Missionary Spotlight

When You Choose the Lord, You Never Lose

August 28, 2025

A landscape picture of Elder Yadao

One of the hardest decisions I ever faced was choosing between completing my bachelor’s degree or serving as a full-time missionary. Both were lifelong dreams. Both promised to shape my future. But as I prayed and listened to the counsel of friends and missionaries I had served alongside, my heart began to see where my true priority should lie.

They reminded me: “Choose the worthy things, not the worldly things.”

With faith, I pressed pause on my education to serve the Lord full-time. But the decision wasn’t easy. People had their opinions, and doubts crept in: “Is this really worth it? What if I made the wrong choice?”

Then a missionary shared her favorite scripture:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” – 3 Nephi 13:33

A picture of Elder Yadao and his MTC companion having a scripture study.

I held on to those words. I prayed. I pondered. And the Lord answered: when we put Him first, He provides everything we need at the right time, in His way.

That’s when I realized that by choosing to serve, I wasn’t giving up my dreams. I was walking toward them.

Today, I am Elder Yadao, a full-time missionary in the Philippines San Pablo Mission, a place I had always hoped to serve. When I opened my call, I felt seen, known, and loved by Heavenly Father. He truly knew where I belonged.

A tight shot of Elder Yadao with his MTC companion while having their companionship study.

The journey here wasn’t without challenges. Preparing for a mission meant sacrifices, setbacks, and tests of faith. But each trial shaped me into who the Lord needed me to be. I now know that education is a divine pursuit, but there are moments when God asks us to set aside something good to embrace something eternal.

Missionary work isn’t just about teaching lessons. It’s about loving people. It’s about trusting the Lord. It’s about becoming who He knows we can be.

A close-up picture of Elder Yadao.

When I return from this sacred service, I will resume my studies but with a stronger heart, a clearer purpose, and a deeper testimony.

To anyone standing at a similar crossroad: Pray. Seek Him. Choose what is worthy. When you choose the Lord, you’re not giving something up, you’re gaining everything that truly matters.
 

ELDER YADAO
Philippines San Pablo Mission
(August 2025 - August 2027)