What I Wish I'd Known Before My Mission

by John Bytheway

In a fresh, helpful, and sometimes humorous way, John Bytheway offers guidelines on how to make the missionary experience worthwhile. Part One discusses what life should be like between high school graduation and the mission. Part Two covers life inside the MTC and suggests eliminating distractions. He also explains the importance of keeping the mission rules. Part Three helps prospective missionaries see what great blessings can come if the missionary makes the Lord his constant companion.

Genres: Lds, Religion, Church, Young Adult, Self Help, Inspirational

122 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 2009

About the author

John Bytheway (born October 1962) is an American author and academic, who is well known as a comic motivational speaker for youth within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born in Salt Lake City, Bytheway attended the University of Utah and Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, receiving a Master's Degree in Religious Education. He also served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Philippines.

Bytheway is a religious studies instructor at BYU, currently focusing on the Book of Mormon. He also serves on the Aaronic Priesthood/Young Women Writing Committee for the LDS Church. Bytheway and his wife Kimberly have six children.

Reviews

[Sisilia Meli · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Bytheway dives into the different things that he wishes he had known prior to serving as he shares experiences he had encountered both on the mission and before. He talks about his different experiences he had encountered both in high school and before he left, as well as what it was like when he was actually out in the field. He brings to light not only things he would have done differently when preparing but also the blessings that he encountered and how they changed his life in ways he never expected.

I loved reading this. I read this as a returned missionary and so many of the things he said were things I really did wish that I knew before I left. This was a touching, humorous, and short snippet that I hope allows people who are thinking of serving to see just SOME of the blessings in store if you serve.

[Rebecca D · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, John Bytheway encourages and inspires the reader with a mix of humor and spirituality.

A few things my boys and I liked from the book:

"Every person is my superior in at least one way."

“God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability.” - Neal A Maxwell

"You have two years to do it, and the rest of eternity to think about it."

Doctrine and Covenants 101:16 Be still and know that God is God, and all flesh is in his hands

Doctrine and Covenants 6:36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Read Alma 17–26, and read it with the heart of a prospective missionary. Pray to the Lord for inspiration, look for the principles of missionary work within the record, and ponder them deeply.

"What are some of the eternal laws about obedience? 1. Obedience brings blessings. 2. Obedience strengthens faith. 3. Obedience helps you radiate your message.
I’d like to add one more: Obedience brings freedom. It’s a curious concept, but it’s true. Think about it. You know it’s true from your own life. Those who study hard in high school have the freedom to choose from among many colleges which one they will attend. Those who choose to mess around instead of study will have to search for a college that will take them."

[Kylie]

Honestly, I never fully finished this book before leaving on my mission (and now it's no longer quite so useful to me). However, what I read was super helpful and I'd 100% recommend it to any aspiring missionary!

[Balefire398 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't finish because the author kept assuming that I was some sort of troublesome teenager being forced or pressured into taking a mission. I was so insulted.

[Elsa Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one should go on their mission before reading this! I absolutely loved it! 🥰

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the references in the book are rather dated, but on the whole, the advice given is timeless and helpful.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like this book; it inspires me. I really-really liked it as a teenager and I learned a lot, so I figured it was worth reading again. A couple things I take from this book are:
- Learn to work with people. Bring up problems tactfully.
- Learn to be humble "everyone is my superior in at least one way"
- Consider your own testimony and if you believe what you say
- Pray hard and your prayers can be answered

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The young men leaders at church asked my son to read this book and I thought I would too. This is an easy to read, interesting book that will help prepare young men to go on a mission. Actually it would be a good book for anyone to read.
I particularly liked the appendix that explained the history of the Lord's Church and how it was changed.

[Aja · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Bytheway is always a hoot to read... or listen to for that matter. This book shared many of the spiritual insights that may come after serving a mission, and as I wanted to serve a mission this book was a thrill for me share in Bytheway's own experiences. I would read it again for the laughs and lessons.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Bytheway's style has always been humorous and entertaining. With so short a book and the style, I finished this book within an hour. The book talks about ways to make a mission more successful and what to expect. This book was actually a freebie from my family dentist (makes it even more awesome because I didn't have to pay for it), and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to read it.

[Michael Lemmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book too, id great for any young man or young woman who are plannign to go on a mission. John Bytheway is funny and this book is easy to get through. It helped me personally have more desire to go on my mission

[Ryceejo]

As a preparing missionary, this book was helpful in channeling my focus correctly. I feel more confident about what I need to do to prepare and I have a more clear perspective about what to expect from my mission.

[Kimberlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read this book, I wanted to be better, to try harder, and it made me even more excited to serve a mission soon!! This book is not only for soon to be missionaries, it's for anyone and everyone!! It's so worth your time!!!

[Stacee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think my other boys should read this more than 1 day before entering the MTC! We love John Bytheway cd's from his talks, and were worried if this would be too boring because it's a book on tape. But since it was read by the author, it's just as entertaining!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

what can i say, john bytheway rocks

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for any soon to be missionary! :)

[Stanley Hall]

helpful

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So great! It really makes me want to do my best and prepare for a mission.

[Kerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and full of good points. Good for a re-read even! Definitely helpful on preparing to serve as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was written in 1996 so some things are outdated but the main principles are the same and as always John bytheway is so inspiring!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, practical advice for future missionaries. I highly recommend it! It has a dash of humor that makes the book even more fun to read.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Our family listened to the audiobook on a road trip. Not only was it entertaining, but it really helped my son get more prepared for his mission. He listened to it twice :)

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and insightful book.