John S. Sagers's missionary experiences and lessons

John Smith Sagers (1889–1943) served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the South African Mission from April 8, 1909, until January 9, 1912. Called from his home in Cassia, Idaho, and set apart by George F. Richards, Sagers labored primarily in the region of Port Elizabeth. Reflecting on his missionary service in a 1911 issue of the 'Millennial Star,' Sagers addressed the challenges of doubt and the feeling of inadequacy. He noted that when doubts troubled his mind, he found peace by dwelling upon the 'strength and beauties of the truth,' which caused his uncertainties to fade. Addressing the common missionary experience of feeling that one's efforts seem small or insufficient, he likened the value of humble missionary work to the light of distant stars. He reasoned that just as over half of the earth's light comes from stars thousands of miles away, a missionary need not be discouraged by a seemingly 'meagre amount of information' or limited visible results, as their labor may yield marvelous, lasting works in the years to come. He emphasized that persistence, hard work, and faith in the significance of small efforts were vital for a successful mission.