Many parents and youth leaders assume that mission preparation starts in seminary or the months leading up to a mission call. But by then, it’s often too late to develop the habits, skills, and spiritual resilience that make a strong, prepared missionary.

The truth is, the best mission preparation starts years earlier—long before youth even think about submitting their papers.

If we want to raise youth who are confident, capable, and spiritually strong enough to serve, we must give them real-world experiences that train them now for the challenges they will face later.

The Problem With “Last-Minute” Mission Prep

Too many young men and women enter the MTC unprepared because they’ve only been taught about missions rather than trained for missions.

Consider the essential qualities of a great missionary:

✔️ A deep, personal testimony that withstands doubt and criticism
✔️ The discipline to wake up early, study diligently, and work hard every day
✔️ Confidence in teaching and leadership
✔️ Resilience to handle rejection, exhaustion, and homesickness
✔️ The ability to serve selflessly and connect with others

Most of these traits aren’t built overnight. They require years of practice through meaningful challenges, stretching experiences, and real gospel application.

What Happens When Youth Aren’t Prepared?

Many new missionaries struggle with:

❌ Testimony Shocks – They realize they never developed their own faith and have trouble answering tough gospel questions.
❌ Culture Shock – They’ve never been away from home or lived by strict discipline, making mission life feel overwhelming.
❌ Emotional Burnout – They lack resilience, making it hard to bounce back from rejection or difficult days.
❌ Teaching Anxiety – They’ve never practiced explaining gospel principles clearly and confidently.
❌ Self-Doubt – They don’t know how to connect with people, solve problems, or push through discomfort.

While some missionaries adapt over time, many struggle—and some even come home early—because they weren’t truly prepared.

Real Mission Preparation Requires Real Experience

The best way to prepare youth for missions is to give them structured, faith-building experiences long before they turn 18.

This means:

✅ Strengthening their testimony through real-world gospel application
✅ Developing discipline through challenging tasks
✅ Building leadership and teaching skills through service and practice
✅ Increasing resilience by pushing them beyond their comfort zone
✅ Teaching self-reliance and confidence through hands-on learning

And that’s exactly what Nephi’s Apprentice is designed to do.

How Nephi’s Apprentice Prepares Future Missionaries

Nephi’s Apprentice isn’t just a fun youth program—it’s a structured, challenge-based training system that helps youth develop the exact skills and habits they’ll need on a mission.

Instead of just reading about the gospel, youth live it through hands-on, real-world challenges modeled after the faith journeys of Book of Mormon heroes.

🔹 Faith Challenges – Strengthen testimony through scripture application, personal revelation, and gospel-centered decision-making.
🔹 Discipline Challenges – Learn goal-setting, self-reliance, and the work ethic needed for mission life.
🔹 Leadership Challenges – Practice teaching, problem-solving, and guiding others just like a missionary would.
🔹 Service Challenges – Engage in meaningful service to develop Christlike love and selflessness.
🔹 Resilience Challenges – Overcome obstacles, endure difficult tasks, and learn to trust God through hardship.

By the time they reach mission age, youth who complete Nephi’s Apprentice won’t just hope they’re ready—they’ll know they are.

Prepare Your Youth Now—Not Later

If you want to give your son or daughter the best chance of thriving on a mission—mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically—start preparing them now.

📢 Click here to learn more about how Nephi’s Apprentice can help your youth become strong, confident, and mission-ready!