Mission Stories

Shawn Record
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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. 5 DAYS AGO

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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.

    49 min

  2. 22 APR

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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.

    54 min

  3. 15 APR

    The Pallbearer of Ukraine: Opening Hearts Through Heavy Service - Elder Matt Miles

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn is joined by his long-time friend and former mission companion, Matt Miles. Having served together in Ukraine nearly 30 years ago, they reflect on the foundational principles that transformed their service from a mere duty into a life-defining spiritual labor. The discussion focuses on the transition from "lukewarm" participation to "hot" discipleship, the necessity of preaching repentance for lasting conversion, and the power of meaningful service in opening the hearts of the children of God. The Choice to be "Hot" Shawn recalls a stark contrast between Matt’s "goof-off" persona in the Missionary Training Center and the consecrated worker he became in the field. The turning point for Shawn occurred during a temporary split where he realized he had become "lukewarm," passively following a more relaxed companion, while Matt—only two weeks into the mission—was relentlessly contacting every person on the street. This realization led to a "mighty change" in Shawn, teaching him that a mission only truly begins when a missionary uses their agency to own their work regardless of their surroundings. Matt emphasizes the principle from the Book of Mormon that we must act for ourselves and not be acted upon, noting that he couldn't understand why anyone would serve a mission without striving to be the very best they could be. The Doctrine of Repentance: Tamara Sashak Matt shares a pivotal experience with Tamara Sashak, a woman who had been taught by many missionaries without progressing. Through personal study in Moroni 8, Matt realized that "the first fruits of repentance is baptism". He shifted his teaching from a purely cognitive approach—seeking a testimony of the Book of Mormon—to an active invitation to repent. By challenging Tamara and her family to identify and turn away from their "weakest link" or biggest sin, Matt witnessed a miraculous change of heart. Within weeks, Tamara was baptized and remains "rock solid" in the church three decades later. As Shawn notes, faith that does not lead to repentance is "bunk" and fails to lead to the true conversion the Savior requires. Service as the Key: The Funerals of Donetsk Finally, Matt describes the unusual way he "opened his mouth" in Ukraine: by serving as a pallbearer. In a time of great economic depression, Matt performed the heavy, physical labor of carrying caskets and burying the dead for families who had no one else to turn to. This selfless service, modeled after the Savior’s life, opened the hearts of those like Sergey Nashov. Because Matt was willing to stand with families in their "moment of need," Sergey felt the love of Christ and was baptized shortly after his wife's funeral. Closing Matt reflects that every good thing in his life has come from the decision to forget himself and serve the Lord. He reminds listeners that the opportunity to be a full-time representative of Jesus Christ is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime blessing that should be cherished and fully embraced. We are invited to look in the mirror and ensure our reasons for serving are not passive or lukewarm, but are rooted in a deliberate love for the Savior and His children.

    54 min

  4. 8 APR

    The Covenant to Baptize: Faith & Five Souls in Arcadia - Baden record & Brook O'Brien

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn sits down with his nephew, Baden Record, and Baden’s fiancée, Brook O’Brien, to discuss their respective missions in California Arcadia and Minnesota Minneapolis. The conversation centers on transitioning from a "lukewarm," passive faith to an active, "hot" commitment to the Savior, illustrating how owning one’s agency unlocks the power to witness miracles. The "Why" Behind the Work Shawn introduces Principle One: Agency, the godlike attribute of choosing and owning one's decisions. Baden candidly admits that he initially served for "good" but not "best" reasons, such as fulfilling family expectations and meeting Brooke's requirement of marrying a returned missionary. Early in his mission in East LA, Ben found himself frustrated by the heat and a lack of success compared to other missionaries. The turning point came when a seasoned missionary asked Baden why he was serving. When Baden threw the question back, the elder simply replied, "I’m here because I love Jesus Christ". This "hot" answer exposed Baden’s "lukewarm" state and sparked a months-long "wrestle" where he dedicated himself to earnest prayer and scripture study to earn his own deep testimony. Finding Fruit in the "Poorest Spot" Brook shares her experience of being sent to Morris, Minnesota, a tiny, isolated area notorious for being "slow". Struggling with a sour attitude, she found revelation in Jacob 5, where the Lord plants a seed in the "poorest spot in all the land" and declares He has nourished it. This scripture served as a direct "call out" from God, prompting an attitude shift that led to finding several miracle families, including a lost member family on their very last day in the area. Later, while battling illness and homesickness, Brook relied on Elder Maxwell’s teachings to avoid bitterness. She learned that by choosing to remember the Savior's "bitter cup," she could endure her own trials without becoming bitter herself. The Covenant to Baptize The episode concludes with Baden’s story of his final transfer. Drawing on his new "why"—a love for Christ—he and his companion entered into a "Covenant to Baptize" with the Lord. They promised specific sacrifices, such as praying every hour and reading the Book of Alma, in exchange for being led to those prepared for the gospel. Despite initial doubts, Baden’s companion’s "flame of faith" led them to set a goal of five baptisms. Through a series of miraculous encounters—including an "internet referral" who arrived in a Tesla—they saw exactly five souls enter the waters of baptism in Baden’s final weeks. Baden reflects that these experiences provided a "pure joy" that can only be understood through an eternal perspective. A Call to Active Discipleship Shawn emphasizes that a mission is not something that should just "happen" to a young person; it must be a deliberate choice. Both Baden and Brook testify that the greatest transformation occurs when a missionary stops being "acted upon" and decides to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands. Their stories serve as a powerful invitation to forget oneself, be "hot" in the work, and discover the extraordinary joy of leading souls to Christ.

    1 hr

  5. 1 APR

    "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

  6. 25 MAR

    Revelation in the Villages of Ukraine - Elder Shawn Record Stories

    Send us Fan Mail

    48 min

  7. 18 MAR

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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.

    1hr 6min

  8. 11 MAR

    "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.

    1hr 6min
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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
    51
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mission Stories
  • Show Website
    Mission Stories

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