Mormon Missionary Stories Podcast

Ben Benards mission is unlike any other I've heard in my interviews.  Forced to think outside the box to connect with the native people, the Fiji missionaries used their talents to build relationships of trust.  From teaching karate lessons to forming a Christian rock band...these stories are not your average missionary stories.  Enjoy! Be sure to check out Ben's book, where he shares these stories and more in greater detail, "Faith and A Life Jacket, 7 Truths For Your Eternal Mission" on Ben's post on www.mormonmissionarystories.com and www.benbenards.com

Mike Cole shares with us experiences from his life and Mormon mission to San Pablo, Philippines. 

Yahosh Bonner was a lifelong mormon who knew he wanted to be a part of furthering God's work.  Whether it be through setting an example of living the gospel in a sports career, or serving a full-time mission. Yahosh took a leap of faith and chose a full-time mission and was thrilled to receive a call to the Tampa, Florida mission,  mission full of diversity and rich experiences. Listen in as Yahosh shares with us stories from his life and mission! Enjoy!  

Listen in as Shayla Shaw shares her experiences from the fun to the darkest time in her life.  Truly an inspirational story.  Enjoy!

Shyanna Toscano knew that she wanted to either serve her country or serve an LDS mission.  She chose to serve her country.  But after a powerful experience in her service she knew that she was also meant to serve a mission.    Listen in as Shyanna shares her life and mission experiences in the London South, England mission. Fun note: Shyanna is married to Junior Toscano of episode 12.  So be sure you listen to his episode also!  Enjoy!

In this episode, Emily Pulham answers my longtime questions of "What exactly do Temple Square missionaries do?! And What is that mission like??" Well she didn't disappoint!  Listen in as Emily Bateman Pulham shares stories from her life and mission.

Ravi Kumar is a Mormon pioneer in India. It's not always easy being one of the relatively few members in one of the most populated countries of the world.   I'm struck by the faith required of Indian youth to leave for missionary service at a time when most of their peers are moving forward with their university studies.  It's not easy to do this when your culture doesn't understand the value of a mission. Ravi shares his story of converting to the church in his youth and the journey to his mission. Still very active in the church, Ravi has a stalwart commitment to not only his local fellow members, but also his continual missionary efforts.  Ravi truly lives up to his saying, "Once a missionary… always a missionary…" Enjoy getting to know Ravi Kumar of Hyderabad, India!

Dewain was a convert who loved the gospel.  When his good friend was preparing to leave for her mission, he decided he wanted to serve one also. The only problem was that he was in the military, and they would not release him.  This didn't stop Dewain. It just caused him to get creative.  He made the decision that his next deployment would become his own mission and he prepared for it as such. Listen in as Dewain shares with us his life experiences and how he shows that missionary is a frame of mind, and available to us at all times.  Enjoy!

This is a story you won't hear often in the LDS/Mormon Church.  A Baptist preacher converts to the LDS faith and becomes a Mormon teacher, high councilman, ward missionary leader, etc.... But this is Wain Myers story, and he shares it with us.  Enjoy!

Junior Toscano looked forward to the adventure of his mission to the Paris, France, the mission many people would consider a dream mission... But like many missionaries called to this location, he discovered it was harder than expected.  Depression and frustration afflicts many missionaries in the Paris, France mission, but despite this, Junior devoted himself to the work, and experienced success.  Junior shares much insight into the life, experiences and feelings of missionaries in this area from the amazing sights, food, and people to the dark and empty times. Please enjoy this episode and share!

James Curran was frustrated on his mission that members of the church were so disinterested to share the gospel.  He couldn't understand why they lacked a passion to share something that is the most valuable gift.  He made a promise to himself that he would never become complacent, and the beginnings of 'James The Mormon' was born.  James uses his love and talent of rap music to show his audience that Mormons are diverse regular people... continuing missionary work long after his mission. Listen in as James shares with us insight into his life and his passion for being proud of his Mormon beliefs.

Chris Fuhriman knew from a young age that he wanted to enter the military.  He also knew he wanted to serve a mission.  Chris shares with us his journey to the United States Military Academy-West Point.  The process of leaving the academy to serve a mission, knowing he may not be accepted back, and on to the Daejeon, Korea mission.   Chris has lived a fascinating life and generously shares his experiences and his testimony.   Enjoy!

Addie James started her young life with no religion.  Upon moving to a new neighborhood she made friends with Mormon girls who introduced her to Young Women's Girls Camp.  That was her extent of Mormonism... until the Mormon missionaries walked by their front yards. Addie began her journey into her new religion with faith and patience.  While definitely not a smooth road, as it usually isn't for converts (or members!) Addie made the eventual decision to serve an LDS mission.   Addie was shocked and thrilled to read Samara, Russia on her mission call!   Listen in as Addie shares with us her experiences and feelings from her life and mission. Enjoy!

Miriam Delgado Reyes was raised Catholic but felt something when she learned about the gospel. It's not easy to be the only investigator of the church in your family and Miriam's path was not quick and easy for her. But Miriam recognizes God's hand in her journey and the amazing life changing blessings it has brought to her.   Listen in on this short Skype call with Miriam as she shares with us her story and also shares how we as members and missionaries can help investigators and new converts get through the low that sometimes comes after the 'baptism high'. Enjoy!

Serving a mission was something that Yahaira always wanted to do as a young girl.  Believing in "girl power", she wanted to show that she could do anything that boys could.  But sometimes real life gets REAL hard and Yahaira's activity in the church lessened to the point of losing her testimony and making choices that completely derailed her... all the while keeping up her image as a 'good Mormon girl'.   But something in Yahaira kept that question in mind... "Should I serve a mission?".  After fervent prayer and receiving a clear answer to go, Yahaira sent in her papers and went! But even on a mission, life can be challenging.  Yahaira shares her struggles with pride, viewing people as numbers, bulimia, and wanting to give up. This is a powerful episode that shows that missionaries are regular people just like anyone else and that with perseverance anything can be accomplished. 

Brian Milligan always craved adventure. As a young child watching his brother's mission videos from the Philippines, he knew where he wanted to go.... the Philippines.  Amazingly, at the age of 19 he was actually called to the mission of his dreams!  Brian had an amazing mission. So many good times, humor, but also his share of "life punching me in the face", sorrows, and hardship. Brian packs this episode with great stories, life lessons, and fantastic advice for the missionary to be. Enjoy! Contact Lily at lily@mormonmissionarystories.com

Isaiah Myers had never been around so many Mormons as the day he walked into the mission training center.  Experiencing poverty in his early years, Isaiah knows what it means to struggle. But love is something that he's had no shortage of in his life.  From beautiful passionate parents and wonderful siblings, to a love for the gospel that inspires him to always reach for more.   Isaiah's natural ability to educate and sincere love for all people made him a natural missionary and powerful one, at that.  Like his father, Isaiah feels a special responsibility to help his fellow black sisters and brothers come to terms with the history of the blacks and the priesthood so they can enjoy all the blessings of the gospel with joyful hearts. Isaiah Myers is an extraordinary young man and this isn't an episode you'll want to miss!

Ryan Davis was perfectly suited to travel across the world to teach the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Thailand.  Polite and soft spoken, he was a natural fit for the Thai people.  Ryan is an inspiring example of setting shyness aside to boldly fulfill his commitment to himself and his faith that he loves.

Paul Wilson, Ohio native, wasn't expecting to see Phoenix, Arizona on his mission call. Quickly letting go of international mission expectations, Paul embraced his assignment and followed the motto taught by his father, "If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right." Listen along as Paul reminisces about his life growing up, missionary experiences, and how he's applied his learned lessons to his life.  Enjoy!

Abhinay Gottipati a lifelong Hindu, converted to the LDS/Mormon church at the age of  17. Barely knowing what a mission entailed, he followed his gut and submitted his papers within a year of his baptism.  Abhinay shares his experiences as he navigates his new Christian life and adventures as a Mormon missionary.  Enjoy!