be "all-in" from the first day. Shawn summarizes that once you choose to serve with all your heart, the Atonement begins to change your heart, leading to the "greatest, deepest motivation" of all: p