When Elder Evan Glazner began his Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint mission on November 20, 2023, he did so with the same hope and determination shared by thousands of young missionaries: to serve others, strengthen his faith, and grow into the person he felt called to become. What followed, however, was a mission journey shaped not by ease or predictability, but by physical pain, unexpected medical challenges, and an unwavering commitment to put others first—even when doing so came at a personal cost.
Elder Glazner was initially assigned to Ventura, California, where he served until December 14, 2023. From there, he was transferred to San Luis Obispo, where he spent approximately three weeks. While his early mission experience followed a typical structure, underlying health issues soon began to surface, setting the stage for a far more complex journey.
After San Luis Obispo, Elder Glazner was transferred to Solvang under emergency circumstances. It was there that persistent back pain, which had quietly existed for nearly six months prior to his mission, began to intensify. The physical strain was compounded by the mental and emotional challenges of an emergency transfer. Solvang was not an easy assignment, but Elder Glazner later described it as a crucial learning opportunity—one that pushed him to grow both spiritually and personally. He served in Solvang for roughly two months, enduring increasing discomfort while striving to remain focused on his calling.
His next transfer took him to Simi Valley, a period he now describes as one of deep internal conflict and growth. While Elder Glazner was accustomed to dedicating his energy to others, Simi Valley forced him to confront a difficult truth: he could not pour from an empty cup. As his back pain worsened, he had to learn how to care for himself while still serving those around him. “I can do hard things,” became a guiding mantra. During this time, he taught a powerful two-hour lesson centered on sacrifice, faith, and the belief that miracles happen when people choose to serve others, even in hardship.
It was also in Simi Valley that Elder Glazner received a diagnosis of scoliosis. Despite the increasing severity of his pain, no additional diagnoses were made at the time. An MRI was recommended but could not be obtained due to insurance restrictions, as it required authorization from a specialist. The wait time for that appointment was estimated at four months—an impossible delay given the level of pain he was experiencing.
As his condition deteriorated, Elder Glazner faced one of the hardest decisions of his life: whether to continue his mission abroad or return home for medical care. Frustrated by insurance limitations and persistent pain, he ultimately made the painful choice to come home. It was a decision rooted not in a lack of faith, but in necessity.
Once home, further testing revealed the true source of his suffering: a cyst on his spine between the L4 and L5 vertebrae. The discovery brought both clarity and frustration. For months, Elder Glazner endured significant pain, relying heavily on over-the-counter medication—going through seven or eight large bottles of Tylenol in an attempt to manage daily discomfort. Doctors attempted injections to burst the cysts, which were technically successful, yet the pain remained. Eight months later, nerve ablation procedures were performed in hopes of reducing the ongoing nerve pain.
During his recovery, Elder Glazner experienced another setback. While working out with a friend, he tore tissue around his synovial band, requiring surgery. Yet even during this prolonged period of physical hardship, his service never stopped.
Rather than stepping away from missionary work entirely, Elder Glazner continued serving through a service mission based in Saratoga Springs. His contributions came in many forms. He consistently pushed through pain to attend meetings, serve in leadership roles, and support those around him. His missionary meetings were initially held on Sundays but later transitioned to Monday nights to better meet the needs of those involved. He was called to serve as both a district leader and a zone leader, responsibilities that required organization, mentorship, and emotional support for other missionaries.
On Fridays, Elder Glazner was able to circle back to his roots and volunteer with the Wrecked Neck Racing Mentorship Program volunteering to teach kids ages 13-18 in welding and automotive. Elder Glazner had participated in this program building demolition derby cars in 2021 during his senior year at Payson High School.
Elder Glazner also helped students prepare for and attend a welding expo with Payson High School’s welding class. Staying deeply connected to the welding and mechanics world he loved—all while continuing to serve others through his mission.
In these roles, Elder Glazner administered to his district not only through formal leadership but also through friendship. He helped with service projects, offered encouragement, and showed by example what it meant to endure faithfully through the entirety of his mission.
Recently released from his mission, Elder Evan Glazner now looks ahead with determination and clarity. He hopes to become a certified welding instructor and is currently saving for the required courses and examinations while continuing to practice and refine his skills.
Elder Glazner’s mission is not defined by shortened timelines or unexpected medical challenges. Instead, it is defined by perseverance, humility, and a deep commitment to serving others. Through pain, uncertainty, and recovery, he chose to keep giving—demonstrating that faith is often shown not in perfect circumstances, but in the decision to continue forward, one difficult step at a time.
Submitted by Sarisha and Tyler Warner
