At eleven years old, I was baptized together with my three siblings. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what that step meant. I listened to the missionaries, learned some of the lessons, and felt curious, but my faith was still young, and so was I. Like many children, I was easily distracted, and as the years passed, I slowly drifted away.
One of the hardest parts was feeling alone. I didn’t have close friends to sit with at church or walk the journey with me. Then one Sunday, everything changed. I met someone who became a true friend, someone who noticed me, listened to me, and stayed with me. That simple friendship became a turning point. Because of him, I found the courage to keep coming back.
As I stayed, I began to discover joy in the journey. I met more people who encouraged me, believed in me, and helped me see that I had something to give. Little by little, a desire grew in my heart to help others who might be feeling unseen, lonely, or unsure of their purpose, just as I once did.
That desire led me to serve as a missionary.
When I received my first assignment, I was surprised by where I was called. It wasn’t a place I had imagined for myself, but I chose to serve with faith. While I loved helping others, I also began to struggle with feelings from my past. Old mistakes weighed heavily on me. I started to question my worth and whether I truly belonged.
Eventually, I had to return home early to focus on healing spiritually and emotionally.
At first, it felt like everything I had dreamed of was slipping away. I worried about disappointing others. I worried about disappointing myself. Most of all, I worried that my chance to serve had ended.
But in that quiet, painful season, I felt something gentle and steady: hope.
I felt that God had not given up on me.
I learned that setbacks do not cancel purpose. That broken hearts can still become helping hands. That growth often comes in unexpected ways.
Later, I was given another opportunity to serve as a young service missionary. This time, I helped others not primarily through teaching lessons, but through acts of kindness, service, and friendship. I discovered that simply showing up and caring can open doors to healing for both others and me.
That experience taught me about grace. About second chances. About a God who cares more about who we are becoming than who we used to be.
If you feel unsure, unworthy, or behind in life, I hope my story reminds you of this: your journey is not over. You are not forgotten. You still have something meaningful to offer.
Surround yourself with people who lift you, who encourage you to choose good, and who help you grow closer to Jesus Christ. Keep your faith alive, especially when it feels hard.
Sometimes, the very experiences we wish away become the ones that shape us into who we were always meant to become.
ELDER CASTILLO
Service Missionary
Philippines Cauayan Mission
August 2024 - August 2026