Mission Question

[OneEternalSonata]

I feel called to serve a mission. If there is a way I desire to know it. Am I clean? Yes. Do I have a testimony of my Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ? Absolutely. Just as I know Joseph to be a prophet because the truth of his calling is manifest by the revelation of the Spirit. The Lord has shown me time and again that I belong in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To leave it would be the utmost betrayal of my Heavenly Father, and my soul abhors the very thought. I am His. You might be wondering by now what is stopping me from serving a mission, since I feel this way. Well, I have always been told I'm "honorably excused" from serving in the field due to my disability. I ache to my very center that I might serve my God in this capacity. Should I be content with my lot? Do I need to just humble myself into acceptance? Or... press forward boldly, nobly until I've paved a path to this desire?

[Misshalfway]

You should apply and see what happens. There are many options for missionary service for people with disabilities. I just learned of a new call center mission where missionaries officially proslyte online. Go to your leaders and talk it over.

[Mahone]

Had the same thing happen to me. I was given one alternative. As you live in the USA, your options may be considerably more varied. But wherever you are, there is generally something that you can do as viable alternative to a proselytizing mission. Ask your bishop.

[puf_the_majic_dragon]

Apply and see what happens, like Misshalfway says. They might let you serve a full time mission. If they don't, you can serve a stake mission - which is pretty much identical to a full time mission in most respects, except you don't leave home. You can also serve a service mission, such as working at the Bishop's Storehouse or employment center in your area - which counts as a full time calling. In both cases you get a name tag and a lot of the blessings of a full time mission. There are also other options available, depending on your situation and where you live.

Don't know if you ever saw God's Army (and I know, I know, a lot of that movie was doctrinally junk) but there was a character in there who was a full time missionary with brain cancer. While the movie is fictional, there are real life instances where people with disabilities and illnesses do get special dispensations to serve full time missions. So if you ask me, it's worth a shot.

BTW - this seems as good a place to mention it as any - I just turned in my papers If I have any disability, it's that I turn 26 (which is the cut-off age) in less than a month.

[Guest xforeverxmetalx]

random yet relevant question

exactly what kind of disabilities would possibly make someone unable to serve a mission? obviously those that make it impossible or extremely difficult, but dunno where the line is exactly

[pam]

Let me give one example of someone who would be allowed a "limited" mission. Limited as to where he could serve.

I have a friend who's son would like to serve a mission but is an insulin dependent diabetic. He's gone into shock several times due to it. He's been told he could serve a mission as long as it is stateside. I think it's to give him medical access should he need it. Not to say he can't get that somewhere else..but that is what he has been told.

[puf_the_majic_dragon]

random yet relevant question

exactly what kind of disabilities would possibly make someone unable to serve a mission? obviously those that make it impossible or extremely difficult, but dunno where the line is exactly

Not sure. I got a cousin (in law) with acute schizophrenia who went on a mission. Lasted about 6 months, though, before he had to come home and get back on medication. I'd think severe down syndrome might be one thing - there's a guy in my ward with down syndrome. He holds the priesthood and I really admire how diligent he is in serving within that calling, but I don't think he'd be able to serve a full time mission. Autism may be another one, depending on its severity and doctor's recommendations. I think that's really what it boils down to - what do the doctors, and your bishop, say?

:edit:

Justin, the down syndrome kid, I'm sure would be allowed to serve a service mission if he had a desire to do so. I can't imagine that they wouldn't be able to find a place for him to serve in that capacity.

Edited October 28, 2009 by puf_the_majic_dragon

[Guest xforeverxmetalx]

yea... guess it's not necessarily the disability but the severity, so more of an individual matter than anything you can generalize

[OneEternalSonata]

I haven't spoke with my new Bishop about it, yet. Where I lived a year ago, the Bishop didn't explain why I couldn't serve a mission very well. He was a good Bishop, just didn't have much experience with this kind of scenario. Medically, it is feasible.