Hi, all! I must let you know how you have made my day with all the kind comments made on this thread regarding Mormon missionaries, especially the young Elders. Yes, that does seem like a contradiction in terms "young Elders" but Elder in this case, as in the Bible, is not an age thing, but a title given to denote a particular level of service. In this case, it is a level of ordination also.
As a mother of a missionary son, I know how hard those Elders, and the Sister missionaries, too, work at finding opportunities to help people both with preaching the gospel, and with more practical issues, such as moving, disaster clean-up, or anything else they can do to be of service. It's really great hearing that some people actually feel their lives have been made a little better through contact with our gentle, compassionate missionaries.
Yes, I know most JWs believe they are the only ones who go door to door, and when reminded that we do also, they are usually quick to point out that we only go "for two years" and they go all their lives. I think it is wonderful to serve however you choose, but fair is fair. JWs are very focused on hours of service. If set side by side, and compared just hour to hour, these Elders serve 10,000 hours per mission. How many Saturday mornings does it take to equal 10,000 hours? Hmmmm.
Once a mission is over, however, service is not. Our people serve in various callings from age 12 on until the end of their lives. Most people serve in several different callings at once. We consider it a privilege to be asked to teach the small children's classes, or to lead Boy Scouts, or whatever else we are asked to do. We spend many, many hours in lifelong service in our Ward family, our home, and our neighborhood and community. Only we don't keep track of hours spent, as it is just a way of life, and most of us wouldn't think of NOT giving of ourselves whenever we have the opportunity. There is great joy in being an active part of things that those who only sit and listen to a weekly sermon cannot possibly appreciate.
Sometimes people think we are "required" to serve missions. Not so. Not even all who apply to serve are accepted, for various reasons. It must be the choice of the missionary to serve, and not a compulsary act such as the draft. My son now serving is the fourth one. All four looked forward to being able to go since they were young boys, and prepared well to be ready and to be worthy.
Yes, it does get expensive having missionary family members who we are supporting in full. Some families have more than one missionary at a time out in the field, and still support them in full. But the blessings received more than make up for any hardship encountered. (Something else I know few can appreciate who haven't experienced it!)
I've heard many people make comments about how Mormon missionaries "changed to the other side of the street" because they were "afraid" of the JWs, or "ran and jumped on their bikes" because they were so "scared" of JWs, or "shocked by how well JWs can destroy Mormon teachings". I have to tell you frankly that such comments always make me laugh. Those making them cannot be viewing the situation rationally.
First of all, Mormons grow up with JWs, they play in the neighborhoods with them, they go to school with them, they date them, they discuss doctrinal basics casually all their growing up years. Why would they suddenly be "afraid/scared/running away from/shocked by" JWs they encounter as missionaries? If it makes you feel more superior to think so, feel free, but it is beyond absurd! Wouldn't it be better to treat them kindly, as they do you, and look at them with the same respectful gentleness they show you?
Secondly, young men and women the age of our missionaries are in their most bold stage of life. They aren't about to flee in fear from anybody, and certainly not just because someone says they are JW!
I have a marvelous idea, which will be a whole new concept to many of you, unfortunately...Why not try seeing Mormons as people, real people, who are trying their best to live a good life, and generally succeeding at that, which is why they are usually so cheerful and friendly and open and quick to help everyone everywhere. Is that really so hard?
Thanks again, for the kind comments many of you made on this thread. It made this mother's heart very happy. Bless ya!!
