Ever Onward

What makes missionary service truly life-changing? In this episode of Ever Onward, Katie Ball sits down with Brad Johnson, former mission president of the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission, to discuss the profound lessons of missionary work—from the struggles of homesickness to the miracles of transformation.Brad shares how his own mission in France & Switzerland shaped his life, the reality of mission expectations versus experiences, and the powerful growth that comes from overcoming challenges. He reflects on the unique struggles missionaries face, the impact of companionships, and the ways in which trust in God’s plan can turn unexpected transfers into life-changing moments.Whether you're preparing to serve, currently on a mission, or supporting a missionary, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and real talk about what it means to serve with heart, might, mind, and strength.Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on mental health, missions, and everything in between!

What makes missionary service truly life-changing? In this episode of Ever Onward, Katie Ball sits down with Brad Johnson, former mission president of the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission, to discuss the profound lessons of missionary work—from the struggles of homesickness to the miracles of transformation.Brad shares how his own mission in France & Switzerland shaped his life, the reality of mission expectations versus experiences, and the powerful growth that comes from overcoming challenges. He reflects on the unique struggles missionaries face, the impact of companionships, and the ways in which trust in God’s plan can turn unexpected transfers into life-changing moments.Whether you're preparing to serve, currently on a mission, or supporting a missionary, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and real talk about what it means to serve with heart, might, mind, and strength.Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on mental health, missions, and everything in between!

Ever wondered what it’s like to lead a mission during a global pandemic? In this episode of Ever Onward, Katie Ball sits down with Brett and Amy Horsley, former mission leaders in Brazil, to talk about the unique highs, unprecedented struggles, and powerful lessons of guiding missionaries through extraordinary times.The Horsley's share their journey—from their initial call to serve, to navigating the complexities of a mission field dramatically altered by COVID-19. They open up about the heartbreak of seeing missionaries depart, the miracle of technology arriving just in time, and the innovative ways they fostered connection and spiritual growth. They dive into the hardest parts of leading through uncertainty, the moments that revealed the enduring power of faith, and the unexpected ways trials can forge unbreakable testimonies. Whether you're a returned missionary, preparing to serve, or simply seeking inspiration, the Horsleys' story is a must-listen. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on faith, resilience, and finding light in challenging times!

Ever wondered what it’s like to lead a mission during a global pandemic? In this episode of Ever Onward, Katie Ball sits down with Brett and Amy Horsley, former mission leaders in Brazil, to talk about the unique highs, unprecedented struggles, and powerful lessons of guiding missionaries through extraordinary times.The Horsley's share their journey—from their initial call to serve, to navigating the complexities of a mission field dramatically altered by COVID-19. They open up about the heartbreak of seeing missionaries depart, the miracle of technology arriving just in time, and the innovative ways they fostered connection and spiritual growth. They dive into the hardest parts of leading through uncertainty, the moments that revealed the enduring power of faith, and the unexpected ways trials can forge unbreakable testimonies. Whether you're a returned missionary, preparing to serve, or simply seeking inspiration, the Horsleys' story is a must-listen. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on faith, resilience, and finding light in challenging times!

In this episode of Ever Onward, Katie Ball sits down with Marla Gale, Co-Founder of Gather Gems jewelry, to explore the beautiful intersection of missionary work, motherhood, and the gathering of Israel. Maria, a mother of five, shares her journey of finding her own unique missionary path despite not serving a traditional mission. She explains how the spirit of missionary work can thrive in any season of life—especially through motherhood, which she describes as a sacred, lifelong mission with profound similarities to formal missionary service.

The conversation delves into President Nelson's call for all members to participate in gathering Israel, with Maria explaining how her passion led to creating faith-inspired jewelry that celebrates each person's unique spiritual gifts. "God is probably anxiously excited," Maria shares. "I picture the gathering like we're getting ready for this big celebration."

Both discuss how stepping out of our comfort zones invites divine help, whether as missionaries, mothers, or in any service capacity. Maria offers heartfelt encouragement for listeners feeling called to do more: "If you have desires to serve God, you are called to the work," referencing Doctrine and Covenants section 4. She emphasizes that God will use our unique talents—even ones we don't know we have yet—if we simply ask Him how we can help gather Israel in our own way.

Whether you're a returned missionary, a mother finding your way, or someone searching for your place in this great work, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom for contributing to the gathering of Israel in ways both bold and quiet. Listen now for a conversation that will inspire you to embrace your unique role in God's accelerating work.

Gather Gems Website: https://gathergems.com

Ever wondered what it’s really like to come home from a mission? In this episode of Ever Onward, Katie Ball sits down with Duncan Viehweg, a recently returned missionary, to talk about the highs, the struggles, and the unexpected lessons of mission life.Duncan shares his journey—from childhood dreams of serving a mission to overcoming unexpected obstacles just to get out into the field. He opens up about the pressure of expectations, how reality rarely matches the stories we grow up hearing, and the powerful shift that comes when we let go and trust God's timing.They dive into the hardest parts of his mission, the moments that changed him forever, and the little miracles that made every challenge worth it. Whether you're preparing for a mission, currently serving, or adjusting to post-mission life, Duncan’s story is a must-listen.Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on mental health, missions, and everything in between!

Ready for a story that'll make you smile? On this episode ofEver Onward, Katie Ball chats with Elder Logan Castleton – you might know him better as theRapping Missionary. They dive deep into Logan's fascinating path, where a heart condition turned his traditional mission plans upside down and led him to something unexpected: a service mission!

What happens when life throws you a curveball? Logan opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of switching from traditional missionary work to a service mission, and how he stumbled upon his superpower – using rap to spread joy and light to others. It's exactly what you need to hear if you've ever felt like your path doesn't quite match what you imagined.

Get ready for an great conversation about pushing past the fear of what others think, embracing your unique gifts (even the unconventional ones!), and finding peace when God's plan looks nothing like what you expected. Logan's story isn't just inspiring – it's proof that sometimes the most beautiful journeys start with a detour.

Catch this episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Hit that subscribe button to join us for more authentic conversations about mental health and mission life!

In this episode of Ever Onward, Katie Ball welcomes back Jared Halverson, a BYU professor and host of the Unshaken Saints podcast. This time, they dive into the unique challenges returned missionaries face. Jared offers practical advice on balancing spiritual growth with new responsibilities like school, work, and relationships.

They explore how to carry the lessons and habits from the mission into everyday life and why it's important to trust God's process. Jared also shares tips for parents on supporting their returned missionaries with love and patience, even during faith transitions.

If you’re a returned missionary or a parent, this episode is filled with relatable stories, uplifting insights, and encouragement to keep moving forward in faith.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations about mental health and missions!

Links to Unshaken Saints:

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Unshaken

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unshakensaints/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OJapdCMXI6c4QtEXClvO7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unshaken-saints/id1535358465

In this episode of Ever Onward, Katie Ball sits down with Jared Halverson, a BYU professor of Ancient Scripture and creator of the popular podcast Unshaken Saints. Jared shares his powerful journey from receiving his mission call to Puerto Rico to becoming a gospel teacher. He opens up about the struggles and triumphs of missionary life, the critical role of faith in facing hard things, and the lessons learned about trusting God as the ultimate companion.

Katie and Jared explore the importance of normalizing struggles on a mission, empathizing with others, and finding spiritual strength through scripture. Tune in for advice, stories, and reflections to inspire those preparing to serve missions as they navigate faith, resilience, and the challenges ahead.

Links to Unshaken Saints:

Watch on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/c/Unshaken

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/unshakensaints/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/5OJapdCMXI6c4QtEXClvO7

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unshaken-saints/id1535358465

In this episode of Ever Onward, host Katie Ball sits down with Caitlyn Ludlow to discuss her journey as a missionary. Caitlyn shares her experiences of deciding to serve, facing mental health challenges in the field, and ultimately returning home early.