YOMO! You Only Mission Once: A Guide for Sister Missionaries

by Hannah Shoaf Hardy

200 pages, Paperback

Published March 11, 2025

Reviews

[George Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"YOMO" is an uplifting and deeply personal reflection on the power of faith, missionary work, and divine love. Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt testimony, the author takes readers on a journey from the nervous excitement of the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in England to the spiritual growth and reassurance found through scripture, prayer, and the kindness of others. One of the strongest aspects of this piece is its authenticity. The author doesn’t shy away from sharing the doubts and struggles that come with stepping into an unknown path. From the anxiety of leaving home to the overwhelming feelings of inadequacy, the narrative beautifully illustrates how God’s love and the support of others can help us overcome self-doubt. The imagery, such as the painting of the two missionaries at the beach, powerfully conveys how the Spirit can remind us of our divine purpose at the exact moment we need it most. The book is also highly engaging because of its conversational tone. The humor in the packing frenzy and the camaraderie with fellow missionaries bring a relatable, lighthearted touch that balances the more serious spiritual moments. These personal anecdotes make the message feel real rather than just theoretical. A standout section is the “YOMO Truths” and “YOMO Tips”, which provide practical ways to internalize divine worth. The structured tips—such as focusing on what God thinks rather than the world’s perception and making our identity as children of God our primary label—offer actionable advice that readers can apply in their own lives. The use of quotes from prophets and scriptures further reinforces the message with doctrinal depth. I received an ARC and all opinions are my own.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend any young woman thinking about a mission should read this book. While reading this book I felt like she was having a conversation with me. It was easy to read and very relatable.

[J davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read loved it

[Elizabeth Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written Christ centered book!

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely wonderful read of faith, honesty, and a beautiful missionary journey. Very well written and highly recommend!

[Shellie Stufflebeam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for those who want to learn more about the unique opportunity to serve a mission, and it's from a sister missionary who returned from Germany (a lot of the missionary books out there are more geared to young men or just aren't specific to women).

Parts of this book made me laugh out loud, other parts cringe-- it was highly entertaining, and I felt like I was there from the description of the author's stories! That's what everyone wants to hear about a mission is the stories, in my personal opinion. The writing is very relatable!

I'm excited to read again! Would be good for a book club with people who want to share similar experiences. It's empowering to young women to learn of their divine worth as daughters of God, whether they decide to be a full-time missionary or not. This book sparks change within our society -- what if every young girl had the knowledge that she is enough just because of her inherent value?