In this powerful and honest episode of Called Sister, Sarah sits down with Sister Jonie Hakes to talk about her unexpected journey to serving a mission—and how it completely transformed her life.

Jonie shares what it was like growing up in different spiritual environments, walking away from faith, and eventually finding her way back through deeply personal experiences with God.

From feeling like a mission would be an inconvenience… to realizing it became the most life-changing decision she’s ever made—this episode is filled with raw truth, powerful testimony, and real encouragement.

✨ You’ll hear:

• What it’s really like to serve a mission
• How God prepares you (even when you don’t realize it)
• The power of vulnerability in sharing your faith
• Why missions shape your future in ways you don’t expect
• How to stay strong after coming home
  

If you’ve ever questioned your path, struggled with faith, or wondered if a mission is right for you—this episode is for you.

💛 God is working in your life… even when you can’t see it yet.

00:00 Intro + Meet Sister Jonie Hakes

01:30 Where she served (Las Vegas East Mission)

03:30 “I didn’t want to serve a mission”

06:30 The moment everything changed (empty home feeling)

08:00 When all her life plans fell apart

10:30 Choosing to trust God’s plan

14:30 Mission call experience + confirmation

16:30 “You sound like a robot” (learning vulnerability)

18:00 Testimony of vulnerability

21:00 “My mission was for me too”

25:30 The story of Alyssa (God pursuing us)

29:30 Members & miracles on the mission

31:30 A mission = “crash course in life”

33:00 Her brother’s unexpected mission call

36:00 Why girls should serve missions

41:30 “God will consecrate your afflictions”

45:00 Testimony of Jesus Christ & the Book of Mormon

48:30 Post-mission advice (how to stay strong)

52:00 Final thoughts + outro

Powerful Quotes:

“I thought a mission would just be an inconvenience.”

“There were people there… but it felt empty.”

“Every plan I made that didn’t include a mission fell through.”

“God didn’t push me—He prepared me.”

“You’re an amazing missionary… but you sound like a robot.”

“I have a testimony of vulnerability.”

“My mission wasn’t just for others—it was for me.”

“It was beautiful to see how in pursuit the Lord was of her.”

“A mission is a crash course in life.”

“God will consecrate your afflictions for your gain.”

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