Tag Archives: Missions

Will It Ever End?

My little brother left on an LDS mission in November. I must admit I felt some relief at his departure because I had hoped that would mean that the drama with his father would at least decrease in his absence. Unfortunately that has been far from the case. My heart aches at what his father is putting him through in an already difficult situation. After seeing some of the things he has been saying since leaving on his mission I am appalled at the pure selfishness emanating in each letter. Coming from a divorced family there are so many difficult … Continue reading →

Making Those Tough Parenting Decisions

One of the hardest parenting decisions my husband and I have had to make just occurred. We have spent the last couple of weeks talking about it, finding out more information and most definitely, praying about it. Our 17-year-old son asked if he could be part of an upcoming missions’ trip to Haiti. Now you have to understand that we were completely shocked by this. Our son is a homebody, has two good friends, rarely goes anywhere other than work and has never once participated in an outside activity at church. We tried to feel him out…why did he want … Continue reading →

What Can I Do? – Part 1

So you and I may have never felt God’s call to go overseas. That doesn’t mean we can sit back and do nothing. Over the next couple of days I’m going to suggest ways you can help the spread of the gospel in other lands. First and most important, pray for those who are involved in this strategic work. Nothing of lasting value will be accomplished in the world without prayer. Which means firstly we need to know of the specific needs of mission organizations. So you might want to sign up for a newsletter from one for the organizations … Continue reading →

Initiatives in Children’s Ministry

Think children’s ministry is not important? Think again. Statistics show that most decisions for Jesus are made in the years prior to 18. So there is a need to make children’s ministry a high priority in our church and community. Children’s ministry is not something to be left to those who have no skills or aptitude for it. Children’s ministry needs to be taken seriously with the gospel message given at a level relevant to the age and experience of the child. Youthworks takes the issue of children’s ministry seriously. This organization, which started around seven years ago, recognized the … Continue reading →

5 Practical Tips for Your Short Term Missions Trips

This blog is part of a series. We’ve been comparing two short term missions teams: the team from Anywhere and the team from Somewhere. First, we looked at what they did while they were on their trips. Then we looked at what it was like after they left. Both definitely made a lasting impression. . .but as we saw, that’s not necessarily a great thing. These are the things that teams need to be mindful of as they are preparing to go support a ministry. #1. Cultural Expectations You are not familiar with the culture in which you’re going. Sometimes … Continue reading →

General Conference: “Now Is the Time to Serve a Mission!”

In his talk “Now Is the Time to Serve a Mission!” Elder Richard G. Scott speaks about the importance of missionary work. He says: “It would be difficult to imagine anything more exciting to do as a young man, woman, or couple in the world today than to be a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The message of the restored gospel we share is absolutely vital. It is from God our Eternal Father for every one of His children on earth and is centered in His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. When that message is … Continue reading →

Serving a Mission as a Senior Couple

If you are an elderly couple with no more children at home, you may be considering serving a mission. You may be worried about what you will do when you leave home, or you may be worried about leaving your children and grandchildren behind. Many senior missionaries have the opportunity to serve from home. If you are nervous about serving outside of the United States, you can simply state that on your application. Senior missionaries completely support themselves while on their missions. When you are filling out the application for your mission you will be asked to list the monthly … Continue reading →

General Conference: “Your Mission Will Change Everything”

In his talk “Your Mission Will Change Everything” Elder David F Evans, of the Quorum of the Seventy, encourages young men to prepare to serve a mission. This is a wonderful talk about how a mission can change your life for the better. Elder Evans opens the talk by telling about one winter day when he was interviewing missionaries. The missionaries were cheerful as they came even though it was storming out. Many of them walked or biked through the storm to attend the interviews. He was impressed with their positive attitudes. Later that evening he realized how much the … Continue reading →