Talked about the gospel without being awkward. (Bryan), One of so many would be having my companion feel prompted enough by the Spirit and asked a devout Muslim to kneel with us and offer a prayer and end in the name of Jesus Christ. (Kara), Second language, presentation skills used in business meetings, focus on goals, attention to detail and record keeping. Learned how to get along with a companion whom you were with 24/7 in every sense of the word. Surely there will be hard and discouraging times. (Jacob), A stronger testimony of the Gospel. The food is unforgettable. (Scott), When I was serving in Belgium, we were walking with our recent convert to his house when he ran in front of us and mooned us hahaha. (Mariah), I loved going to Paris. France Paris Mission | My Mission Its nice and varied! (Kale), The Moloroff (speed record of 6:15). It was a long walk. This led me in Patience to realize that, Have a good attitude. He told us (in French) that he was excited to be there, but exciter in French means to be sexually aroused. But they dont always mean the same thing in English. (Aaron), I loved teaching my investigator, Marie-line, because she was so sincere. Id never had that happen before. They were all so kind and friendly. Alaska Anchorage. We taught them most of the discussions and they attended church several times and other church activities. Dont make derogatory remarks about the French. (Anna), There are two separate cultures in the mission: The city culture and the countryside culture. I understand what is important. Then knowing that he was faithful to the end of his life. They also do their own laundry, exercise daily, eat nutritious meals provided by each MTC cafeteria and stay in touch with family and friends via weekly emails. After getting the huge table through the doors, the instructor repeated tableau so I could make the connection that I got the wrong item. (Jacob), St Maur des Fosses, Chelles, Sarcelles, Rennes. (Valan), Threw up in garbage can at metro stop after eating flour and water for dinner. Always soaking wet, get water resistant everything. (Merrilyn), Learned a new language. What was the worst thing that could happen? (Anonymous), Perseverance. (Merrilyn), I never ate cheese in my life. I love their wildness for football and tennis. (Matt), My family has grown much stronger together! We finally ran into one of our Evangelical African friends who cast out the demon in him. My advice is to rely with all your heart on the Lord and you will make it. That will bless your life and the life of your family forever. Well, we did. (Jordan), Riding the bus at night in Mauritius. The humidity makes it bitter. John Conway and I took the weekend off and biked up to a mountain village. (Valan), People skills. Elders, resale shops are great for finding cheap suits while in the field. The first was humbling because he showed me that I was arrogant and inflexible. (Doug), Pray for the people even before you get your call. I love how particular they can be, and how they say hello to every person in the room before they sit down. (Kara), Love every minute and never stop praying! Racolette. I told myself one more time he hits me he is going to to get the Book of Mormon across his head. (Valan), Walking in a sketchy city with lots of Arabs and came across a fight in the parking lot. You can submit your own article, ideas, or feedback at liahona.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Packing wise, bring easy to use suitcases. The beauty of the mission is going to teach you how to rely on the Spirit which will force you to learn talents as you go! How to get along with another annoying person. (Anonymous), Crepes, bread, cheese, pate, patisserie, grec, kabab, etc. So I turned my bleue away and walked around the median just to be safe. (Zakarias). I just waited until the last possible month to earn it. Has awesome preparation days. So Why Did My Husband Want to Join It? 2 pairs of sturdy shoes, you will walk a lot. After the law granting religious freedom was passed in 1967, an independent Spanish branch was organized in Madrid. You dont generally need a large trench coat. France Marseille Mission. (Elsa), Grecs (kbab sandwiches) were a staple of my diet in every area I served in Northern France. (Drew), There are many Africans in France. (Jeffrey), Depends on what part of the county youre in. Lardons & crime fraiche with pasta. Argentina Bahia Blanca. Moules frites. Life will go on without you back home, but you can make the most of other peoples lives in your mission because they need you. (Alex), Having an Amish call and say that the Book of Mormon is true and that he wants to be baptized. We do them ourselves using buses, metros and trains. American baggy clothes stick out like a sore thumb. Comfortable shoes (those flats wont last you long on the cobblestone roads!) (Zakarias), Our mission is the highest baptizing mission in Europe (except Cabo Verde), and also happens to be the best in the entire world! (Matt), Being threatened numerous times and actually being punched in the face. Its the best mission ever! When we opened our call letters and read our unique assignment, we never could have imagined the obstacles we would face in the mission field. Since the 1970s, French Saints have prayed for a temple in their own country. If not, they are cheap enough where you can buy a few. (Bryan), Calling a Madame a Monsieur . It is such beautiful countryside, both in natures landscape, and also in the architecture of the little roads, the stone buildings, the manicured trees and the history there . Home France LDS Missions. Amazing member missionaries, amazing examples. A few of the members had a chuckle. In a revelation to Joseph Smith the Prophet in 1833, the Lord said, "For it shall come . Laundry. (Nicholai), Layers. My prayer worked and he left us alone and minutes later almost had a brawl with some Arabs up to no good. New friends. (Doug), Seeing peoples lives change through reading the Book of Mormon with an open heart and mind. (Mariah), In the ghettos, having some people try to take your cell phones or cameras. Its nice to have some high quality tights/nylons and deodorant and stuff. It about caused her to pull a stitch. *Learn about living in Utah. Kebab. After the dinner we headed towards the metro, but it was shut down due to a transit strike. Trying different foods. One was when a recent convert learn how to read by sounding out words from the Book of Mormon and the Gospel Principles manual. What doyou wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission? On Halloween, we decided to show the French what a real Halloween was like. Take pictures of the people you meet (and label them because no matter how much you love them, you will forget their names). Cheese. Very little snow (winter in Orleans). (Nicholai), Be more outgoing and less afraid of making mistakes. (Alex), Rainy, warm in country/cities, very rainy. Some times to a fault for preaching the gospel as they only want to worry about themselves and dont need anything else . (Nicholai), Temperate 4 seasons. Forget the nylons (if you can get away with it). . It was awesome to see her progress, her maturity in the gospel, and how the Gospel filled her life with joy. Libraries. Love the people and dont judge others :)(Jordan), Read the scriptures out loud in the language. Dont get discouraged because it will be hard and you will be confused on what to do. 6. Very brave people. (Kara), Finding ourselves in the middle of an anti-war protest. There are a lot of micro climates. Likewise, there are so many people out there who try to use the secular history of Mormons as a tool of deceit, confusion, and contention. (Alex), Language bonus, people skills, being able to carry on a conversation, cooking. They were ridiculously good, not really sure why they were so much better tasting than everywhere else, though. The members preparing his name for temple work, the bishop emailing me a year after his death to tell me that he had personally done the proxy temple ordinances in Jean-Claudes name. (Roberto), While riding our bikes in Orleans, some guys we rode by spat at and hit us in the shoulder. Missionary Training Centers - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day In Phoenix, the Lord has prepared missionaries and members alike to share this important message in the French language. There was also this ptisserie near the Asniere sur Seine gare that had the worlds greatest beignets. (Stuart), The French can take a long time to open up and embrace new ideas or people, but once they do they are totally committed. Like when someone disses someone and you say Burn! well I said Brul (burn) and found out that doesnt work too well. (Dennis), We were almost missing a train, so I started to drive with my best Italian style..It was quite dangerous because people dont seem to follow Italian streets rules. There was an incredible spirit in the room which we could tell he felt. Theres no way we can find her here! Here's a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Paris LDS Mission. They were going against a whole lifetime of culture to live the principles of the gospel. (Chloe), I learned to communicate better. Hangers take up a lot of space in your luggage. Utah Salt Lake City North Mission. Learning a Language: My Experience Learning Spanish One February day, while living in Arizona, he met the French-speaking sister missionaries when they knocked on his neighbors door. (Mariah), Moderate. The French-speaking members in Phoenix have a deep love for the Savior and strong testimonies that God knows each of His children. The translator was a new convert too and it was so cool to see her learning as we taught. An Apostle of Jesus Christ and his wife brought a familiar message of hope to French-speaking Latter-day Saints around the world on Sunday, February 21. (Valan), Dont bring tons of American clothes. Organized on 18-Jun-1850 Enjoy every day. (Douglas), Crme brle, lapin la moutarde, crpes, couscous algrienne, une bonne quiche, et un sandwich baguette pour quelques euros sur la rue. France Paris Mission - Lifey Focus on what you can say and build from there. 3. 188 Countries Receiving Humanitarian Aid (Since 1985) 36,639 Welfare Services Missionaries (Incl. To access the official, up-to-date LDS.org map for the Paris Mission: Here are in-depth YouTube video interviews with returned missionaries from the France ParisMission. French Polynesia (Tahiti) - The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints So we turned the other way, and kept walking and bustling through the busy city square. One or two probably turned away, but one man was at least curious. Utah Salt Lake City Mission. (Alex), Pain au chocolat, baguette, Gouda, boxed soup, Brie. (Chloe), Western European oceanic climate. (Jeffrey), Immerse yourself in the work. Just an inch or two of snow, two months of cold, and only a few weeks of hot. Light skirts for humidity. (Dennis), Raclette, Crpes, Quiche lorraine, Ptisseries (viennoise and pain au chocolat aux amandes), African peanut chicken sauce and rice, and Baguette ham & gruyre sandwich. If you do, He will frustrate it and show you the right path. *Send your missionary a gift (mission-specific shirts, ties, Christmas stockings/ornaments, pillowcases, etc.). She nearly fell off the couch laughing. Argentina Buenos Aires North. (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({}); !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) DC North - President Dennis E. Simmons Group. I learned how the Spirit worked with me more clearly. I learned to love a large variety of foods. We were encouraging our amie to stop smoking and thought we were saying it would be more pleasant for her husband kissing her if she stopped. We kept working through the crowd, and somehow, up ahead another block or two away was that bright pink. (Alex), Living in the neuf-trois in Paris during gang fights(Jacob), We were a little bit late coming home one night. (Anonymous), It gets very hot and very cold. (Jeffrey), A lot haha honestly I learned self-confidence, I was blessed tremendously after my mission. (Paul), A missionary asked if she could peter the dog, but peter means fart. Loved eating escargot just so I could tell everyone back home that I ate SNAILS. Click the mission name for a page that indicates the mission (s) that now serve the same area. (Doug), Tamil riot near La Chapelle that we had to cross in order to get home. Good wheels if you have them. (Scott), St Nazaire Sarcelles Versailles Paris Poitiers Meaux Cergy. MyMission.com provides free missionary websites to LDS missionaries and their families giving them a great way to communicate and share mission experiences. Winters do get cold. (Anna), Beautiful, mild seasons. 8 Months. (Kara), Fresh bread and chocolate. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides relief and development projects for humanitarian purposes in countries all over the world. Boots for rain. (Drew), Teaching the lessons and seeing the baptism of a young refugee from the Ukraine. I hope I get to go back as a couple missionary. Weve seen how Heavenly Father has a unique and beautiful plan for Brother Lualaand all the French-speaking people in Phoenix. I had a unique experience. (Nicholai), Frites and sauce, Belgian waffles, foufou. (Douglas), Every baptism was such a spiritual experience. This is true for all those who have the desire to serve. Intermittent rain that youve got to be prepared for ;). (Michael), It covers three countries. (Anna), I was training for the second time in St. Ouen/Sarcelles, and we were waiting to cross a busy street after an appointment. So youd have to be prepared for anything over the course of a year. Letting truth fill them and watching them achieve their potential. I am married with 6 children and currently serve on the High Council and I am still a missionary every day. As of July 2022, there are 410 missions in the church. It is possible to spend all day just speaking Chinese. (Merrilyn), I met a woman whom my dad had taught and baptized 20 years earlier and that reinforced the importance of sharing the gospel and strengthening get new members I also now teach French and LOVE the connections I still have in France as I have been able to keep several friendships strong . (Elsa), The opening of the Bordeaux StakeElder Packer was phenomenal. I didnt say anything to my companion until after 2 more stops. We just kept riding. (Jacob), We had an investigator who was searching for something better in life. (Drew), Most of the blessings come from the friendships I made with many members, friends of the church, and even neighbors. People are always working hard and there are always incredible things going on. The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you. (Jacob), Be as obedient as you possibly can, but dont beat yourself up if you occasionally are not. It never got too cold, but spending too much time outdoors in the winter was chilly business. (Mariah), Not many baptisms. So are the Africans! (Bryan), Cold wet winters. In short, it will truly be the best time of your life. Scriptures Gospel Library Gospel Media Music Library. Charleroi is my idea of Zion. No spirit, no success. Ha Ha I had no idea how to lead music. My companion scheduled a dinner appointment just outside of our area, but I went along with it since he only had three weeks left in his mission. The people you find in areas really are unique in their own ways and I liked finding out the history on all the areas I was at, while also learning that each person has their own story. I saw almost 50 baptisms in my 18 months. Bad idea. THE HONEY MOON ONLY LASTS FOR TWO WEEKS. I loved learning about the French and African cultures I loved the history and sites everywhere I served. HenryB. Eyring, Prayers of Faith, Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 28. How to enjoy being anywhere. [2] U.S. State [ edit] (Anna), (Sisters) Dont feel like you have to have Everything youll need for 2 years. We were praying for a ride back and a drunk guy picked us up. The quicker you do the faster you will start to have one of the most cherished times of your life. In the evening that same day we were in a remote location far from the center and knocking doorsguess who opened one of the door we knocked at. Often, they were primarily taught by other members or missionaries, but the fact is that there are lots of baptisms going on, and it is beautiful! Creme Fresh was a staple for missionary cuisine. I should have just tried and learned rather than being worried about being embarrassed. It was great. Is there a list of missions in the US that learn a language - Reddit About Us. Hair? France Lyon Mission. But work is progressing, and swinging upward. I never actually baptized someone the entire 2 years I served. (Mariah), We were out knocking on doors late one night and missed the last bus back into the main town where our apartment was. The Peoples of Utah, The Continental Inheritance | History to Go (Chloe), Drunk people on the streets were sometimes hostile. Missionaries (frequently with the help of family and friends) fund their own missions an approximate cost of $10,000 to $12,000 per missionary. Slightly nerve racking but ultimately hilarious. Make sure you have good, sturdy walking shoes that will last. (Scott), Crepes Kebabs Gallettes Panninis Baguettes. You will learn sacrifice real fast. (Roberto), When knocking on doors the first time, I commented after about three doors to my trainer Man, there sure are a lot of people called sonnerie here! Most of the doorbells said sonnerie on them. Definitely a good rain jacket and umbrella and waterproof shoes. (Matt), Let your mission be a compass for the rest of your life. (Roberto), My dad served in the Franco-Belge Mission 20 years earlier. Chinese people are absolutely amazing, humble and kind. (Paul), The language is beautiful. The grandmothers are all converts, and there are very few third-generation members. Rain gear a must. Try to remember the quality of the people represent more than the quantity of numbers you have. Love the people. I loved having meals with the people. But then she turned towards me and she said, this is the most beautiful street!! My first name is Jeff. Full-Time Senior Missionaries Senior Service Missionaries Service Missionaries Missionary Manuals Dress and Grooming Missionary Training Centers Online Recommendation System Missionary Recommendation Interview Questions Missionary Preparation Frequently Asked Questions Sharing the Gospel Online Mission Maps Home ChurchofJesusChrist.org Missionary basically serving in Nogent was 10 months of a fantastic spiritual experience that has continued ever since. (Douglas), Practically perfect in every way. Here Are Five Ways to Find Answers, Helping Loved Ones Face Questions and Doubts about Faith. Member for less than a year but almost a year. I wouldve worked better with members. He was quite disheveled, and asked if he should dress up a little we said, if you want to! It was a surprise for me to meet American people who speak French. Organization. After settling down on the train, a big lady in bright pink barely made the train and shuffled all of her parcels and bags around to sit across from me. I discovered a lot about myself. Getting along with different personalities and people. Well, Sunday came, and he showed up in a three-piece suit looking like he was a groom! I technically served 2 missions. 16 New 2020 Mission Presidents and Companions Called to Serve in (Jordan), If you say je suis plein for I am full it really means I am, HA HA I bet everyone makes this one. Able to understand new members better. Love and serve your companion and those you meet. The temporal/secular history of the Church is often many individuals only exposure to the Church, but intelligent discussion of such is often an amazingly positive and readily accessible way to reach people about the Gospel.