There is never a perfect time to serve, but now is a better time than you think.
Many couples plan to go on a mission one day, when the time is right, but there is rarely a perfect time to go. There will always be reasons not to serve right now, but the Lord needs your help. You will never regret the blessings that will come to you as you serve God’s children. Instead of waiting for the perfect time to go, make the decision to go now.
Family
Many couples or single sisters who have always planned to serve a mission worry about leaving ailing parents, struggling children, or precious grandchildren. Being away from family members is never easy, but many blessings will come to your family as you serve.
Often ailing parents can be watched over by siblings or others. Videoconferencing technology and social media allows you to talk with your parents, children, and grandchildren and stay up to date with their lives. New rules for senior missionaries allow you to return home for important family events. Your immediate family members may also visit you in the mission field.
Your choice to serve will set an example of faith and service to your grandchildren.
The Lord promised Thomas B. Marsh his family would be cared for as he was away on a mission saying, “Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come…Wherefore, your family shall live. Behold, verily I say unto you, go from them only for a little time, and declare my word, and I will prepare a place for them.” – D&C 31: 3, 5, 6
Health
Humanitarian missionaries need to be in generally good health. If you are or can be, we invite you to serve as soon as you can.
If your health does not allow it, you may consider other full-time or service missionary opportunities.
See the “Health Considerations and Requirements” page for more information.
Finances
Humanitarian missionaries are responsible for most of their own mission expenses, but the Church has capped monthly rent at $1,400 USD for couples and $850 for single sisters sharing housing with another single sister or $1,200 if you prefer to live alone in mission housing.
If finances are a concern, consider counseling with your bishop to see how you might be able to make serving a mission a reality. With careful planning and potentially help from family or other members in your home country, you can find a way to serve if you want to.
See “Financing a Mission” page for more information.
Hobbies and Retirement
Some considering missionary service worry are reluctant to leave retirements and pursuing hobbies and travel. While these things bring joy, they will not surpass the joy, satisfaction, and purpose that will come into your life as a humanitarian missionary. These things will likely still be there when you return from your mission.
Our Invitation
Leaving family and making arrangements to be away is never easy, but we can promise it is worth the sacrifice. We invite you to prayerfully consider how you can make a mission work now. We need you. The Lord needs you. The people in Asia need you. You will be richly blessed as you serve.
We would be happy to talk and answer any questions or concerns you have. We can even arrange for you to talk to other humanitarian missionaries who went through a similar process of deciding to serve.
Click here to contact us
