In this enlightening episode of the Modern Missionary Podcast, Braiden Day shares a powerful analogy that has reshaped his approach to missionary work—the concept of green tomatoes. Just as a gardener cannot force green tomatoes to ripen before their time, missionaries cannot force readiness upon those they teach. This episode dives deep into the importance of recognizing readiness in missionary work, emphasizing the role of inviting rather than convincing, and how this approach can lead to more genuine and fruitful interactions on the mission field. Join us as we explore this transformative perspective that seeks to align missionary efforts with the natural readiness of those they serve.

Description: In this inspiring episode of the Modern Missionary Podcast, we sit down with pre-missionary Zach Rich, a future Spokane, Washington missionary. Zach shares his journey of preparation, the emotional experience of receiving his mission call, and his aspirations for the coming years. As he anticipates leaving on September 9th, Zach discusses his excitement about meeting new people and adapting to life away from home, while also addressing the classic concerns of missionary work. Tune in to hear how Zach is preparing spiritually and practically for his mission, and get a glimpse of his hopes and fears about serving.

In this engaging episode of The Modern Missionary Podcast, host Braiden Day welcomes Kyle Poulson and Bret Thompson, both Odion employees and former mission companions, who share their unique experiences serving in the New Hampshire Manchester and Canada Montreal missions. Dive into their stories of friendship, faith, and the challenges and rewards of missionary work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover how their missions shaped their lives, strengthened their convictions, and created lifelong bonds. From unexpected reassignments to building relationships through faith, Kyle and Bret's journey offers a profound look at the life of modern missionaries.

In this moving episode of The Modern Missionary Podcast, join Braiden Day, CEO of ODION, as he interviews Brayden Ricks about his unexpected decision to serve a mission, overcoming personal doubts and societal pressures. Dive into Brayden Ricks' compelling narrative that spans a transformative realization at his sister’s wedding, leading him to embrace missionary life despite initial reluctance. This discussion not only explores the challenges and adjustments of missionary work but also highlights the profound moments of spiritual affirmation and growth experienced along the way. Tune in to hear a story of faith, resilience, and the unexpected journeys that shape our lives.

Summary

In this conversation, Braiden Day interviews Juan Jimenez, a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, about his missionary experience in Argentina. They discuss the challenges of learning and speaking Spanish, the importance of patience and understanding in cross-cultural communication, and the significance of focusing on Jesus Christ in missionary work. Juan shares his journey of joining the Church and the impact of his friends' examples and support. He also highlights the power of personal testimony and the need to ask questions and seek answers in order to gain a true knowledge of the gospel. Juan shares his experience growing up in a Latino family in Fillmore, Utah, and the challenges of maintaining his Spanish language skills. He discusses the importance of understanding proper grammar in language learning and the struggle of communicating effectively in both English and Spanish. Juan also talks about his journey of learning to feel and recognize the Spirit during his mission in Argentina. He emphasizes the need for missionaries to have a personal testimony of Jesus Christ and the importance of creating an environment where the Spirit can testify to others. Juan concludes by sharing his current job as a sales manager and his passion for helping future missionaries.

Jackson Powell shares his journey from considering joining the military to ultimately deciding to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He initially felt drawn to the discipline and structure of the military but had a spiritual experience that led him to choose a mission instead. He describes the feeling of being set apart as a missionary as a transformative and magical experience. Jackson emphasizes the personal growth and joy he experienced during his mission and the opportunity to share his testimony with others. In this part of the conversation, Jakson discusses his initial culture shock when he moved from a rural area in Texas to the metropolitan area of Gilbert, Arizona. He talks about the differences in community and the size of the Church in Gilbert compared to his home stake. Jakson also mentions the lack of grass in Gilbert and the unique hardscaping of yards. He reflects on his first companion and how he had a profound impact on his mission experience. Jakson shares that while he loved his first companion, he also learned to love all of his companions throughout his mission. In this conversation, Jakson reflects on his experience serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He discusses the challenges he faced, including comparing himself to others and feeling lonely at times. However, he also highlights the valuable lessons he learned, such as appreciating each companion for who they are and being grateful for what he had. Jakson emphasizes the importance of turning to Jesus during difficult times and remembering the purpose of his mission. Overall, he acknowledges that serving a mission is a difficult but rewarding experience.

Join us for the premiere episode of the Modern Missionary podcast, brought to you by ODION – the trusted menswear brand outfitting missionaries for over a decade. In this special debut, we unveil ODION’s rebranding journey alongside our esteemed host, Braiden Day.

As Braiden shares his remarkable experiences from serving in the Mexico Monterrey West mission, we also celebrate ODION’s commitment to supporting missionaries on their journeys.

For the past 12 years, ODION has been dedicated to providing high-quality attire that not only empowers missionaries but also reflects their faith and dedication.

In this episode, Braiden reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his mission, offering insights into the transformative power of service and spiritual growth.

Through his stories, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact missionary work can have on individuals and communities.

Join us as we embark on this new chapter together, guided by the wisdom of Braiden Day and supported by the mission-driven ethos of ODION.

Whether you’re a missionary, a supporter of faith-based initiatives, or simply someone seeking inspiration, this episode sets the stage for an enlightening journey ahead.