Hank Smith: 00:03 Hello, everyone. Welcome to followHIM Favorites. This is where John and I share a single story to go with each week’s lesson. John, we are in Doctrine and Covenants 12 through 17. Lot of sections here. You’ve told me you have a story, and I’m excited to hear it.

John Bytheway: 00:18 Yeah, you know section 15 and 16 are identical, John Whitmer and Peter Whitmer, and what do we always say about that, Hank? What’s the most important thing I could do with my life and what’s the answer?

Hank Smith: 00:29 Cry repentance unto this people. Bring souls to me.

John Bytheway: 00:33 So in other words, gather Israel. I mean, President Nelson, this is the greatest work you can do. Well, years ago, Chris Stewart compiled a book called Missionary Miracles, and I just love this story in there. Hank, have you ever had a day on your mission where you thought, “Okay, well I didn’t accomplish anything today. That was a tough day.”

Hank Smith: 00:48 I had a few of those.

John Bytheway: 00:50 Okay, so this young man, Chase Gunnell was his name. He was serving in the Ukraine, and he said, “I have to say Saturday is the hardest day I have had on a mission yet. I knew it would be difficult because Dana and Nate were getting married.” Dana was his sister and his best friend. “But it surpassed everything I ever imagined. I was sad about not being home. I was determined to work hard and prove why I was out on a mission, my whole mission. I prayed to Heavenly Father to prepare someone for me on that day because that was the day I was going to prove myself. On Saturday, people seemed meaner than ever. I have never had anyone yell at me more than they did on Saturday. We also couldn’t get anything started. We did a lot of contacting, stop-bys, tried to set up discussions, but to no avail. I was getting discouraged because we couldn’t do anything. It was terrible. Then at about seven at night, I finally went into a room and prayed. I asked Heavenly Father if I was doing everything I needed to find that person he was preparing. I asked him why the people were so mean to me, and if there was something more I needed to do. Then I received an answer I wasn’t expecting, but it comforted me. I think you would like to hear it.”

  01:57 First of all, this is from a letter he sent home. “I felt your, his family’s, love. It was such a wonderful feeling. It was just like I was at home crying and having my family there hugging me and comforting me. It was such a wonderful feeling. Thank you so much. Then, the love moved to the love of my Heavenly Father. As you all know, that is such a wonderful feeling and always has the answer. The answer I received was, ‘Chase, I’ve prepared a person today, and that person is you. You said this is the day that you would show your love to me. I was testing you to see if you really do love me and you passed. Thank you for your service.’ After that, I just started to cry. My prayers were answered. I can’t even begin to say how wonderful it felt. It was one of the most touching experiences of my life. I then went out and the people that were yelling at me didn’t bother me anymore. I knew I was doing the will of the Lord. Thank you for your love and prayers. I will always remember that day.”

  02:57 So here’s the Doctrine and Covenants saying, John, Peter, best thing you can do is go out there and get yelled at. I love that Heavenly Father said actually, I was preparing you. So that made me think of that beautiful story.

Hank Smith: 03:12 I love that when he says, “Bring save it be one soul to me.” I wonder if he might be just talking about ourselves.

John Bytheway: 03:18 Right. That could be the soul.

Hank Smith: 03:21 Beautiful. We hope you’ll join us on our full podcast. It’s called followHIM. You can get it wherever you get your podcasts. We are with Dr. Wendy Ulrich this week, going through each of these sections. She does a fantastic job. You’ll love it. Come over there and find us, and then come back here next week, we’ll do another followHIM Favorite.