At a young adult meeting, we received a lesson about the importance of time. The message was clear: As workers of the gospel, we must use the time God has given us wisely and meaningfully. As I reflected on how to use my youth to store up blessings in heaven, one strong desire took root in my heart—to preach the gospel in India, the most populous country in the world.
Though the vision was bold, the journey to India required a lot of preparation. Learning Hindi became my top priority, but it was no easy task. I wrote, read, and memorized consonants, vowels, and frequently used phrases—only to forget them all the next day. But I didn’t give up. I repeated the process over and over again. In time, a mission team was formed. As we juggled multiple activities and prepared together, the day of departure finally arrived, and my journey in India began.
Everything in India felt unfamiliar—just like the language. But thanks to the local members who welcomed us with the heart of Mother, I slowly adjusted and was able to dive into the mission work.
The heat in India was beyond anything I had ever experienced in Korea. I would sweat so much that my whole body was soaked, and the sun was so intense it felt like my skin was burning. During the rainy season, heavy downpours lasted all day. No umbrella or raincoat could keep us dry—we’d end up drenched from head to toe. But the local members kept preaching faithfully, no matter the weather. I deeply admired their commitment.
I thought of our Heavenly Father and Mother, who never stopped preaching, whether under the scorching sun or in the harshest conditions. Because of Their love and sacrifice, we were now able to find our brothers and sisters—even in faraway India. That made every soul we met feel even more precious.
Each day, we went out to preach, hoping to find more heavenly family. As more people showed interest and began studying the Bible, I expected quick results. But progress was slow, and I felt like we were stuck in the same place for a long time. I began to pray with greater desperation. Our mission team members and pastoral staff also prayed for me. They noticed when I was struggling and did their best to lift me up. Thanks to their love and support, I didn’t lose heart.
One day, at the end of a narrow alley in a small village, I met a woman named Supriya. She watched a video about the Passover, which contains God’s promise of protection from disasters, with deep interest. She asked us to come again and share more. Each time we visited and shared the truth, Supriya listened with sincerity. Not long after, she came to Zion on the Sabbath and received the blessing of new life.
When the brothers and sisters heard the news, they gave thanks, saying God had heard their prayers. Seeing them care about my situation as if it were their own, and rejoicing with me, deeply reminded me that we are truly one heavenly family—united through the flesh and blood of God.
Sister Supriya continued her Bible studies afterward. While the local members shared the Word with her, I would take care of her baby or sit beside her, helping her find Bible verses. One day, she turned to me and asked:
“Why don’t you teach me the Word? I’d love to hear you give a Bible presentation.”
Her words hit me like a bolt of lightning. I had simply assumed that sharing the Word was the responsibility of the local members. I didn’t speak Hindi fluently, and I felt I wouldn’t be of much help.
Just then, a local member beside me handed me the Bible and said, “Ánimo!” I silently prayed with all my heart, then began to speak about God the Mother. As I shared each sentence, Sister Supriya kept nodding and joyfully responding with loud “Amen”s. When I finally finished, she told me she understood everything clearly and asked me to teach her again next time. I felt so thankful—thankful for the courage I received through the members and the chance to testify about God the Mother with my own lips.
My year in India was a time of unity—brothers and sisters coming together as one to save a single soul. I came to fully understand God’s will: When diverse members join together in unity and harmony, the beautiful fragrance of life is revealed. Through this writing, I send my heartfelt support to all the Zion family members around the world, who are faithfully carrying out their mission to complete the gospel. Ánimo!