Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

— Matthew 6:31-33.

Having been in the Church all my life, I am one of the very few of my age who are fortunate to be born in the Church in this part of the world, Western Africa. I have always loved the Church and wanted my family to grow in the Church also.

I lost my father when I was 12 and being the first child in the family, I had a lot of responsibility. When I turned 18, I started thinking how I was going to be able to live on my own. The only way I could do this was through education. I wanted to get into the university after my secondary school and study medicine. I had even started to take the exams that would qualify me to get into the university. I gave no thought to going on a full-time mission first.

Some members in my branch and stake started asking me if I was preparing to go on a mission, which made me feel bad because I had not thought of going on a mission before I got my education. I wanted to satisfy my conscience so I thought there might be other ways I could bring people to Christ. I also thought I should get my education first and then go on a mission. All of my friends were getting into the university and I felt I should go with them. But none of this satisfied my conscience.

One Sunday during the sacrament meeting, I decided to open my Bible at random and there was the passage that satisfied my conscience. I knew I was being addressed and I had to comply with the Savior's advice by serving a full-time mission. I am happy to now be serving in the Nigeria Enugu Mission in the West Africa Area. — Elder Chudwudi Ndukaub, Nigeria Enugu Mission.

"Living by the Scriptures" is another in a series of Church News reader response articles. Was there a time when a particular scripture touched you, when it offered comfort, guidance and much-needed support? If so, please describe your experience in 250-300 words, giving the scripture reference and telling how it affected you. Send your submission to Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. Fax No. (801) 237-2524. Internet E-mail: churchnews@desnews.com