Amanda's Conversion Story (Part 1) - Currently Serving Sisters Wiese and Nichols

This episode of the Mission Stories podcast, Shawn, the host, interviews two currently serving sister missionaries: Sister Nichols (2 months out) and Sister Weiss (4 months out). Due to their strict obedience, the interview was recorded in a makeshift studio at Shawn's house. The discussion centers on the challenges of serving in Southern California, where people are often "content" and "comfortable," making them unwilling to seek spiritual help.

The episode explores the theme of transitioning from "lukewarm" belief to a deliberate, "hot" choice to follow God, referencing principles discussed frequently on the podcast. Shawn emphasizes that being lukewarm—being blown around by external influences—is undesirable.

Sister Nichols' Journey: Sister Nichols described herself as "lukewarm" when she stopped attending church regularly while at BYU, leading to a period of isolation, sadness, and "bitterness". She realized that experiencing the cold or bitter side teaches one to "prize the sweet". This realization spurred her to pray for guidance. She felt prompted to receive her temple endowments, even without plans for marriage or a mission. After attending General Conference, where talks reinforced the importance of the temple, she was endowed in late 2024 and attended endowment sessions twice a week. While praying in the celestial room, a friend whispered to her about serving a mission, confirming her new direction.

Sister Weiss' Journey: Sister Weiss initially felt her decision to serve was "lukewarm" because it was based on family example. Her conviction became "hot" when she realized that the joy she felt came specifically from the gospel of Jesus Christ, not merely the surrounding culture of the church (a distinction common in Utah). She cemented her testimony by making the deliberate choice to read scriptures and pray, finding confirmation through the Holy Ghost.

Amanda's Powerful Conversion Story: The missionaries shared the story of Amanda, whose recent baptism was incredibly powerful. Amanda had a very difficult life, including being in and out of prison, and had been contacted (and subsequently dropped) multiple times by Elders over the past year. She was initially found in a Lowe's parking lot and listed as an "elect contact". One Elder reached her by phone while she was in a 12-step/AA meeting, prompting her attention when his profile picture—a picture of Jesus Christ—appeared on her phone.

Sister Nichols and Sister Weiss consistently tried to follow up with Amanda, eventually connecting with her in her driveway. Amanda opened up to the sisters, who taught her about the Atonement. At her baptism two weeks prior, Amanda stated the contrast between her life of resentment and the "love and peace" she now feels. She quoted Mosiah 4:9, trusting that God had "perfectly positioned" the missionaries to find her.

Shawn connected Amanda’s experience to Nephi’s vision of the Tree of Life, where the desirable fruit represents the "love of God which shed its self abroad in the hearts of the children of men," interpreting this love as the forgiveness received through the Atonement. Shawn concludes by encouraging listeners to prepare with deliberate intent—feasting upon the words of Christ, praying, and receiving temple ordinances—to find those who are currently experiencing the "bitter" life and deliver them the joy of the restored gospel.