"I am pleased to announce that effective immediately all worthy and able young men who have graduated from high school or its equivalent, regardless of where they live, will have the option of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18, instead of age 19. I am not suggesting that all young men will-or should-serve at this earlier age. Rather, based on individual circumstances as well as upon a determination by priesthood leaders, this option is now available.
As we have prayerfully pondered the age at which young men may being their missionary service, we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21." -Pres. Monson
Well I have complained a lot about me not going on a mission and how many friends I have leaving, but this post is going to be a bit different. I am happy for missions and I am serving one right now here in Mapleton, Ut or Provo or wherever I am. I have been attending mission prep at institute and it is just amazing at how the teacher can teach with such a spirit. On Wednesday, I felt the spirit so strong on my purpose here to serve a mission where I am. I am so grateful for that experience.
I can't believe how many friends I have on missions right now! It is crazy awesome. I love it. I love getting so much mail and writing to everyone! Here are a few pics of the many great friends I have that are serving missions.
Sister Carly Bastian-London South Mission
Sister Shaylee Crowton-Lubbock Texas Mission
Elder Miles Diede-Seoul Korea Mission
Elder Gary Loveless-Campinas Brazil (Currently serving in Indianapolis, Indiana waiting for visa)
Sister Mary Morris-Reno Nevada Mission
Sister Becca Gifford-Spokane Washington Mission
Elder Braden Wake-Calgary Canada Mission (also Elder Cody Benham-Louisville Kentucky)
Elder Nathan Priest-Brasilia Brazil Mission (Currently serving in Newark New Jersey waiting for Visa)
Sister Madeline Huntsman-Scotland/Ireland Mission, Sister Natalie Hickey-Lisbon Portugal Mission
Sister Katie Card-San Jose California Mission
Sister Kaelynn Allred-Tacoma Washington Mission
Elder Jackson Curtis-Birmingham Alabama Mission
Elder Logan Passey-Bangkok Thailand Mission
These are just a few of the people I love dearly who are serving or soon going to be. Many other friends are out that I don't have pictures for.
Elder Ryan Schultz-Colorado Springs Colorado Mission
Elder Curtis Larsen-Barcelona Spain Mission
Elder Dex Graves- Dominican Republic Santiago Mission
Elder Douglas Wirthlin- Pirua Peru Mission
And many many others! I am so grateful for all of these people in my life. They are true examples of Christ and the sacrifice He made to teach the 'Jew and Gentile' I can't wait for the opportunity I will have to serve a mission whether it is in the field or here at home. I am so grateful for this gospel and the many things that it has taught me! God Be With You til We Meet Again all my friends!
Love,
Rach
Quite amazing, this missionary surge. If you keep in touch with all of these friends and keep up with your life, you will be doing well. It is mind boggling the service that these missionaries can do in the field but only with great support from home. Support from home is essential and your thoughts, testimony, prayers and letters will certainly be an important part of that support. Missions are not the easiest things to fulfill. Your encouragement and interest might be just the thing that one of your missionaries will need that day to make it through.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work.
Love you,
Gram
Great post. You are awesome Rachel and a good example to me!
ReplyDeleteWe LOVE LOVE LOVE Sister Gifford! She and her companion hosted my daughter on her mini mission last week, and my daughter had the time of her life! So grateful for sweet sister missionaries!!
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