Why go on a Mission?
A missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Church) is willing to devote a period of time; usually two years for men and 18 months for women, to work full-time in proselytizing and performing other church-related duties. Missionaries are unpaid and expected to support themselves financially, either through savings or financial support from their family or other sources. Missionaries are typically single young men or women starting at the age of 18, and married couples may also serve as missionaries. "The purpose of missionary work is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel" of Jesus Christ and become members of the Church.
How to support missionaries serving the church?
There are several ways you can support missionaries serving in the Church:
Pray for them: One of the most important ways to support missionaries is by praying for them. They may face challenges and difficulties on their mission, and your prayers can help them stay focused and motivated.
Write letters and emails: Missionaries love to receive letters and emails from home. Taking the time to write to them and share your thoughts and experiences can be a great source of encouragement for them.
Provide financial support: Missionaries are expected to pay for their mission expenses, which can be significant. If you are able, consider helping with some of these costs. This can be especially helpful for missionaries who may be struggling financially.
Share their message: If you know someone who might be interested in learning more about the Church, consider sharing the gospel's message with them. You can also invite them to attend church services or to meet with missionaries.
Serve others: One of the best ways to support missionaries is to follow their example and serve others in your own community. By serving others, you can help create a positive environment for missionary work and demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ to those around you.
Why writing in a journal on a mission is important?
Writing in a journal on a mission can be necessary for a few reasons:
Personal reflection: Keeping a journal can provide a space for personal reflection and self-examination. As you write about your experiences and thoughts on your mission, you can better understand your beliefs and feelings.
Memory-keeping: A mission is a significant and memorable experience; a journal can help you capture and preserve those memories. As you look back on your journal in the future, you will be able to relive your experiences and remember the people and events that made your mission special.
Record of your progress: A journal can also be a helpful way to track your progress on your mission. You can record your successes and challenges to look back to see how you have grown and learned over the course of your mission.
Sharing with others: Finally, a journal can be a way to share your mission experiences with others. You can share your journal with your family and friends or even with future generations. This can help them understand and appreciate your work and the impact you are having on the lives of others.
Is it worth serving a mission for the Church?
Serving a mission for the Church can be a rewarding and enriching experience for many people. It can provide opportunities for personal and spiritual growth and the chance to serve others and make a positive impact in the world. Many missionaries report feeling a sense of fulfillment and purpose as they share the gospel with others and help them come closer to Jesus Christ.
That said, serving a mission is only for some and can be a significant commitment. Missionaries are expected to work long hours and follow strict rules and guidelines. They must also be self-sufficient or have financial support from family or other sources. It's essential to consider whether serving a mission is right for you. Carefully talk to your family and church leaders about your decision.
Ultimately, the decision to serve a mission is personal and should be made with careful thought and prayer. If you feel a strong desire to serve a mission and believe it is the right decision for you, it can be a rewarding and meaningful experience.
Best advice for missionaries
Here are a few pieces of advice for missionaries:
Keep the commandments and follow the mission rules: As a missionary, you are a representative of the Church, and it's essential always to strive to live up to the Church's standards. This includes following the mission rules, which are guidelines that help missionaries stay focused on their work and stay safe.
Focus on the gospel: The primary purpose of your mission is to invite others to come unto Christ and learn about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Make sure you are well-studied and prepared to teach about the gospel and share your testimony with others.
Be obedient and respectful: Your mission president and other church leaders have been called of God to lead and guide you on your mission. Make sure to follow their counsel and be obedient to their direction. Also, be respectful of the people you are teaching and the cultures in which you are serving.
Work hard: As a missionary, you will work long hours and face challenges and setbacks. But remember that your work is essential and will have a lasting impact on the people you serve. Stay focused and work hard to fulfill your responsibilities as a missionary.
Have fun: Remember to enjoy your mission and make the most of this unique experience. Having fun and making memories with your fellow missionaries and the people you meet is okay. Just make sure to balance fun with your responsibilities as a missionary.
Serving a mission for the church will bless your life.
Serving a mission for the Church can be a rewarding and enriching experience that can bless your life in many ways. Here are a few examples:
Personal and spiritual growth: As a missionary, you will have the opportunity to grow in your faith and knowledge of the gospel. You will also have the chance to develop christlike qualities such as discipline, diligence, and compassion.
Service to others: One of the primary purposes of a mission is to serve others. You will have the opportunity to help people come closer to Jesus Christ and to improve their lives in various ways. This service can be profoundly fulfilling and help you develop greater compassion and love for others.
Cultural and personal experiences: Serving a mission can also be an excellent opportunity to learn about different cultures and to have new experiences. You will have the chance to live in another part of the world and to interact with people from different backgrounds. These experiences can broaden your perspective and help you become more understanding and compassionate.
Leadership development: As a missionary, you will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills as you work with others to achieve common goals. These skills can be valuable in your personal and professional life and can help you become a more effective and influential leader.
Eternal blessings: Finally, serving a mission can bring eternal blessings. The Church teaches that through missionary work, we can help bring people closer to Jesus Christ and help them receive the blessings of the gospel. As we serve others, we can also receive the blessings of the gospel in our own lives.