Missions and Missionaries

Published October 6, 2012

So, today at General Conference, President Monson, my church's prophet, seer, and revelator made a historic accouncement. That announcement lowered the age to serve a mission from 19 to 18 for young men and from 21 to 19 for young women. Monumental.

I have spent the last year debating on what to do for the next couple of years until I turn 21 and can go on a mission. And going on a mission has always been the plan. I don't plan to go on a mission because my parents have told me I need to. I don't plan on going on a mission because everybody else is or because if I don't I'll apostasize and become a drug addict. I plan to go on a mission because I want to. I have seen the good that missionaries can bring to people's lives and I have seen the good that this church has brought to my life. Why wouldn't someone want to share something that has bettered them. That's almost like eating chocolate and not ever sharing it with anyone. ever. Even if it tastes better than anything you've ever had. If you find something good, you always want to share. And that is how this religion is for me.

Since the announcement from President Monson this morning at 12 EST the online world has exploded. On my facebook page, all young women who are 19 or 20 have a status referring to "major life changes ahead" or "whoa" or even, my personal favorite, "and God said let there be no 19 year olds at BYU and it was done". But the internet has also exploded with not so favorable reactions to the announcement. Many people think that this is a ploy by the Mormon church to take away free agency from their young members a year sooner. Or a way to brainwash their youth. Or whatnot. I say again, I do not plan to serve a mission because I've been told I must. Or because everyone else is. Or because I'm afraid of falling away from the church and this is the ONLY way to prevent that. No.

I plan to serve a mission because I believe in my Savior Jesus Christ. I believe that He and my Heavenly Father have given me everything that I have and more. I believe that they have sacrificed everything for me, and if I give them a year and a half of my life (which isn't really giving it away, it'll still affect me for the better), I will become a better person for it. And I believe that if I can improve just one person's life with what I know, then why not go?

I plan to serve a mission because I must for me and my Lord and Savior.