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Mormon Missionaries Articles
Two missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths, the “Mormon Church“) were killed in a tragic hit-and-run accident while riding their bikes in Donna, Texas. Elder Trevor R. Strong, and Elder Derek Jason Walker were killed. Elder Strong had extended his mission and only had about 3 weeks left before he was coming home from his mission. The two missionaries were faithfully serving the Lord and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the McAllen, Texas Mission . Elder Russel M. Nelson, an apostle of Jesus Christ for the Church, was in attendance at Elder Strong’s funeral. Elder Nelson said that Elder Walker “has been transferred — he is still a missionary.” He spoke words of comfort to the family.
Elder Nelson said that Elder Strong “was dutifully and completely on his errand from the Lord. He was a missionary in the loftiest sense of the word.”
For Elder Strong, missionary work... Read the rest of this article »
Since I was a little kid, I have always felt strongly and talked about going on a mission when I was old enough. It was something that I was sure I was doing, and because of that, it was something my parents felt sure about too. But something changed when I got older. When I hit the age of seventeen or so, I just didn’t feel like a mission was something that was right for me. So, like everything else in my life that I didn’t think too much about, I pushed the thought aside, only to have it brought up every once in while by my father. My father and I are a lot a like in many ways, and sometimes, I think that scares him. He could see that my behavior was just like his when he was my age, and serving a mission changed his life.
For years, my father would tell me that I should go on a mission, but instead I joined the Army. Even while I was in training and when I got home, my father persisted in his belief that I should serve. Five years after I got home from Army training, my dad and I... Read the rest of this article »
On October 25, 2002, late prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gordon B. Hinckley, addressed Mormon missionaries serving in Philadelphia. A main thrust of President Hinckley’s message was for the missionaries to live and teach by the spirit — the Holy Ghost — which enlightens, edifies and witnesses of the truth. Short excerpts of his discourse follow:
…lift your heads out of the book—instead of just quoting from rote, to speak by the power and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and in so doing to speak into the hearts of the people. In this city of brotherly love, where people are so mean and unfriendly and have dogs that bark at you and all of those things, you just have to rely on the Spirit of the Lord, and you won’t have that Spirit unless you ask for it and work for it. I believe that with all my heart.
“And ye shall go forth in the power of my Spirit, preaching my gospel, two by two, in my name” (D&C 42:6).
I was... Read the rest of this article »
By Kim W. Nelson.
Every Mormon missionary gains an appreciation for the areas where they serve. For most, their mission, no matter where it is, becomes a new adoptive home. I was in awe of the beauty, the culture, and history of my new homeland, Germany. I gained an even greater appreciation, however, for the German people. In particular, the members of the church had a remarkable influence on me. I reserve a special place in my heart for those good people to this day. One member comes to mind that instilled this love for the German saints in a very different way.
While serving in Nürnberg, I was the junior companion to Dave Williams the Zone Leader. We met regularly with the local district in their weekly meeting, which was under the direction of District Leader, Alan Hackney. I enjoyed listening to Brother Hackney because his thick Kentucky southern drawl had a way of softening the German language in an almost melodic way. Each agenda included assignments for dinner invitations... Read the rest of this article »
By Kyle.
I grew up hearing great things about serving a Mormon mission. I had heard the amazing stories and experiences of friends who had gone before me. Almost everyone who had served described it as one of the best experiences of their lives. I just expected that if I went I was going to have those same things to say afterward.
I was assigned to serve in the England Birmingham Mission, and unlike some of my friends who had to learn new languages, I simply had to adjust to some new accents and a couple new words. I thought it would be easy. I had become quite skilled at public speaking while growing up and felt I also had a solid knowledge of the scriputres and the Church. I was confident that I could teach and open the eyes of anyone.
Wrong.
I was humbled faster than you can imagine. I quickly realized my weaknesses, as they were made known in almost every situation I was placed in during the first few days. I can remember coming home one night after spending all day talking to people... Read the rest of this article »
“HIS THOUGHTS ARE NOT OUR THOUGHTS, HIS WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS”
By Karisna.
We can’t really fathom what our Father in Heaven is thinking, because His thoughts are not our thoughts; His ways are not our ways.”
When I was a child, I loved to dream. Having been brought up by a father who was deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, my first dream was to become a Catholic nun. I always loved seeing nuns in their habits and loved seeing how people reverenced them. Another reason I wanted to be a nun is simple: I love God. I wanted to offer my life to Him for all the goodness He had given me, for the family He gave me, and the lists goes on and on.
When I told my older sister about my dream, she told me that if I became a nun, I would be locked up in a convent and would never be able to see my father or mother again! Imagine the horror that brought to my six-year-old mind. So, becoming a nun was taken off of my dream list. I am the youngest in my family, which is why I am particularly... Read the rest of this article »
Members of the Mormon Church believe that Jesus Christ has commanded them to take the Gospel to every creature, to every nation, tongue and people.
To do this, the Mormon Church has the largest missionary force of any church. Nearly 55,000 at given moment are preaching the message of the Gospel as restored through living prophets like Joseph Smith.
Many people have misunderstandings or misconceptions about Mormon missionaries and what they teach. This site discusses what Mormon missionaries do as they seek to teach others about their beliefs and what those beliefs are.
What will they do when they visit me?
Some people find it scary or strange to have two young men or women come into their home and begin talking about religion with their family. For many people, religion is a very personal matter and talking about it with strangers is a new experience. Most Mormon Missionaries know this and will try to make you feel comfortable. You should feel free to express your feelings and beliefs with... Read the rest of this article »
What will the Mormon Missionaries do when
they visit me and my family?
Some people find it scary or strange to have two young men or women come into their home and begin talking about religion with their family. For many people, religion is a very personal matter and talking about it with strangers is a new experience. Most Mormon Missionaries know this and will try to make you feel comfortable. You should feel free to express your feelings and beliefs with the missionaries. Mormons believe that it is important to openly and honestly share thoughts and questions about religious beliefs, so that we can understand one another and learn.
Most likely your missionaries will want to get to know you better in order to understand what you believe about God and Jesus Christ now. You should share your beliefs openly, but without confrontation, just as the missionaries will share their beliefs. They will also want to know about your family and about you since it becomes easier to talk... Read the rest of this article »
Elder/Sister
Mormon missionaries are referred to by the titles Elder for men and Sister for women. This is to represent the fact that they are full-time Mormon Church missionaries and as such have been set apart for a special mission. They have vowed to put dating, school, and careers on hold while they preach the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Men are called Elders, because they hold the office of Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood of the Mormon Church. They serve in pairs and devote their full energies to preaching the Gospel for two years. Women in the Mormon Church do not hold priesthood offices, but nevertheless hold many important teaching and leadership positions. Since Mormons generally refer to each other as brothers and sisters, in recognition of the fact that all people are children of one Universal Father who is God, female missionaries are therefore called Sisters and serve for a period of eighteen months. All Mormon missionaries serve in pairs called companionships.
... Read the rest of this article »
Welcome to Meet Mormon Missionaries
Chances are that if you live in one of the 165 countries where Mormons live, work, and raise their families, you have met a Mormon. This person could be a coworker, a neighbor, a relative, or a friend. Perhaps the only Mormons you have met were the Mormon missionaries, those distinctive, well-groomed pairs of young men and women who devote up to two years of their life knocking on doors, preaching on street corners, and searching for the honest in heart with whom they can share their message.
If you have met some Mormon missionaries, they may have taught you or a family member about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly called the Mormon Church. You may have questions about what they have taught you.
Perhaps the story about Joseph Smith seeing God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ in the modern day seemed outlandish to you, or perhaps you have heard rumors that Mormons practice polygamy or worship a different Jesus. This... Read the rest of this article »
