Around the web today for stories of interest to future missionaries, missionary moms, returned missionaries, member missionaries, and missionaries of every sort and variety.
- Mark Albright “Finding Investigators in a Chicago Snow Storm”– Two missionaries stand still in a raging Chicago snow storm. What happens next will warm your heart. “[My companion] thought I was crazy and after standing there in the snow for about 30 seconds, we saw a Ford Focus driving slowly up the icy road. I just knew we had to talk to the person, whoever it was, driving that car.”
- Susan Espenschied “Missionary Choir Performs for Over 500 in Aliso Viejo“– One Southern California mission is using the voices of its missionaries in a unique way. “Comprised of 80 young men and women, ages 18-23 years old, the Irvine Mission Choir was born. Over 500 people attended this first-ever public performance by the Choir”
- Mormon.org “Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?”– Mormon.org has been out recently with answers to many common questions about the church. This question may be a great read for those considering whether or not to serve. “There is a strong tradition of missionary service in the Church. The Savior taught, ‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations’ (Matthew 28:19). Church members consider it a privilege to show their love for other people and the Lord by sharing the gospel.” There are also lots of insightful answers from members.
- Looking for another great example of sharing through serving? Here are a few great examples of missionaries and member missionaries sharing their testimonies through service. Sanford News “LDS Church fills 150 backpacks for Local Food Program”– “The Sanford Backpack Program services students who are in need. [They] have the opportunity to take home from school a pack of food that will provide nutritious meals and snacks throughout their weekend.” Estevan Lifestyles “Mormons Looking for Ways to Serve”– “Two Mormon missionaries are touting a program offered through the Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS) as a means to help southeast residents who are battling addictions.”
- Sarah Jane Weaver “LDS missionaries returning to Tacloban more than 4 months after Typhoon Haiyan”– The Church has located apartments with electricity and safe water for the missionaries. They will have the opportunity to work as they continue to restore the area. This article also recounts several great stories of missionary courage and service in the wake of the typhoon.
- Ben P. Wesee “Lawmaker Bids LDS Missionaries Farewell”– A pair of senior missionaries have been working in the West African nation of Liberia, and left with tears and thanks. “Representative Anderson told the departing missionaries that leaving Liberia should not be the end to their good works in the country. He appealed to them to always remember Liberia in their prayers as they return home.”
- Here’s an update on some sad news for missionaries around the world. Elder Mason Bailey died after being hit by a car during his mission in Sweden, he was from Provo, Utah. Elder Miller Edward Toa of Layton, Utah passed away this week after falling from a tree in Micronesia. Usually there are only a few missionary deaths in the entire year, so this week makes for very sad news. One positive note. Elder Jordan Saunders from Sugar City, Idaho, was hit by a tree during service in his mission in Columbia, South Carolina. Elder Saunders is awake, alert, and has full mobility. Paralysis was ruled out.
- Rebecca Lane “LDS Missionaries Teach Restoration Through Cups Parody”– [Video] This might just be the most inventive way you’ve seen the restoration taught in some time. “Sisters Emily Culp and Lauren Bundy, who are serving in the LDS Nashville Tennessee Mission, uploaded their video to their Facebook walls on Thursday, March 13, using the popular song sung by Anna Kendrick, “Cups,” to teach the principles of the restoration of the gospel.” And for any of the current and returned missionaries out there this should put a smile on your face.
- Arie Van De Graff “Mission Daze: One Little Thing”– And for any of the current and returned missionaries out there this should put a smile on your face.