Mission Stories

Shawn Record
  • 5.0 (19)
  • CHRISTIANITY

Get insights on having a powerful and successful full-time LDS mission. This podcast shares inspiring stories and practical principles for embracing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, overcoming challenges, and building a strong foundation for lifelong discipleship. Faith-promoting stories and lessons from real full-time LDS mission experiences to inspire and teach. Based on The Mission Prep Series by Shawn Record.

  1. 12H AGO

    "Dear Heavenly Father”: The Miracle of a First Prayer in the Australian Bush – Sister Ashlyn Solano

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn is joined by recently returned missionary Ashlyn Solano and her sister, co-host Laura Solano. Ashlyn, home just two weeks from the Australia Melbourne Mission, shares how the weight of a missionary’s identity is forged not by a plastic tag, but through the profound spiritual experiences that occur when a missionary learns to step aside and let the Spirit teach. The Sacred Quiet of a First Prayer The core of this discussion centers on Principle 2: Revelation Leads to Conversion. Ashlyn recounts her experience teaching Sharon, a woman from China who had no prior exposure to Christianity and was simply seeking "peace". After weeks of building trust—including participating in yoga to meet Sharon where she was—the missionaries invited her to say her very first prayer to God. The turning point occurred in a small room in "the bush" of Sunbury. As Ashlyn led the prayer line-by-line, the atmosphere shifted instantly. The room felt "quieter," "holy," and "sacred" as it became clear that Sharon was speaking to her Heavenly Father for the first time. Sharon’s immediate, tearful reaction—"I don't know what that was"—provided a textbook example of the Holy Ghost acting as the "substance and evidence" of things not seen. This revelation didn't just touch the investigator; it also healed Ashlyn's companion, who was experiencing a faith crisis, by proving that God is intimately aware of His individual children. Jeremiah’s Dream and the Slip of Paper In a separate account, Ashlyn shares the miraculous conversion of the Wright family in Packinum. Despite being taught by multiple sets of missionaries, the family had plateaued in their progression. The breakthrough came through 12-year-old Jeremiah, who described recurring dreams of his deceased grandmother. In the dream, she would hand him a "slip of paper" with her name on it but would not speak. Recognizing this as direct revelation regarding temple work, the missionaries connected Jeremiah’s dream to the proxy ordinances performed for ancestors. The family’s hesitation vanished instantly. Within two weeks, they were baptized, and they have since been sealed in the temple. This story highlights that God is often already working on the hearts of His children; the missionary’s job is simply to help the seeker "make sense of it" and connect those spiritual feelings to the Restored Gospel. A Permanent Identity Ashlyn speaks candidly about the heartbreak of being released and taking off the missionary tag that bore the name of Jesus Christ. She expresses the realization that while she will never be a "full-time" missionary again, her identity as a disciple is now etched into her nature. Shawn concludes by reinforcing that the "pure joy" found in these stories is available to anyone who chooses to serve with all their heart. Key Principles Discussed: Revelation as the Engine: Conversion is not a result of logic, "Bible bashing," or charisma, but the quiet witness of the Comforter. The Weak Made Strong: Missionaries often arrive with low self-esteem, but through prayer and reliance on the Spirit, they are made powerful instruments. The Missionary as a Witness: The missionary’s primary role is to create an environment where the Spirit can do its work.

    54 min

  2. MAR 25

    Revelation in the Villages of Ukraine - Elder Shawn Record Stories

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    48 min

  3. MAR 18

    Keeping Back Nothing: From Fleas in Honduras to Miracles in McAllen - Sister Jamie Pyatt

    Send a text In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn, guest Jamie Pyatt, and co-host Lauren explore the transformative power of Principle One: Choose Ye This Day and Principle Two: Revelation Leads to Conversion. Jamie, who served in both Honduras and Texas, shares a gripping narrative of moving from a state of resistance to becoming a consecrated disciple of Christ. The "Wrestle" of Choice Jamie admits that at 21, serving a mission was not on her "radar," and she was initially offended when her bishop suggested it. Her father, a convert, challenged her perspective, saying, "I think you’re just mad because now you got to pray about it". This sparked a spiritual "wrestle" between her own will and God’s. Through a series of promptings—including a manila envelope full of articles about sister missionaries and a powerful testimony meeting—Jamie's heart softened. Shawn notes that choosing and owning the choice to serve is what distinguishes a life-changing mission from one that simply "happens" to a person. Trials in Honduras and a Sudden Evacuation Jamie was originally called to the Tegucigalpa Honduras Mission in 1992. Her service began with intense physical and cultural challenges, including third-world living conditions and an infestation of fleas. However, her mission was abruptly disrupted by terrorist threats against North American missionaries. With only one hour to evacuate, Jamie left the country with nothing but a backpack and the clothes on her back, while battling a high fever from dengue fever. Finding Purpose in McAllen, Texas Reassigned to McAllen, Texas, Jamie initially struggled with discouragement, feeling that Texas was "not her mission". Her new mission president challenged this mindset by asking, "Do you think that God loves his children in Honduras more than his children in Texas?". Jamie and her companion decided to fast for their hearts to "come to Texas" and set an intention to be "all in". The answer to their prayer came literally at their doorstep when Kenita Gyos, a young mother, knocked on their door asking, "Can you tell me how I can know if I’m a child of God?". Kenita had been searching for the right church for ten months and was led to their apartment after seeing a picture of Jesus they had placed in their window. Jamie reflects that the Lord "saved" Kenita for them as much as He saved them for her, teaching the sisters a vital lesson in God's awareness of His children. The Missionary as the Convert The episode concludes with the principle that the biggest convert on a mission is the missionary themselves. Lauren shares that we must stand "right next to Christ" to effectively invite others to Him, and Jamie emphasizes that a mission should transform a person from being "wishy-washy" to someone who will "not deny the Christ". Shawn highlights that Jamie’s story is a perfect example of serving with "all humility of mind" and "keeping back nothing," illustrating that our agency is the greatest gift we can return to God.

    1h 6m

  4. MAR 11

    "My Enos Moment": Moving from Lukewarm to On Fire in Chile - Sister Reese Wren

    Send us Fan Mail 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.

    1h 6m

  5. MAR 4

    "I Choose to Go On My Mission!" Agency and Personal Growth Serving Others - Sister Brynlee Brown

    Send us Fan Mail 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.

    47 min

  6. FEB 25

    From Seeking His Own Glory to Finding True Charity - Elder Jack Eliason

    Send us Fan Mail 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: pure love for

    53 min

  7. FEB 18

    Get on Your Knees, Then Get on Your Feet: Miracles in Curitiba, Brazil- Sister Laura Neuhaus

    Send us Fan Mail 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.

    1h 3m

  8. FEB 11

    "Something Bad Is Going to Happen": Revelation, Cancer, and the Face of The Savior - Sister Kirra Eddington Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail 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."

    48 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Get insights on having a powerful and successful full-time LDS mission. This podcast shares inspiring stories and practical principles for embracing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, overcoming challenges, and building a strong foundation for lifelong discipleship. Faith-promoting stories and lessons from real full-time LDS mission experiences to inspire and teach. Based on The Mission Prep Series by Shawn Record.

Information

  • Creator
    Shawn Record
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mission Stories
  • Show Website
    Mission Stories

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