Three Generations Serving in the Same Mission
Three generations, one purpose: serving God together
There are stories that touch the soul and remind us that serving God brings families together in surprising ways. Such is the case of the Tolman family, where a grandmother, a mother, and a daughter are simultaneously serving the same mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Asia area.
Their journey together is a powerful example of how serving the Savior not only transforms lives, but also strengthens family ties and faith in God’s perfect plans.
It all started with an unexpected call
Sister Tanya Tolman, originally from Malaysia, received a life-changing call in July 2022 to serve as a mission leader in the Singapore Mission alongside her husband, President Taitama Tolman. While it was already challenging to balance this new responsibility with being a mother of four teenagers, Tanya placed her trust in God.
I never imagined that my daughter and my mother would join me on this mission,” he shared. “It is true that God’s plans are always better than ours.
A daughter who found purpose in service
A year later, in July 2023, Tanya’s daughter, Sister Kiara Tolman, also answered the call to serve. Although she initially doubted her ability, she decided to pray and trust in the Lord. She opted for a service mission, a program designed for young people with specific talents who are looking to contribute to nearby local areas.
Kiara has become a key player in the mission: managing social media pages, training missionaries, creating content, and participating in community service. Despite her struggles with anxiety, she has discovered a greater purpose in her mission.
My service mission has allowed me to connect my interests with the Church and develop skills I never thought I would have,” Kiara explained. “I know that ‘God has prepared a more excellent way; and it is by faith that it has been accomplished’ (Ether 12:11).
A grandmother who found healing
More recently, Tanya’s mother, Sister Linda Yost Barrand, chose to join this sacred work as a senior missionary alongside her husband, Elder Mark Barrand. After the painful loss of her youngest daughter to cancer, Linda found a way to heal her heart in service.
“God has placed us in this ‘precise human orbit’ where we can not only bless others, but also be a blessing to my daughter and granddaughter,” Linda said.
Her role as a senior missionary includes being an emotional and spiritual support for young missionaries, as well as sharing her love of the Gospel with friends in the Church.
A chain of faith and miracles
The Tolman family is a living testimony that service to the Lord unites hearts and multiplies blessings. Sister Tanya imagines their story as a chain of strong women, woven with faith, hope and love.
“God knows us, He knows what we need and how we can best serve Him,” Tanya said. “All we need to do is want to serve Him.”
Three generations of women are experiencing miracles daily, whether it’s seeing the transformation of missionaries, feeling the guidance of the Holy Spirit, or experiencing the healing grace of Christ in their own lives.
Reflecting on this experience, Sister Amy A. Wright of the Primary general presidency said:
“As our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, testified, ‘The best is yet to come, for the Savior is coming again. ’ We need all hands, all hearts, and all ages to prepare for His return.”
This story reminds us that no matter our age, place or circumstances, we are all called to serve and be part of the Lord’s work. It may not be a formal mission, but every act of love and service can bring us closer to Him.
What part of your life is ready to be given to the Savior?
Source: The Church News
To read more from masfe.org
