Mormon Life - Missionary Work tag

{LDS How} Youth Can Share the Gospel

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:03:00 -0700

by Mandy Slack
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Teens are already self-conscious without adding the intimidation of trying to share the gospel. Want to learn a few simple steps for being a member missionary at your tender age? We're here to help.

I gave away a Book of Mormon for the first time in between science and history when I was in eighth grade. I’d like to say I did this just because I wanted to, but it was actually a requirement for Personal Progress. I chose to give the book to Heidi, my kindest and most religious friend (she went to church and a youth group every week). The creators of the Personal Progress program must have intended for me to make this a memorable, edifying experience, but, instead, I wrote a few lines in the cover of the book and handed it to Heidi during our passing period. I didn’t explain anything about the book, just said a few awkward words and went on to class. It wasn’t that I didn’t care, it was simply that sharing the gospel seemed scary to me.

While I doubt anybody out there is as awkward as I was (and probably still am), I imagine that some youth feel the same fear when they hear the word missionary coupled with the word work. We all know it’s something we need to do, but opening our mouths about the Church can seem daunting. Hopefully these ideas will help the fear dissipate and let the joy of missionary work kick in.

Share the gospel online

Admit it, you get on Facebook at least once a day. Why not share the gospel in between chatting with your friends and studying every picture of that cutie from your math class? Sharing the gospel through social media or other websites can be easy and unintimidating for you and your friends. The Church has made it easy to share the gospel online; all you have to do is click a button to get a video or article on your Facebook, Twitter, or blog. For more ideas of how to share the gospel online, check out these suggestions.

Invite your friends to activities

You may feel like it’s a big commitment to invite your friends who may not have been going to church their whole lives to sit through a three-hour, super spiritual meeting. That’s okay! Invite them to youth dances or fun mutual activities—these are still uplifting and a great way for them to get to know other Church members their age but not so churchy that either of you will have to feel awkward. All you’re doing is inviting a friend to hang out with you and some other friends. You can do that, right?

Invite your friends to your house more often

I realize this sounds super simple and not much like missionary work, but even if you don’t have the perfect family (no worries—none of us do!), your friends will probably feel something different at your house. They’ll start to wonder about little things your family does, like blessing the food or eating dinner together. They’ll notice how much the gospel is a part of your lives and may start asking questions about that picture of a white, many-spired building on the wall or a painting of Christ. Whenever there are non-LDS people around my family, I realize how much we talk about the Church and the gospel. This has led to some awesome missionary experiences for us.

Go out with the missionaries

Find out if the missionaries in your ward or stake are teaching youth and offer to go with them to a lesson. Their investigators will probably like to see that there are other youth interested in religion, and they’ll be more likely to come to church if they have a friend. You can let the missionaries know beforehand how much you want to speak. If you’re feeling a little insecure, you can just help answer a question or two (with an answer you’ve probably known since you were in Sunbeams). If you’re not so shy, this is also a great opportunity to share your testimony with someone who could really benefit from hearing it.

Wear a CTR ring or something else church related.

The majority of people that don’t belong to the Church probably have no clue what CTR stands for. If your ring is big enough, people will probably ask you about it once in awhile. In the commentary of “How to Share the Gospel,” an article featured on lds.org, one girl shares a missionary experience she had while wearing her Young Women medallion: someone asked her why she was wearing a necklace with the Disneyland Castle on it, and she had the opportunity to explain more about the “castle.”

Prepare answers for potential questions

You don’t have to be a gospel scholar to be a missionary, but it may help to make a list of questions your friends might ask, along with clear answers for each question. This will help you feel more confident when the Church comes up in conversation—you won’t have to hide behind your lunch and pretend you didn’t hear anything. For ideas of questions that your pals might have, read through these frequently asked questions at mormon.org/faq/.

{LDS How-to} Share the Gospel Online

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:03:00 -0700

by Alexa Justesen
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Practical (and easy) instructions for something we all know we should be doing.

Everyone and their dog seems to have some sort of online profile today, if not five or six. (Really though, my friend actually made a Facebook page for her dog.) Because it’s now so much easier to communicate, Church leaders have encouraged members to use social networking to share the gospel. Elder David A. Bednar recently said, “It is no coincidence that FamilySearch and other tools have come forth at a time when young people are so familiar with a wide range of information and communication technologies. Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord—not just to communicate quickly with your friends.”

Facebook, Twitter, and blogs have exploded in the last few years, and while some people claim that having so many profiles is not healthy (or even safe), there are also great ways to use each of them to do missionary work. Below are the most popular social media websites and some creative ways to use them to teach the gospel.

Facebook

With more than 800 million active users worldwide, this website is the perfect place to start doing online missionary work. I have been constantly amazed by how creative people are getting when it comes to sharing the gospel through Facebook. When the Church started their Mormon Messages videos, my LDS friends began posting the videos on their walls. Facebook is pretty user friendly (which is fantastic for computer-incompetent people like me), so it’s easy to share these videos or even general conference clips. Post your favorite scripture or gospel quote in your status box, leave a link to a great devotional or CES fireside, or post a picture of your favorite temple. Facebook is perfect for everyone, from the shy member missionary who doesn’t know quite where to start, to the one who is eager to share the message with everyone.

Twitter

With millions of users and growing, Twitter is the on-the-go way to share the gospel. Because each “tweet” can only be 140 characters long, it’s best to leave a short and simple message. Leave a link to mormon.org or tweet a great quote. In fact, Mormon social media-ites got a good laugh recently when hip-hop mogul P. Diddy tweeted a quote by Elder L. Tom Perry. Diddy did his missionary work without even realizing it!

Blogs

I think it’s pretty safe to say that if you’re a 20- or 30-something married person with a dog and a baby on the way, you or your spouse probably has a blog. If you’re a single female college student, you probably have a blog, too. Whether you use Blogger, Wordpress, or Tumblr, blogs are the new-fangled form of journaling, and they’re the best and most expressive way of sharing the gospel. Missionaries in a few missions are even required to keep a regular blog about their experiences. Blogs allow you to write whatever you’d like. On my own blog I like to occasionally write about my testimony or share quotes from a favorite talk.

Don’t worry, though—if you don’t feel comfortable bearing your testimony, it can be much subtler than that. If you’re blogging about your life, Church-related things are bound to come up, even if just in passing. When they do, you can link to lds.org, mormon.org, specific talks or videos, or anything else LDS related.

Mormon.org Profile

Recently the Church revamped its website for investigators, mormon.org. Now, each member of the Church can create a profile--a page where you can share your testimony, how you found the Church, etc. This new campaign allows members to chat with investigators, to answer common questions, and share their testimonies. You can include a photo and your story as well as read the stories of others.

See examples of mormon.org profiles: mormon.org/people.

Get started creating your own: mormon.org/create.

Pinterest

I can just hear the men reading this sighing in collective disgust. I haven’t met many who want to agree with the amazingness of Pinterest. But if you’re female, you get it, right? Pinterest is the newest, and perhaps my favorite, form of social media. While very different from the others mentioned above, it is possible to share the gospel this way. Pinterest is like an online bulletin board that allows you to “pin” pictures, recipes, and quotes you find from other websites. Basically, you can keep everything you find on the internet in one convenient location. Others can see your pinboards and repin them to their own, thus creating a viral effect. I’ve found wonderful gospel-oriented talks and quotes that can easily be shared. Pinterest is a bit more image-related, but because the Church has so many beautiful images of the Savior and temples, you are guaranteed to have people take notice. (You could also, ahem, pin your favorite LDS Living articles!)

So there you have it. From me, a social media nerd, to you, I hand over some of my favorite ways to teach others about the gospel. Now grab your computer and get to work!

From American Idol to Mormon Missionary

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:16:00 -0700

source: wsj.com

Mormon Life says: A nice overview of the missionary program.

At a concert in Salt Lake City last week, pop star David Archuleta of American Idol fame made an unexpected and emotional announcement. After a couple of years of skirting questions about it, he revealed that he will indeed serve a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though he hasn't made public where he will be sent.

Mr. Archuleta will join more than 52,000 Mormon missionaries serving in 340 missions, or geographic areas, world-wide. Eighty percent of them are young men who begin serving at age 19. The remainder are mostly young women age 21 and older, along with a small number of retired couples. It is estimated that roughly a third of eligible young Mormon men elect to serve missions.

Teachings of George Albert Smith Lesson 1: Living What We Believe

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:02:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: This is the first of the new course of study for Melchizedek priesthood and Relief Society lessons. This supplement discusses living the gospel by being a missionary.

Note: As the Church has said, the manual has been prepared as the primary source of lesson material. This supplement, from a general conference address, is only meant as a complement to your study on this lesson's topic.

Excerpt from "Creating a Gospel-Sharing Home" Elder M. Russell Ballard, April 2006 General Conference:

When we truly understand how great a blessing the gospel of Jesus Christ is in our lives, when we accept and embrace these eternal truths and allow them to sink deep into our hearts and souls, we experience a “mighty change” (Alma 5:14) in our hearts. We are filled with love and gratitude. As the prophet Alma wrote, we feel “to sing the song of redeeming love” (Alma 5:26) to all who will hear it.

“O, that I were an angel,” Alma said, “and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!

“Yea, I would declare unto every soul … the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth” (Alma 29:1–2).

So it should be with us, my brothers and sisters. Our love for the Lord and appreciation for the Restoration of the gospel are all the motivation we need to share what gives us much joy and happiness. It is the most natural thing in the world for us to do, and yet far too many of us are hesitant to share our testimonies with others.

All around the world, missionaries are responding to this testimony-driven joy in sharing the gospel. Many of them are entering the MTC with their own marked and well-studied copies of the missionary guide Preach My Gospel. I am pleased to report that with the use of Preach My Gospel, they are increasingly able to teach in their own words by the power of the Spirit and are better able to adjust their lessons to the needs of those whom they are teaching. As a result they are having meaningful impact on many lives.

But quite frankly, what they need now is more people to teach.

To read the full talk, click here.

VIDEO: David Archuleta announces he will serve a full-time LDS mission

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:12:00 -0700

source: youtube.com

Mormon Life says: Congratulations, David! We're so excited for you.

David Archuleta to serve LDS mission

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:04:00 -0700

source: ksl.com

Mormon Life says: Amazing news. You can also watch a video of his very sweet and emotional announcement.

(To see a video of David's announcement, click here.)

Fans of pop-singer David Archuleta were surprised to hear Monday that the singer-songwriter will be serving a proselytizing mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Archuleta made the announcement just before his encore performance at his concert Monday night at Abravanel Hall, saying he "wanted to make a special announcement while he was home."

"The crowd went crazy," according to concert attendee Jana Johns. "Screaming, cheering; it was really loud.

Finding one's way through faith

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:56:00 -0700

source: MormonTimes.com

About a year ago, I wrote of the special bond and relationship I have with former Utah All-America receiver Bryan Rowley, who moved into my LDS ward in 2006. We were introduced by mutual friend Chad Lewis , who at the time had just finished his NFL career in Philadelphia and returned to his Cedar Hills, Utah, home.

Each of us wrote a blog last November about our unique friendship and how it helped bring Bryan back into church activity. Chad and Bryan were Orem High teammates and grew up together. Bryan played for Utah in the late '80s and early '90s and still holds most of Utah's receiving records.

Bryan moved east after his divorce because his ex-wife is from New Jersey and he wanted to be closer to his daughter Sage, who returned with her mother to be closer to family.

Several articles about the church still deserve mention

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:07:00 -0700

source: MormonTimes.com

Like most Latter-day Saints, I have had callings that have enriched my life. Whether it be Scoutmaster or nursery worker, each call has its joys and challenges. I remember each with fondness.

Yet one often stands out. For a couple of years, I was a ward mission leader just outside Washington, D.C. We lived in Prince Georges County in the wonderful College Park Ward. For those familiar with Washington, Prince Georges is, relatively speaking, the more diverse and also less wealthy of the counties in suburban Washington.

So, the variety of people I met was amazing. Several had emigrated from war-torn regions in Africa and came to America as refugees with horrible stories that really changed my life as I tried to listen and understand them.

Unique missionary approach prompts questions for God in Russia

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:40:00 -0700

source: ldschurchnews.com

Mormon Life says: How neat. And I love some of the questions that came out of this. A roll of paper—that was the genesis of the “Questions for God” missionary activity in Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia, on October 9, 2011.

Over a period of several hours, more than 150 people stopped by the two paper-covered tables on the busy “walking street” in Upper Nizhniy, picked up felt pens, and wrote their questions. The first was, “Why does God let children die?”

Other sincere and personal questions followed: “When will my mother stop crying?” “Who am I?” “Which religion is true?” “Is there a life after death?” “How can we defeat cancer?” “What is the purpose of life?”

Young adult center in South Africa a catalyst for rescue efforts

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:38:00 -0700

source: ldschurchnews.com

When Ellis and Glenda Stonehocker of Calgary, Alberta, Canada submitted their mission papers in 2010, they said they’d “do anything and go anywhere.” “Anywhere” was Johannesburg, South Africa, and “anything” turned out to be helping to establish the first young single adult center on the African continent.

On November 4, 2011, the young adults of the Soweto South Africa Stake held their first activity in a building added to the stake property to be used exclusively as the young adult center.

A Center in Soweto

Although there are approximately 150 such centers throughout Europe and a few scattered throughout the United States, Africa now has just three so far. In addition to the Soweto location, centers have been created in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe.

Mormon faces can be found everywhere

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:37:00 -0700

source: deseretnews.com

Is there such a thing as a "Mormon face?"

The LDS ad campaign, "I'm a Mormon," seems to think so. A Mormon face may come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, but it's always fresh, alert, trusting and warm. Just as President Gordon B. Hinckley said the LDS "brand," if you will, could be found in the lives of those who belong to it, the "public face" of Mormonism shows up in the visage of each individual member.

Years ago, when I was a missionary, some mornings we'd set out looking for Mormon faces — faces that didn't yet know they were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We'd ride the buses and walk the streets, telling folks they looked like Mormons.

'It all began in Primary'

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:02:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

Primary children all over the world have missionary opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They can share their testimonies and what they learn each week in Primary with other children, who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The following is a true story about Paul Larson, who at the age of 9, first learned about the Church and Primary from a young neighbor.

This is where Paul Larson's conversion story began:

Alpine's 'Band of Brothers' focus on missionary service

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:00:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

They call themselves “Band of Brothers.” And no, they have nothing to do with BYU football.

A ward in Utah County is using singing, social media and the programs of the church to create a culture of brotherhood and point young men toward missionary service.

In the Mountainville 4th Ward in the Alpine West Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there are 30 priests, ages 16-18; 28 teachers, ages 14-16; and 10 deacons, ages 12-14. The ward has 23 missionaries serving around the world.

“I haven’t counted the kids in our Primary,” said John Anderson, a former Young Men leader in the ward. “But suffice it to say, with all these budding young men, the ward has literally turned into a missionary factory.”

Deseret News highlights Church-Service Missionary Program

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:44:00 -0600

source: Newsroom.lds.org

Many recognize the image of young men and women missionaries riding bikes and wearing name tags as a symbol of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). But these are not the only missionaries giving service and spreading the message.

The Deseret News this week tells the story of another group — Latter-day Saint Church-service missionaries — that carries out a different aspect of missionary work.

LDS Church-service missionaries: 'A dedicated, passionate work force'

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:36:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Mormon Life says: I never realized what an army Church service missionaries are - and it's an opportunity available to all worthy adult members. For the past six months, Larry and Casi Smith have been living in a trailer on the windy plains of Wyoming. As church-service missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they assisted 18,500 pioneer trekkers — mostly LDS teenagers and their adult leaders — among the Mormon Handcart Historic Sites, specifically at the Willie Center/Sixth Crossing Site, about 60 miles from Martin's Cove.

It's been a physically demanding six months, filled with long hours meeting the needs of trekkers and other visitors to the sites, including sharing pioneer stories, building and maintaining restroom facilities and teaching square dancing. Along with 19 other church-service missionary couples, they also found time to tie dozens of quilts, which they donated to local charities, and build — with a little help from a handful of skilled professionals — a 9,500-square-foot log visitor's center, three stories tall, looking down on the Sweetwater.

Differences between Elder and Sister missionaries

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:22:00 -0600

source: mormonmentality.org

Mormon Life says: A discussion of some of the differences between elder and sister missionaries - and ways those things might change. What do you think? As I read a post last week complaining about sister missionaries having to bike in skirts (and proposing that they be allowed to wear pants instead), I got this strange feeling I have every so often in the bloggernaccle: a provocation to defend the status quo. This is not a position I am in regularly in my real life. Or my Church life. I quite like change, especially change that makes sense. And I am one of those poor beleaguered sister missionaries who both had to wear skirts or dresses (and nylons!) every day and had to use a bicycle as my only mode of transportation.

I hate wearing skirts and dresses (and nylons!). I hated biking much of the time. The combination of the two was a giant pain in my tookus and a cramp in my style.

But I wouldn’t change it.

Interacting online as a member missionary

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:24:00 -0600

source: ldsmediatalk.com

In the article “Interacting Online as a Member Missionary” on the LDS Tech website, Amy Boyack writes

Last April, President Uchtdorf’s talk Waiting on the Road to Damascus inspired me to look for more ways to be a member missionary. In his talk, President Uchtdorf encouraged us to use our hands “to blog and text message the gospel to all the world.”

She concludes:

The easiest way for me to be a member missionary is through social networking. I know I am reaching people by the number of “likes” and comments I receive. ...

Young Men Lesson 40: Doing Missionary Work

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:05:00 -0600

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "There is no greater call than teaching 'all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.'" - Brent H. Nielson

Discussion Questions
    • How can your example of living the gospel be a tool in doing missionary work?
    • What keeps us from sharing the gospel? How can we overcome this reluctance?
    • Who do you know that you could invite to learn about the gospel? How might you approach this individual?

Excerpt from "A Call to the Rising Generation," by Elder Brent H. Nielson, from October 2009 General Conference:

As the Savior’s earthly ministry drew to a close, He appeared as a resurrected being to His Apostles. His charge to them is the same call He extends to you of the rising generation today: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19).

On April 6, 1974, the Church sustained a new prophet, President Spencer W. Kimball. That same day I received my call to serve as a full-time missionary in Finland. I wasn’t aware at the time that President Kimball had just delivered a landmark address that week to the General Authorities and regional representatives of the Church. Later I learned that in that address President Kimball prophetically outlined his vision as to how we as a church would accomplish the Savior’s charge to “teach all nations.” In his address, President Kimball invited the members of the Church to lengthen their stride and enlarge their vision. He asked that every worthy young man prepare to serve an honorable full-time mission. He encouraged the members in each country to prepare to supply their own missionaries, and he called upon “able men to assist the Twelve [Apostles] to move out into the world and to open the doors of every nation” (“When the World Will Be Converted,” Ensign, Oct. 1974, 10).

President Kimball also said in his 1974 address that there were 3.3 million members of the Church, 18,600 full-time missionaries, and 633 stakes. He challenged us to do better and asked us to change our sights and raise our vision (see Ensign, Oct. 1974, 7–8).

In response, we as members of the Church began to pray regularly in our families, in our sacrament meetings, and in our stake conferences that the hearts of the leaders of nations would be softened and the doors opened to our missionaries. The members began to see more clearly their responsibility to share the gospel. Our young men stepped up, and a great army of missionaries was gathered. We witnessed President Kimball’s vision begin to unfold.

To read the full talk, click here.

Additional idea: Watch clips of the October 2011 General Conference priesthood session, as well as Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita's talk from Sunday afternoon, for inspiration on how to teach the young men about getting involved with and preparing for full-time missionary work. Click here to see links to all sessions.

Saints celebrate 150th anniversary of the Church in Netherlands

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:05:00 -0600

by Janie Van Komen - LDS Living
source: ldsliving.com

Mormon Life says: What an exciting anniversary for the Saints in the Netherlands! Make sure to check out the gallery for a cool historic photo of the 1936 unveiling of the monument to the first baptisms.

A simple monument sits next to a small canal in an authentic old-world farm setting in the northern part of Friesland in the Netherlands. An old man bicycles by and stops to tell the story of being a seven-year-old when this monument was first dedicated by T. Edgar Lyon, the mission president of the Netherlands Mission 75 years ago.

Down the road, an old woman sits at a table on the tea house lawn and recounts the story of her ancestors who were the first to be baptized in that small canal. Although she is not a member, she claims a sincere kinship with them and regularly brings notes and flowers to the monument as a token of respect and remembering.

The scene is quiet and serene, complete with a windmill in the background. This unassuming monument in a picturesque backdrop marks the beginning of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Netherlands 150 years ago.

It began when Anne Wiegers van der Woude, a master Dutch ship builder, joined the Church in Wales in 1852, immigrated to the United States in 1853, and from there was called to go back to his native Netherlands to preach the gospel. He and his companion, Paul August Schettler, arrived August 5, 1861. After no success in Amsterdam, they separated to visit family members and try to share the gospel with them. Van der Woude traveled to Friesland and on October 1, 1861, baptized the first members of the Church in the Netherlands in a small canal located between Broeksterwoude and Damwoude: Gerrit A. van der Woude, Bouwdina van der Woude-Potgieters, and Elizabeth Wolters. That humble beginning of the Church gained many strong members, many of whom immigrated to America. By 1930, more than 5,000 Dutch members lived in Utah.

These events were celebrated by the Saints in the Netherlands throughout the months of August and September this year, culminating with a large celebration on September 24, 2011. On this day, the people of the Netherlands came together to celebrate this event. The group included every age of members, townspeople, investigators, and passersby. They came by car, bicycle, and on foot.

The initial gathering place was an outdoor tea house on a corner of the Broeksterwoude farmlands. Displays of the Church from the early days until now were arranged in an antiquated farm outbuilding, adding to the ambience.

The feeling of stepping back in history continued as the crowd walked the 750 meters to the monument. This monument was commissioned 75 years ago by then–mission president T. Edgar Lyon to be placed next to the canal where the first baptisms took place. He funded the project with donations from Dutch immigrants in the United States and former Dutch missionaries.

More than 325 people congregated, both sitting and standing to hear short talks by Elder Robert Van Komen, branch president and full time missionary; Burgermeester Arie Aalberts; and newly appointed area seventy Hans Boom. Mr. Aalberts was presented his genealogy dating to the 1600s by Thies de Jonge, organizer of the event. Music was provided by a youth choir and the full-time missionaries. Balloons with messages of the gospel and an invitation to receive a free Book of Mormon were released at the conclusion of the program.

On Saturday the people from the present celebrated the people of the past, and together they looked toward the future success of the people of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Netherlands.

Physical Prep Tips for Missionaries

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:05:00 -0600

by Thomas J. Boud, MD
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Missionary work is spiritual, mental, and physical work. As a member of the Missionary Medical Committee, these are my suggestions for being ready for the physical aspects of the work. In "Sir Galahad" by Alfred, Lordr Tennyson, the title character says, “My strength is as the strength of ten, because my heart is pure.”

I am convinced that physical health affects spiritual health and vice versa. The Lord would have His missionaries be as healthy as possible in order to best serve Him. Missionary work is just that: spiritual, mental, and physical work!

As a member of the Missionary Medical Committee, I am continually reviewing the physical health and medical problems of actively serving missionaries. Unfortunately, about 3 percent of LDS missionaries are sent home early due to unforeseen health issues. Let’s review several areas where appropriate preparation can mean avoiding many of the reasons why missionaries struggle physically.

Exercise. Full-time missionaries must be able to walk an average of six miles per day and ride a bicycle 12 miles per day. The Missionary Handbook recommends exercising 30 minutes daily, Monday through Saturday. Avoiding fatigue and weakness helps to stave off the discouragement and rejection that come at times during missionary service. Getting off the couch and learning to put in a hard day’s work would be invaluable preparation for a mission.

Nutrition/Weight. Potential missionaries need to cut back on the junk food, put away the caffeine, and learn to follow a few simple guidelines. Teach your future missionary to eat and enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy, as well as to stay hydrated and lose weight or keep weight down. Many missionary applications are delayed or denied due to the BMI limit of less than or equal to 37. An ideal BMI is 19–24, overweight is 25–29, and obese is 30+. Take steps now to improve BMI if necessary.

Sleep. Missionaries are to arise at 6:30 a.m. and are to retire to bed at 10:30 p.m. That means a solid eight hours of sleep per night. I believe those who do best are obedient to even these “small” rules.

Hygiene. Among the most common problems we doctors encounter when screening missionary applications are tattoos and body piercings. In short, don’t have them. All nose jewels, body piercings, and toe rings must be removed—but sisters are allowed one set of earrings. All tattoos must be photographed with an accompanying description and sent in with the application. These are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by a committee. The general rule is that they must not be visible outside the clothing. They may need to be removed prior to missionary service.

Mental Health/Chronic Health Conditions. These are common and serious concerns that, if left undertreated, can cut a mission short. An appropriate professional should submit a letter detailing any history of emotional or other chronic issues with the application, including stability on or off relevant medications for a period of six months prior to applying. Further instructions as to the need for continued care, testing, and medications during the mission should also be included. This information will assist the committee in making geographic recommendations to the member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who will make the assignment. Those with a history of mental health issues or learning disorders, such as dyslexia or ADHD, can certainly serve missions as long as appropriate accommodations are given where needed. Depression and separation anxiety are two of the most common conditions seen. I recommend trial periods away from home at camps or at school to see how a prospective missionary does prior to leaving for a mission.

Preventative Health. Routine medical and dental checkups are strongly recommended. Daily brushing and flossing of teeth are important habits, along with defensive driving and using seat belts and bicycle helmets. Hand washing and immunizations can prevent frequent and serious illnesses and should be part of every missionary’s health care.

Now let’s get healthy!
—Dr. Boud