Meet Irad Garcia Martinez, a recently returned missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Benin, Cotonou mission in West Africa, where he faced language barriers, cultural adjustments, and new environments. Despite these challenges, Irad learned English and French (and 2 local dialects), and adapted to his mission field with great faith and perseverance. Throughout the discussion, Irad reflects on his conversion at age 14, his family's struggles and blessings, and how trusting in the Lord brought solutions to many of his and others' problems. Irad emphasizes the importance of keeping faith, studying scriptures, praying sincerely, and serving others to overcome adversity and maintain joy. Key themes include letting the Lord prevail, the power of prayer, and the gift of tongues.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:56 Mission Call to West Africa

01:41 Learning Languages on the Mission

03:19 Challenges and Trusting in the Lord

08:29 Conversion Story and Family Background

16:44 Spiritual Experiences and Scriptures

21:33 Leadership and Overcoming Difficulties

22:37 The Joy of Sharing the Gospel

23:34 Maintaining Joy in Hard Times

26:18 Returning Home: New Challenges

27:41 Life After Mission: Continuing the Work

31:26 Family and Personal Growth

33:15 Habits for Spiritual Growth

35:46 Receiving and Recognizing Revelation

38:59 Final Thoughts and Testimony

If you or someone you know and love has very recently returned from their mission and would like to record a similar conversation, please send an email to [email protected] and we will line it up.

If you have felt a desire to make a change in your life due to anything said in this conversation, I invite you to get out and do something about it now, so that when the questions is asked, "Can You Feel So Now?", you can answer with a resounding YES!

If you find value in this project and would like to support its growth, please consider contributing anything you can. Venmo: @Justin-Barton-33 last 4 of phone is 8541