Imagine being a young missionary, barely out of adolescence, dropped into the middle of a Southeast Asian revolution.

That’s exactly the life Ross H. Palfreyman lived and captures with gripping honesty in his remarkable memoir, Two Years in God’s Mormon Army. Set against the 1973 Thai Revolution and the wider chaos of Southeast Asia following America’s withdrawal from Vietnam, Palfreyman’s book is far more than a travelogue or faith story. It’s a vivid account of resilience, danger, humor, and the raw challenges of spreading a message of faith in a world torn by conflict.

Thailand in the early 1970s was a land of contradictions; ancient temples alongside political upheaval, serene monks alongside restless youth calling for change. As neighboring Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam fell into the chaos of communism, Thailand teetered on the edge. Missionaries like Palfreyman found themselves operating in an environment charged with fear, suspicion, and sometimes outright hostility.

He wasn’t just battling parasites, rabid dogs, broken ankles, and bicycle accidents. He was battling the deep-rooted nationalism and Buddhist faith of the Thai people, making every conversation about Christianity a profound challenge. Many Thais saw religion as tightly interwoven with national identity; converting wasn’t just a spiritual change; it was seen as a betrayal.

Through it all, Palfreyman persevered, facing dangers both seen and unseen. Readers are drawn into the outward adventures and the internal growth of a young man learning what it means to serve selflessly, to endure setbacks, and to discover strength through adversity.

What makes Two Years in God’s Mormon Army so engaging is its authenticity. Palfreyman doesn’t romanticize his experiences. He offers readers a raw, unfiltered look into missionary life. He paints a world where one moment you are being threatened at gunpoint and the next you’re pedaling down a dusty road, wondering if your efforts are making any difference at all.

His story highlights the absurdities, frustrations, and unexpected joys that come with missionary service. From language barriers that turned simple conversations into comedy, to heartfelt moments of connection against all odds, Palfreyman gives voice to the fears and doubts every missionary faces but rarely admits out loud. In doing so, he creates a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Despite the dangers, Palfreyman’s storytelling brims with humor and humility. He doesn’t shy away from sharing his youthful missteps, awkward encounters, and the strange, often hilarious situations that arise when cultures collide. It’s this balance between the serious and the absurd, the sacred and the silly; that makes the book not just inspiring but genuinely enjoyable to read.

Through these stories, Palfreyman shows that faith isn’t a perfect path but a rugged journey, full of potholes, wrong turns, and unexpected blessings.

In a world where faith is often portrayed as either naive optimism or bitter cynicism, Two Years in God’s Mormon Army offers something far more valuable: an honest exploration of belief under pressure. Palfreyman’s writing invites readers of all backgrounds, religious and secular alike, to walk a mile (or a few thousand) in his missionary shoes.

You don’t have to be Mormon, or even particularly religious, to appreciate the grit, heart, and humor that pulse through every chapter. At its core, this is a story about growing up, standing firm, and finding meaning in the messiness of life. It’s about discovering that faith isn’t a shield from hardship; it’s a reason to keep going despite it.

In today’s turbulent world, where many feel lost or disillusioned, Palfreyman’s story reminds us that resilience, service, and even joy can be found in the most challenging circumstances.

Ross H. Palfreyman’s work reflects not just an extraordinary youth spent overseas but a lifetime of dedication to faith, service, and the search for deeper meaning. His journey didn’t end when he returned from Thailand. Instead, the lessons learned during those turbulent two years shaped the man he became; a man who continued to serve, to reflect, and to seek joy not in comfort, but in connection.

For Palfreyman, service wasn’t just a two-year commitment; it became a way of life. His experiences in Thailand set the foundation for a lifetime of compassionate leadership and faithful living, lessons that he now shares generously with his readers.

For readers seeking to understand how a lifetime of service shapes the soul, Palfreyman’s other book, Joy in the Brambles, is a must-read companion.

While Two Years in God’s Mormon Army captures the adventurous beginnings of a young missionary facing political upheaval and personal growth, Joy in the Brambles reveals the wisdom and fulfillment that come from a life rooted in service and faith. It explores the profound difference between fleeting happiness and enduring joy, offering readers a roadmap for finding lasting meaning in a complicated world.

To truly appreciate Ross Palfreyman’s journey, both books are essential. One immerses you in the fiery forge of youth; the other invites you into the hard-won peace of a life lived with purpose.

Discover both sides of Ross Palfreyman’s inspiring journey, from youthful faith in the fire of revolution to the seasoned joy of a life well-lived.