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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

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In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn interviews Laura Neuhaus, a BYU student who recently returned from serving in the Curitiba, Brazil Mission. Shawn highlights that while Laura served in a relatively affluent area, her success came from her humility and her disciplined application of gospel principles. Throughout the episode, Shawn connects Laura’s extraordinary experiences to the seven missionary principles, emphasizing that these are practical applications of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Power of Sincere Prayer: Valerini

Laura shares her "rock bottom" moment as a new missionary who struggled with the language and homesickness. One Saturday night, she pleaded with God to know she was needed in the work. The next morning, she approached a newcomer named Valerini and completely butchered the pronunciation of her name.

To Laura's surprise, Valerini began to cry; she had dreamed of a missionary with that specific name tag mispronouncing her name in that church building. Valerini had found the church through a Facebook ad and felt the Spirit confirm that this was God's true church. This experience illustrated Principle Five—that miracles are a missionary's right—and led to Valerini’s baptism three weeks later.

Prophetic Promises: Niata

One of the most powerful segments involves Niata, a lawyer who had been labeled by previous missionaries as a "dot" who was unlikely to progress. Despite her deep belief in the Book of Mormon, Niata hesitated to commit to baptism. Following a strong spiritual prompting, Laura made a bold, prophetic promise: if Niata would be baptized and live the gospel, she would pass her law school exams.

Shawn identifies this as the Spirit speaking through a servant of the Lord. Niata exercised her faith, was baptized, and subsequently passed her test. Her husband, Mario, was later baptized after witnessing the profound change and "pure joy" in his wife.

Turning the "Hard" into "Holy": Echo Valley

Laura recounts being transferred to Echo Valley, an area with a difficult reputation and a challenging companion. Shawn highlights her choice to avoid a "lukewarm" attitude, instead deciding to make it the best transfer of her mission. In this "hard" area, they found Karen, a successful businesswoman who had spent the entire night praying to know if God was real. Karen viewed the missionaries as a direct answer to her prayer. By the end of that six-week transfer, Laura witnessed five baptisms, proving that a faithful mindset leads to success even in difficult circumstances.

Key Takeaways and Principles

• Principle One (Choose Ye This Day): Laura’s success was rooted in her deliberate choice to be "hot" (dedicated) rather than lukewarm, even when she felt like a "lost dog" following her companion.

• Principle Two (Revelation Leads to Conversion): Both Valerini and Karen were led to the truth through personal revelation, which was then confirmed by the words of the missionaries.

• Member-Missionary Synergy: Laura emphasizes that the humility of the Brazilian members and their willingness to help were vital to the mission's success.

• The Worth of a Soul: Shawn and Laura conclude by discussing D&C 18, noting that the immense joy Laura feels is a direct result of her laboring to bring souls to Christ.

Laura’s final message to those on the fence about serving is simple: "Go." She testifies that God’s plan is far greater than anything we could choose for ourselves and that the sacrifices made are forever rewarded with joy.

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In this Part 2 episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn welcomes back Sister Kirra Eddington to discuss her service in the Texas Dallas South Mission. While the previous episode focused on her pre-mission conversion through repentance, this episode explores how that spiritual foundation sustained her through tragedy and fueled her success as a missionary.

A Prophetic Warning and a Tragic Test

Kirra shares a profound experience from the MTC. While reading 1 Nephi 3:15, she received a lingering, unshakable thought that something "really bad" was going to happen on her mission, but that it was God's will for her to stay and finish her service no matter what. Shawn notes that this revelation—specifically the "lingering" nature of the Spirit—gave her confidence that God was in control.

Three months into her mission, the trial arrived. Kirra received a call that her mother had been diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer with a short life expectancy. devastated and fearing she would never see her mother again, Kirra found strength in a moment of grace at a church activity. Looking through a window, she saw a painting of Jesus Christ’s face perfectly framed, reaffirming the MTC revelation that she was exactly where she was supposed to be. This spiritual confirmation allowed her to stay and serve with purpose despite the heartbreak.

The "Wave of Energy" in Teaching

Kirra explains that without her prior experience of repentance, her mission would have felt like "summer sales on steroids"—miserable and rejection-filled. Instead, teaching became her favorite part of the work. She describes feeling a "wave of energy" whenever she sat down to teach because she wasn't just reciting a script; she was offering people the same "exquisite joy" and relief she had personally tasted through the Atonement.

Deli and the "Meteor"

Kirra recounts finding a "meteor" (a media referral) named Deli. Expecting a woman, she and her companion were greeted by a man covered in tattoos and piercings. Despite his intimidating appearance, Deli was a "golden" investigator. He had been told by previous pastors (and his own mother) that he was destined for hell due to predestination doctrines (which Shawn identifies as Calvinism). Deli had deep, sincere questions about why God would create children just to damn them, and Kirra was able to offer him the hope of the Restored Gospel.

Tina and the Power of the Book of Mormon

The episode highlights the story of Tina, a woman who had hopped from church to church seeking "more". For three months, Kirra tried to convert Tina using logic, Bible verses, and "lawyer mode," but nothing clicked. Finally, following a prompting from their mission president, they decided to stop "bashing" and simply read the Book of Mormon with her.

The change was instant. Tina began devouring the book, reading ten chapters ahead between visits and recognizing Joseph Smith's prophetic role on her own. Shawn uses this as a prime example of the principle that "the Word of God answers every question", noting that logic cannot replace the converting power of the Spirit found in the scriptures.

Shawn concludes the episode by emphasizing that a missionary's ability to endure "hot, dusty days" and tragic news comes from building a foundation on the "Rock of Our Redeemer" (Helaman 5:12). Kirra’s final advice to listeners is simple and urgent: "Don't not go on a mission... You won't regret it."

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This episode of the Mission Stories podcast features Shawn hosting two "Gen Z" guests, Izzi (16) and Lara (17), who have attended his mission prep classes for several years. Shawn affectionately labels them "punk rockers" because they rebel against the Southern California cultural norms of partying and vanity. Instead, they choose to read the Book of Mormon and hold "righteous raves" (pizza and preaching), demonstrating true independence by bucking the system to follow God.

The discussion centers on Principle Two: Revelation Leads to Conversion, specifically focusing on the "pattern" God provides to discern truth and avoid deception. Shawn cites D&C 52:14, arguing that the only reliable pattern for knowing truth is through the Holy Ghost.

Distinguishing Events from the Spirit

Izzi shares a story about praying on a jetty while recovering from a surfing injury. Feeling low, she asked God to help her know Him. She immediately felt calm and peace, after which a rogue wave crashed over her. Shawn challenges Izzi to recognize that the revelation was the peace she felt before the event, not the dramatic wave itself. He teaches that reliance on physical signs rather than spiritual feelings can lead to deception.

To illustrate this, Shawn recounts a story from his mission in Russia. A woman claimed she saw the prophet Moses in her bedroom and touched his cloak. However, she reported feeling "scared to death" and full of fear. Shawn explains that this violated God's pattern; true revelation is accompanied by peace, joy, and comfort, not darkness or fear.

Listening vs. Hearkening

Lara shares an experience at a funeral where she felt she should sit by a lonely woman but didn't. She identified this as a spiritual prompting rather than her own thought because the feeling "dwelt" in her heart and "lingered" with her.

The group discusses the difference between hearing and hearkening. Izzi and Shawn define hearkening as "listening with the intent to act". They agree that one cannot passively wait for revelation; one must have a desire and dive into the scriptures with the intent to share and do.

Retrospective Revelation

Shawn shares a pivotal MTC moment where a teacher, Sister Wrencher, helped him identify the Holy Ghost. She asked the class to close their eyes and feel the words of 3 Nephi 11. Shawn realized the feeling he had was the same feeling he had as a child at Disneyland with his family—a feeling of pure joy. This taught him that the Spirit often manifests as joy and love, and we can look back at our lives to see where God was present.

Izzi shares a similar childhood memory of being swept out to sea in first grade. She heard a voice say, "Put your feet down," and felt a sensation of floating, which she identifies as a core memory of the Spirit protecting her.

Advice for Youth

The episode concludes with advice for aspiring missionaries:

• Izzi: You must "knock" to receive. You will find God's mercies only if you are actively looking for them.

• Lara: Stop waiting to be "ready." Act immediately on promptings that invite you to do good (Moroni 7:13) rather than doubting if it is truly the Spirit.

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In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn and co-host Lauren welcome Carson Campbell, a returned missionary who served in the England Birmingham mission. The conversation focuses on Principle Two: Revelation Leads to Conversion, with a specific emphasis on how to define and recognize the Holy Ghost.

The "Brick" of Revelation

The episode centers on Carson’s unique description of the Spirit hitting him "like a brick",. Shawn notes that while we often use mortal words like "peace," "comfort," or "clarity" to describe spiritual experiences, these descriptions are ultimately inadequate for divine communication,. He compares Carson’s "brick" to Joseph Smith’s description of "brightness and glory," noting that Joseph himself admitted these things "defied description",,. Shawn argues that the "substance" and "evidence" of things not seen mentioned in Hebrews 11:1 is actually the Holy Ghost itself, providing a spiritual confirmation that transcends physical sight,.

Carson’s Conversion and Witnesses

Carson shares two pivotal moments of revelation:

• Confirming Prophets: While already serving on his mission, Carson realized he lacked a deep personal witness that the apostles and President Russell M. Nelson were truly authorized servants of God,. During General Conference, while watching Elder Holland, he received a spiritual confirmation so powerful it felt like a brick, convincing him of their divine calling,.

• The Mission Call: Before serving, Carson prayed specifically to be sent somewhere he could be "effective immediately" and serves to his best capacity. When he opened his call to Birmingham, he received an immediate spiritual witness—another "brick"—that God had heard his specific request and knew where he needed to be,.

Practical Insights on Seeking Wisdom

The group discusses how to cultivate a life of revelation:

• Ask Liberally: Drawing on James 1:5, Shawn emphasizes that God wants us to ask questions and will not "upbraid" or mock us for lacking wisdom, regardless of how many questions we have,.

• Holding Your Peace: Lauren shares her personal struggle with recognizing the Spirit due to health challenges. She highlights the importance of "holding your peace"—humbly submitting and being still—while diligently studying the word of God,.

• Spiritual Work: Carson advises future missionaries to prioritize spiritual work—prayer and scripture study—over social distractions, noting that these habits provide a "centerstone" for life,,.

Shawn concludes by reminding listeners that the singular purpose of a missionary is to lead souls to Christ through the gospel path of faith, repentance, and covenants, all of which are fueled by the convincing power of revelation,,. He invites listeners to "feast upon the words of Christ" for two weeks with real intent, promising that they, too, will receive revelation for their specific questions.

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This episode of the Mission Stories podcast features Shawn and guest Sister Kirra Eddington, who recently returned from serving in the Dallas, Texas mission. The conversation focuses on Principle Two: Revelation leads to conversion, specifically highlighting repentance not as a shameful burden, but as the "greatest gift" and a source of pure joy.

The "Lukewarm" Trap and Rock Bottom

Kirra describes her journey from being "blissfully unaware" and apathetic in high school to reaching a spiritual low during her freshman year at BYU. She slipped into a "lukewarm" state of indifference, eventually stopping church attendance and failing her classes. She describes this period as feeling "starved" and "miserable," as if she had no soul and no direction. Shawn notes that this passivity is dangerous because it leaves one being "acted upon" by the world rather than choosing to act.

The Turning Point: A "Train" of Revelation

While sitting in a basement at BYU trying to cram for a Book of Mormon class, Kirra read Alma 34:32-33, which warns: "do not procrastinate the day of your repentance". She felt hit by a "train"—a crushing spiritual realization that she was not prepared to meet God. This moment of revelation led her to immediately text her ward secretary to schedule a meeting with her bishop.

Redefining Repentance

Shawn and Kirra address common misconceptions about repentance:

• It is Not Shameful: While people may feel ashamed of their actions, the act of repenting itself is joyous and fulfilling.

• Commission vs. Omission: Repentance isn't just for "big sins" (commission); it is equally for the "sins of omission"—the good things we leave undone, such as failing to pray or seek God.

• A State of Being: It is a daily determination to change and work with the Savior, not a one-time event.

• The Bishop’s Role: Kirra emphasizes that her bishop did not judge her; instead, he offered love and a "weight-lifting" confirmation that the Savior loved her.

Conversion and the Call to Serve

The result of Kirra's repentance was a dramatic shift from a "4" to a "10" on the joy scale. This personal conversion through the Atonement of Jesus Christ created a deep sense of gratitude, which became the primary driver for her decision to serve a mission. She explains that she wanted others to feel the "exquisite joy" that replaced her pain.

Shawn concludes that the best way to prepare for a mission is to learn how to repent daily. He testifies that when a missionary understands how to fall on their knees and plead for the Lord's help, they gain the tools necessary to fulfill their singular purpose: leading other souls to Christ.