What skills would I need to be an effective humanitarian missionary?
Effective humanitarian missionaries should be able to engage with local government and community leaders, identify opportunities where the Church can address significant needs, and coordinate efforts to meet those needs.
Can I still serve if I do not have any experience living in Asia?
Yes! We welcome missionaries from all backgrounds and locations.
Do I need to speak the local language to serve?
No, you do not need to speak the local language to serve. If needed, a translator will be provided.
What countries need humanitarian missionaries?
To maximize its impact to help the poor and needy, the Church is focusing its humanitarian efforts on the following countries: Cambodia, East Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Most missionaries will be assigned to one of these countries.
Who can serve a senior mission?
Married members ages 40 and older may be called as senior missionaries as a couple if they do not have dependent children.
Single women ages 40 and older may also be called as senior missionaries if they do not have children living at home.
Source: General Handbook, 24.2.3
I am not married or my spouse is not able to serve with me. Can I still serve?
Single women ages 40 and older may be called as senior missionaries if they do not have children living at home.
Single men ages 40 and older may not serve as senior missionaries. However, they may serve as senior service missionaries.
Source: General Handbook, 24.2.3
How long do humanitarian missionaries serve?
Humanitarian missionaries in Asia usually serve from 18 to 23 months, depending on your availability.
How does financing work for a mission?
You are responsible for your own mission expenses. The Church pays for your transportation to and from your mission if you serve in your home country or serve outside your home country for 18 months or more. All other expenses are your responsibility: housing, food, personal care items, transportation within the mission, medical care, internet service, phone service, insurance premiums, etc.
Costs vary by the type of missionary assignment, location, and individual lifestyle. Please note that couples will not pay more than $1,400 (USD) for housing, even if the actual rent exceeds that amount.
To learn more, visit: https://seniormissionary.churchofjesuschrist.org/srsite/ft/about
I am interested in serving but would like to learn a little more first. What should I do next?
We would love to talk to you, get to know you, and answer any questions you might have. Please email us at AsiaHumanitarian@groups.churchofjesuschrist.org.
What kind of accommodations will I have?
Humanitarian missionaries live in modern, safe, comfortable, furnished apartments generally located near grocery stores and other shopping. Utilities will also be arranged by the Church.
To learn more, visit: https://seniormissionary.churchofjesuschrist.org/srsite/ft/about
What kind of health conditions would limit my ability to serve?
Here are restrictions and guidelines for common conditions: Diabetes:
The accepted value for diabetes (A1C) is 9.0 or below.
Prostate: A PSA value of 5.0 or greater may require additional medical review before an assignment can be made.
Blood Pressure: Maximum blood pressure reading of 140 over 90 is acceptable if controlled with medication.
To learn more, visit: https://seniormissionary.churchofjesuschrist.org/srsite/ft/about
What does the application process entail?
The Asia Area Humanitarian team will help guide you through the mission application process.
In general, the process includes filling out an online recommendation form, submitting it and your medical and dental exam results to your bishop, and meeting with your bishop and stake president.
Once this process is completed and your recommendation is submitted, it usually takes three weeks for your call to be issued.
What kind of training will I receive?
Humanitarian missionaries will attend an MTC, where they will receive humanitarian-focused training. In addition, humanitarian missionaries serving in the Asia Area will receive further country- and role-specific to help you succeed.
What kind of support will I have as a missionary if I need help or have questions?
The Asia Area Humanitarian team will be in frequent and close communication with you throughout your mission. If you have questions or need assistance, you can reach out to the area humanitarian team any time.
Can I choose the mission in which I want to serve?
Humanitarian missionaries interested in a specific service opportunity are typically assigned to mission, but every candidate should remember the following instructions given in the General Handbook:
“Assignments for senior missionaries are given by revelation to Apostles. Leaders may recommend specific types of assignments for senior missionaries. However, leaders should not make commitments about the assignment they will receive. Candidates may express a preference for an assignment but should be willing to accept any assignment.”
Source: General Handbook, 24.2.3
I don’t think I am a good fit for a humanitarian mission, but I would like to serve in some other way. What other service opportunities are there?
Many opportunities exist to serve beside humanitarian work. You can visit seniormissionary.churchofjesuschrist.org to learn more about the other ways you can contribute to building the Lord’s kingdom and helping those around you.
