Mission Stories

Shawn Record
  • 5.0 (20)
  • 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. 6h ago

    “God, If There is a God”: The Atheist Coal Miner’s Prayer in Ukraine – Sister Leila Tyltina

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn welcomes Olya (Leila) Tyltina, a witness to the "genesis" of the Church in Makiivka, Ukraine. Their conversation explores the profound spiritual awakening that occurred as the Iron Curtain was lifted, transforming a society built on communist "belonging" into one searching for eternal truth. Olya’s journey, beginning as an 11-year-old girl in the "hungry '90s," illustrates how the Lord prepares individuals and families through small, providential moments and the gift of faith. Providence on a Trolley Bus The branch in Makiivka began not through a grand event, but through a "one-time" desire to give thanks. When Olya’s sister, Yana, received a life-changing university scholarship, she and her mother set out for an Orthodox church to thank God. However, a series of seemingly mundane frustrations—an unreliable trolley bus and noisy arguments—compelled them to step off early and walk. In a narrow five-minute window, they encountered two missionaries standing outside a non-discrete building holding hymnbooks. This small act of agency led them into a meeting that would forever change their family’s trajectory. "God, If There is a God": The Sincere Prayer One of the episode's most powerful turning points involves Olya’s brother-in-law, Tolik, a hardworking coal miner and avowed atheist. While Jana and Olya embraced the gospel with immediate spiritual depth, Tolik remained indifferent and often fell asleep during lessons. The transformation began when Shawn moved beyond a structured lesson to build a relationship of trust based on Tolik’s interests. The spiritual "checkmate" occurred when Shawn invited Tolik to offer his first prayer. With raw sincerity, Tolik prayed: "God, if there is God... answer my prayer". The immediate witness of the Holy Ghost changed his countenance and his life. Tolik transitioned from a skeptical observer to a devoted disciple who, despite his dislike for singing, remained fully committed to the truth he had felt. The Treasure of the Word Olya recounts the "magical" arrival of the Doctrine and Covenants in Russian. For a branch of only about 20 members, these scriptures were a "treasure" that provided modern words of the Lord to sustain them through the difficulties of the post-Soviet era. Shawn shares the story of the first Branch President, Zakrev, who was struggling under the weight of his calling. By reading the words given to Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail, the Branch President found the peace and joy necessary to trust that the Lord would carry him through his trials. Conclusion Olya concludes with a powerful witness that the Church is not merely a global organization but a personal sanctuary. She teaches that through the gift of faith, every member can claim the Church as their own—"The Church of Jesus Christ of Ola"—refusing to let the attitudes or behaviors of others hinder their path to exaltation. The episode serves as a reminder that the Lord is actively involved in the "awakening" of every soul who is willing to look for the light.

  2. Aug 12

    “It’s Brighter in Here”: The Visible Transformation of Leydi Castro – Sister Elle Dorney

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Shawn welcomes Sister Elle Dorney, a "happy powerhouse" who recently returned from the Austin Texas Mission. Elle’s journey is a vibrant witness of how the Holy Ghost transforms a "lukewarm" high school experience into a life of consecrated discipleship. Her story centers on Principle Two: Revelation Leads to Conversion, illustrating that the only way to truly come unto Christ is through the discernible and constant influence of the Spirit. From Worldly Focus to a Trial of Faith Elle candidly describes her high school years as a "lukewarm" state, where her priorities were school, friends, and extracurriculars rather than a personal relationship with the Savior. Her spiritual shift began at BYU through the influence of a roommate who acted as a "spiritual catalyst," modeling a life of feasting on the words of Christ. Just as Elle committed to serve a mission, she faced a life-altering medical trial—a brain tumor and subsequent brain surgery. She reflects on this experience as a literal "trial of faith" as described in Ether 12:6, where she had to choose between turning away from God or turning toward Him in total trust. This foundation of trust prepared her to enter the mission field not as a casual observer, but as a devoted disciple. Relying on the Spirit in Austin Initially, Elle struggled to find success as she relied on her own charisma and mortal skills. She shares the transformative realization found in Doctrine and Covenants 50: that a missionary is ordained to preach only by the Spirit, and any other way "is not of God". This shift in reliance allowed her to witness profound miracles, such as the conversion of the Torres family. Carla Torres, at "rock bottom" after her husband was detained by ICE, sent her children to find the missionaries. Through their humble obedience to every commitment—especially daily reading of the Book of Mormon—the family was baptized, and they witnessed the miraculous return of their father just weeks later. The Light of the Book of Mormon The power of the word is further evidenced in the story of Leydi Castro, a biblical Christian who harbored deep doubts about the Restoration and Joseph Smith. The turning point occurred when Lady stopped merely reading with the missionaries and began to "feast" on the Book of Mormon daily on her own. Elle describes walking into Lady’s home for the next lesson and immediately seeing a "completely different light" and a brighter smile on her face. This visible transformation of countenance testifies that the Book of Mormon is the primary tool for inviting the Spirit of Truth to change a heart. Conclusion and Invitation Sister Dorney concludes with her "CPR for life" advice: Church, Prayer, and Reading—the three habits that keep a spiritual life breathing. She invites all preparing missionaries to move beyond cultural tradition and establish a personal, proactive relationship with Heavenly Father. Her mission in Austin serves as a reminder that when we open our mouths and rely on the Spirit, we find a joy that is "happier" and more lasting than anything the world can offer.

  3. Aug 5

    The News Interview in Brazil: How an Open Mouth Found 250 Listeners & Choosing Faith Over Trauma – Lauren and Chase Routson

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Shawn is joined by Lauren (Lolo) and Chase Routson, a missionary "power couple" who met while serving in the Brazil Goiânia Mission. Their narrative explores a profound spiritual transition: the move from being "acted upon" by circumstances to exercising the god-like power of agency. The core transformation highlights how a missionary must graduate from passive participation to an intentional, proactive choice to follow the Savior, even in the face of intense personal trauma. The Field is Ripe: Chase’s Journey to an Open Mouth Chase reflects on the early months of his mission when a language barrier left him feeling "rock bottom". This frustration drove him to a sincere prayer and a providential encounter with Alma 26: "Rejoice... ye did thrust in your sickle and did reap with all of your might". This revelation provided the spiritual "rest" and joy necessary to transition from frustration to work. Embracing Principle Three: An Open Mouth Finds Listeners, Chase and his companion used their native English skills as a tool for service. After boldly walking into a local news station in the city of Patos (Duck Country), they were featured in a broadcast that resulted in 250 people reaching out for English classes. This creative outreach opened doors that traditional proselyting could not, eventually leading to the baptism of multiple individuals, including a family of four. Chase also details a powerful manifestation of Principle Five: Miracles and Angels, where he felt a distinct prompting to make a bold promise in the name of Jesus Christ to an investigator named Jessel. By promising that the man’s lifelong smoking addiction would be removed through faith and baptism, Chase witnessed a literal fulfillment of prophecy as the man’s desires were entirely changed. Jesus Can’t Drive a Parked Vehicle: Lauren’s Choice at the Crossroads The episode reaches a turning point with Lauren’s harrowing account of witnessing a violent shooting while riding a bus halfway through her mission. The trauma left her "darkened" and paralyzed by anxiety, leading her mission president to offer her a choice: return home or transfer to a "safe" mission in the United States. In a state of spiritual "limbo," Lauren felt indecisive and overwhelmed. The epiphany came during a late-night phone call with her father, who reminded her that her presence in Brazil was not a cultural requirement but a personal choice. "It's not up to anybody else. It's up to me," she realized. This transition from a "lukewarm" or indecisive state to a "100,000% choice" allowed her to reclaim her agency. Lauren teaches that "Jesus can't drive a parked vehicle"—it is only when we put our foot on the gas and choose a direction that the Lord can steer us. By choosing to stay, she found a deeper identification with the Savior, who was "amazing" because He chose to overcome suffering through obedience. Conclusion Lauren and Chase reinforce the principle that discipleship is an active ingredient in a missionary's life. Lauren’s experience eventually fulfilled a promise in her patriarchal blessing that she would use her experiences to teach and empathize with other missionaries facing their own trials. The episode concludes with an invitation to move beyond being "parked" in fear or indifference. When we choose to be proactive, we invite the Savior to sit in the passenger seat and guide us toward a "mighty change of heart" and a life of intentional joy

  4. Jul 29

    You Can't Do the Lord's Work the World's Way. From a "Tacoma Truck" to the Best Mission in the World – Elder Jacob Woodward

    Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Shawn is joined by Jacob Woodward, who recently returned from the Washington Tacoma Mission. Jacob shares a powerful account of moving from a state of spiritual "lukewarmness" and reactive discipleship to a life of proactive, consecrated faith. The episode explores the foundational principles of conversion, illustrating how a single sincere choice to seek revelation can transform a mission from an obligation into a "marvelous work and a wonder". The Poverty of a Lukewarm State Jacob admits that upon receiving his mission call, he experienced a significant "halt" in his spiritual momentum. Having dreamed of serving in Washington, D.C., he felt a profound sense of disappointment when his call read "Washington Tacoma". This unmet expectation, combined with the looming reality of a two-year sacrifice, led him into a "lukewarm" state characterized by indifference and passivity. Shawn highlights that this "halted" state is often more dangerous than open rebellion, as indifference prevents a soul from hungering after righteousness or seeking a personal witness. The "Hot or Cold" Decision in Iowa The turning point for Jacob occurred while he was at a national debate tournament in Iowa. Realizing he was about to depart for two years to testify of a book he didn't truly know was true, he reached a state of being "fed up" with his own indifference. Exercising his agency (Principle One), he chose to move from a "lukewarm" state to a "hot or cold" one: either the Gospel was true and he was all in, or it was false and he would walk away. In a hotel room, he offered a sincere prayer and opened the Book of Mormon to Alma 39:16, which speaks of the "ministry unto which thou wast called". This encounter was not merely logical; it was a visceral, spiritual witness that entered "the fiber of his being," leaving him in what he describes as "checkmate". He realized he could no longer deny the truth and remain an honest man, marking the moment his faith moved from cultural habit to personal revelation (Principle Two). From Reactive to Proactive Discipleship Upon entering the mission field, Jacob found himself in a mission culture struggling with a lack of work ethic and "massive disobedience". Initially, he fell back into a reactive state, allowing his companions and the surrounding environment to dictate his level of commitment. However, through the influence of powerful role models—zone leaders and a senior companion—he learned that a disciple must "set the stage" rather than merely reacting to it. Jacob transitioned into a proactive missionary who focused on obedience and charity, realizing that he couldn't do "the Lord's work, the world's way". This shift led to miraculous experiences in his area of Lacey, such as challenging a Buddhist woman named Joanne to pray in the moment and feeling the room fill with the Spirit, and conducting a transformative baptismal interview for a Catholic man who needed to square his lifetime of tradition with a modern sign from God. Conclusion: God Answers Teenagers Jacob concludes that the joy of a mission—where your "feet aren't even touching the ground" after a lesson—is available to anyone who chooses to take action. He reinforces the truth that "we worship a God who answers teenagers," and that the most powerful being in the universe is ready to communicate with anyone who will simply open their ears and look. His story serves as a clear invitation to move beyond a "halted" state and engage in the "scientific process" of conversion through faith, repentance, and sincere prayer.

  5. Jul 22

    Red-Hot and Bold: Setting the Stage in Hawaii & Testifying at the Christus Statue – Sister Claire Peterson

    Send us Fan Mail Claire Peterson from Kyle, Texas, joins Shawn to discuss her transition from a faithful but "casual" teenager to a "red-hot" missionary in the Hawaii Laie Mission. The conversation centers on Principle One: Choose Ye This Day, and the vital necessity of moving from a lukewarm state to one of intentional, bold discipleship. Claire shares how she overcame the "indifference" of spiritual passivity by making a definitive choice to serve after a "lightning strike" experience with the Book of Mormon at FSY. The body of the episode explores the critical concept of "setting the stage" in a companionship. Claire reflects on her early transfers where she was reactive to her companions' patterns—one who focused strictly on the letter of the law and another who was lax with mission standards. She teaches that a missionary will either proactively set the stage for work ethic, miracles, and obedience, or they will be forced to react to the stage their companion sets. Claire describes the pivotal moment in her sixth transfer when she finally seized control of her mission's destiny, graduating from being "antsy" to becoming a powerhouse who established a reputation for being bold and miracle-seeking. Claire provides a masterclass in Principle Two: Revelation Leads to Conversion, specifically through her work at the Laie Temple Visitor Center. With only 15-minute windows to teach visitors from all over the world, she learned to rely entirely on the Spirit to discern exactly which person in a crowd of thirty was prepared to hear the message. Standing before the Christus statue, she would boldly testify of the Savior’s mission and then ask the crucial identifying question: "How do you feel right now?". This intentional approach helped visitors spiritually discern the peace they were feeling as a witness of the Holy Ghost. The episode reinforces that a missionary’s true calling is to lead souls to Christ, which is fulfilled primarily by planting seeds of faith and helping others identify revelation. Claire concludes with a powerful witness of Jesus Christ, testifying that when we choose to look for Him, He is already there, ready to change our intentions and desires from the root.

  6. Jul 15

    "I Want to Be an Amazing Missionary”: Choosing Joy in the Boonies/kidnapped in Haiti – Sister Kay Frazier

    Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Shawn is joined by guest Kay Frazier and co-host Lauren to explore the profound transition from a life of self-reliant perfectionism to a heart-centered reliance on the Atonement. Kay’s story is a masterclass in Principle One: Agency and the healing power of Jesus Christ, illustrating how unprocessed trauma can be transformed into spiritual strength when we choose to become "active ingredients" in our own lives. The Weight of Perfectionism and Unprocessed Trauma Growing up as the oldest of ten children, Kay developed a "perfectionist" personality, viewing herself as the primary example-setter and burden-bearer for her family. This self-reliance was put to an extreme test during her senior year of high school when her father was kidnapped in Haiti. Instead of processing the fear and trauma, Kay stepped into "mother mode," tucking her emotions down deep to support her family. She moved through graduation and her first semesters at BYU in a state of subconscious "floating," ignoring the poison of the trauma that was parked in her soul. The MTC and the Language of Healing Kay’s mission call to speak Haitian Creole in Indiana forced a confrontation with the very emotions she had tried to bury. Because her father had been taken in Haiti, the language itself acted as a catalyst for her suppressed anxiety, leading to her first experiences with panic attacks and intense fear. Shawn observes that this was a divine opportunity for Kay to realize that her "perfectionist" pride—the desire to do everything on her own without bothering others or God—was an obstacle to her true conversion. The Balm of Gilead and the Power of Agency A turning point occurred when Kay received a priesthood blessing that introduced her to the "Balm of Gilead," a scriptural reference to the healing power of the Atonement. Through this blessing and subsequent study, she learned that Principle Four: The Word of God acts as spiritual medicine. Specifically, she was taught that "obedience is a powerful spiritual medicine" and that she was currently at the base of a spiritual mountain she had yet to climb. Kay describes a significant shift in her perspective as she began to apply Principle One: Agency to her daily struggles with difficult companions and mission life. She realized that while she could not control her circumstances, she was an "agent to act" and could produce her own happiness. She moved from being "acted upon" by her environment to deciding exactly what kind of missionary she wanted to be. This journey from "nibbling" to "feasting" on the scriptures allowed the Holy Ghost to function as the Comforter, providing the substance and evidence of Christ’s love. Closing: Finding Real Joy Kay concludes that real, lasting joy is only possible through an intentional connection with Jesus Christ and His Atonement. By choosing to turn away from self-reliance and toward the Savior, she transformed her "head knowledge" into a "mighty change of heart". Her experience serves as a witness that when we choose to let the Spirit into our hearts, we are led to the very people prepared to hear the gospel, turning a mission of endurance into a mission of pure joy.

  7. Jul 8

    "He'll Meet You There": Trusting Christ in Your Inadequacy - Elder Thomas Harris

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn sits down with Thomas Harris, a missionary preparing to serve in Santiago, Chile, to discuss the vital transition from a "halted" or lukewarm state to a 10/10 commitment. The conversation centers on Principle One: Agency and Principle Two: Revelation, exploring how a young man move beyond spiritual stagnation by making a definitive choice to follow the Savior. The Poverty of Being "Halted" Shawn and Thomas examine the scripture from 1 Kings where the prophet Elijah asks, "How long halt ye between two opinions?". Thomas shares that during his senior year of high school and his first year at BYU, he felt this sense of being "halted" or stagnant—neither fully rebelling nor fully progressing. He admits to "dipping his toe" into the world during his senior year, which resulted in a lack of the peace and joy that the Gospel brings. However, he reflects that experiencing this "bitter" state was a necessary part of his growth, helping him to eventually prize the "sweet" joy of the Spirit. Repentance as a Foundation for Confidence A core transformation in Thomas’s journey was his move toward active repentance. He emphasizes that the confidence he feels today is not because he has mastered the scriptures or "knows everything," but because he has experienced the reality of the Atonement. Shawn highlights that learning to repent is one of the most vital skills a missionary can possess, as it is the very process they are inviting others to undergo. Thomas testifies that the Lord is most pleased when we use our agency to turn back to Him, and that this process fuels the faith required to serve. Learning from "Hot" Examples Thomas recounts a pivotal experience at Lake Powell where he was inspired by the "fiery hot" testimonies of returned missionaries. Their core message—that "you’re never really ready, but you can be fully committed"—helped Thomas shift his mindset from one of inadequacy to one of total trust in Christ. He realized that while he would never have all the answers, the Lord would make up for his deficiencies if he gave his full effort. This lesson in humility and reliance on the Savior replaced his hesitation with a deep sense of "comfort, peace, and surety". The Fiber Internet Lesson: Rejection and Love Reflecting on a brief job selling fiber internet, Thomas shares a practical lesson about handling rejection. He learned that some people will say "no" regardless of how perfect the offer is, a principle he now applies to missionary work. He notes that a missionary's responsibility is to serve with all their heart, might, mind, and strength, offering the Gospel with pure love while respecting the agency of others to choose whether to accept that joy. Closing: An Invitation to Act Thomas concludes by inviting those on the fence to stop being "halted" and to start proactively preparing through daily scripture study and temple attendance. He specifically encourages listeners to engage in the joy of repentance, promising that it will fill them with an absolute joy from Heavenly Father. Shawn reinforces that the field is "white already to harvest" and that those who serve with a "burning desire" will find salvation for their own souls as they bring others to Christ.

  8. Jul 1

    Russia/Kazakhstan Mission - Beyond the Russian Smile: Finding Warmth and the Savior in a Soviet Block - Elder Nick Spear

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn sits down with Nick Spear, who served a unique and challenging mission "laboring in the country of Kazakhstan under the direction of the Russia Yekaterinburg Mission". Nick’s experience is a profound example of Principle One: Agency and Principle Three: An Open Mouth Finds Listeners, demonstrating how a missionary can thrive even when traditional methods are restricted by law and circumstance. The Call to "Figure it out" Nick recounts the shock of receiving a call to a region that was largely closed due to international conflict. Upon arriving in Almaty, Kazakhstan, he was met by a mission president who embodied the "Russian smile"—a stern exterior that gave way to a warm, fatherly embrace. Nick and his companions were essentially dropped off at a Soviet-block apartment and told to "figure it out". With no established mission culture to lean on, they were forced to build their own consecrated environment based strictly on the standards found in Preach My Gospel. The Heart on the Sleeve: A Two-Week Window Due to strict local laws and shifting missionary licenses, Nick only had a brief two-week window where he was legally permitted to proselyte on the streets. He describes this time as "wearing his heart on his sleeve," delivering an "ancient message" to people who had been prepared for generations to find God. The heartbreak of rejection during this time only fueled his "insatiable joy" for the work, teaching him that the opportunity to share the gospel is a rare and precious gift. Econometrics and the Digital Front When street contacting was shut down, Nick used his background in economics to apply a "Moneyball" approach to the work, utilizing econometrics to measure success not just by baptisms, but by the "key indicators" that lead to them. Working from a small "box room" in Kazakhstan, he and his companions remotely managed the work for three massive Russian missions—Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, and Vladivostok. They pivoted to intensive member work, spending their days on Zoom to inspire and train Russian members. This effort led to miraculous connections, such as Brother Constantine, a member in Omsk who became so excited that he took off work early to hand out magazines and found 20 people for the missionaries to meet. The Lesson of the Fourth Missionary The episode concludes with a reflection on the "fourth missionary"—the one who chooses to be fully changed by the work. Nick emphasizes that the Lord's trust is the ultimate birthright and that the greatest blessing of a mission is witnessing the Lord "bring His children home". He invites all preparing missionaries to find their own conversion before they leave, so they can "run the entire time" with a desperate desire to share the peace of Christ.

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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
    67
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mission Stories
  • Show Website
    Mission Stories