Happy Missionary Podcast: Recent Episodes
Makenzie Bloomfield
Returned LDS missionaries share their stories and experiences from their missions along with advice for future missionaries. This podcast is fantastic for anyone contemplating or preparing for a mission as well as anyone who would like a spiritual boost in their day.
John Ungricht is a service missionary serving in Salt Lake City Utah. He started out as a proselyting missionary and shares his experiences that lead him to be a service missionary. He works in the temple and on Temple Square where he gets to work with many different missionaries and be involved in various activities. He shares his favorite scripture story of Peter walking on water and relates that to every single one of us and how the Savior will always be there to help us if we stumble or fall. Elder Ungricht has such an amazing light about him and I know you will love hearing about his mission as much as I did!
Brigid learned about The Book of Mormon and the gospel teachings through some of her great friends she had throughout high school and college who were preparing to serve their missions. She was baptized after having her own spiritual witness that the gospel was true and that it is what she needed to do. She then decided to serve a mission and put in her mission papers exactly one year after being baptized. She served in the Germany, Leipzig Mission where she had the opportunity to meet some incredible members and investigators who really touched her heart. She is such a positive and charismatic person and she is so fun to listen to in this episode!
Scott Handly served in the Brazil Salvador South mission from 2003-2005. He was able to work with a total of 18 companions who he learned valuable lessons from and he was able to meet some incredible people in Brazil who really touched his heart. The greatest miracle he experienced was feeling the effects of the Atonement in his own life and understanding what that is. He shares his favorite scripture in Alma 32 about developing and practicing faith and how that foundation really grew as a missionary. He also talks about the blessings of a mission and how it prepares us for the next steps in life, especially marriage and raising children, which is one of the most rewarding things we can do.
Tanner Wunderli served in the St. Louis Missouri Mission from 2012-2014. He shares his experiences and advice which include working hard and being obedient to receive blessings and miracles. He shares his experiences in Missouri and tells us more about the cultures and foods there. He also shares a miracle experience of how a tornado turned into an opportunity to teach and baptize an amazing woman.
Thank you so much for listening to my podcast and for your support and love! I am so glad I took the leap to start this podcast this year! I've had the opportunity to interview so many amazing returned missionaries and to listen to their amazing experiences and stories. This episode is a little recap of 2022 made complete with all of the advice we’ve heard this year! We were able to hear from 28 returned missionaries and I’ve compiled all of their advice for future missionaries into this episode. Thank you, thank you for being here, I’m so grateful for you and I hope you’ve had a great year!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Christmas is coming up and to celebrate I wanted to do a fun and different kind of episode! I am joined by my husband Tucker as we read different Christmas memories from returned missionaries. We hope that you enjoy the episode and that you have an amazing Christmas!!!
Robert West served in the Western Canadian Mission from 1963-1965. He spent the first year or so of his mission struggling with disobedient companions who did not want to work. After serving for a little over a year he received the news that his father had passed away so he went home for the funeral and then decided he wanted to finish his mission. He made it clear that he wanted to work and be with companions who were like minded and had the same goals he did, so the last few months of his mission he was able to work with some amazing companions and they really worked hard as missionaries.
With the start of the Christmas season and Light the World initiative this month we are focusing on Christmas memories and stories. Becca Obeng served in New York City and was a part of the very first Light the World Initiative where she experienced countless miracles and taught 1,000 people during the month of December! She shares some great insight and amazing faith building stories. Becca owns a business called Becoming Undaunted where she helps people gain confidence through Christ and creates experiences for disciples of Christ to gather and learn together. Her business information is as follows:
Website:www.becomingundaunted.com
Instagram & Facebook: @becomingundaunted
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Michael served from 2019-2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic. He shares his experiences with the pandemic and being sent home early due to his asthma. He shares about his favorite wards, areas, and people as well as his best and hardest experiences. He tells us a shocking story of how he found a deceased man on his very first day on the mission and how that tragic and traumatic event turned into a miracle and an aid to help bring comfort and healing to the friends and family of that man. Ads: Visit missionaryfitnessco.com and use code “HMpodcast” for 15% off your order. Fitness guides designed specifically for missionaries.
Steven Clark served in the Andes Mission from 1967-1969. He served in Ecuador and Peru and had the opportunity to help build the church in both countries in such a unique and special way. He was an amazing missionary and had some incredible experiences. He brought the gospel to the Otovalan Native Indians in Ecuador and met and baptized the Tobango family who went on to be instrumental in the growth of the church in Ecuador. He also served as the Mission Secretary, travelling throughout the whole mission to help train church leaders. He finished his mission in Trujillo where he served as the District President, preparing the area for the formation of a Stake down the line. Attached is a link to a church news article about the Tobango family and other important people who were "Pioneers of the Andes". Steve had the pleasure of knowing most of them. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1997/01/pioneering-in-the-andes?lang=eng Steve is my grandpa and I am so proud to know him and to have learned more about his mission. I also served in Lima Peru, so it is so special to me that we share something so special.
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Kate served in the Rancho Cucamonga Mission after completing 3 years of school and running as a Division 1 athlete at the University of Utah. She shares some amazing advice and perspectives on finding miracles and tender mercies everyday in the little things. She is a huge example to me and I know you will love hearing her experiences.
Koy served in the Barcelona Spain Mission from 2015-2017. He shares how his mission taught him to work hard and talks about how the most rewarding and the hardest part of his mission was getting out into the streets everyday with no plans just trying to talk to everyone. His advice for anyone thinking of serving a mission is to JUST DO IT. You will be blessed in ways you can’t imagine and grow and learn things that only the mission can teach you.
Judd Barber served in the Uganda Kampala Mission which consisted of Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. He witnessed some amazing miracles with the growth of the church in an area that had a reputation of being "dead". He also witnessed many miracles with church attendance and the construction of new church buildings. His greatest piece of advice for anyone contemplating a mission is to just do it and to keep your trust in the Lord because everything will work out how it is supposed to work out!
Bryan served in the Korea Seoul Mission from 1984-1985. Bryan talks about the miracle of his own conversion and how that was something that has been the foundation of his testimony his whole life. He also shared the miracle he witnessed of having a new temple built in his mission and so close to him that he was able to see the progress of the temple being built everyday. He also talks about the importance of being in harmony with your companion and looking for ways to serve them just as much as you look to serve others.
Jennie the LDS mission coach works with all kinds of missionaries in every stage of their missions. She works with missionaries preparing to leave, missionaries currently serving, and returned missionaries. Today we discuss some of the most common feelings and emotions that missionaries have along with some basic tools that can help with those feelings. We talk about embracing your feelings and creating your purpose. Jennie also offers one on one coaching sessions, a podcast, and other resources on her website so be sure to check those out as well! I felt so uplifted and inspired after talking to her and I definitely wish I had this information and resource as I was preparing to serve my mission.
website: jenniedildine.com
Instagram: @jennie.theldsmissioncoach
podcast: The LDS Mission Podcast
Ashley served in the Tacoma Washington mission and recently returned about 6 weeks ago! A family that she taught and brought to baptism also recently moved close by so she has been able to see them a lot and shared their special story. Her advice is to speak up for yourself and to be patient and expect to make mistakes in the language and in teaching. She still has that cute missionary spirit and fire and was so fun to talk to!
Tyler served in the Santa Fe, Argentina Mission. He shares some amazing stories about his investigators and people he knew from his mission. He shares a lesson he learned from a little girl about the importance of the sacrament and sharing Christ with those we love. He also shares some great advice including the understanding that every missionary is a good missionary.
Jordan Ziegner served in the Las Vegas Nevada Mission from 2019-2021. She served during the COVID Pandemic and shares her experiences adjusting to quarantine and using social media in missionary work. She shares an amazing experience of being in the right place at the right time as she witnessed a fellow sister missionary save someone’s life by performing CPR after a car accident. The Lord will use ALL of our skills and abilities as we serve him and we never know when those skills will be needed.
Khira served in the Billings Montana Mission and shares some of her experiences including witnessing a cow give birth and running into the BYU Men's Hockey Team. She also shares some of her difficult experiences with companions and struggling with body image and self worth, which I think we all can relate to! A big piece of advice from Khira is to understand that what you are doing is worth while. It may not feel like anyone is listening or like you are not making a difference but you will learn that those seeds you plant along the way will bear the sweetest fruits! Another amazing piece of advice is to serve a mission because you love the Lord. You serve because you love the Lord. You work hard and give it your all because you love the Lord. Once you really come to know him and understand the atonement and everything he has done for us, you will want to work hard and to teach and share that knowledge.
Brooke Swanson served in the Korea Seoul South Mission where she ended up meeting her future husband. They reconnected after the mission and now that is something very special that they share! Brooke shares about her experiences in Korea- her miracles, fun experiences, and difficult experiences. We talk about baptism and agency and how agency is central to God's plan, even though it can be hard to see people you love choose a different path. She also shares some great advice about being yourself as a missionary. Bring your best pre-mission self with you on the mission and when you return home, bring pieces of your missionary self back home with you! Brooke is amazing and it was so fun talking to her about her mission! I know you will enjoy listening as much as I did!
Chandler served in the Chile Santiago South Mission from 2015-2017. Chandler and his wife Saydria just founded a missionary journal company called Keepsake Journals. He shares the reason behind the journals and what makes them stand out from other journals. In this episode he also shares some great insights and advice for future missionaries including a new perspective and way of looking at the amount of time you have to serve. He talks about spending your time wisely and “sharpening your axe” to prepare to teach effectively and talks of the importance of your daily studies. I know I learned a lot talking to Chandler and this was a very uplifting conversation. You can learn more about his journals at keepsakejournals.com or on their Instagram @keepsakejournals.
Hilari McCarrey served in the California San Fernando mission from 2013-2014. She shares the sweet experience of receiving her call and being in the MTC with her brother Tucker. She also shares the important things she learned from her companions and the incredible joy that comes from seeing those close to you and all around you coming closer to Christ.
Alex Whittingham served in the Auckland New Zealand Mission from 2011-2013 and he shares all of his mission experiences. We talk about all of the weird foods he ate like horse, dog, and... a pig eyeball! We also discuss the deep impact a mission has on you and how the relationships you develop with your companions and other people also have such a profound impact on you. Alex talks about coping with Anxiety, OCD, and scrupulosity, and returning home early. He shares some amazing insights about missionary service and while some people are called to serve for 24 months or 18 months, some people are called to serve for 6 months or 15 months. The length of your mission does not define you as a missionary and it does not define the success of your mission.
Ruby Vejar served in the Anaheim California Mission. Ruby is the creator of The Book of Mormon Project, an idea and project that she started as a missionary. The goal of her business is to help others enjoy the Book of Mormon and feel that it is specifically for them through her personalized cover paintings. She uses the funds from her etsy sales to send free, beautifully painted Book of Mormons to the investigators of missionaries currently serving. Ruby herself is a convert and shares her unique experience being taught by the missionaries, learning the gospel, and eventually being baptized. This whole interview is so uplifting and Ruby is so full of light, wisdom, and joy.
Book of Mormon Project Information: Instagram: @beofgoodcheer.bogc Facebook: @thebookofmormonprojects Etsy Shop: Rue & Co. (RUEnCO)
Follow us on instagram @happymissionarypodcast for more pictures and info about the show.
Kempe Nicoll is the creator behind the inspired instagram account Declare My Word. (@declaremyword) He is constantly sharing uplifting and inspired content from church talks, scriptures, and leaders. In today's episode he shares experiences from his mission in Estonia as a missionary in the Lithuania Vilnius mission. Kempe served close to when the iron wall fell and was able to witness countless miracles and meet so many faithful people excited to learn the gospel and explore religion after years of oppression. Listen to his experiences sharing the gospel with these amazing people and of their faith to read the book of mormon in a different language to learn of the message of the restored gospel.
Emme Clark Served in the Chile Concepcion South Mission from 2016-2018. She shares her funny stories experiencing her first earthquake and walking off stage during a violin performance. She also shares some great insights and experiences learning that you do not need to be perfect, you just need to be yourself as a missionary. She also shares the importance of the Area Book and how it is such an amazing tool in missionary work.
Show Notes:
Favorite Scripture-Mosiah 4:9
Follow us on instagram @happymissionarypodcast to see photos of the missionaries interviewed and for more information about the show.
Andy Phillips is a former Utah Ute- he was an amazing kicker for the University of Utah and he was also an amazing speed skier growing up. Growing up Andy raced in the Whistler Cup and was ranked both nationally and internationally. He had many teammates and competitors from Norway so when he was called to Norway on his mission it couldn't have been a coincidence. Listen to his experiences serving the people in Norway, being on a national tv news show, attending the local pride parade, and much more. He gives great advice and perspective on being open and accepting of everyone as well as not putting yourself in a box as a missionary. The most important thing is to follow the spirit and the promptings you receive regarding your investigators and your area.
Show Notes:
Norwegian Podcast- Trolig by Joanna Bjerga og Dan Richard Hagen
Imagine waking up in a hospital in Peru when the last thing you remembered was going to bed in your home. Everyone is speaking Spanish and you have no idea what is going on or how to communicate! This is exactly what Allison Edwards (Hermana Law) experienced at the beginning of her mission in the Peru Lima Central Mission. She lost her memory after a head injury and did not remember anything that had happened over the previous 2 months. She forgot her time at the MTC and the spanish she had learned. She did not remember any of her MTC friends or teachers and only recognized her mission Presidents from the packet she was sent with her call. Her story is incredible, and she is such an amazing, resilient, and faithful woman. She was an amazing missionary and this episode is full of incredible insights, advice, and inspiration.
Steve served in Toronto Canada from 1978-1980. On his mission Steve had the opportunity to work with Bonneville communications in the mission office and present the pass it on campaign to different committees in Canada. These experiences later helped him in his career as a writer after his mission. He also shares pranks he played on his companions-some of which were actually blessings and answers to prayers.
Alli served in both the Fiji Suva Mission and the Nebraska Omaha Mission! Hear her stories and experiences working with members, gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon, and coming to know Christ and his gospel.
Matt Wunderli shares his mission experiences from the Uruguay Montevideo West Mission. He served nearly 17 years ago and recounts his amazing experiences and advice for future missionaries. Listen to his experiences serving as branch President, reactivating members, serving, and loving the people of Uruguay.
Tori Bloomfield had the opportunity to serve in 2 different missions! She served during the COVID Pandemic so she had a very different experience from other missionaries. We hear her stories from the Vietnam Hanoi Mission, how she learned about COVID and was sent home, and then continued her mission in the California Arcadia Mission. Stomach problems, COVID uncertainty, faith, patience, and diligence. Listen to her mission experience now!
Today we hear the stories and experiences shared by Tucker Bloomfield during his mission in Bahia Blanca Argentina. The Midwest of South America, Boar hunting, racing, not taking yourself too seriously, and learning to become a missionary. Some great advice for prospective missionaries!
I’m your host Makenzie Bloomfield and I can’t wait to tell you about my mission in Lima Peru! Amazing people, food, and experiences!