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| No matter the challenge—financial hardship, physical trials, or the loss of loved ones—we can overcome through Jesus Christ. |
After my father’s and older brother’s funerals, finding the desire to serve a mission felt almost impossible. 🥹
When I graduated from high school, I was already working on my mission papers. I wanted to follow the example of my older siblings and fulfill my parents’ hope that I would serve. But that summer, everything changed. While returning from Utah, my dad, two of my older brothers, and I were involved in a tragic accident. My father and one of my brothers passed away. I survived, along with my other brother.
In the aftermath, I found myself questioning God—not in anger, but in deep reflection. I asked, “Why did You spare me? What is my purpose now? Why take two strong priesthood holders and leave me here?”
Our lives shifted in ways we never expected. My mother had to find work, and my brother and I continued our father’s construction business. For the first time, I had money in my pocket. My focus changed. All I wanted was to help pay rent and support my family, and somewhere along the way, I lost sight of serving a mission.
Still, my mom never stopped asking, “When are you going to serve a mission?” At times, she even pleaded with me to turn in my papers. I kept telling her I would, but deep down, I couldn’t bring myself to admit that I had lost the desire altogether. A mission no longer felt like it was meant for me.
One day, I prayed and asked Heavenly Father if serving a mission was truly part of my life’s purpose. The answer didn’t come immediately or in a dramatic way—but slowly, through a quiet return of desire. Over time, that desire grew stronger. I began focusing again, attending church, and recommitting myself. Eventually, I completed my mission papers without telling my mom.
The day I finally showed her my mission call is a moment I will never forget. The joy on her face was something I hadn’t seen since my dad passed away. Seeing her smile again strengthened my resolve to serve. Even now, when mission life becomes difficult, I think of that moment—and it pushes me to keep working hard.
I was called to serve in Nuapapu—my father’s village. When I found out, it took everything in me not to cry. Instead, I jumped up and down like a little kid.
Growing up, my dad often told us, “You haven’t seen poverty like I have. I come from Nuapapu, Vavaʻu. We didn’t have what you have—shoes on your feet, clothes on your back.” He spoke of how hard life was and how difficult it was to move to America. Back then, I thought, We’re in America and we’re still struggling. How could it be harder than this?
But when I arrived in Nuapapu, I finally understood. From the moment I stepped onto the island, I felt my dad’s presence. His family welcomed me warmly: “Oh, you’re Taniela’s son!” As I served there, I could almost picture him as a little boy, walking those same paths. That experience humbled me deeply and became a blessing I will always treasure.
I’ve learned that life doesn’t always unfold the way we expect. Losing my father and brother was painful. Growing up in Oakland was hard. My family calls me the “miracle child” because of everything I’ve endured—and yet I’m still here. I was even run over by a car as a child.
Through all of it, I’ve come to know this truth: no matter the challenge—financial hardship, physical trials, or the loss of loved ones—we can overcome through Jesus Christ.
As a missionary, I’ve grown closer to Him than ever before. He has strengthened me in ways I never imagined. When I once asked God why He kept me alive, I believe this is part of the answer. Serving a mission has always been part of my life’s purpose.
— Elder Kata, from Oakland, California,
currently serving in Koulo, Haʻapai
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