Good morning. I was converted to the church about three months ago after being an Evangelical my whole life. I’m now 19 years old.
In church I hear a lot about serving a mission. The problem is that my parents strongly reject the idea. They don’t accept it and won’t let me go. I know it’s important to serve a mission, but the truth is that I don’t want to upset my parents. They’ve only recently accepted the fact that I’ve changed churches. They say I should just focus on my university studies, since I only have two years left.
I know I won’t be able to serve a mission for another year anyway, but the future is not looking bright. I’m not sure what the right thing to do is. I hope you can give me some advice…
2 Responses to “Used to be Evangelical, parents don’t want me to serve a mission”
Gabriel Campos
2013-09-22 15:42:48
The Church's missionary program is one of its most recognized characteristics.
Hi Cristian. I'm happy you decided to join the church! I know your family situation is challenging, but I hope your worship in Christ's restored church is bringing you spiritual peace. You've made an important decision to join this church. I'm sure God will bless you for it as you continue faithful.
It's ideal for young men to go on missions at 18 or 19 years old. However, your parents are right in thinking that education is very important. Many universities allow their Mormon students to return to their studies once their missions are complete.
While most young men serve missions at 18 or 19, some serve when they are older. In fact, young men can serve missions as long as they're younger than 25. If you believe missionary service now would cause irreparable damage to your family relationships, perhaps you could consider serving once you've completed your university studies.
I encourage you to pray and ponder this question carefully in your heart. Chat with your bishop about these issues. Try to explain your feelings to your parents, and make sure they understand that you're an adult now who must be allowed to choose the course of his own life.
If you allow your decision to be guided by personal revelation, I'm certain that decision will be right. God loves you and is anxious to provide you with the guidance you need.
God bless you, brother. I'll pray for you.
Jhordi Adrian Medina Rivera.
2013-10-22 21:36:14
Dear Brother Christian, I can understand all the joy someone feels when he or she wants to serve a mission and Is on time to do so. I've had the same problems you have now and I can tell you I will have a little more of them, my story is similar to yours, I got Interested in the church more than three years ago, and was baptized two and some months ago, 90% of my family is catholic, the others are evangelical and some inactive mormons, Most of them don't want me to go on a mission too, but I'll go on a mission. Brother; All I could say is that you should always pray and put everything on God, preach your family with your example and testimony, send your mission papers, I'm from Mexico and can tell you that Universities in Guatemala and Mexico have a similar academical structures and there's the oportunity to apply for temporal absence, usually two years or four semesters, just go and talk with your school's academical department, I'm sure they can help you.
Go on a mission, never give up, the Lord will always help you if you have faith and follow him.
Gabriel Campos: I'm always so happy to hear from you, Jhordi! I hope you'll let us all know where you're called to serve a mission, when the time comes. You're going to be such a powerful missionary. You can't imagine how much joy it brings me to know that this website helped you find the church. God bless you, brother.
It's ideal for young men to go on missions at 18 or 19 years old. However, your parents are right in thinking that education is very important. Many universities allow their Mormon students to return to their studies once their missions are complete.
While most young men serve missions at 18 or 19, some serve when they are older. In fact, young men can serve missions as long as they're younger than 25. If you believe missionary service now would cause irreparable damage to your family relationships, perhaps you could consider serving once you've completed your university studies.
I encourage you to pray and ponder this question carefully in your heart. Chat with your bishop about these issues. Try to explain your feelings to your parents, and make sure they understand that you're an adult now who must be allowed to choose the course of his own life.
If you allow your decision to be guided by personal revelation, I'm certain that decision will be right. God loves you and is anxious to provide you with the guidance you need.
God bless you, brother. I'll pray for you.
Go on a mission, never give up, the Lord will always help you if you have faith and follow him.
Gabriel Campos: I'm always so happy to hear from you, Jhordi! I hope you'll let us all know where you're called to serve a mission, when the time comes. You're going to be such a powerful missionary. You can't imagine how much joy it brings me to know that this website helped you find the church. God bless you, brother.