Focus Column
“A Remarkable Work”: Advice to Sister Missionaries
WHEN WE ASKED WOMEN what advice they would give to a young woman who is considering a mission, the response was amazing. Women have much to say on the subject. Though these returned sister missionaries admit that missions are hard work and that—as President Hinckley has counseled—“young sisters are not under obligation to go on missions,” they are overwhelmingly positive and encouraging, echoing the prophet’s acknowledgment that women “perform a remarkable work.” Here are their words of advice.
—Kylie Turley, Focus Editor
My advice to a girl considering serving a mission is that she will never regret it. A mission prepares you for life. It prepares you to get married, it prepares you to be a mother, and it prepares you to teach your children and others the gospel because you come to understand it in a whole new way. Sister missionaries are needed because they can reach people in a way that no one else can. Although it was a hard decision to make, serving my mission was an experience that I will never forget and one that I wish never ended.
—Shannon Haller, Romania Mission
The first advice that comes to mind is: “Go!” I feel as though I reap benefits from my service still—almost everyday. Some women question if it is their role, and I recognize that a mission is not for every sister. But, if you have a small desire to go, please explore it! President Hinckley waited for his wife to serve a mission because she wanted to. He served first and then came home, and she felt like it was something that she wanted to do, so he supported her in doing it. What a great foundation to begin a marriage on! They loved and supported each other, yet loved and supported the Lord first. If you serve a mission for the right reasons, your life will never be the same. It is so amazing to watch the Lord’s work go on in front of you and then to take a step back and know that you are a major part of it.
—Brindey Lennon, Arizona Phoenix Mission
One thing I wish I had known before I served a mission is that every mission—no matter where you serve—is unique and individually designed by the Lord for your personal eternal progress. Yes, we “serve” missions, and we anticipate blessing the lives of others, but the challenges are unique and seemingly custom-designed for each missionary. The Lord places us in situations where our talents can be magnified and used best, where we will definitely have to face and overcome our weaknesses, and where our divine nature and eternal character can be molded and shaped for our eternal welfare. Missions are hard, but they also offer moments of personal triumph and exquisite joy.
—Deborah Bright, Brazil Belo Horizonte West Mission
To future sister missionaries: you are greatly needed. Please enter your mission with a sincere desire to serve. Pray and study for a personal confirmation of your decision. I think your preparation should include a few important areas: spiritually—a mission not only requires a testimony but also confidence in your knowledge of the doctrines of the Gospel. Physically—work to better your overall physical condition so that you may serve the Lord effectively. Emotionally—a mission often takes a toll on your emotions, forcing you through roller-coaster ups and downs. Are you prepared to sometimes handle huge frustrations, but also immensely joyful highs? Also—and I recognize this is a sensitive issue—if you have medical issues, get help; if you have emotional issues, then you should consider some counseling before you serve. A mission is not the time or place to work out serious problems. Inter-personally—be prepared to speak to total strangers, learn a foreign language, give talks and lessons in Church, and to resolve conflict with your companions and your investigators. My last bits of advice: work hard! Hit the streets, talk to people, and the Lord will bless you. Love the people and do NOT fall into the trap of comparing your mission to your home or, even worse, of criticizing your mission’s people, traditions, and culture. There is beauty everywhere, in every child of God—if you are open-hearted enough to appreciate it.
—Andrea G. Radke-Moss, Brazil Curitiba Mission
In my opinion there’s only one reason to go on a mission—because the gospel teaches us the best way to live and we need to share it with as many people as possible. Personally, I believe that if every young man and young woman served a mission there would be less divorce, less selfishness and less pettiness within marriages. But I know that missions are right for some and not for others, and timing can make a big difference in everything. Between the time I completed my mission papers and received my mission call I had five (yes, five) marriage proposals. It was unbelievable because I hadn’t dated anyone at BYU! But that wasn’t for me. I had prayed and studied and prayed and pondered for four months to know what to do, and I knew a mission was RIGHT. This is my advice: remember to “Trust in the Lord thy God with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.” My life wasn’t and isn’t the way I originally thought it would be, but it is the way God has directed/helped me to make it.
—Jennifer Mackley, Minnesota Minneapolis Mission
I grew up in a home in which serving a mission was as much a part of life for me and my sisters as it was for my brothers. The choice to serve a mission was easy for me, and so I have always been sure that young women should go on missions. Imagine my surprise when my brother-in-law, hearing me “encourage” (I won’t say “badger”) a young woman to put in her papers, told my sister flat out that he disagreed with my approach; his view developed after serving as an AP and spending much time dealing with sisters who came on missions without conviction or with emotional baggage. Although he certainly had to deal with problems from elders as well, he felt different about the women because they had chosen to be on a mission, whereas men were “called.” I realized—for the first time—that it takes as much spiritual confidence for a young woman to choose not to go on a mission, as it takes to make the decision to go. In my pro-mission stance I was being as hard-headed as some on the “other side” who ranted that girls should never be missionaries. My new point of view is that every woman should have a testimony and be prepared to share the gospel—whether or not she dedicates eighteen months to full-time sharing of the gospel. I no longer feel the right or duty to pressure young women into service the Spirit does not indicate or confirm, though at the same time, I feel strongly that no fear should deny a sister the great blessings that come from serving.
— Heidi Glyn Barker
Learn how to separate yourself and to lose yourself. Love the people—those who investigate and those who don't, those who are members and those who are not. Love your companion and your fellow missionaries. Love yourself and your own abilities and how the Lord magnifies your efforts. Allow the Spirit to fill your own personal empty places as you give yourself.
—Jenny Reeder, Italy Catania Mission
Work is an eternal principle, but work alone will not save you or your mission. You must understand the Atonement—it’s all about love. Obviously, you have to love the people; not always so obvious is to love your leaders, your companions, and, most importantly, yourself. No one tells you just how hard it is going to be, but dreamy details of "the best two years" are wholly inadequate to describe the indelible imprint that a mission can make on your soul—if you let it.
—Janiece Johnson, Argentina Buenos Aires North Mission
