LDS missions

[Misshalfway]

I would love to sit and hear you all tell your stories.

Woooo.....are you sure?

That might mean that I lock you in my house and force you to watch my extraordinarily long slide show set to music from the 80's. :lol:

[jimuk]

Woooo.....are you sure?

That might mean that I lock you in my house and force you to watch my extraordinarily long slide show set to music from the 80's. :lol:

I love your posts Misshalfway, you can be so serious at times, but you can also be so funny.

Thank you.

[deseretgov]

When are you suppose to go on your mission ( age range ??)

Male= 19-26 I think

Female= 21 and up

Are the missions encouraged by the Church??

Yes.

Are they paid for by the Church ??

No. Member of teh church contribute to the missionary fund. The fund then is distributed to according to the needs of missionaries in a particular area. Example: The cost of living in teh Philippines is much less than the cost of living in England.

Are you going on your mission as a group of LDS?? ( or solo )

Missionaries always work in pairs occasionlly there will be a set of three. But as far as going to the mission. A missionary will arrive at the MTC(Missionary Training Center). There he/she will be assigned to a district and branch(usually made up of other missionaries going to the same or nearby missions). He/she will also get a companion. After training the missionaries will travel to their area. Sometimes they will be with other missionaries or sometimes alone. I was going to the same mission as a sister missionary so it was just us two for a while.

Who picks your destination ?? ( do you have any say in where you might like to go )

The prophet. Nope you don't get any say.

What exactly, are you suppose to do on your mission??

teach people about the Restored Gospel of Jesus CHrist.

Where do you live?? Do you try and get a job on mission ??

A missionary will live in an apartment. The mission is incharge of finding and renting apartments. A missionary is not allowed to have a job on a mission.

Do you report to anyone while on mission??

Yes. A companionship will report to their District leader. A District leader will report to the Zone leader. The Zone leader will report to the Assistants to teh President and to the President. Every Missionary will also send a weekly letter to the Mission President. There are also various meetings and interviews.

Where does your " money to live on " come from??

Already explained above.

Can you say " NO " to a mission??

Yep. We are encouraged to go on missions but it is up to the individual.

Is a completed mission one of the criteria to be Temple worthy??

Nope.

Man, answering these questions is starting to make me homesick for my mission. Dang......

[tubaloth]

Doesn't the LDS church pay for the plane fares to and from?

I guess that’s how you can look at it. The missionary or mostly the missionary’s family pays the church (local ward) money each month.

The mission expenses are paid from the church to the missionary. A plane ticket is given to the missionary when he reports to MTC. I think if you have to fly to an MTC the parents have to pay for that (But I’m not sure).

When you fill out the papers to apply for a mission, can the potential missionary suggest places he would like to go to? (My nephew desperately wanted to go to Scotland and he got his wish)

I don’t remember if there is a place for suggestions. I think the only thing that kind of comes up is if you want to go on a foreign mission (I can’t remember for sure). You do put down if you know any other languages. Most of the information on missionary papers actually comes from the bishop and or Stake President. During my mission (To Spokane Washington) I was called to be the Mission President Secretary. I guess because my bishop had written I knew a lot about computers.

How does the missionary get his/her monthly allowance, when he/she is in the mission field? (that he has saved up prior to going on a mission)

Like I said on the first one. Money is paid to the Church. In the early days each family was responsible for the amount for the mission area they are sent to. But now the church has evened things out. It’s a flat rate for every missionary/family.

When I got into my mission in Spokane Washington, they had a member in the area already set up a bank account for me. They gave me all the info for the bank account, and each month money would be deposited in that account.

What percentage of LDS have served a mission ( half, most, few ?? )

I would say now days, most Guys serve a mission (I would guess its more then 70%) Even though from what I hear, a lot of these Returne missionaries end up falling away. I'm not sure how many, but it seems higher then it should.

Do missions overlap ( as we speak, are some just starting, some almost done, some in the middle )??

Yes, every Weds in the MTC in Provo Utah there are missionaries reporting. MTC stands for Missionary Training Center. (they are all over the world) If you are going to a mission that requires learning a foreign language then you learn that at the MTC (and you are there longer) if you don’t need to learn a language then you just learn the basics of how to teach people the gospel.

So missionaries are always coming and going. Every month in our mission we got new missionaries and others left.

Can it be dangerous ( depending on what Country your sent ) to go on a mission?? say, China for example??

Yes, but not every country has missionaries. There aren’t any in China, there was some in Hong Kong where my brother in Law went, but I don’t know if they still have some there (at least not official called ones)

But just today we learned about missionaries in Australia that got stabbed by somebody. I guess one got stabbed in the back, the companion had more defensive cuts.

That doesn’t happen that often, I would say its probably more likely for the missionary to get sick for a time because of the different countries.

For those who have served a mission, have you found that you were welcomed by the majority, or not so much??

It depends on many different things. People that had heard some strange ideas about the LDS church, would care less about learning anything, they had already made up there mind. Others never heard a thing, and the whole idea of Christ coming to the America’s wowed them enough! Each area is different, each person is different.

did you find the experience humbling, hard, exciting, lonely,etc???

All of the above. You go through so many different things on a mission and sense most of us guys are only 19 or 20 years old its kind of a growing experience. From becoming Senior Companion, or some Leadership calling, to having companions you thought you were going to kill it all happens on a mission!

Would you encourage your kids to also serve a mission??

Yes! For an LDS guy there really isn’t anything better for them to do. You jump leaps and bounds in just growing your testimony, learning the Gospel and so forth. I think the same thing can happen to those that don’t go on a mission, it just takes a lot longer.

But the encourage for kids is more sharing the stories that I had on my mission. We all have our missionary journals. We all had those days that you well always remember, from fighting with your companion to redo a baptismal program, to getting your bike stolen, to having a baptism all in the same day.

Its wonderful!

[bmy-]

I was an outsider.. about half a year ago. [and] People still expect me to go and then look at me like I have horns when they found out I didn't go on a mission.

If you choose not to go you'll be treated differently. Plain and simple. If I miss a week of church I hear things like 'I wonder if he even believes the gospel anymore? You know.. he probably doesn't. He chose not to go on a mission'

I understand why people who choose not to go are treated differently. It's because the 'mission experience' does make you a better person. You learn all sorts of things you wouldn't have learned otherwise. But people -please- take into account there are other useful things in life outside of a mission. Like going to college, working full time, service projects, etc. Try not to judge people for 'what' they are but rather for 'who' they are.

[slightly disgruntled ]

That being said -- that's the only negative i've seen come out of this system. (Outside of most RMs getting married before they're academically or finanically stable.) The missionaries that got me baptized were awesome guys.

[Misshalfway]

I was an outsider.. about half a year ago. [and] People still expect me to go and then look at me like I have horns when they found out I didn't go on a mission.

If you choose not to go you'll be treated differently. Plain and simple. If I miss a week of church I hear things like 'I wonder if he even believes the gospel anymore? You know.. he probably doesn't. He chose not to go on a mission'

I understand why people who choose not to go are treated differently. It's because the 'mission experience' does make you a better person. You learn all sorts of things you wouldn't have learned otherwise. But people -please- take into account there are other useful things in life outside of a mission. Like going to college, working full time, service projects, etc. Try not to judge people for 'what' they are but rather for 'who' they are.

[slightly disgruntled ]

That being said -- that's the only negative i've seen come out of this system. (Outside of most RMs getting married before they're academically or finanically stable.) The missionaries that got me baptized were awesome guys.

Not everyone judges this way. Please know that. But I will acknowledge that some struggle over judging others based on really lame outward measures.

In my time in the mission field and then working with missionaries at the MTC, I know first hand that missionaries are not all created equal! What I mean is that simply going on a mission isn't a guarantee of righteousness that everyone thinks it is. Most missionaries are absolutely awesome. Some blow it. I think that there is more to people than their "mission" status and I wish for the Saints to open their eyes too and judge on the heart not against the perfect mormon picture. Like any of us are a perfect picture anyway......

[Moksha]

All this missionary talk has convinced me...

Moksha on a mission!

(just need a companion - already have

a white shirt)

[ztodd]

Go for it Moksha, you'll be awesome! :)

[skippy740]

In addition, I truly believe that even if they do not " convert " someone to the LDS faith, I ABSOLUTLY believe they have had countless situations where they have helped others get a little closer to the LORD. For that and that alone, I admire them and Ceeboo's door is always open to these fine young blessed people.

Peace,

Carl

Not to mention THEMSELVES! The most important person a missionary needs to bring closer to the Lord is themselves.

Serving a mission is a great opportunity. There are many blessings for those being taught, those who are teaching, and those who SENT the missionary (wards & families).

[bmy-]

Not everyone judges this way. Please know that. But I will acknowledge that some struggle over judging others based on really lame outward measures.

In my time in the mission field and then working with missionaries at the MTC, I know first hand that missionaries are not all created equal! What I mean is that simply going on a mission isn't a guarantee of righteousness that everyone thinks it is. Most missionaries are absolutely awesome. Some blow it. I think that there is more to people than their "mission" status and I wish for the Saints to open their eyes too and judge on the heart not against the perfect mormon picture. Like any of us are a perfect picture anyway......

I assume most people don't judge like that.. but for some reason.. the ones who do are the ones who you remember. [isn't that convenient ]

I've just been.. a bit taken back.. about the unbelievable pressure to go on a mission when I had been baptized less than a month prior. It was alot of..

"Hey! Congratulations on getting baptized.. so have you put your papers in for a mission yet?"

I know that they mean well though.. I really think they do.

[lagniappe]

Fun thread. I got married at 21 so didn't get the chance to even think about serving a mission (I'm a female, obviously), but I'd love to serve one as an old fogey one day. My dream mission would be to go somewhere in Africa I think.

The next time you're bored go to youtube and type in "mission call" and you can watch people's reactions to finding out where they'll be serving. Some of them are really funny. And of course most are very sweet. Receiving and opening one's mission call is often a great big production. Family and friends are summoned, bets are places, laughter and tears are shared. I came across one where someone's brother had swapped out the real mission call (it arrives in a large white envelope via snail mail for those that don't know) for a fake. Ha ha ha! Isn't that terrible?

Edited October 19, 2008 by lagniappe

[Guest TheLutheran]

Hope this question is inline with my little Catholic bro, Ceeboo's, original post about the LDS mission program.

Our youngest daughter is dating an LDS boy and we, quite frankly, love him to pieces. He's honorable, humble, honest and hard-working -- the 4 H's that melt the hearts of any farm family worth their salt. He's also naturally interested in agriculture which pretty much elevates him to god (with a little "g") status in the eyes of Mr. TheLutheran. According to our daughter's LDS friends, he wasn't very LDS when they began dating over a year ago, but things have ramped up in the interim and he will likely serve a mission.

What are the "rules" for communicating with missionaries while in the field? (Especially for non-family members.) Can we send $$ directly to him from time to time? I understand and appreciate the benefits of young men and women learning to survive on meager budgets, but, just like our kids in college, a couple of unexpected bucks now and then can really be a boost.

I can't claim to know his heart, but I can report from an "outsider's position" and I believe this young man is under EXTREME pressure to serve a mission. He was born in the church, Dad served a mission, both parents have huge LDS families and he has 3 younger brothers for which to set an example. He is also a gifted athlete and flirts with the notion of post-high school sports.

Another question: How "real" or "balanced" are returned missionaries in their fireside presentations? The reason I ask is that we hosted an exchange student from Finland five years ago. He had a very difficult time adjusting to our culture and language. In fact, he was removed from our home for viewing porn on our computers! Yet, he was expected to make the rounds talking up his U.S. experience and did so with gusto! Do returned missionaries "tell it like it is" or are they expected to promote the experience regardless of their personal experience?

Final question: Are there stats available for returned missionaries that remain active? I personally know of a couple of missionaries who, given the restriction on media and reading materials, discovered things they had never known about The Church and its history via approved LDS materials and, subsequently, became inactive (or requested removal from the rolls) after their return from missionary service.

The customary term of missionary service (age 19-21 for boys) is such a prime time for self-discovery! I'm sure that some of their maturation would have occurred whether they went to college, began full-time employment or served in the Peace Corps. Too bad there isn't a precise way to decipher which aspects of their experience were directly related to their promotion of the LDS faith and which would have occurred regardless.

[Starfish]

Hope this question is inline with my little Catholic bro, Ceeboo's, original post about the LDS mission program.

Our youngest daughter is dating an LDS boy and we, quite frankly, love him to pieces. He's honorable, humble, honest and hard-working -- the 4 H's that melt the hearts of any farm family worth their salt. He's also naturally interested in agriculture which pretty much elevates him to god (with a little "g") status in the eyes of Mr. TheLutheran. According to our daughter's LDS friends, he wasn't very LDS when they began dating over a year ago, but things have ramped up in the interim and he will likely serve a mission.

What are the "rules" for communicating with missionaries while in the field? (Especially for non-family members.) Can we send $$ directly to him from time to time? I understand and appreciate the benefits of young men and women learning to survive on meager budgets, but, just like our kids in college, a couple of unexpected bucks now and then can really be a boost.

I can't claim to know his heart, but I can report from an "outsider's position" and I believe this young man is under EXTREME pressure to serve a mission. He was born in the church, Dad served a mission, both parents have huge LDS families and he has 3 younger brothers for which to set an example. He is also a gifted athlete and flirts with the notion of post-high school sports.

Another question: How "real" or "balanced" are returned missionaries in their fireside presentations? The reason I ask is that we hosted an exchange student from Finland five years ago. He had a very difficult time adjusting to our culture and language. In fact, he was removed from our home for viewing porn on our computers! Yet, he was expected to make the rounds talking up his U.S. experience and did so with gusto! Do returned missionaries "tell it like it is" or are they expected to promote the experience regardless of their personal experience?

Final question: Are there stats available for returned missionaries that remain active? I personally know of a couple of missionaries who, given the restriction on media and reading materials, discovered things they had never known about The Church and its history via approved LDS materials and, subsequently, became inactive (or requested removal from the rolls) after their return from missionary service.

The customary term of missionary service (age 19-21 for boys) is such a prime time for self-discovery! I'm sure that some of their maturation would have occurred whether they went to college, began full-time employment or served in the Peace Corps. Too bad there isn't a precise way to decipher which aspects of their experience were directly related to their promotion of the LDS faith and which would have occurred regardless.

I've never served a mission, but I sent my boyfriend off on one many years ago, and married him when he got home. Also I sent three sons on missions. May I answer a few of your questions?

If your daughter's boyfriend goes, it will be the best decision of his life. A mission produces maturity, humility, and wisdom, that can't be equaled any other way. I KNOW how tough it is to say goodbye, but to stand in his way and inhibit this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is a great tragedy.

There are only a few "rules" that I can think of. First of all, no phone calls, other than twice a year, which he gets to make to his family. Send letters. I wrote to my boyfriend twice a week for the entire two years. That was probably over the top, once a week is plenty. But they live for their mail. His family will use email, but for most missions this is not allowed for anyone other than family. Actually a letter in her handwriting is more meaningful.

Keep the letters light and encouraging. Soppy letters of how much he is missed doesn't help him. He's likely struggling with homesickness, and doesn't need to know his loved ones are struggling as well. Don't include mushiness. He's trying to keep his mind off girls and romance. This is a huge distraction. He will LOVE all news and updates of home!

The extreme pressure is from those who love him the most. They KNOW the blessings of a mission and to see their son/friend miss out, would be devastating. I have NO DOUBT that my marriage has been blessed these many years, due to my husband's mission. Being non-LDS you can't possibly understand this, and that's okay. But please trust us who have been there, to choose not to go is a huge loss. Someday, he will have a son who is struggling with the decision of a mission, and he will want to say, "I did it. Do as I did. It was one of the best things I ever did."

Returned missionaries are encouraged to tell the "positive". However, in conversation with any of them, they will be honest and open. It's just that in a public speech, there are young men listening who are on the verge of choosing to go. Missions are anything but easy, but always worth it if you go with the right attitude.

I don't know the rate of activity of returned missionaries. I would like to add that I would discourage my daughter from marrying a young man who turned down the chance to serve a mission. This says a lot about his testimony and commitment to God. These aspects of one's character are too important in a spouse and future father to her children. That is if she wants an LDS home and hopes her sons will be missionaries some day. I just wouldn't recommend the risk.

[Guest TheLutheran]

I've never served a mission, but I sent my boyfriend off on one many years ago, and married him when he got home. Also I sent three sons on missions. . .

. . .That is if she wants an LDS home and hopes her sons will be missionaries some day. I just wouldn't recommend the risk.

Thanks, Starfish, for your informative response. As I titled my previous post "Support for missionaries" it's pretty clear we do not intend to interfere with the boyfriend's mission. We want to know how we can be supportive!! (BTW -- can we send $$ to him directly or not??)

I'm pretty sure an "LDS home" is not a goal for our daughter and that very issue may be the demise of this relationship. Nevertheless, we love our daughter and this kid and want to be as supportive as possible.

[Guest ceeboo]

Thanks, Starfish, for your informative response. As I titled my previous post "Support for missionaries" it's pretty clear we do not intend to interfere with the boyfriend's mission. We want to know how we can be supportive!! (BTW -- can we send $$ to him directly or not??)

I'm pretty sure an "LDS home" is not a goal for our daughter and that very issue may be the demise of this relationship. Nevertheless, we love our daughter and this kid and want to be as supportive as possible.

Hello TheLutheran,

Your loving support is truly admirable :):)

BTW, If you find that you can not send money to him directly, you can send it to me and I will be sure to make sure he gets it .:):)

God bless,

Carl ( your little Catholic bro )

[checkerboy]

I would like to add that I would discourage my daughter from marrying a young man who turned down the chance to serve a mission. This says a lot about his testimony and commitment to God. These aspects of one's character are too important in a spouse and future father to her children. That is if she wants an LDS home and hopes her sons will be missionaries some day. I just wouldn't recommend the risk.

Although I agreed with most of your post I have to say I am disappointed in this last statement. While you do have the right to do whatever you want with your children your attitude perpetuates the stigma that non-RM's have in the church. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a person that doesn't serve a mission. People make mistakes. People can repent. I know lots of people that never served missions that are called to high and lofty callings in the church and have never waivered in their devotion. Just because someone makes a judgement error in their youth is no reason to get them blacklisted for time and all eternity.

[Moksha]

I would discourage my daughter from marrying a young man who turned down the chance to serve a mission. This says a lot about his testimony and commitment to God. These aspects of one's character are too important in a spouse and future father to her children. That is if she wants an LDS home and hopes her sons will be missionaries some day. I just wouldn't recommend the risk.

There are a lot of adult converts who never served a mission and are of good character. Likewise there are returned missionaries you would have reservations about if you got to know them.

[pam]

I totally agree with checker and Moksha. If my daughter was dating a good upstanding young man, who treated her good, respected her and respected her family..BUT had never served a mission...why would I discourage her from continuing a relationship? I've known many a young RM who I wouldn't allow in my house let alone date my daughter.

[Moksha]

Go for it Moksha, you'll be awesome! :)

Especially when I get to report back and say, "NASA, we have our first potential conversion on Altair-3. We also have reason to believe that the Horta will greatly magnify their callings".

[Starfish]

Thanks, Starfish, for your informative response. As I titled my previous post "Support for missionaries" it's pretty clear we do not intend to interfere with the boyfriend's mission. We want to know how we can be supportive!! (BTW -- can we send $$ to him directly or not??)

I'm pretty sure an "LDS home" is not a goal for our daughter and that very issue may be the demise of this relationship. Nevertheless, we love our daughter and this kid and want to be as supportive as possible.

I wasn't talking about your daughter when I mentioned my daughter, and I should have been more clear than I was. I was stressing how important missionary service is to us and sometimes forget who I'm talking to.

Writing letters to him is the best support. As far as money, I'd ask his parents. A lot depends on where he is.

Thanks for your support for your daughter's friend. You seem like very nice people.:)

[Starfish]

Although I agreed with most of your post I have to say I am disappointed in this last statement. While you do have the right to do whatever you want with your children your attitude perpetuates the stigma that non-RM's have in the church. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a person that doesn't serve a mission. People make mistakes. People can repent. I know lots of people that never served missions that are called to high and lofty callings in the church and have never waivered in their devotion. Just because someone makes a judgement error in their youth is no reason to get them blacklisted for time and all eternity.

There are a lot of adult converts who never served a mission and are of good character. Likewise there are returned missionaries you would have reservations about if you got to know them.

I totally agree with checker and Moksha. If my daughter was dating a good upstanding young man, who treated her good, respected her and respected her family..BUT had never served a mission...why would I discourage her from continuing a relationship? I've known many a young RM who I wouldn't allow in my house let alone date my daughter.

I appreciate your feelings on this, and I apologize to TheLutheran for anything they may have found unfriendly, or negative. My comment was unnecessary in my response to his/her post.

However, I stand by what I said. I wrote "a young man who turned down the chance to serve a mission", and this does not include converts. If they never had the opportunity, then they had nothing to turn down. We all know Pres. Monson never served a mission, because he didn't have the opportunity. And we all can safely assume that if possible, he would have gone.

Yes, people make mistakes, especially in their youth. However, a girl's choice for a husband is so important because she is choosing the father of her future children. Will she want her sons to serve a mission someday? Will she want her children to know their parents chose to follow the Prophet? If their dad chose not to go and still turned out fine, so to speak, will this lessen the sons reasons or motivation to go? Maybe. It's a risk.

I would advise my daughter to wait for the best, and to be worthy of him also. Wait for a young man who puts God first in his life. Who chooses to keep all the commandments. It's the responsibility and duty of every LDS young man to serve a mission, if at all possible. Our prophet said this. Disobeying the prophet is a red flag on his testimony and commitment to God. Kind of important.

Also, a mission isn't the only criteria in choosing a spouse, of course. You're right that there are some less-desirables who are RM's. But choosing not to go still sends a huge message. It sets an example to one's future children. Yes, there are exceptions, and I'd rely heavily upon the Spirit, before marriage.

Edited October 21, 2008 by Starfish

[pam]

Star, I appreciate your comments and totally understand what you are saying. I suppose it depends on a case by case, young man by young man. I just didn't want it to sound stereotyped that any man who chooses not to serve a mission for whatever personal reasons they may have would not be a worthy spouse.

[Starfish]

Star, I appreciate your comments and totally understand what you are saying. I suppose it depends on a case by case, young man by young man. I just didn't want it to sound stereotyped that any man who chooses not to serve a mission for whatever personal reasons they may have would not be a worthy spouse.

Yes, you are so right. Thank goodness we have the Spirit to direct us, because there definately are exceptions.

[Misshalfway]

We are awfully and preemptively hard on each other sometimes.

[CatchTheRedeye]

Missions sound fun. I want to go on one and I'm not even a Mormon.