Jimmy Smith

Website/Blog: MormonMissionPrep.com

Where did you serve your mission?: Rosario, Argentina

Years served?: 1995-1997

Mission Summary: My mission was a wonder experience. I grew in ways that otherwise would not have happened. My mission was not easy, in fact it was quite challenging at times. But during my mission, I grew closer to the Lord, I learned to rely on His Spirit to guide me, and my testimony of my Savior and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ became strengthened.

During my mission I was able to meet, teach, and baptize many individuals and families. Finding people who are eager to learn the gospel, and teaching them the truths of eternity brought me great joy. In fact there is no greater happiness that to see a family enter into the waters of baptism, then continue on the gospel path that will lead to eternal life.

What was a typical “day in the life” like in your mission?: It has been so many years now since my mission, so I don’t remember all the details of our schedule. Throughout my mission, I usually got up a half hour early, around 6am or so, to so some extra language studying. In the morning, of course, we had breakfast and got ready, and then we did some scripture study. We generally were out the door by 9am, for appointments or contacting (door knocking or street contacting). In Argentina, our meal appointments, if we had any, were for lunch. After lunch, the Argentine’s generally took a ciesta (nap), so we used that time for companionship study. Around 3 or so, we’d go back out for more appointments and contacting. We’d work generally until 9 or 9:30pm, have a little dinner and planning session, and then go to bed and start it all over again the next day.

What is the most important lesson you learned on your mission?: I learned so many lessons:
• to endure to the end (and endure well)
• to rely on the Lord in all things
• to be patient
• to be prayerful in all things
• to exercise faith

What advice do you have to young people preparing to be a missionary?: My website, MormonMissionPrep.com, is full of advice I have for future missionaries.

Your testimony and/or anything else you want to say about your mission.: I know that we are children of a Heavenly Father. God our Eternal Father loves us. He sent His son to show us the way. Jesus Christ is the Savior. He died for our sins, and he rose again on the third day. He lives today and guides our Church through a living prophet. Joseph Smith truly was a prophet, and the Book of Mormon is the word of God. The priesthood has been restored, and the keys of the priesthood are only found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I know these things are true, and I know the world needs to know these truths. The gospel of Jesus Christ blesses lives. If you believe these things to be true, the Lord needs you to be part of His missionary force. May the Lord bless you in your mission preparation and in your missionary service.