In front of a “home” audience at a concert in Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City, Utah, David Archuleta, of American Idol fame, announced that he will be serving a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He hadn’t even finished his sentence before the audience erupted in loud cheers and was on its feet. The cheering lasted for quite a while, and David was clearly very emotional about it all.
David explained why he chose to serve a Mormon mission.
“It’s not because someone told me that I was supposed to do it, not because…I no longer want to do music…, but it’s because it’s the feeling that I’ve felt I need to do [this] next in my life. It’s just the same feeling that I’ve always followed…tried to follow in my life. It’s the feeling that’s allowed me to have the opportunities I’ve had, the challenges I’ve had to overcome, and the blessings, too. And I’ve learned to trust that feeling…I’ve learned that I need to answer it when it calls. And that is the reason…I know I need to do this in my life.”
Mormons often talk of the blessing of being able to get answers from God through the guidance of the Holy Ghost. As we seek for guidance and answers through prayer, we believe we can get answers through paying attention to feelings, thoughts, impressions. Personal revelation, as we call it, is something we believe all people can receive if they seek it. Answers through the Holy Ghost can come about decisions in one’s life — such as what David Archuleta talks about here — and also in trying to seek and understand what is truth.
Read more about David Archuleta’s announcement here, and also here: “David Archuleta announces plan to mission for LDS Church“
david I dont think this is you your gift is singing this religion is just a religion you were born to be a singer You are my favorite singer and your voice makes me cry this is what god wants you do do that is why he gave you this beautiful voice not to be doing this boring thing its not for you im speaking for eveyone who is your fan you already are blessed by god david please keep on singing dont let this rule your life I no in my heart you want to sing
Good grief, “ju”. What do you think is going to happen to him on his mission? And you must be young for you to feel that 2 years is such a long time that he’ll have no career to come home to. He’ll be ok, sweetie. And in 2 years, if you’re even still a fan, he’ll be back to sing for you and your friends. I congratulate David on this selfless decision.
ju,
I think there are some fans who may share what you feel, but one of the things that struck me about this video is how many of his fans are thrilled about his decision.
Two years may seem like a long time, but it will go by, and he’ll be back.
I have no doubt that God gave David this gift, but David also knows that God has given him other things, including knowledge that he wants to share with others.
Maybe you can let that gift also touch your heart. Give it a chance. Find out what he’s going to be teaching (you can find out more at mormon.org). You can chat with missionaries online with the chat widget on our page, too.
Maybe you’ll see it’s not so boring after all. 🙂