Last weekend 14 million members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in the 182nd Semiannual Broadcast of General Conference. In this conference, leaders of the Church, such as President Thomas S. Monson, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other general authorities, gave talks and instructions to the members of the church.
Boring right? Well, it wasn’t. Last weekend was one of the best I have experienced this year. Not only was I emotionally and spiritually uplifted, but I received some amazing news.
Up until last weekend young men from my church volunteered two years of their lives to serve as missionaries for the Church. They go to countries around the world, along with a companion, serve others and share the gospel. These young men had to wait until at least 19 to leave of their missions. Young women were also invited to serve mission, but the minimum age was 21.
At the Saturday Morning Session of General Conference, President Monson announced that any worthy and willing young man may now serve a mission at the age of 18 upon his graduation from high school. This announcement brought surprise and joy from all watching. But, the surprises were not over. After a few more moments, President Monson continued. He explained that not only was the age of young men to serve missions changed, but so had the young women. Worthy and willing young women could now serve at the age of 19.
At this announcement the cameras were turned to the audience once again. The audience was quietly expressing their surprise and joy to each other.
You might be wondering why this brought so much excitement to us Mormons. Let me explain. To us, a mission is an exciting and honorable thing to do. For the young men, it was a duty of their membership in the Church. They were not required, but strongly encouraged. A mission changes people lives. The missionary dedicates two years, for young men, or 18 months, for young women, of their life to service: service to God and to fellow men. There are strict rules they must follow. They dress in suits or dresses everyday, do not watch TV, text friends, or date. They study the doctrine of our church and gain a stronger testimony, or knowledge/belief of it. The change in the individual is amazing and miraculous.
For me, the age change will change my life. Before this announcement, I was contemplating serving a mission. Because I would have to be 21 to leave and I might be married by then. Now with this change, I can leave just 8 months after I graduate.
To many, dedicating two years or 18 months of one’s life to go serve and follow such strict rules seems crazy. It might be, but it is worth every ounce of insanity. I have heard so many stories of lives of the missionaries and those they served. This gospel and church has brought me such joy. I am the person I am to today because of the beliefs and values I was raised with, and the values now that I cling to. I love this church and know the happiness it brings. The thought that I can bring that joy, there is no good reason in my mind not to serve a mission.
If you have reached the end of this post, I thank you for reading it and hope you enjoyed it.