The Errand of Angels: What is a Mission?

I am going to be a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by the end of this month!

For all of you who are unfamiliar with what a LDS/Mormon missionary does, or for you that just want to learn more about my mission journey, here is some information so you know what 52,000 people (including myself) are currently volunteering to do (If you only have a few minutes, you can watch a video here or read an article here):

1. Who traditionally serves an LDS misison? Unmarried men age 18+, unmarried women age 19+ (most men and women go before 25), and senior couples  (like my parents!)

2. How long do LDS missionaries serve for? men serve for two years, women 18 months, and senior couples have a couple options for length of time (my parents have always chosen the 23 month missions)

3. How much do LDS missionaries get paid? Guess what? Nothing! We actually volunteer our time and pay our own way on missions. Missions cost about $400/month (very reasonably priced)

4. How do people prepare to serve and LDS mission? What I did, was attended some mission prep classes, and essentially tried to learn the gospel better. I have tried to attend visit an LDS temple weekly (what are LDS temples? Click here). I have also tried to volunteer at the MTC (Missionary Training Center) TRC (Training Resource Center) as often as possible. At the TRC, missionaries in the MTC teach you lessons as they are preparing to enter the mission field. When I start my mission, I will enter the MTC myself for three works and learn how to teach the gospel to others. Following that time, I will fly to Florida and begin working with people there.

5. What is a daily LDS missionary schedule like? On Mormon.org they explain: "A common morning for a missionary might consist of waking up at 6:30 a.m., studying the scriptures, and meeting new people to share the gospel with. The afternoon might include discussing gospel lessons with people they meet and volunteering for service in the community. A good night has them teaching the gospel to interested individuals and helping them learn and keep God's commandments or attending a baptismal service for someone who's decided to join the Church. They return home around 9:30 p.m. and fall into bed, usually exhausted and happy."

6. What do LDS missionaries teach? We teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and invite all people to come unto Him. The gospel of Jesus Christ helps us find eternal happiness, with our families, in this life and the life to come. Like Mormon.org says, "The wisdom of the gospel applies to everything from the purpose of life to how we approach our work, how we relate to others, even how we take care of our bodies. The teachings of Jesus Christ have more power to bring lasting happiness than all the success and pleasure the world can offer. Every message Mormon missionaries share revolves around Him and how His Atonement and ordinances allow us to return to live with our Father in Heaven and our families in heaven."

7. Do LDS missionaries get to "normal everyday" things? I'm unsure how to better define "normal everyday" things besides this.... Serving a mission is a sacrifice. For young men and women on a mission, they cannot have a job (missionary work is their job), cannot date, cannot attend school, usually cannot go onto Facebook or blogs, cannot call home (except twice a year on Christmas and Mother's Day). Missionaries correspond with family members through email once-a-week and with friends through letters. Missionaries should be focused and helping others come unto Christ and want to dedicate their time and energies to doing exactly that. Senior couples have obviously more relaxed rules. For my parents in their mission, they can do anything that they would normally do, but leave their mission boundaries without permission from their Mission President. THE "SACRIFICE" IS WORTH IT!

I would encourage you to go to Mormon.org and read up more about LDS missionary work. I will post soon about WHY I am going on a mission. I am so excited to go!!