“The test of faith is not when things are easy, but when challenges make you question everything and yet, you continue.” Most people see missionaries as devoted individuals who travel the world, spreading their faith and uplifting others. But what they don’t see are the hardships, dangers, and emotional battles that come with that commitment. The truth is, being a missionary is not just about sharing religious beliefs—it is about facing rejection, cultural resistance, and personal sacrifice while holding onto faith. This is exactly what Ross H. Palfreyman captures in his powerful book, Two Years in God’s Mormon Army. Serving as a Mormon missionary in Thailand during the 1973 Thai Revolution, Palfreyman experienced a world filled with both spiritual calling and harsh realities. From facing threats at gunpoint to persistent illness and religious resistance, his journey was anything but easy. Yet, through it all, his faith remained unshaken.

One of the biggest challenges missionaries face is rejection. When someone dedicates their life to spreading a message, they naturally hope people will listen. But the reality is that most people resist change, especially when it comes to faith. Palfreyman’s experience in Thailand perfectly illustrates this struggle. As a young missionary, he was tasked with convincing culturally and religiously devoted Buddhists to embrace Mormonism. But faith is strongly personal, and for many, changing their beliefs is not an easy decision. This kind of rejection can be emotionally draining. Imagine spending hours, days, or even months trying to share something you believe in, only to be turned away repeatedly. It can make a person question their purpose, their mission, and even their own beliefs. But as Palfreyman’s story shows, persistence is key. Missionaries don’t give up because of rejection—they continue because they believe in the power of faith.

Most people assume missionary work involves traveling to exotic locations and meeting new people, but what they don’t see is the physical toll it takes. Palfreyman describes battling parasites, suffering broken bones, and encountering rabid dogs—things no one expects when signing up for a mission. But this is the reality. Many missionaries live in foreign countries where healthcare is limited, the climate is extreme, and dangers are everywhere. From dealing with food poisoning in third-world countries to facing extreme weather conditions, missionary life is far from comfortable. And yet, they endure because they believe their work matters.

It takes incredible resilience to keep going when the body is exhausted and the surroundings are hostile. But that’s what makes missionary work so inspirational—it’s about serving something bigger than oneself, even when it’s physically demanding.

Beyond the physical toll, missionaries also experience deep emotional and psychological challenges. Loneliness is a major factor. Many missionaries leave behind their families, friends, and everything familiar to serve in unknown lands. The absence of a support system can be overwhelming, and the constant pressure to succeed in their mission adds to the stress. Then there’s the emotional weight of witnessing suffering. In many regions, missionaries see poverty, disease, and injustice up close. They meet people who are struggling physically, mentally, and spiritually. While missionaries offer guidance and hope, they are still human—seeing so much suffering takes an emotional toll.

When missionaries enter a foreign land, they don’t just encounter different religious beliefs—they also face entirely new cultures, languages, and traditions. Understanding these differences is crucial because faith is greatly tied to culture. Trying to introduce a new belief system without acknowledging cultural significance can lead to conflict and misunderstanding. In Two Years in God’s Mormon Army, Palfreyman does not just preach—he learns. He immerses himself in Thai culture, understanding their values and traditions while trying to share his message. This approach is key to genuine connection and mutual respect. It’s a lesson not just for missionaries, but for anyone trying to communicate across cultures: understanding comes before acceptance.

Ross H. Palfreyman’s Two Years in God’s Mormon Army is not just a memoir—it is a lesson in dedication, resilience, and faith. His raw, honest storytelling paints a picture of what it truly means to be a missionary, offering readers a realistic yet inspiring view of this life-changing experience.

Here’s why you should pick up this book. Two Years in God’s Mormon Army by Ross H. Palfreyman is an authentic story of faith and perseverance, presenting a raw and honest account of missionary life. Palfreyman does not sugarcoat his experiences; instead, he shares both the triumphs and the struggles, making his journey greatly relatable. The book provides a fascinating look into the life of missionaries, offering a rare, firsthand perspective for those who have ever wondered what it truly takes to dedicate oneself to a mission. If you are looking for a story of courage, faith, and perseverance, this book is a must-read. Because true faith isn’t about having an easy journey—it’s about finding strength when the road gets tough.