In a seemingly
desperate reminder to Mormons who are currently shunning the idea of a mission in favour of living their life by convenience…
“But along with them are marvelous senior missionaries who have answered the pleadings of prophets and apostles for more missionary couples.”
These senior missionaries “are young in spirit, wise and willing to work,” said Elder Nelson, adding: “These dear members are willing to serve and strengthen the lives of others. Even if these seniors don’t know the local language, their accomplishments are great and their spirit of sacrifice is precious.”
But the request and pleadings are falling on deaf ears.
Most recently, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke in October 2023 general conference of sitting down to assign missionaries to their fields of labor. When he turned to the senior missionary couples, there were 10 couples to fill 300 requests.
“That sobering moment has stayed with me: 10 couples to fill 300 requests,” Elder Rasband related.
As an Apostle of Jesus Christ, Elder Rasband said: “I ask you to serve as a missionary in the gathering of Israel and perhaps even serve again. We need you — we need you. … I now invite you to take your know-how, coupled with your time-honored testimonies, and go on a mission.”
Why are those senior people finding excuses to not serve a senior mission, rather than trusting in the Lord and taking the plunge? Why do they lack the courage of their convictions? It is noteworthy to me that the more vocal a senior is in defending the church online, the more likely they are to find excuses for avoiding serving a senior mission.
