Sister Paige Gallup (Kellybrook Ward) recently returned from the Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission after serving for 18 months. She had many faith-filled experiences on her mission, but one notable one was at the end when she met a man online who was looking for the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

“Ten years ago he visited Temple Square and then went home and spent the next 10 years trying to find the missionaries,” Sis Gallup said. 

After reading the Book of Mormon, he was wanting to learn more. That’s when Sis Gallup found him online. 

“He was super excited that someone reached out to him. He said, ‘Tell the missionaries to come tomorrow.’It was so neat to see that what I was doing had an actual effect. He was willing to wait for so long because he knew it was right.”

One of the attributes Sis Gallup learned on her mission was patience.

“The mission esp taught me about loving people and being patient where they are. I learned how to wait for the Lord to show His hand in your life and not be on your own timetable.”

When asked what the youth can do to better prepare for a mission, Sis Gallup had this advice: “Youth need to go to the temple and know the importance of that building.They need to know the promises they are making [in the endowment] and how it will bless their lives.”

Sis Gallup also recognized the significance her growing up in the Northland was in relation to the Church and how she hoped the rising generation would understand that.

“Take advantage of hIstoric sites we have in the Church here in Missouri. These are important places you can go to feel the spirit and get direction. Search out those places and come closer to the Lord and ask what his plan is for you instead of trying to make it on your own. Don’t ignore promptings

She also advised the youth to not only attend church, but to “act on what you’re learning and take something from Church, seminary and youth meetings.” 

“If you don’t have a desire to learn, it’s not going to benefit you as much.”

Sis Gallup ended with her testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

“I was exactly where I needed to be to let the Lord’s process the work through me. There never are any coincidences. The lord has a plan and places people where they need to be to help His children. He loves them and wants them to succeed. He gives us the tools so we can have the divine power in our lives.”

After the summer, Sis Gallup plans to attend BYU-Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho.