Even When I Think I’m Alone

Although I was born first, it was my younger brother who entered the military before me. Knowing how he used to struggle even with something as simple as placing an online order, I wondered how he would manage in an environment where he had to do everything on his own. To my surprise, after his enlistment I heard that he was living an exemplary life—receiving praise from his battalion commander and even finding many heavenly family members in his unit. He had grown noticeably more mature than before.

I had often heard the saying that the military changes a person, yet I still wondered what kind of place it was that had transformed my brother so profoundly. It amazed me to see his faith grow even stronger while he was living away from home and practicing his belief on his own. Inspired by his example, I entered the military with a heart full of zeal, determined to glorify God and bear abundant fruit in the gospel. A quiet confidence even began to rise within me: If my brother could do it, then surely I can too.

At first, everything was going well. I adapted quickly, earned the title of “special-class soldier,” and was even selected to serve as a peer counselor. But as I grew more accustomed to military life, the resolve I had at the beginning slowly began to fade. I started to hesitate, worried that sharing the words of the Bible might make things awkward between me and the others. Whenever I heard the fragrances of Zion from other units—how brothers there had united and borne beautiful fruits of the gospel—I could not help feeling a twinge of envy. I told myself it was harder for me because I was alone. Using that as an excuse, I simply waited for another member to be assigned to my unit.

Unfortunately, no one was assigned to my unit. Still, I could not just keep waiting indefinitely. As I pondered how to overcome this situation and live up to the resolution I had made at the beginning, I began to study the Bible more earnestly, step by step. Each time I opened the Bible, I was reminded of our Heavenly Father. I could faintly imagine how lonely He must have felt, walking the path of the gospel all alone. Just as He rose above solitude and took each step to find His lost children, I realized that I, too, should not merely wait for others to come—but should go out and seek them myself.

Even with that resolve, I did not know where to begin. Setting aside my shyness, I asked my brother what had brought about his change and how he continued pressing on toward his spiritual goal. He told me that once he took the first step, God opened every path before him. He also encouraged me not to focus only on outward effort, but to sincerely put into practice the teachings of our Heavenly Father and Mother.

My brother’s advice suited me perfectly—he knew me well. I had resolved to reveal the image of God’s child through good deeds, yet my quick temper often got in the way. Though I had heard countless teachings about humility, kindness, and sacrifice, I still tended to judge situations by what I saw, and sometimes spoke harshly when others acted in ways I did not approve of. I realized that I first needed to change my tone. Reflecting on the verse, “In your anger do not sin; do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Eph 4:26), I began striving to speak words that were kind and uplifting to everyone around me. Watching my peers and juniors gain more strength by a single thoughtful word than from any material help taught me what it truly means to treat others with sincerity.

One day, I noticed that a junior I was close to was struggling with various challenges. Sincerely hoping that he would find comfort in God, I shared the words of the Bible with him—knowing that they have the power to revive the soul. He quickly came to understand many of its truths, including that the Bible is true. When he heard that he could receive the promise of eternal life through the New Covenant Passover, he eagerly expressed his desire to receive that blessing as well. That same week, he visited a nearby Zion and received the blessing of new life, joyfully observing the upcoming Passover and Sabbath.

It was only then that I realized God, who has always been with me, had already sent my heavenly family to my side. Indeed, when I shared the word of our Heavenly Father and Mother, five brothers—a senior about to be discharged, a junior in the same transportation unit, and a fellow from training camp—heard the message and came to Zion. These juniors continued to worship faithfully at their unit, steadily accumulating heavenly blessings together.

Just as I had anticipated before enlisting, the military held countless blessings for me. Being alone in that environment meant that I was the one to sound the trumpet of the gospel and teach God’s word to the brothers who had just begun their journey of faith. This responsibility inspired me to prepare more earnestly to share the God’s word, and in the process, my own faith grew even stronger.

I am grateful to God for awakening me—a child who once thought only of myself—to the importance of my own role. My next goal is to step out into a wider world and seek our brothers and sisters there. Trusting in God Elohim, who is always by my side, I will strive to be a child who shines His glory more brightly and boldly.