Serving the Lord
By Angelique Weingaarde
Hello everyone. My name is Angelique Weingaarde. I am twenty-four years old and I am from Suriname, a small country on the northeastern coast of South America. I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for thirteen years, and I would like to share some experiences from my missionary service.
At first, serving a mission was not part of my plans. I hoped to organize my life and focus on other personal goals. However, one day, a sister missionary invited me to prayerfully consider missionary service. Although I initially felt uncertain, her invitation stayed in my heart. As I prayed and sought guidance from Heavenly Father, I felt peace and reassurance that serving a mission was the right path for me.
While studying the scriptures, I found great comfort in the words found in Book of Mormon, Jacob 2:18–19:
“But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good.”
These verses reminded me that when we place the Lord first in our lives, He blesses us with peace, strength, and purpose.
Leaving my family and home for missionary service was not easy. At times I felt afraid, but faith in Jesus Christ and trust in Heavenly Father helped me move forward with courage. I was first called to serve in the Jamaica Kingston Mission and later reassigned to the Guyana Georgetown Mission before traveling.
Serving in both missions became a tremendous blessing in my life. I met many wonderful people and deepened my testimony of the Savior and His gospel. Seeing others feel joy as they learned about Jesus Christ made every effort worthwhile.
Like many missionaries, I experienced challenges and moments of adjustment. However, as I trusted the Lord and gave my best effort, my mission became a beautiful and life-changing experience.
Because of health circumstances, I was later reassigned to continue serving in my home country as a service missionary. At first, this transition was emotionally difficult for me. I loved the people I had met and felt sadness leaving my previous assignment. Through prayer, guidance from leaders, and support from my service missionary advisers, I gradually came to understand that missionary service takes many forms, and every calling in the Lord’s work is valuable.
One counsel that greatly strengthened me was the reminder that I was still serving as a missionary. As a teaching missionary, I had served as a voice for the Lord, and as a service missionary, I could serve as His hands by helping and lifting others in meaningful ways.
As a service missionary, I have had opportunities to teach English classes, assist with family history efforts, support missionary referral work, and minister to family members and friends in need. I have also been able to help care for my family at home, especially during times when my mother needed additional support.
These experiences taught me that simple acts of kindness, service, and compassion are an important part of the Savior’s work. Reaching out to someone, offering encouragement, or helping a person in need can bring light and hope into their lives.
I am grateful for the guidance of my service missionary advisers and local leaders, who continue to encourage and support me in my assignments. Through these experiences, I have learned to trust more fully in Heavenly Father’s plan for me.
I now understand more clearly why the Lord guided me back home. My family, my branch, and those around me needed my service and support.
To anyone considering missionary service, I invite you to pray sincerely and seek guidance from the Lord. Whether called to serve as a teaching missionary or a service missionary, every missionary contributes to the Lord’s work and helps bring others closer to Jesus Christ.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the many blessings I have received through missionary service.