From Falling Away at BYU to an Extraordinary Mission - Elder Ethan Johnson

This episode of the Mission Stories podcast features Shawn and guest Ethan Johnson, who recently returned from the Houston South Mission. Ethan shares how his mission was a life-changing experience that transformed him from a self-described "lukewarm" member into a disciple "on fire" for the gospel. Shawn frames the discussion around the first three principles of missionary work, showing how Ethan’s stories illustrate each one.

Principle One: Actively Choosing to Serve

Ethan’s journey began with a period of spiritual "indifference". While attending BYU, he felt disconnected from the church culture and became "lukewarm," which eventually led him to choose a "cold" path of non-participation. He describes this year as living in "black and white," marked by severe depression and poor mental health.

At a "rock bottom" moment, Ethan felt a spiritual whisper in a dark room telling him to pray. This prayer resulted in a profound revelation of light and love that changed everything, teaching him that God is happy when we use our agency to turn back to Him. This experience set the foundation for his decision to serve a mission.

Principle Two: Revelation and the Atonement

Shawn and Ethan discuss how conversion is a process of learning to rely on the Savior. Ethan recounts a heavy experience in Sealy, Texas, where he met a woman on Mother’s Day weekend whose husband had just committed suicide. Despite his limited Spanish, Ethan felt an overwhelming love for her and shared scriptures about Christ's yoke.

Initially, Ethan struggled with the burden of this experience, questioning if he had "done enough" to save her. His mission president, President Richards, taught him a vital lesson: missionaries do not save people; only Jesus Christ does. Ethan realized he had been trying to "earn" his worthiness through works. He learned to use the sacrament as a weekly "altar" where he could place his burdens and mistakes in a "box" for Christ to take, finally understanding the true power of the Atonement.

Principle Three: Opening Your Mouth Through Innovation

Ethan’s mission took a unique turn when his second mission president, President Garn, allowed him to use his professional film talents for missionary work. Ethan helped run a Facebook page called "Near Him," creating digital content that reached five million people—a massive increase compared to traditional door-knocking.

These digital ads targeted people searching for meaning and led to more baptisms than any other finding source in the mission. Shawn notes that this is a modern application of the command to "open your mouth," as the voice of the shepherd can be carried through social media to find those ready to hear the gospel.

Shawn concludes by encouraging listeners to turn to Christ, no matter how "dark" their circumstances might be, promising that the Lord will reveal Himself to those who seek Him.