Serving a mission has transformed me into a better person. My testimony has deepened, my faith has strengthened, and my understanding of gospel principles has grown. Through my mission, I gained a greater appreciation for the importance of family and learned that true discipleship means pressing forward with a perfect brightness of hope, following His commandments, and enduring to the end.
Receiving my mission call was one of the greatest miracles of my life. I was assigned to the Philippines Cebu Mission—the very place where I received my temple covenants and had the privilege of being sealed to my parents in the Cebu Philippines Temple. This experience reinforced my testimony of Heavenly Father's perfect plan. My mission changed my perspective on life, teaching me that when we do our part and walk by faith—not by sight—the Lord blesses us both temporally and spiritually.
'Miracles always come through action.' Even after my mission, I continue to apply the lessons I learned, especially by magnifying my callings. Doing so constantly reminds me of my divine purpose: to help gather Israel and continue the Lord’s work here on earth. As the scriptures say:
'And blessed art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard... ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard.' (Jacob 5:75)
To every young man and young woman who has a desire to serve: Do not be afraid! You are part of the Lord’s battalion, His army of righteousness. As President Russell M. Nelson declared, you have been preserved and reserved for this generation because the Lord knows your capacity. Let that desire refine you, shape you into a better version of yourself, and lead you to serve a mission.
I promise you—there are unlimited miracles in this sacred work, miracles you will not find anywhere else. Take the leap of faith, trust in the Lord, and experience the joy of His service.
JACKSON LISTAGA ASANDE
Philippines Cebu Mission
(May 2022 - May 2024)