Missionaries are volunteers who have set aside their everyday lives for up to two years to help others come closer to Jesus Christ. Before leaving on a mission, they were students, employees, athletes, bookworms, musicians, and, well, you get the idea. After their service, they will return home and go back to normal life.

They come from all over the world. It’s not uncommon for missionaries to serve in a country and speak a language other than their own. Missionaries serve as young adults or in their retired years as singles or couples. Whatever their age, their motivation is sincere—they leave their homes and families for a period to do what Jesus taught His Apostles: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

No, missionary visits are free for everyone. Jesus Christ invites all to come unto Him “without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1). Missionaries actually pay to see you, covering their own costs to come on a mission. Local Church leaders and class instructors don’t get paid either.

Receiving answers from God is a very personal experience. As your Heavenly Father, He knows the best way to give you guidance for your life—and that might look different than the way He speaks to someone else. If you’re struggling to feel like He’s listening, try to be patient. Recognize that God can answer you in many different ways, including:

• Passages of scripture.
• The kind words and actions of others.
• Positive thoughts and feelings from the Holy Spirit.
• Speaking to your heart and mind with a still, small voice.

Sometimes God doesn’t seem to answer prayers right away—or at all. Does that mean He doesn’t care or that He’s not listening? No. Sometimes, God waits to answer our prayers because He trusts us to make the right decision. Other times, God requires us to patiently wait for an answer so we can build our faith and trust in Him. And on some occasions, God gives us answers but they may not be what we’d hoped for. Whatever the answer, take comfort in the fact that God always listens when you pray, and He will give you the right guidance at the right time.

When you turn to God, there isn’t one specific prayer you need to recite for help. The Bible says, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:22). Prayer can be an open conversation about anything you want to talk about. God is your loving Heavenly Father and wants you to speak from your heart. Tell Him your unique challenges, and He will give you the strength you seek.