Welcome to Humanitarian Experience 2019! After 20 years of Humanitarian XP summers in which lives are consistently changed in the most unexpected ways, we believe that there is a reason that you are going where you’re going this summer with the people you’re going with. We don’t know what it is yet, but we’re confident that by the end of your trip, you’ll know.  

This summer we are focusing on a simple question that Sister Nelson posed to the youth last year. Her question was this: What were you born to do?

As we’ve pondered that question, we’ve had two realizations: 

First, finding the answer to this question is never a one-time event. It is literally the work of our lives. We discover different answers over and over throughout our time on earth as we move through the process of becoming the men and women our Father in Heaven created us to be. 

Second, if we don’t make the Holy Ghost the primary voice that guides us, this question will be constantly answered by other sources who don’t know us as well as the Lord does. Choose to do the spiritual work required to hear the Spirit first, strongest, and always. 

And this has never been more urgent. 

“Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” President Nelson  

When I heard these words,  I received a strong impression that what happens at Humanitarian Experience this summer will be more important than ever before. As you learn how God speaks to you, individually, you will be strengthened and prepared for what lies ahead. I believe there has never been a generation with more responsibility – or more capacity – to understand truth, and to learn it from the Source.  

On your trips, consider following the Prophet’s counsel: find a quiet place where you can regularly go, humble yourself before God, and pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort. What will your seeking open for you? And then, listen to what the Spirit has to tell you. 

To that end, consider spending a little time in personal prayer before your trip, asking your Father in Heaven to help you prepare. It doesn’t have to be a big deal; just ask Him what you need to do now in order to be ready to see miracles. He’ll tell you. In fact, wherever you are right now in your own personal spiritual journey, consider taking it up a level as you prepare for your trip. Maybe spend a little more time on your knees, maybe read your Book of Mormon a little more intently, maybe find someone you can consciously serve. Maybe fast on behalf of the people in your group, or go do baptisms and put their names in the temple. You are about to experience one of the most incredible adventures of your life, and the more you get to know your Savior in preparation, the more you’ll reflect His love and power while you’re out there.   

I’ve been doing humanitarian work for many years, and it never fails to surprise me how the Lord brings the right people to the right place at the right time they’re needed. I believe there’s something unique and important that only you can do this summer. So get ready, because I am counting on you to write your own page in the incredible story of Humanitarian Experience. Let the Spirit teach you what you were born to do.  

With Love, 

Amy Antonelli

Chief Executive Officer 

Humanitarian Experience, Inc.