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Called Sister - Women of Faith

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by Sarah Park Verhoef

5.0(3 reviews)

16 episodes

Updated Daily

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Podcast Overview

Called Sister is a podcast for returned sister missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A podcast for women of faith. This space exists for the women who served, came home changed, and quietly wondered who they were now that the name tag came off. Each episode features honest, unedited conversations with returned sister missionaries about faith, identity, grief, growth, and becoming—because the calling didn’t end when the name tag came off. This podcast is not about perfection or polished testimonies. It’s about real women sharing real experiences of still believing, still belonging, and still being called. Hosted by Sarah Verhoef.

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Publishing Since

12/27/2025

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Recent Episodes

May 7, 2026

From Doubt to Devotion: How My Mission Changed Everything | Sister Jonie Hakes

In this powerful and honest episode of Called Sister, Sarah sits down with Sister Jonie Hakes to talk about her unexpected journey to serving a mission—and how it completely transformed her life. Jonie shares what it was like growing up in different spiritual environments, walking away from faith, and eventually finding her way back through deeply personal experiences with God. From feeling like a mission would be an inconvenience… to realizing it became the most life-changing decision she’s ever made—this episode is filled with raw truth, powerful testimony, and real encouragement. ✨ You’ll hear: What it’s really like to serve a mission How God prepares you (even when you don’t realize it) The power of vulnerability in sharing your faith Why missions shape your future in ways you don’t expect How to stay strong after coming home If you’ve ever questioned your path, struggled with faith, or wondered if a mission is right for you—this episode is for you. 💛 God is working in your life… even when you can’t see it yet. 00:00 Intro + Meet Sister Jonie Hakes01:30 Where she served (Las Vegas East Mission)03:30 “I didn’t want to serve a mission”06:30 The moment everything changed (empty home feeling)08:00 When all her life plans fell apart10:30 Choosing to trust God’s plan14:30 Mission call experience + confirmation16:30 “You sound like a robot” (learning vulnerability)18:00 Testimony of vulnerability21:00 “My mission was for me too”25:30 The story of Alyssa (God pursuing us)29:30 Members & miracles on the mission31:30 A mission = “crash course in life”33:00 Her brother’s unexpected mission call36:00 Why girls should serve missions41:30 “God will consecrate your afflictions”45:00 Testimony of Jesus Christ & the Book of Mormon48:30 Post-mission advice (how to stay strong)52:00 Final thoughts + outro Powerful Quotes: “I thought a mission would just be an inconvenience.” “There were people there… but it felt empty.” “Every plan I made that didn’t include a mission fell through.” “God didn’t push me—He prepared me.” “You’re an amazing missionary… but you sound like a robot.” “I have a testimony of vulnerability.” “My mission wasn’t just for others—it was for me.” “It was beautiful to see how in pursuit the Lord was of her.” “A mission is a crash course in life.” “God will consecrate your afflictions for your gain.”

May 7, 2026

You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Serve | Makenna Waters

In this beautiful and deeply honest episode of Called Sister, Sarah sits down with returned missionary Makenna Waters to talk about what missions are really like for women. From battling perfectionism… to finding emotional safe havens during difficult moments… to learning self-compassion after coming home, this episode is filled with wisdom every sister missionary needs to hear. Makenna shares powerful experiences serving in New York, connecting with people experiencing homelessness, and discovering that authenticity—not perfection—is what truly changes lives. ✨ This episode covers: Mission perfectionism & pressure Emotional healing after missions The importance of safe people and safe places Therapy, faith & self-compassion Why God needs YOU—not a performance Beautiful mission stories from New York If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t enough, this episode will remind you that God called you for a reason. 💛 Your personality, heart, and story are part of your divine purpose. 00:00 Welcome + “If You Need a Soul Hug…”00:58 Meet Makenna Waters01:30 Why she almost didn’t serve a mission02:15 Spiritual experience during General Conference03:30 The importance of safe havens on missions05:00 “The mission isn’t about being a robot”06:30 Perfectionism in sister missionaries08:00 Learning self-compassion after the mission09:30 Writing, prayer & changing negative self-talk10:45 Therapy, healing & reconnecting with yourself12:00 The oxygen mask analogy for missionaries13:30 Why serving yourself matters too14:30 Favorite mission memories in New York15:00 Serving meals to the homeless with Jim Waters17:00 “It shattered my view of the world”18:00 Seeing homeless people differently20:00 Advice for future sister missionaries20:45 “They need YOU as your whole self”21:45 “You’re not everybody’s cup of tea”22:30 Why authenticity matters in missionary work23:00 Beautiful lifelong mission connections24:00 Final thoughts + encouragement Quotes: “The mission isn’t about being a robot. You’re human too.” “Having a safe haven on my mission changed everything.” “You don’t have to be perfect to be a powerful missionary.” “Be gentle with yourself.” “You need connection and community too.” “The Lord doesn’t need a fake version of you.” “They need YOU as your whole self.” “Your personality is part of your calling.” “It makes you a better missionary when you stop running on empty.” “Not everyone’s going to like you… but there are people who love tea.” “I could be really mean to myself on the mission.” “Ask Heavenly Father to help you see yourself the way He sees you.” “We lose ourselves trying to become someone else.” “You can serve others and still take care of yourself.” “Your gifts, quirks, and personality are divine.”

April 9, 2026

Sister Stone: 4 Months Into Mission Life (The Real “Messy Middle”)

In this episode of Called Sister, Sarah interviews Sister Stone, currently serving in the Tampa Florida Mission—right in the middle of her experience. At just 4 months in, she shares a raw and honest look at what missionary life is really like: The constant mental and emotional stretch Why teaching becomes the most joyful part How she handles hard days and physical exhaustion The difference between shame and true repentance Why your relationship with God matters more than anything This episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be willing. If you’re preparing for a mission, currently serving, or recently returned, this conversation will strengthen and encourage you. 💛 Share this with someone who needs it. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 Welcome + purpose of the podcast1:10 Meet Sister Stone (Houston → Tampa Mission)2:05 Did she always want to serve?3:10 From “I can’t eat tomatoes” to choosing a mission4:20 Submitting mission papers + surreal feeling5:15 What surprised her most about mission life6:00 “It’s like running a marathon”7:10 How she’s already changed in 4 months8:00 Half marathon → mission connection9:20 Choosing to do hard things before the mission10:30 Why you never really “rest” on a mission11:40 Teaching = the BEST part of missionary life12:50 Powerful story: teaching Anna about baptism14:30 Seeing the Spirit change someone in real time15:40 “Don’t be nervous about teaching”17:00 English missions are still HARD18:10 Unexpected challenge: constant mental strain19:00 The “missionary headache” explained20:00 How she gets through hard days21:00 Companions: hard AND the biggest blessing22:20 Favorite things to teach: Plan of Salvation & Repentance23:00 Repentance vs shame (POWERFUL explanation)25:00 Teaching in the Bible Belt: pros & challenges27:00 Final advice: why you should serve a mission28:10 Closing thoughts + invitation to share “It’s like running a marathon… you’re constantly being stretched.” “Teaching is the break.” “When you see someone feel the Spirit for the first time… that’s everything.” “Don’t be nervous about teaching—be nervous you won’t make it through.” “Repentance isn’t shame… it’s letting God heal you.” “Anything you want to hide from God—that’s where the adversary is working.” “Even in English, missionary work is a whole different language.” “You’re thinking about other people ALL day long.” “Go on a mission for your Heavenly Father—not just for yourself.” “You’re not perfect—but He is, and you can rely on Him.” 🔥 Bonus “The mission doesn’t stop—you just learn how to keep going.” “Sometimes repentance is just a prayer.” “You don’t have to be afraid of God.”

16 total episodes available

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Frequently asked questions

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What is Called Sister - Women of Faith?: Called Sister is a podcast for returned sister missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A podcast for women of faith.

This space exists for the women who served, came home changed, and quietly wondered who they were now that the name tag came off.

Each episode features honest, unedited conversations with returned sister missionaries about faith, identity, grief, growth, and becoming—because the calling didn’t end when the name tag came off.

This podcast is not about perfection or polished testimonies.

It’s about real women sharing real experiences of still believing, still belonging, and still being called.

Hosted by Sarah Verhoef.
How often does this podcast release new episodes?: This podcast updates daily.
Where can I listen to this podcast?: This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Does this podcast accept guests?: Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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