LDS missionaries come from all walks of life and from every age group. While the majority of those who serve missions are 19 to 21 years old, many older people, including seniors and married couples, participate in this program. These people share a willingness to go to an assigned location and serve for 18 to 24 months, at their own expense, for the purpose of sharing the Gospel and preaching its values.

The Role of LDS Missionaries

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church, places great emphasis on evangelism. Its members are expected to spread the Word of God through their actions and the way they live their lives. In order to reach larger numbers of people, however, mission work is necessary. It is a method of preaching that has been in use for centuries, most notably used by the Catholic Church for purposes of converting native populations to Christianity.

Strictly speaking, LDS missionaries are not sent forth for the purpose of conversion. Their role is to open people's minds and hearts to the Word of God through the Scriptures. To do this, they bring what they consider to be the "tools of the trade". Books, pamphlets, brochures and journals for their own note-taking are essential items. Copies of Mormon Scripture, including the Holy Bible, pass-along cards to leave with those they visit and educational videos are all purchased from missionary supply stores prior to going on a mission. There are internet resources as well, which can aid in the search for supplies and tools.

Those in the Mormon faith consider their mission a calling to serve. LDS missionaries prepare for this time with training sessions, but they also must be in a mindset that allows them to give two years of their lives for the benefit of their fellow man. Missions are a commitment of both time and money for those who chose this path, which has as its goal the teaching of Gospel values to those who might otherwise not have access to it.