From the time I was in Primary, I remember being asked a simple question: “Do you want to go on a mission?” And every time, my answer was the same, an enthusiastic, confident “Yes!” That answer stayed with me as I grew older. Even in my youth classes, I felt certain that one day I wanted to be called as a missionary of the Lord.
Growing up, however, was not always easy. I faced many hardships, and there were moments when I felt completely alone. Like many people, I hid those feelings behind a smile. When I was 17, I felt a strong prompting to talk with my bishop. He greeted me with warmth, without judgment, only with love and understanding. As I shared what I had been carrying inside, I felt a heavy burden lift. In that moment, I experienced the saving, healing, and comforting power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. My desire to serve a mission grew stronger, and so did my hope. Because I felt the Savior’s love so personally, I wanted others to feel it too.
Near the end of 2024, I received an unexpected call from one of my stake choir leaders. He invited me to audition for the New Tagalog Hymns and asked me to send a recording of a hymn. I did, thinking there was little chance I would be selected among so many talented singers. To my surprise, I was accepted. It was a blessing that changed the course of my journey.
Around that same time, I was again asked the familiar question: “Are you going on a mission?” For the first time, it felt harder to answer. I had new opportunities before me, and I wondered what path I should take.
Instead of letting fear decide for me, I turned to the Lord. I prayed. I studied the scriptures. I read my patriarchal blessing. I went to the temple and was endowed. Little by little, peace replaced confusion.
When I turned 18, I made my decision. I chose to serve a mission.
On September 3, 2025, I received my call to serve in the Scotland/Ireland Mission. I am now preparing with excitement and gratitude. I look forward to sharing the love of the Lord with the people I will meet, teaching His gospel, and becoming the missionary I once dreamed of and the missionary the Lord needs me to be.
A meaningful detail about my assigned area is that many people there love music. Looking back, I can see how the Lord used my experiences, including the opportunity to sing hymns, to prepare me for something greater. What once felt like a difficult choice became part of the Lord’s perfect plan. Truly, His ways are higher than ours.
To those who are still deciding whether to serve: if you have the desire, go for it. Do not let fear or the distractions of the world extinguish that fire. And to those who are preparing now, keep that fire burning. Fill your hearts with love for the Lord and for the people you will teach.
I testify that the Lord is hastening His work. This is His time. This is our time. And for me, this is my time to go forth with faith—to preach, to love, to serve, to help save souls, and to change lives for the better.
ELDER DURAN
Scotland/Ireland Mission
January 2026 - January 2028