Why I am on my mission: Sister Nestman LDS Online Missionary

Since I was young I have wanted to go on a mission. As I got older,the mission idea kinda faded further and further into the back burner. It just wasn't as much of a priority. After high school I went to college and worked. Loved my job! Working in and around pools was my life. Things were going great. There were some trials thrown in the mix as well, but I endured them and grew from them. Life was good and things were progressing as planned.

The time for my 21st birthday was coming and the thought of a mission came to mind. I wasn't sure whether to keep going and doing what I had been doing, or put it all on hold for 18 months. What better way to decide then to ask Heavenly Father? It's what I grew up learning and doing; so, I did just that. I prayed for a few weeks and fasted about whether a mission was right for me or not. After the fasting and prayer I got the answer no. So, I continued doing what I was doing. Everything was the way I wanted it.

A Blessing to Serve - Elder Seth Spencer: LDS Online Missionary

I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia about four and one half years ago in February of 2006; it has been one of the greatest blessings in my life.  My name is Elder Seth Spencer.  I currently serve as a full time missionary for my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I love it!  I am originally from Fort Collins Colorado, and I started my mission in September of 2009.  With the leukemia I had, I went through nearly a year’s worth of chemo therapy.  I had a relapse, and a bone marrow transplant.  I have had damage, and have had surgery to reconstruct both my knees and hips, eventually I will need to get them all replaced.  While this has certainly not been easy or enjoyable, I do feel it has been a blessing for me.  Through this I have learned with every trial and struggle we have there really is only one person we can rely on, that is Jesus Christ.  I know He has helped me with the trials and struggles I have had.  I know He has been there with the sufferings and trials I have had.  I know God is our loving Father in Heaven.  I have felt His love in my life.  I am blessed and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to be here as a missionary to help others find the same peace and comfort that I have found in Jesus Christ and following His commandments.

Sister Webb: LDS Online Missionary

I would be lying if I didn't say I was happy--my life is soooooooo good. I am spreading the good (best) word here in the Lansing Michigan Mission. I am a missionary of Christ's church. Sometimes I wonder; how did I get to be here? This is how: I grew up in Highland, Utah where my parents taught me about Jesus Christ; they taught me unconditional love, laughter, happiness, and especially peace through Christ. From a really early age I learned that I could actually have a personal relationship with God. As life goes, I had (and still have) trials--and when I do, Christ has always been there to pull me through. That is why I am here. I believe in Christ and I know that it is only through Him can we have true happiness, how could I keep that for myself? I once heard a saying that goes something like this, "those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." My family has been my greatest support through their examples to serves missions.

My mission here in Michigan is only a short time, my life can and will always be a mission to share the best thing I could--my testimony of Jesus Christ. What could be better?

With love,

Sister Webb

Lansing Michigan Mission

blog ...enjoy the journey

The Third Mission – Elder Andrew Howden: LDS Online Missionary

About one year ago, I was preparing to fly out to Canada in a couple of days.  I was very excited be able to continue serving my mission after I had to return home from the Ivory Coast.  I had served there for four months, and upon getting sick and not being able to determine what was wrong with me, I had to return home for several tests before I was reassigned to serve in the Canada Halifax Mission.  However, just one short week in Canada, I got sick again and had to be sent home from the mission field for a second time.  Needless to say, I was quite disparaging about my situation, and I thought that would be the end of my mission.  However, Heavenly Father had something else planned for my life.  My name is Elder Andrew Howden, and I am a 20-year old missionary that serves in the Provo MTC Referral Center mission.

Elder Millett: LDS Online Missionary

I am 20 years old.  I am a missionary serving in the California Santa Rosa mission and have been serving for about 18 months. It has been the most rewarding experience of my life and I am so grateful that I have been able to serve the Lord for those wonderful months. I am even more grateful to now expand that service to the internet.

    It really took me by surprise to be called to such an assignment but I know that the Lord will help to guide me in carrying out this sacred responsibility. From the beginning of my mission I have always had the quote "If I do my best the Lord will do the Rest" in the back of my mind. It always helps to remind me how dependent I am upon the Lord for all of my blessings.
 
I love this Gospel with all of my heart and know that it is true. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the only begotten of the father, Savior and Redeemer. I know that it is in him, through him and of him that we can be with our beloved Heavenly Father. I am also grateful that because of this Gospel, I can be with my Family Forever. I give up these two years of my life so that others can feel of the same joy that I have. I love Jesus Christ!

With Love,

Elder Michael Millett

California Santa Rosa Mission (LDS Online Missionary)

From at the Door to On the Screen: Elder Victor Moxley LDS Online Missionary

After breaking my foot while serving in Slovenia, a small country in Eastern Europe, I was no longer able to go door to door, as most Mormon missionaries do.  Complications arose and it became clear that it would be months to years before I'd be able to spend a great deal of time on my feet.  Heartbroken, I packed my bags and prepared for my return home.

Amid my disappointment about leaving Slovenia, which I had expected to stay in for more than a year, I turned to my Heavenly Father, and increased in prayer.  I also studied in the Doctrine and Covenants more vigorously, and some verses stuck out to me.

 Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.

  Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; [D&C 50:40-41]

Elder Dajeu: LDS Online Missionary

I am Elder Dajeu serving in New York Rochester mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I am 21 years old originally from Cameroon Africa and have dedicated 2 years of my life to serve my Father in Heaven to help his children to come unto him.

I am one of the online Missionaries and share the gospel with everyone I come across. I try to increase their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ by adding more to what they know to be true.

Elder Menasco: LDS Online Missionary



Elder Menasco



About a two months ago I was driving from Eureka to Santa Rosa for a meeting. Elder Hinton and I were talking about how great it is to be a missionary! We have the amazing blessing and opportunity to teach and invite people to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by the restored priesthood authority of God.

But something crossed our mind: What about everyone else who has never received an opportunity to hear the gospel or learn how the Gospel of Jesus Christ is on the earth to bless their families for eternity. And what can we do about it?

Elder Lanham: LDS Online Missionary



Elder Michael Lanham,
Montana Billings Mission



I about fell out of my seat when I heard Missionaries online? Really?

I thought we were just attending a standard missionary meeting to discuss issues and help refocus on the work. But when our mission president announced the new online missionary program, I was quite surprised. Since then, missionaries in eight missions have begun blogs, started up facebook accounts, and created personal profiles on mormon.org. I sign on to facebook and Blogger each day, and see in my chat box about thirty other missionaries at one time, all trying to spread the gospel. It's quite amazing.

Elder Meldrum: LDS Online Missionary

I am Elder Meldrum. In 1990 I was born in the state of California to goodly parents. Now I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Michigan. I am currently serving in Grand Rapids. Being able to be a missionary has taught me so much and the experiences that I have are priceless. It usually is not easy, but that makes me grow. I hope that sharing some of these experiences will bless the lives of all those who partake. 

Elder Goff: LDS Online Missionary

Elder Austin Goff

My name is Elder Goff. I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which means I represent Jesus Christ himself. I have been called by God to serve his Son Jesus Christ with 53,000 other missionaries all over the world. I have been called to the Billings Montana Mission. I have served in Hardin, Montana, East Helena, Montana, Lander, Wyoming and I currently serve in Worland, Wyoming. I love the opportunity I have to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those that I meet everyday. We have recently been given the opportunity to use Facebook and blogs as another way to help teach about Christ's gospel. With millions upon millions of people on Facebook, I desire to help more people learn about this marvelous light and knowledge that has been given to us through the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you have any questions please contact me. That is why I'm here on blogger.

Elder Callahan: Online Missionary

Elder Callahan, Utah Provo MTC Referral Center Mission

Hi, I’m Elder Callahan.  I have been called to serve as an online missionary in the Referral Center Mission in the Provo MTC.  I am very grateful for the opportunity I have to serve.  I have always wanted to serve a mission.  I was originally "honorably excused" from serving a full-time mission.  (Click here for the whole story.)  Then, I got a call to serve in this mission I am currently in.  I love the work we do as missionaries and the wonderful opportunity we have to invite and help bring others unto Christ.

Elder LeeMaster: LDS Online Missionary

I'm Elder LeeMaster, one of the full-time online missionaries. I serve in what is called the Referral Center mission which means I do all my teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ online via chat, or over the phone. There are 52,000 missionaries around the world, and I'm one of only a handful who works this way. It's a really great experience for me to be able to do missionary work this way!

I've been out on my mission for just 18 months now and the miracles that I have been able to see as I have talked to people about their Savior and have seen them make changes in their lives have been incredible! Often times it is difficult for people to understand how we do our work in such and environment where we can't see peoples' faces or look into their eyes. But it is amazing to know that the Holy Ghost is there to testify to people that the things we share with them actually are true.

Elder Bergloff: LDS Online Missionary

Elder Bergloff, Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission

What do I mean by "My life in the Trenches?" Well for the past 18 months of my mission I've been able to spend a lot of time in inner-city Philadelphia.

My family more then anyone has asked me, "What's it like." Well coming from suburbia in Idaho it's a lot different. Where electricity, running water, and heat were necessities; appear to be commodities out here. A huge culture shock, but has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life. Living here in Philly I am able to meet people who are the most loving and giving people in the most urban and poor conditions. I've really gained an appreciation for the things that I have.

Elder Spendlove: LDS Online Missionary

I'm Elder Spendlove, a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons).  Right now, I'm working in Ukiah, California, teaching people about the happiness that comes from following Jesus Christ and His prophets.  I also have the opportunity to spend a little time online every day reaching out to people online through facebook and blogs.  It's a cool program because there are so many people online each day who are looking for happiness;  I have been able to talk with many people in the places where I've served (Vallejo, Fairfield, Santa Rosa, and Ukiah) about the Church, as well as friends back home, people in Mexico and other countries, and all over the Good Ol' U S of A.  I love talking to people about the Church, especially about how the teachings of Jesus Christ are relevant to us today and how following His commandments will always lead to safety.  I certainly would love to answer any questions you or your friends may have about the Mormon Church and help you come to find the beautiful light I know for myself.

Our Great Patronus

I understand that the new Harry Potter movie just came out, which would make me really excited to see it, except I am on a mission and as missionaries we don't focus on popular media, rather we focus on teaching the gospel.  Even so, I happen to enjoy reading the books and watching the films--one of my favorite parts in the books is where Harry learns how to cast the patronus charm.  As the story goes, this spell, the only one powerful enough to combat the Dementors--sepulchral phantasms that steal your happiness and your soul (you know, nothing too big)--gets its power from the caster's happiest emotions.  The spell is unique to each person who calls upon it, based on their happiness, optimism, and personal experiences.  If you've read the book or seen the movie, you know just how effective this spell was for Harry in combating the darkness he faced.

Elder Wright: LDS Online Missionary

Elder Cameron Wright

As a missionary I see hundreds of people each week. I talk to everyone. I work with the members in our wards in Ukiah, California which is part of the California Santa Rosa Mission.

Elder Chris Spendlove (left)  Elder Cameron Wright (right)

Elder Spendlove and I invite people to come unto Christ and would love to share the gospel with any of your friends or family near us.

Life of An LDS Missionary Series

I have wanted to expand the appeal of my blog and help promote LDS missionaries who are beginning to join the Blogosphere so I have invited 200 of them to guest post on my blog.  I am featuring two exceptional young missionaries--Elder Cameron Wright and Elder Chris Spendlove a companionship serving in the California Santa Rosa Mission--as my initial columnists. They are the first presenters in the new Life of An LDS Missionary Series.


I will be featuring the other 200 LDS Online Missionaries over the next few weeks .  Ten missionaries who are currently writing posts for the coming week with more to follow in the weeks and months ahead.  Each and every one of missionaries have interesting thoughts and perspectives on what they do.  It is actually a historic undertaking they are involved in with a twist that not only do they do missionary work in conventional ways but a few hours a week they go online and engage people in discussion on religion and a variety of topics.  All have differing ideas on what their calls entail and do a variety of things suited to their talents, knowledge and interests. The purpose of this series is to help raise awareness about who they are and what they do.

New Missionaries in MTC Cebuano District

This week is so exciting not even kidding we get new Cebuano people and they are here today!! Our district is like little kids in a candy store that's how excited we are! Our devotional this week was from Kevin W. Pearson of the Seventy! Basically amazing talk! He said that we were set apart and we can not fail on our mission. He also talked about how we need to know who we are and then we will be able to do what we need to do. My new motto from him is the scripture 3 Nephi 5:13. I am a disciple of Christ.

Last Wednesday we got 4 new sisters and I love their guts. They are basically my favorite. We laugh so hard. My elders think we are so weird but really we are just like you are so young bahah. But no seriously my elders have a weird senses of humor! I am funny according to everyone except for them, not even cool elders, not even cool. No but we all laugh a lot of the time. Sister Whipple is so quiet sometimes she gets annoyed at us but I don't see why since we are so cool... :) But we love her guts anyway. We make her takes pictures with us and we will break her out of her shell soon enough! I got a third companion the sister is solo from the Cebuano district. Yeah I get to practice my language with her all night long. But I am super sad Sister Chang left Monday that was depressing. They finally found a new Cebuano teacher for us. We get him this week! We are loosing Brother Neilson. I'm so sad. He was basically amazing and my favorite teacher ever!! But he is giving us his address and email and all of that!!

Coordinating Sister & Elder David A. Bednar Speaks at Provo MTC

So I have been in the MTC for 5 weeks now and its crazy I dont feel like it has been that long but I guess it has.  I am slowly not liking the food at the MTC I feel like we have the same things all the time but its not bad food maybe I am just getting sick of eating all the time arg!  Me and my companion Sister Chang go to the temple to eat lunch on P-days sometimes it's a change.  This week has been pretty awesome because our guest speakers were both amazing for fireside and devotional this week.  This Sunday we had Sister Sheri Dew come and speak and her main point was mortality in comparison to eternity is small even if it doesn't feel like it now.  She talked about life being short and that we need to understand who we are.  She said right now is the time to learn right now!  

Elder Ballard Advises MTC Missionaries to Smile

This week was pretty much the same. We study all day long and have class and eat and have class and eat and study and eat! I think I might puke we eat so much! But the MTC is still amazing I met some people this week from England and Italy and a couple of other places. I also met an elder going to Africa who speaks Portuguese, random I know right!

So this week we heard from Elder Ballard! This is the third week in a row that we have heard from an apostle, so basically that's the good thing about being in the MTC for so long. Elder Ballard talked about becoming a master communicator.He also said the most powerful thing we have is our smile. And that we need to have confidence in our message.