A mission is wonderful thing. It allows young men and young women to commit themselves entirely to the Lord for a few years of their lives. Many returned missionaries that I have spoken to have said that it was the best and the hardest times of their lives. It is difficult to serve a mission and deal with daily rejection, but you are able to feel the spirit every day.
A mission in many ways is a sacrifice. The missionaries leave behind friends and family. They leave good jobs and postpone their education. They do this so that they can share the gospel with others. Many missionaries are sent to different countries and have to learn new languages, and customs. They struggle with homesickness, illness and other problems. Missionaries work hard. They get up at 6:00 a.m. and are busy until they go to bed at 10:00 p.m.
Missionaries are blessed for the sacrifices they make. I know several returned missionaries who were able to land higher paying jobs because they were fluent in a second language. Missionaries’ testimonies grow while on their mission. They learn about leadership and about their total reliance on the Lord. They spend a great deal of time studying and sharing the gospel.
While many members have the opportunity to serve as missionaries, others may not. We all can be missionaries as we share the gospel with those around us. We can live good lives, and share our testimonies when the time is right. We can also invite friends and family to join us at church or to take the missionary discussions when the time is right. In many ways the life we lead will help to open the doors to the missionaries who are teaching full time. This is one way that we can support those who make so many sacrifices.
Related Articles:
Family Home Evening: Missionary Work
General Conference: “A Gospel Sharing Home”