FAQ #1

Q:  What is a Mormon?

A: A Mormon is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Mormon, the person, was actually a prophet who compiled the records of the ancient inhabitants of the Americas, now known as The Book of Mormon.

Q:  Who goes on missions?

A: Many young men and women choose to serve a mission for the Church. You've probably seen some of them where you live! The guys can serve at age 19 and girls at age 21. They're easy to spot--they are dressed conservatively, the boys in white shirts, ties, and dark suits, the girls in very modest skirts and dresses. Often they are on foot or on bikes, although many missions have cars, depending on mission variables like geography, etc. "Mish Girl" travels mostly by metro.

Talk to them, they are friendly and non-aggressive! They are just looking for an opportunity to share the message of Jesus Christ. They are also available to help with any service needed in the areas they serve.

In addition to these young people, senior sisters and couples often serve missions as well, after retirement. Why sit home in a rocking chair when you can be out there doing some good?!

Q: How long do missionaries serve?

A: Boys for 24 months, girls for 18 months.  Senior missionaries can pretty much choose how long they want to serve.

Q: Are missionaries trained?

A: Yes, they receive some training prior to entering the mission field. This is done at a Missionary Training Center (MTC). There are several MTC's around the world, with the largest one being in Provo, Utah. This is where missionaries are taught skills related to teaching the gospel, and how to speak the language of the mission in which they'll serve. This is a total immersion type, intense language study! It's pretty impressive--a vast number of languages are taught there! Who knew "Mish Girl" could actually learn to speak Russian???

English speaking missionaries usually spend about three weeks at the MTC. Those going to foreign speaking missions spend longer, depending on the difficulty of the language. "Mish Girl" was at the MTC for eleven weeks! I guess Russian is a tough language to learn!

Q:  Do missionaries choose where they want to go?

A: Nope. They simply put their trust in the Lord and turn in their paperwork. Thedecisions about who serves where are made by the Priesthood leadership of the Church, through inspiration. It's always amazing to come to realize how PERFECT a mission call is for someone! As for "Mish girl," we never even DREAMED she would go to Russia, yet when the call came, we immediately knew it was "meant to be!"

Q:  Are they safe?

A:  Yes. Missionaries serve in "companionships" of two, which means they are ALWAYS with a companion, 24/7.