Prep Your Missionary
By Allison Beckert
Your Mission President
G
od looks after His missionaries. When serving a mission, you’re well looked after, both physically and spiritually. Just like God looks after families through the ward structure and the bishop, He has set up mission leadership to look after the missionaries in the field. The head of this immediate care is the mission president and his wife, who can become a powerful support to everyone in the mission. Mission presidents are called for three years, and go through training. When they report to their missions, they are prepared to bring the best of their unique talents and experience. A mission president serves with his wife as a presidency, focusing as a team in the effective organization and running of the mission. Within the mission, the president assigns the internal mission leaders, including assignments for trainers, companionships, office roles, zone leaders, assistance, and all other roles missionaries fill to continue the
work effectively. The mission president also serves an essential spiritual role for investigators. When a mission president is called and set apart with his wife, he receives priesthood keys that apply to those who serve in the mission as well as those who live in the mission area. It is the mission president that holds the keys for the baptism and confirmation of converts. The bishop of the new convert’s ward oversees the confirma-
Photo by Church Media Library
Working in the field is a challenge with new people and new experiences. Regularly reporting back to your mission president helps him support you through these challenges.
tion and transition to membership. In this capacity, the mission president, like the missionaries out teaching converts, ensures everyone in the mission has appropriate access to saving ordinances and support. A missionary’s relationship to their mission president can become a powerful connection, one that continues even after their service. While the network of mission leadership is wide, the spiritual welfare of missionaries is primarily the President’s concern, as well as questions of worthiness and wellness. When discussing their mission president and his wife, many missionaries will describe that relationship like that of a stand-in parent while they are away from home. All mission presidents are unique, and what they offer and how they engage with their missionaries will be unique as well. This relationship, like any other, should be built on trust, communication, and the guidance of the spirit. New missionaries should take the time to get to
know their president and let him and his wife get to know them as well. Speak up and let them help when things are challenging. A recent addition to the Tools app provides the ability for returned missionaries to allow connection with their former mission presidents. While the mission is limited, many mission presidents maintain a love and concern for their missionaries long after they return home. Such can be a source of spiritual support and friendship long after the term of service ends.
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