Remember in October of 2012 when President Monson announced the age change that would allow missionaries to serve at a younger age? Young men were permitted to serve at age 18, and young women at age 19. This was a major change in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in missionary work.
The Church has recently announced the completion and open house of the new buildings at the Provo Missionary Training Center. Missionary Mall was given a sneak peek at the buildings, and we're excited to share what we think they mean for missionary work.
Summer is the season for new missionaries, and there has been fresh excitement around the MTC these last few weeks. Everyone is eager to use the resources in the new buildings.
As you walk into each new building, you are welcomed by massive pictures depicting Jesus Christ’s ministry. This is a continual reminder for missionaries to remain centered on their purpose, “to invite others to come unto Christ,” (Preach My Gospel, pg. 1).
Large backlit pictures depict different scenes from both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Partnering these pictures are scriptures and questions, allowing missionaries the opportunity to reflect and ask themselves, “How am I being led?” or, “Do I have enough faith in Jesus Christ to accomplish anything He wants me to do?” and even, “Have I experienced a mighty change of heart?” These questions and pictures facilitate a powerful learning experience, allowing the Spirit to be the main teacher.
The new buildings provide more classroom space and additional study areas indoors and out. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in more natural sunlight. Many missionaries have already commented on the positive effect the additional light has had on them during their studies.
Even walking outside between buildings missionaries are focused back to their purpose as servants of the Lord, and the Elders and Sisters are reminded to “become as He is” (Preach My Gospel pg. 115).
Exciting things are ahead of us in missionary work! We feel blessed to have these inspired resources for a higher level of learning, even a heavenly level of learning. Missionary work is so important to our Heavenly Father. We see that as we hear from our missionaries, send missionaries to missions across the world, and have missionary experiences of our own. God helps us feel His peaceful Spirit, reaffirming how important His great work is.
Elders and Sisters! God has called you, He will qualify you. Teaching the gospel is an essential part of His great work of salvation, and “when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help” (Thomas S. Monson, “To Learn, to Do, to Be,” Ensign Nov. 2008, 62).
