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In this powerful episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn and co-host Lauren are joined by Jack Eliason, a recently returned missionary who served in Las Vegas, and Shawn’s son, Evan. The discussion centers on the profound spiritual transition from the "natural man"—who is inherently focused inward and selfish—to a disciple of Christ who has forgotten themselves in the service of others.

The Natural Man and the Quest for Glory

Shawn opens the episode with a philosophical question about selfishness, noting that the "natural man" is always focused on "me, what I want, and when I want it". Jack candidly admits that before his mission, his identity was largely wrapped up in being the "smartest guy in the room" and winning debates. He acknowledges that his initial motivation for serving was a "good" reason—honoring his heritage and seeking the same "glory" and praise he saw other returned missionaries receive—but it wasn't yet the "best" reason.

Rocky the Romanian: A Lesson in Compassion

The heart of the episode is the story of Rocky the Romanian. Jack, a new missionary in a trio with two struggling companions, used his competitive nature to "open his mouth" and talk to everyone at Las Vegas apartment pools in 114-degree heat. There he found Rocky, a man who had fled the "German mob" and ended up in Vegas with no money, no papers, and no English.

Rocky was "compelled to be humble," living at "ground zero" and begging for food for his family. As Jack taught him, something shifted. Witnessing Rocky’s brokenness and his immediate connection to the Spirit changed Jack’s heart. Jack realized he no longer cared about his own "glory"; instead, he felt an overwhelming desire to give Rocky everything he had. Shawn connects this to Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life, where partaking of the fruit (the love of God) immediately makes one "desirous" that others should partake as well.

The Pattern of a Changed Heart

The group shares several stories that reinforce this theme of outward-focused love:

Shawn’s Story: In Ukraine, Shawn felt a "mighty change of heart" when he saw an investigator named Victor, a coal miner, covered in soot after a grueling shift. This compassion transformed Shawn’s teaching from a duty into a plea for Victor to find joy in Christ.

Evan’s Story: In Brazil, Evan felt a powerful love for a teenager named Nicholas, who had to find the courage to ask his abusive mother for permission to be baptized.

Lauren’s Story: Lauren describes feeling like a "bus hit her" with love for Charmaine, a woman living in extreme poverty. Even though Charmaine didn't get baptized, the experience was converting for Lauren because it replaced her self-focus with charity.

Overcoming Fear Through Others

Jack shares a final story about Elder Malberg, a new missionary who was traumatized after having a gun pulled on him. Jack helped him overcome his desire to go home by using a "Jedi mind trick": he stopped Malberg from focusing on his own trauma and instead spent the day talking about the people they loved and the members who needed them. By focusing outward, Malberg found the hope and confidence to become a "firm and confident" missionary.

Final Advice: Be All-In from Day 1

Jack concludes with a piece of advice for future missionaries: do not wait to be "ready.". He warns against waiting until you know the language or have a "good" companion to start working. Instead, he encourages missionaries to be "all-in" from the first day. Shawn summarizes that once you choose to serve with all your heart, the Atonement begins to change your heart, leading to the "greatest, deepest motivation" of all: p