Pressing On Toward the Goal

One early summer morning, I was assigned to a mission to recover the remains of fallen soldiers. Carrying a heavy backpack filled with lunch boxes for the team, I headed up the mountain, but before long, the trail disappeared. We had to climb the steep slope almost on all fours, relying on a single rope for support. My legs and back ached so intensely that it felt as though they might give out at any moment. That day, I sweated more than I ever had in my entire life. By the time we reached the site about an hour later, I was already completely exhausted, yet I pushed through with sheer determination and joined the excavation work. Perhaps because of the earnest hearts of everyone involved, we were able to discover the remains of a soldier who had fallen during the Korean War. I felt a profound sense of pride and gratitude that we could finally return a hero, who had sacrificed his life for the country, to the embrace of his family.

As I made my way down the slippery mountain path on weakened legs, my thoughts turned to Heavenly Father. For countless years, He had walked rugged mountain roads with a heavy bag on His shoulders, enduring the burden of searching for His children. Surely, the hardship He endured was far greater than mine. Reflecting on Father’s suffering, I resolved that no matter how difficult military life became, I would faithfully accomplish the goals I had set for myself.

Before enlisting, I set a goal to reveal God’s glory and lead many souls to salvation during my military service. Perhaps because I had such a clear purpose, I felt excitement and anticipation rather than fear toward the unfamiliar season of life. Once I actually entered military life, I learned a great deal through a wide range of experiences. Moreover, thanks to the kindness of my seniors and fellow soldiers, I was able to adapt quickly.

Rather than settling for comfort, I began by doing whatever I could immediately to achieve my goals. I approached every training session and educational program with sincerity, and I diligently studied the responsibilities entrusted to me. Even when positions such as Platoon Leader Trainee or the Student Body President brought additional burdens, I gladly volunteered whenever it meant serving my fellow soldiers. Perhaps because of that attitude, I was honored to receive a Lieutenant General’s Citation, a Colonel’s Citation, and the Exemplary Soldier Award in succession. Hearing people say, “A truly diligent soldier has joined us,” made me realize firsthand that those who live in a way that pleases Heavenly Father and Mother receive recognition wherever they go.

After completing my advanced training, I was assigned to a unit where there were no Zion members at all. The thought that God had entrusted these souls to me filled me with a deep sense of responsibility. Realizing that if I did not preach, no one there would have the opportunity to hear the truth, I built close relationships with my seniors, peers, and junior soldiers, using my personal time and vacations to share the words of the Bible. As time passed, more and more people began listening attentively and showing interest in the truth. When the pastoral staff and brothers at my church learned of this, they supported me wholeheartedly despite the long distance. In particular, my older brother, who was serving at a nearby military base took time out of his busy schedule to listen to my concerns and offer sincere advice. Through the power of that unity, soul after soul within my unit was led into the embrace of God.

Of course, the journey was not always smooth sailing. There were times when fear gripped me, and many carefully prepared plans fell through. On one occasion, I had arranged to go on leave with two juniors who desired to become God’s children. We set out for Zion, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we were forced to turn back. I felt deeply sorry for my juniors who had come such a long way, and I was quite disheartened that our plans had been disrupted. Yet, remembering the sacrifice of Heavenly Father, I steadied my heart and held firmly to one resolve:

“Never give up. Do your utmost to accomplish the goal.”

Rather than blaming the circumstances or sinking into discouragement, I reflected on whether there had been any shortcomings in my preparation and sought God’s help through prayer. Step by step, I adjusted my plans to fit the situation. In the end, those two juniors were able to visit Zion during our next leave and received the blessing of new life.

Whenever my best efforts did not immediately produce results, the habit of finding the "next thing to do" and putting it into action became a great source of strength. Even when worries or distracting thoughts arose, I tried not to be shaken by temporary setbacks or successes. Instead, I stayed focused on my ultimate goal: glorifying God and saving souls. Through this repeated process of planning, adjusting, and trying again, I was eventually able to find seven souls within my unit who longed for the truth. I cannot fully express how grateful I was to Heavenly Father and Mother for allowing me to conclude the gospel mission I had begun alone in the military alongside these precious new members of the heavenly family. Even now, they are all faithfully keeping God’s regulations and building up their faith in their respective places.

Through my military life, I came to realize deeply that no matter how many unexpected obstacles arise on the path toward a goal, they are not failures as long as I do not give up—they are simply part of the process. I also learned that even tasks that seem impossible become far more attainable when we unite our hearts and work together. Regardless of what circumstances I may face, I will never forget the gospel mission God has entrusted to me. Encouraging and supporting those beside me, I will continue pressing on toward the goal to the very end.