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. 6d ago

    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.

    1h 7m

  2. Jun 24

    By Study and Also By Faith: The Scientist’s Path to Conversion – Elder Nick Smithson

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn sits down with Nick Smithson, who recently returned from serving in the Argentina Buenos Aires South Mission. Nick’s journey is a profound masterclass in moving from a state of hesitation and "cognitive-only" belief to a life governed by clear, personal revelation and intentional action. The conversation explores how a young man facing significant personal and family challenges learned to "seek learning even by study and also by faith" to become a powerful instrument in the Lord’s hands. The Hilltop Witness For years, Nick struggled with the decision to serve a mission, weighing valid concerns about his family and personal circumstances. He was torn between serving as a young man or waiting until he was part of a senior couple. The transformation began when he took the decision to the Lord with deliberate effort. While hiking a hill near his home, Nick spent time singing hymns out loud and praying. In that moment of consecrated effort, he experienced a "tangible" witness—a voice to his soul that undeniably communicated: "Hey, you need to go". This revelation provided the "substance and evidence" he needed to move forward with obedience and receive his call to Argentina. The Skill of Seeking: Study Plus Faith A pivotal turning point in Nick's mission occurred when he was hitting his one-year mark. Influenced by a companion who studied topically with a notebook, Nick began a deep, intentional dive into the principle of revelation. As a biologist, Nick initially relied heavily on his "cognitive" and intellectual abilities, but he realized he had hit a "skill ceiling" by separating study from faith. By applying Doctrine and Covenants 109:7, he learned to combine his intellectual diligence with spiritual discernment. He developed a methodical approach to seeking truth: writing a specific question at the top of a notebook, praying until a thought came, and then scouring the scriptures—primarily the Book of Mormon—to build a "web" of understanding. This process taught him to discern the Holy Ghost by looking for what "tracked" as heavenly and tossing out thoughts that did not carry the Spirit. Building Zion in the Pines Nick's mission culminated in a return to an area known as Viceroy of the Pines (V), a place he felt spiritually drawn to before the transfer was ever announced. Tasked with the "daunting" mission of opening a new group, Nick shifted his focus from just "looking for sheep" to "building the pasture". The power of this intentional work was manifest in the reactivation of a member who owned a Taekwondo dojo. Through individual ministering and building a "Zion foundation," Nick helped the members organize so the church could be brought to the people. On his final Sunday, he witnessed the baptism of the dojo owner's daughter, Maya, and left the area with a new group organized to meet in that very dojo—a literal fulfillment of his efforts to help build the kingdom. Closing Nick concludes that the most important part of receiving revelation is identifying "Step One"—the immediate action required to put a spiritual truth into practice. He reflects that while he was always "happy," the mission replaced his underlying sadness with a discernable "light" and a heart full of content. His story serves as a clear invitation to anyone on the fence: "Open a notebook, get out a pen, and pray".

    46 min

  3. Jun 17

    Waking Up the Sleepers: From Casual Belief to Consecrated Disciple in Mexico - Sister Lauren Allred

    Send us Fan Mail Sister Lauren Allred recently returned from serving in Puebla, Mexico, carrying a fire that only comes from a deep, personal encounter with the Savior. In this episode, Shawn and Lauren explore the transition from being a "good kid" who simply "tows the line" to becoming a consecrated disciple who understands that repentance is the greatest gift available to every child of God. Waking Up the Sleepers Lauren shares the "marvelous work and a wonder" she witnessed through the story of Cesar, a technology shop owner. Cesar was contacted not by seasoned missionaries, but by two young boys participating in a youth activity. He was a "sleeper" who was ready to be awakened, diving into the Book of Mormon and immediately asking deep questions about the Lamanites and Nephites. His journey involved a direct physical struggle with opposition, which was eventually overcome by the power of a priesthood blessing that left him "overcome with peace". Cesar’s transformation illustrates how God uses humble instruments to find those He has already prepared. We also hear about Maira, a woman who had lost her business and stability to alcohol but was found at a bus stop when the transport was delayed. Maira had been receiving "signs" from God and was ready to "arouse her faculties". Even before being formally taught the Word of Wisdom, her desires began to change; she found herself unable to drink a beer a friend had provided, feeling a "mighty change of heart". Her story serves as a witness that when we come unto Christ, our natural appetites are replaced by a desire to be more like Him. The Gift of Repentance The heart of Lauren’s message is that repentance is not a shameful burden reserved for the "prodigal son," but is the way to feel "happy and good all the time". Using the analogy of an "ugly sweater" gifted by a grandmother, she explains that the Atonement is a powerful gift that remains useless in a drawer until we choose to "wear it" through daily repentance. Lauren teaches that even those who strive to be "righteous" must have a mighty change of heart, as the law allows no unclean thing—regardless of the size or frequency of the sin—into the presence of God. Conclusion True conversion requires us to "view His death" and focus specifically on what the Savior suffered for us. This personal connection fuels the fire to serve with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. We invite you to make Jesus Christ your "best friend" and intentional focus, trusting that as you "wear" the gift of His Atonement, you will find a joy that is "marvelous" beyond description.

    45 min

  4. Jun 10

    "Just Do It": Swallowing Pride in the Manchester England Rain – Elder Brady Hoggan

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn welcomes Brady Hoggan, who recently returned from serving in the England Manchester Mission (2024–2026). The conversation explores the vital transition from possessing a "head knowledge" of the gospel to achieving a deep, internalized conversion through action. Brady illustrates through his experiences that while a primary-level understanding is a start, true testimony is only forged when one chooses to act on the principles of faith, repentance, and humility. The Fruits of the Covenant Path Brady shares that his favorite part of his mission was witnessing converts enter the temple. While missionaries often focus on the steps leading to baptism, Brady found profound joy in seeing those he taught continue toward the temple as evidence they were "enduring to the end" on their own. He recounts the story of Emanuel, a faithful man from Nigeria. Brady was privileged to accompany Emanuel on his first visit to the Preston England Temple just one month after his baptism. Watching a grown man become tearful while performing proxy baptisms for his father taught Brady that conversion is a literal "mighty change of heart" that radiates through a person's countenance. The Peace of Repentance: Roland The episode highlights the story of Roland, a man from Slovakia who sought the missionaries after seeing a social media ad about finding peace in Christ. Roland had faced immense trauma and "darkness" in his life. Shawn and Brady explain that teaching concepts is secondary to inviting seekers to act. They issued a specific invitation for Roland to pray and "tell God everything," holding nothing back in a sincere effort to repent. After a week of intense anticipation from the missionaries, Roland returned with a transformed spirit. He had found the "substance and evidence" of the Holy Ghost, describing a peace he had never found in any other church or worldly pursuit. Brady later learned that Roland has since been sealed to his family in the temple, completing the journey from a media referral to an exalted son of God. Swallowing Pride: The Lesson of Elder Dinka A central theme of the episode is the necessity of humility in maintaining the companionship of the Spirit. Brady candidly shares his struggle with his companion, Elder Dinka, a "green" missionary who frequently challenged Brady’s "alpha" personality by correcting him on trivial matters—like having his hands in his pockets or how he swept the floor. The resulting contention chased away the Spirit until a zone leader gave Brady a difficult piece of advice: "Just do it"—to swallow his pride and follow whatever Dinka suggested, no matter how small. Brady describes the physical difficulty of "swallowing his pride," but notes that as he chose to be "meek and lowly in heart," the contention vanished. This intentional humility allowed Brady to truly love his companion, turning a power struggle into a lifelong brotherhood. Closing Shawn and Brady reinforce that the Spirit is withdrawn when we prioritize being "right" over being "loving". Brady concludes with a twofold invitation: first, for seekers to pray with real intent to find their own witness of the truth, and second, for missionaries and members alike to take a "pride inventory". He testifies that only by acting with a sincere heart and a humble spirit can we experience the "unrestrained peace and joy" the Savior offers.

    59 min

  5. Jun 3

    He Had Me in His Mind: The Personal Power of Gethsemane – Sister Mackenzie Pyatt

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Shawn sits down with Sister Mackenzie Pyatt, who is currently in the home MTC preparing to serve in the Calgary, Canada Mission. Her story is a powerful testament to the transition from a passive, cultural "lukewarm" faith to a consecrated, "hot" discipleship rooted in personal revelation and a mighty change of heart. Mackenzie candidly shares how she moved from being "acted upon" by the pressures of high school and social media to becoming a woman who proactively chooses to build her identity on the rock of her Redeemer. The Poverty of a Lukewarm Life Growing up in a faithful home with "G.O.A.T." parents, Mackenzie initially lived a life of passive participation. While she avoided "sins of commission" like drinking or smoking, she realized she was struggling with "sins of omission"—going years without a personal prayer or opening the scriptures. By age 16, this lack of spiritual anchoring left her vulnerable to an identity crisis. She found herself seeking validation through social media and the fickle approval of friends, eventually hitting what she calls "rock bottom" after being targeted by a mean-spirited text that left her feeling entirely alone and a disappointment to God. The Turning Point at the Beach The pivotal transformation occurred when Mackenzie took a California burrito and a Book of Mormon to the beach and made a deliberate choice to exercise her agency. In a moment of brokenhearted humility, she offered her first sincere, vocal prayer in six years. She didn’t just pray; she began to "seek and knock," leading her to the words of 2 Nephi 33:6: "I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell". The phrase "my Jesus" pierced her, and the Holy Ghost provided a discernable, visceral witness that defied description—a "hug in her heart" that replaced her loneliness with the presence of God. A Personal Atonement Through this "mighty change of heart," Mackenzie received a profound insight into the personal nature of the Savior’s suffering. She realized that when Christ sat in the Garden of Gethsemane, he didn't just feel the collective sins of the world; he had a specific image of a crying, 16-year-old Mackenzie in His mind. This revelation shifted her identity from being a "son of man" focused on social status to a "daughter of God" who knows she is graven on the palms of the Savior’s hands. Closing: The Joy of Careful Discipleship Mackenzie concludes that the source of her current joy—which is "night and day" different from her previous misery—is the result of living a "careful" rather than "casual" life. She highlights that when we intentionally bring our questions to God through prayer and scripture, we move beyond the "lukewarm" state and find a firm foundation that carries us through the storms of life. Her story serves as a heartfelt invitation to every listener to move from the sand of cultural habit to the rock of a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ.

    59 min

  6. May 27

    I Only Have Two Years: Finding the Fire for the Work – Elder AJ Luekenga

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Mission Stories, Shawn is joined by AJ Luekenga, who served in the Bolivia Cochabamba Mission. The conversation centers on a powerful mental shift required for every missionary: graduating from the passive feeling of "I have two years to sacrifice" to the urgent, active realization of "I only have two years to sprint". AJ shares how moving from a cultural commitment to an intentional, desire-based choice transforms a missionary into a "little a apostle" who works with apostolic fire and focus. The Path from Passive to Active Discipleship AJ emphasizes that true missionary work begins with personal conversion and an intentional choice to follow the Savior before ever stepping into the field. He recounts how experimenting with the word and taking "baby steps" of faith allowed him to access the peace and joy of the Atonement for himself. Shawn reinforces this principle of active choice by sharing his own formative experience attending the temple every other day for three months with a mentor named Ed Jesperson. This deliberate sacrifice turned Shawn's lukewarm desire into a burning passion, teaching that while serving for personal growth is a "better" reason, the "best" reason to serve is out of a pure love for others and a desperate desire to bring them the same joy found in Christ. Mastering the Work with Members A significant portion of the episode focuses on a refined and practical approach to Principle Three: An Open Mouth Finds Listeners. AJ details a specific, four-step method for effective member missionary work designed to build genuine trust and avoid wasting the Lord's time. These steps include: Establishing a strong personal testimony with the ward immediately to signal your purpose. Maintaining strict efficiency and setting clear expectations during visits to control the timeline. Consistently and deliberately asking for referrals during every interaction. Utilizing "quick visits"—five-minute pop-ins to catch up and pray—to stay visible and helpful in the community. This level of intentionality signals to members that the missionaries are consecrated servants who can be trusted with the souls of their friends and neighbors. Miracles of Trust and Light The fruits of these principles are illustrated through the stories of Joel and Himea. Joel, a 17-year-old with a rough home life, felt the Spirit in a member's home and was eventually taught and baptized through a communal effort where the members themselves took the lead in testifying. He later served his own mission in Peru, illustrating how one intentional choice creates a ripple effect of conversion. Himea, a single mother seeking peace amidst intense personal struggles, was introduced to the missionaries at a stake conference. Through the support of faithful members and the simple truth of God's love, her "whole being" was transformed from darkness to light within a single month. Conclusion and Invitation Shawn and AJ conclude with a call to move away from "lukewarm" or "passive" discipleship. They invite listeners to stop being "acted upon" by cultural expectations and instead choose to be "hot" in their commitment to the Savior. By seeking even a "particle of desire" and acting with intentionality, any missionary can become a powerful instrument in the Lord's hands, finding pure joy in the service of others.

    53 min

  7. May 20

    You’re a Son of God and I Have a Work for You: The Refiner’s Fire in North Dakota – Elder Carson Brown

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn welcomes Carson Brown, a recently returned missionary who served in the North Dakota Bismarck Mission. Carson shares a powerful, vulnerable account of his journey from a cultural, passive "lukewarm" faith to a consecrated, "hot" discipleship forged in what he calls the "refiner’s fire". Through his experiences with difficult companions, lax mission cultures, and a lack of conventional success, Carson illustrates how owning your agency and identity as a son of God changes everything. From Passive Tradition to Active Choice Carson candidly admits that his initial decision to serve was a "no-brainer" based on family tradition and cultural expectations rather than a deep, personal witness. He categorizes this as a "good" reason to serve, but not the "best". The true transformation began when his bishop invited him to fill his life with the Spirit, prompting Carson to exercise his agency by choosing to read the Book of Mormon daily—a decision that planted the seed for his conversion. The Shock of the Field and the Danger of Lukewarmness After experiencing a high level of obedience in the MTC, Carson was shocked to find a "lax" and permissive culture in his first mission area, where disobedience had few immediate consequences. He describes the temptation to become "lukewarm"—passively following the "wind of doctrine" set by less-committed companions—and how this apathy began to erode his spiritual happiness. A pivotal turning point occurred when Carson decided to move from being "tossed to and fro" to actively advocating for mission standards, even when it was socially uncomfortable. The Refiner’s Fire and a New Identity The heart of Carson’s story is the "refiner’s fire" of serving in North Dakota, where traditional "success" in the form of baptisms was rare. Facing 60-degree windchills and the discouragement of being ignored, Carson struggled with an identity based on numbers and success. However, he experienced a profound spiritual shift from a "son of man" focused on his own failures to a "son of God" focused on fulfilling the Father's will. He realized that being exactly where God wanted him to be was enough, and that the trials he faced were not obstacles but a process of purification intended to bring out godlike characteristics in his soul. Conclusion: The Choice to Be Refined Carson concludes that the "fire" of his mission was painful but necessary, as it burned away the dross of passivity and selfishness. He reinforces the principle that when the fire gets too hot to stand, we must get on our knees and turn to God. His story serves as an invitation to all preparing missionaries to graduate from a cultural duty to an intentional, "hot" commitment to the Savior, trusting that the refiner’s fire will eventually allow them to reflect the image of the Father.

    54 min

  8. May 13

    The Spirit of Truth in the Slums: Edification and Joy in São Paulo - Elder Sam Warner

    Send us Fan Mail Sam Warner, a musician and skater from Encinitas, California, joins Shawn to reflect on the spiritual stretching he experienced while serving in the slums and favelas of São Paulo, Brazil. The core theme of this episode explores the transition from a "lukewarm" or "casual" faith to a "careful," intentional life of discipleship that invites constant revelation. Sam shares how he learned to set aside his "personal charisma" and the "arm of flesh" to rely entirely on the power of the Holy Ghost and the Savior's Atonement. Through stories of unexpected encounters and miraculous dreams, Sam illustrates that when a missionary works with a "fire in their heart," the Lord provides the "substance and evidence" needed for true conversion. Sam recounts the powerful transformation of Gustavo, a man who reached out for a Book of Mormon and was soon receiving "one-on-one tutoring sessions" from an angel in his dreams. This spiritual "snowball effect" was triggered by Gustavo’s willingness to keep simple commitments, pray with intent, and feast on the scriptures. In contrast, Sam shares the heartbreaking story of Lordis, who felt the Holy Ghost during lessons but failed to "practice" gospel habits independently. Her experience serves as a sobering reminder that feeling the Spirit is only the beginning; one must actively access the Atonement through "incremental" acts of faith to overcome deep-seated struggles. Finally, Sam describes meeting 14-year-old Felipe on a street corner, a "sweet kid" who immediately began highlighting entire pages of the Book of Mormon at school. Despite living in the "sketchy part" of a favela, Felipe’s relentless desire to feast on the word led to a rapid conversion and baptism within weeks. These stories highlight Principle Two: Revelation Leads to Conversion, and Principle Three: An Open Mouth Finds Listeners. Sam and Shawn discuss how the Holy Ghost is the "Spirit of Truth" that edifies both the preacher and the seeker, creating a light that grows "brighter and brighter until the perfect day". They teach that repentance is not a shameful burden but a "mighty change" that involves including God in every detail of planning and preparation. The episode reinforces the takeaway that God is intimately involved in the work and often uses weak instruments to perform His greatest miracles. Sam invites those on the fence to "just do it" and follow the first spiritual thought they receive, promising that God will provide a broader perspective and a joyous heart. The episode serves as a witness that the greatest privilege of a mission is sitting back and watching the Savior's Atonement take hold of a soul to bring them closer to God.

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
20 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
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mission Stories
  • Show Website
    Mission Stories

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