Missionary Sacrifices and Courage

I have done some pondering lately about the sacrifices missionaries make when they accept a call to serve a mission of any length.  When I was in the MTC, one of the other single "Certain Sisters" told us that she had sold her home, her furniture, and many other possessions to have the money to serve a mission.  She didn't know where she was going to live when her mission was done.  But she didn't seem too concerned about it.  It was a great example to me of trusting in the Lord with all her heart and leaning not unto her own understanding.

That kind of faith is not easy for me.  I like to plan, to see my path laid out before me, at least for a little way.  Things may be fuzzy further down the path, but I have always felt that the first few steps in a new direction should ideally be solid.  I don't think I would have the faith to proceed as that sister did, putting her fate completely in the hands of the Lord.  Indeed, I have proceeded along this mission path with a great deal of planning, calculating what my expenses would be and how I would cover them, and how long I could serve without putting retirement funds in jeopardy.

One phrase I have heard over and over in the last three weeks, as we've attended and instructed at zone conferences, is this:  "There is no growth in the comfort zone; and there is no comfort in the growth zone."  This would lead me to believe that expecting decisions to be comfortable, to not put too much strain on me or be too stressful, is perhaps not the best plan.  I wonder what growth I am missing by being too careful, too much of a rational planner?

I don't think I'm advocating impulsive action, but surely if the Spirit validates a certain course of action, that should be enough for us to act in accord with the promptings of the Spirit.  Even if all the ducks are not completely in a tidy row, or if the path is a little fuzzier than we are comfortable with.  I see examples of such faith in action all around me.

As mission secretary I am privy to some details about the missionaries that aren't obvious to most people.  I'd like to introduce you to some of these great missionaries:

There is a sister missionary from mainland China.  While she has been on her mission, the government has shut down her church unit, and her family cannot openly worship.  When she returns to her homeland, she will not be able to publicly be a Mormon.  She will have to hide this very important part of herself from public view, or risk persecution or even prosecution.  Yet she is here, valiantly declaring the gospel of Jesus Christ, and is one of the sweetest, gentlest sisters I have ever met. There are a surprising number of Chinese immigrants in North Carolina, and she is helping them find the truth of the gospel -- the truth that she herself will soon not be allowed to publicly acknowledge.

There are several missionaries who are here faithfully serving their missions without any support from home.  For some, their parents are not members of the Church, and they are being supported by a home ward or stake.  For others, a variety of problems have torn apart the family support system and they cannot rely on the strength that comes from loving parents or siblings. Others struggle with depression, or persistent health problems that make their missionary service very difficult.  Yet they soldier on as best they can, try to keep a positive attitude, and continue to give valiant service that brings me to tears.

Any of these young missionaries could have taken a long hard look at their particular challenges and said to themselves, "It would be too hard for me to serve a mission.  Surely a loving Heavenly Father would not expect me to serve Him in the face of such problems.  Let those whose lives are easier than mine go on missions."  Yet they're here. This kind of courage in the face of adversity is an example to me of the fruits of the gospel. An example that I will try very hard to emulate.