Recently I received my mission call for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have been assigned to labor in the Pennsylvania and New York Church History Sites for four months and will then serve the remaining 14 months in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I will begin my at-home missionary training on April 3, 2023. Then, I will spend three weeks in the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, before entering the mission field.
As I began my mission preparation last fall, I was met with the following question: “Hailee, why are you choosing to serve a mission?”
Though this question was simple in nature, I was at a loss for words. After offering a short explanation, I left with a feeling of disappointment. Inevitably, this question remained in my mind. After all, why was I choosing to serve a mission? Why was I choosing to leave behind family and friends? Why was I choosing to put a hold on my education? Why was I choosing to dedicate 18 months of my life to teaching a gospel that I still know so little about? Why did I choose to serve?
After much thought, I came to a clear and simple conclusion:
I choose to serve a mission because, three words, I love Jesus. He is my Savior, my Redeemer, and my ultimate source of true peace. His gospel brings me comfort when I am in despair, lifts me when I am weak, and carries me when I cannot do it on my own. His gospel provides me with a knowledge of His plan and my purpose, giving me a sense of fulfillment that I otherwise could not acquire. Through his gospel, I am complete; without it, however, I am nothing.
Simply put, I believe that Jesus Christ’s gospel is where I find happiness — true happiness. It is simple, but it is real. By sharing this gospel, I know that I will be blessed. Even more so, I will have the opportunity to provide those around me with a message that will undoubtedly bless their lives as well, if they choose to accept it. LDS mission service is often viewed as an extreme sacrifice. However, by bringing this same joy into the lives of others, I really don’t sacrifice much — but I gain everything.
Doctrine and Covenants 18:15-16 says, “And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
“And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!”
I am beyond grateful to have that great joy of bringing souls to Christ. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to serve a mission and cannot wait to meet and serve beside so many people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and religions. Though I know it will not be easy, I understand the value that it holds.
The gospel is true. The gospel is real. This gospel is happiness. This is why I choose to serve.
– by Hailee Eyre
*If you would like to reach out to your local missionaries or hope to provide them with a meal, contact them at 435-619-2302.
Feature image courtesy Hailee’s mom.
Hailee Eyre – Panguitch
Hailee Eyre is a journalist at The Byway. She attended Southern Utah University in the fall and is pursuing a career in the medical field. Her favorite topics to write about are those that intend to inspire others, providing motivation as means to better yourself or the world around you. In her free time, Hailee loves to be outdoors, whether it be hunting, fishing, boating or hiking.
Hailee is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pennsylvania and New York Church History Sites Mission.