It's not about the skills or the baptisms.  Being a successful missionary is about love and gratitude.  Kevin literally wrote the book on gratitude.  Check it out on his website.  As an author on the subject, he has learned how to be grateful in every situation, not just when life is good.  But, he has learned that love overcomes all difficulties that come with serving a mission.   Kevin served in Berlin, Germany where his experiences helped shape his magnetic, positive attitude.  He traces every single good thing in his life back to his decision to serve a mission.  You'll be entertained and touched by his genuine nature and inspired by his insightful outlook on life and service. Enjoy my interview with Kevin. View episode in new tab I'm excited to bring on my new show sponsor-- myoilvault.com.  Now there’s a more convenient way to carry oil for blessings.  At the size of a credit card and nearly indestructible, their convenient oil packets are perfect for your wallet, phone case or purse.  Visit makingamissionary.org/oil to check them out and get yours today.

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What's the most important trait that contributes to being a successful missionary?  According to Matthew, it is "having the ability to have the Holy Ghost with you all the time."  After all, you're doing the Lord's work.  So, having the Spirit with you is critical to being where he wants you to be.  I agree. Matthew served in the Indonesia Jakarta Mission where he discovered some very important attributes of success.  Through his experiences before and during his mission, he solidified his commitment to the Lord.  Even since returning home in 2014 he has been doing something very special to strengthen his relationships with the people he met on his mission.  Can you catch what that is? Enjoy my interview with Matthew.   [caption id="attachment_294" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A missionary's gotta have fun, right?[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_299" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Overlooking the rice fields in Medan, Indonesia.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_298" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Before new member baptism. Can you guess which one is the tallest American?[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_297" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The hills are alive, with the sound of Matthew. In Bekasi, Indonesia.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_295" align="aligncenter" width="300"] At the church building in Bekasi.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_300" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Not sure what's the funniest part of this picture. Oh wait, yeah I do. It's the monkey... on stilts... dressed in slightly more intelligent primate clothes... eating Matthew's bag strap. Thumbs up my friend.[/caption]

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One of the biggest struggles of being a missionary is finding your groove.  Kyle Van Genderen (conveniently named Elder Van) learned early why it's important to be the missionary God wants you to be-- YOU.  Kyle is from Meridian, Idaho and currently lives just north of there in Star.  He is an English M.A. and husband and father of 2 (soon to be 3).  He is working on his PhD teaching English Literature and Speech to high school students at an alternative school.  As a teenager, Kyle had a life altering experience that taught him how to rely on the spirit.  He truly became converted to the Gospel.  Having been blessed with a solid testimony and the spiritual gift of faith,  Kyle was devoted to become a dedicated missionary.  He shares some great insight and a series of wonderful experiences that will help motivate and inspire. [caption id="attachment_275" align="aligncenter" width="258"] Visiting a Buddhist temple and checking out ancient carvings[/caption] [caption id="attachment_274" align="aligncenter" width="300"] My district relaxing at the buddhist temple enjoying the fall weather[/caption] [caption id="attachment_273" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A local traditional Korean music group performing for us[/caption] [caption id="attachment_276" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Walking to Seoul Temple (outside of mission) on last day in Korea[/caption] [caption id="attachment_272" align="aligncenter" width="300"] At the temple[/caption]

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Here we go!  'Making a Missionary' is finally out there.  This, my first episode is a brief introduction of what this podcast is all about.  If you are a future missionary, returned missionary or just looking for some inspiration and motivation to help you stay strong and live your values, this podcast is for you. My aim is to connect you with some of the Lord's most valiant servants who have dedicated their lives to living the gospel and relying on their faith in Jesus Christ.  They will inspire, motivate and uplift you as you listen to them share their experiences and advice. I would love to hear from you and want to know what you want to get out of the show.  Also, please subscribe to, rate and review this show.   Thanks for listening.  Anyoung.