Elias Mercer had imagined missionary work differently for most of his life. Growing up in his quiet Utah town, he’d listened to returned missionaries tell stories about tearful conversions, miraculous encounters, and strangers who seemed almost relieved to hear the word of God brought directly to their doorstep. As a boy, Elias had clung to every story. Even as an adult, after years spent delaying his mission to support his family, he held onto the belief that his own experience would feel meaningful in the same way. He thought he would arrive in a new city and immediately know he was where he belonged.