Host Justin Barton interviews Cole Houser from North Spokane as he prepares to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mexico City Chaco region. Cole shares his interests in math, tennis, and Etch A Sketch, then discusses reporting dates, learning Spanish, and how he’s preparing through temple attendance, receiving his endowment, reading the Book of Mormon, studying covenants, and doing family history. He explains why he’s always planned to serve, his fear of difficult companions, and what he’s most excited about, including teaching and hearing others pray. Cole reflects on goals like gaining meekness, relying on spiritual gifts, and enduring hard times through constant prayer and willingness, then connects Doctrine and Covenants 4 to missionary work and testifies of Jesus Christ, repentance, and ministering angels.

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:16 Meet Cole Houser

01:05 Etch A Sketch Hobby

01:48 Mission Call to Mexico City

02:51 Preparing After the Call

04:25 Why Serve a Mission

05:41 Fears and Excitement

08:35 Temple and Covenant Focus

10:57 Mission Goals and Growth

12:25 Handling Hard Times

15:24 D&C 4 Attributes

18:07 A Marvelous Work

21:05 Testimony and Closing