Congrats OP - you sound genuinely really excited.

Could someone explain exactly what a mission call is? I actually assumed it was the army too at first. How does the application process work? OP attends his church and signs up on this worldwide missionary program? It sounds like he continues life as usual until this mail appears saying 'you are called'. And then, he stops home life to go abroad for 2 years and the church pays for absolutely everything? After 2 years, he resumes life and then waits for another call.

Sorry, I just haven't heard of anything like this before.

MamiyaOtaru

United States1687 Posts

April 18 2009 03:44 GMT

#44

At least Starcraft 2 will be out when you get back. Should help with the waiting.

Sky

Jordan812 Posts

April 18 2009 04:08 GMT

#45

On April 18 2009 12:41 Elric wrote:
Congrats OP - you sound genuinely really excited.

Could someone explain exactly what a mission call is? I actually assumed it was the army too at first. How does the application process work? OP attends his church and signs up on this worldwide missionary program? It sounds like he continues life as usual until this mail appears saying 'you are called'. And then, he stops home life to go abroad for 2 years and the church pays for absolutely everything? After 2 years, he resumes life and then waits for another call.

Sorry, I just haven't heard of anything like this before.

I always figured they had to save up the money for travel and expenses without help from the church, unless for a dire reason.

Learn and play some "Go" when you get there you lucky bastard!

lilsusie

3861 Posts

April 18 2009 04:29 GMT

#46

On April 18 2009 09:39 koreasilver wrote:

Show nested quote +

Christian missionary.

It's more mormons and the church of LDS that assigns people to missions. It's a requirement from what I remember hearing.

Nonetheless, good luck! Just remember, your actions speak louder than your words. Kudos to you for doing what you believe in.

Psyonic_Reaver

United States4336 Posts

April 18 2009 05:20 GMT

#47

It's not a requirement to serve a mission but it is highly encouraged.

Good luck man. I served a mission for the Church in Guatemala. (Didn't know a lick of Spanish until I went there.) Although I'm not really active now in the Church anymore, it was the best 2 years of my life.

People get so many misconceptions that all Missionaries do is beat down people's doors and tell them they are going to hell. Granted, there are people like that but there are so, so many people who do not have that mindset. This applies to all Christian Churches. Not just the LDS one.

I approached my mission with the mindset of just helping people like Christ did and not ask for anything in return. If people wanted to know more, I would teach them and help them know more about Church and what it stands for and what it teaches. I would never get upset or angry if people decided not to listen or, after listening, asked me not to come back. There is no point and Christ never behaved that way.

I mainly just taught English to the people and helped do community service as often as I could. Since I am also an Eagle Scout and was in a 3rd world country, there was always plenty of things to do. I'm sure Japan will have it's own unique set of challenges for you but don't ever think what you are doing is a waste of time. Even if you help 1 person better his/her life in any shape or form, be grateful. That doesn't mean they have to become a member of the Church, just know that helping people when they need it is the best soul food. Don't exclude members of the Church either. Everybody has problems and needs help in some shape or form.

That is how I look at it. I may return to the Church later in life, but right now is not a good time. I am going through things that I wish not to discuss here but know that I am trying to help you out with friendly advice.

Again, Good luck! Don't forget to have fun in the small, precious time you will have for yourself. Enjoy your P-Days. (P-Day is Preparation Day which is the only day in a week that a missionary will have time off to go shopping, email/write family, do laundry, etc.)

HooHa!

United States688 Posts

April 18 2009 06:43 GMT

#48

Tithings from church can help people go on missions. But it was something I worked for my own yeah. The best I could.

HooHa!

United States688 Posts

April 23 2009 17:59 GMT

#49

Update: I got my polio booster shot, and also japanese encephalitis shot. Which I found out was 190 $....and heres the thing... its a three series shot!

570$ just for THAT. WOWEE!

Well anyways, got done with the first shot. Played guitar outside. Drinking Dr pepper. Life is pretty okay. I got alot of free time, and I am getting a great sound.

But yeah had an hour appointment at the passport health clinic. Talked about traveling, dangers of what might or might not happen. Just so Im covered. Watched a boring movie about drinking soda with a straw. And boiling water.

Travelling outside of the country is pretty weird. At least if you get informed about it. Something that was really stressed on me was to watch out for Traveler's Diarrhea.

Good things though, I dont need to get a yellow fever shot or menigicoccal menigitis shot. So thats good. And typhoid isnt something to care about. TAKE THAT OREGON TRAIL!