What's Up With LDS Missionaries?

You've probably seen them with their white shirts, ties and black name tags. Maybe they were ridding their bikes in your neighborhood, or maybe they knocked on your door. Maybe they even taught someone you know. You may have also seen a movie or play where they are represented. Missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are everywhere, and are growing in force every week. Here are some facts that may help clear misconceptions, and help you understand more about what they do:

• Young missionaries serve full-time for 18 months - 2 years (Sisters serve for 18 months, elders for 2 years)

• Young men can serve at age 18 if they have graduated from high school, and young women at age 19.

(Yes, that's me on the right)

• Retired couples are also called to serve missions. They can serve full or part-time, anywhere from 8 months to 2 years.

• Missionaries are called to serve anywhere in the world. They do not know where they will go when they apply, but are willing to go anywhere. They could serve one state away, or in a country across the world. They could be speaking a native language or learning a new one. A few weeks after they submitted their application, they receive a large, white envelope announcing where they have been called to serve, and what language they will be speaking.

• All missionaries are first trained in one of 15 Missionary Training Centers (MTC) around the world. Their stay can be from 2 weeks to 9 weeks, depending on if they are learning a language. The largest MTC is located in Provo, Utah, but others are located in Mexico, Spain, England, Brazil, and other countries.

• In the MTC they study in class rooms, practice teaching, and learn in devotionals.

• Each mission is a geographic area that is presided by a mission president and his wife. Around 200 elder, sister and couple missionaries work in each mission.

(me with a companion and my Mission President's wife)

• There are approximately 405 missions in the world.

• There are approximately 75,000 missionaries.

• Each missionary serves completely voluntarily. There is no compensation for their service. In fact, missionaries, or their families save their money for years to have this special opportunity.

• Male missionaries are addressed with the title of "elder", and female missionaries with the title of "sister". 

• Missionaries are always with a companion, or other missionary of their same gender. They do not know their companion before hand, and may serve with them anywhere between 6 weeks and several months.

• Missionaries work very hard, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They have one day a week called Preparation Day, where they shop, do laundry, wash the car, and play sports or do another activity. 

• Missionaries are permitted to only phone home twice a year..on Mother's Day and Christmas. This helps them maintain focus on their work, and keeps homesickness at a minimum. They can write letters or e-mails to family and friends each Preparation Day.

• Missionaries rotate the areas they serve in. Some are in an area for a very short time---6 weeks, others for much longer. If the missionary is moving, they typically only have a day or two notice.

(Me and a group of missionaries I served with.)

• Missionary schedules may vary slightly depending on the country, but a typical missionary schedule is:
• 6:30am-wake up
• Exercise for 30 minutes
• Shower/eat/get ready
• 8:00am personal gospel study (from the Bible, Book of Mormon and other teachings)
• 9:00am companion gospel study
• 10:00am leave apartment to preach the gospel
• 9:00pm return and plan for the next day
• 10:30pm retire

(Me..2nd from left..and a group of sister missionaries with someone who was baptized.)

• The primary purpose of a missionary is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. They talk to anyone they meet about how their Savior can provide comfort and healing in their lives. They talk about the importance of family and how God has a plan for us and our families. When an individual or family show interest in the church, they set up regular appointments with the elders or sisters. The missionaries also help them keep commitments to read the scriptures, pray and attend church meetings. All of this helps them to develop faith in Jesus Christ, repent, and prepare to be baptized. (Learn more about what missionaries teach HERE).

I was blessed to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I served in northern California. I absolutely loved my experiences. It was very hard work, but very rewarding. I learned to be more bold, and to serve others more selflessly. I made many wonderful friends, and had many powerful experiences. I feel like I really came to know my Savior Jesus Christ. My mission prepared me in so many ways for marriage and motherhood. My husband also served a mission (southern California), and I feel like we are more disciplined and capable as a couple because of our experiences. 

If you are interested in learning more about the church from the LDS missionaries, click HERE, or comment below.

I've been thinking a lot about missionaries because my little brother left TODAY for his two-year mission in Spain, and my other little brother returns from his mission to Brazil in a few weeks. I am so proud of them and grateful for their willingness to serve!