The Age of Missionaries

The 2012 October General Conference brought the astounding announcement of an age change for missionaries serving in the church. Young Men are aloud to new begin their service at 18 instead of 19 years of age. More amazing than that us Young Women can now serve at 19, an amazing change from the previous age of 21. The announcement brought joy and tears; many to my mother and sister's eyes, but it also brought a concern- will they be ready? Can they really effect a change in person's life when they have lived for on 20 years so far? In experienced, barely able to do anything; by the world's standard, and yet they are called specifically to be a personal representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. How do we trust this holy calling to those so new to the gospel? Children are born at the earliest age of Day 1. Coming to this world, they understand so little yet they bring a change to our lives. We don't have have to change, but we do because of the love they emanate. They grow and ask questions they may not have thought of before. They have such a simple understanding of reality. Children accept the answers they are given and rejoice greatly when it is in their favor and simply ask "why" when if it is not. They are in our lives for such a short time in our lives, for such a short time in this state, yet the change, the spirit, the innocent knowledge they leave with us is life altering. Our missionaries are the new born, babes that speak the prophecies of Christ, ministering to everyone. Our missionaries are born into a world or place that may not be familiar to them, to a family they don't yet know, but still love unconditionally, and know only to cry with a new found life. They will share all that they know and understand. They expect their family to care for them, to help them begin walking, to discover the world and the people in it, and to protect them from the harmful world. Like children, missionaries are recognized through out the world. One such example was when my companion and I were at a store and three or four people (not members of the church) came to talk to us about our faith and how they have felt peace when speaking with members of the church. Another time, three other elders and I were in casual clothing at a fast food restaurant that wasn't partially fast on that day. After waiting nearly 15 minutes for our orders, a man came from across the room and asked if we were military. After a quick laugh we replied that we were not, but that we are missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "Oh, I knew that there was something different about y'all." We looked like any other group of 19-20 year old young men, but he picked us four out of a packed room of nearly 40. There was something different and his curiosity to ask which led to a short lesson bout the Restoration. Missionaries are the front lines of the Church. They are out there every single day, knocking doors, meeting people, teaching, testifying, baptizing and converting. They are everywhere, traveling by car, bike, plane, train, and by foot. They see the best of the best and the worst of the worst, they see miracles everywhere they go. They are called by prophets, seers, and revelators to distant lands to preach the gospel to those of more experience and greater learning. The members of the Church are to support and care for our missionaries, to help them grow and become better missionaries and members of the Church. These last days require us to be the best of the best in the worst of the worst.