Episode 434: Mason Dimond (Early Release Missionary) and Luke Davenport (Service Missionary)

Listen, Learn & Love Hosted by Richard Ostler

Our good family friends Mason Dimond and Luke Davenport join us to share their stories. Luke updates us on his service mission that ends in late July—thank you for your service Elder Davenport! Please listen to Episode 228 for more of Luke’s story. Mason, in one of the bravest moments on our podcast, shares what led him to come home from his mission after 5 weeks. Mason, who left for his mission in July 2019, talks about being at the Mexico MTC and his emotional health deteriorating to a very unsustainable place. Mason, with no history of mental health issues, found himself in uncharted waters and bravely did what he needed to do—go home and heal. Mason talks about the process to leave the Mexico MTC and the feelings of failure as he returned home. Mason, who has been home nearly two years, talks about the steps he took (and the help of others like his good family and friens like Luke Davenport) to be in a much better place. Mason also talks about why he still has a strong testimony of the Church and is looking forward to his upcoming temple marriage. If you are an early release missionary or anyone working through mental health challenges, please listen to Mason’s story. He will give you hope that things are going to be OK. And, if you want to better understand why some incredible faithful and committed Latter-day Saints return home from their mission early, please listen to Mason’s story. Thank you Mason and Luke for being on the podcast. Your story will help so many. Respect my friends!