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Before my mission, I longed for happiness, but I didn’t fully understand where true joy comes from. I thought happiness was about enjoying life’s moments, but as I served, I realized that joy isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about embracing service.
I didn’t always have a strong testimony of the restored gospel. Though I grew up in the Church, my faith truly began to grow when I felt a deep desire to serve a mission. Through my service, I have drawn closer to God and His Son, becoming an instrument in His hands.
One of the greatest miracles I witnessed was a historic Zone Baptism in Quezon District, Palawan, where thirty-seven souls entered the waters of baptism. The faith of Tatay Alan Almoguera, one of the converts, taught me that no matter how hard life gets, Jesus Christ will always be the way to peace.
Missionary work wasn’t easy. There were difficult days, but I found strength in my faith, my covenants, and in Mosiah 24:13-14, which reminds me that the Lord eases our burdens. There were times I felt exhausted and unmotivated. But I pressed forward, knowing that I was called by revelation and that Heavenly Father trusted me with this marvelous work. Whenever I thought something was too hard, I remembered—nothing I go through can ever compare to what He endured for me.
To those preparing to serve, start now. Pray sincerely, study the scriptures—especially the Book of Mormon and Preach My Gospel—and develop Christlike attributes. As Elder David A. Bednar said, 'Be a missionary long before you go on a mission.' Serve with joy and love because the work is the joy.
I love this work, and I will never regret being a missionary. Mas masayang maglingkod, kaysa paglingkuran. Serving a full-time mission is one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has transformed my faith, my perspective, and my understanding of what true joy really means.
SISTER QUEREZA
Philippines Manila Mission
(January 2024 - July 2025)