Preparing their children, youths to serve

Compiled by Christine Rappleye Deseret News

Published: Friday, Jan. 4 2013 5:00 a.m. MST

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Summary

The announcement about the change in missionary age has not only affected thousands of young men and young women, but their parents and leaders as well, as they now have a different time frame to help prepare them. Mormon Times asked how the announcement change has impacted parents and youth leaders. Here are some of their responses.

I teach Sunday School in my ward to the 16- and 17-year-olds. I took a quick poll on Sunday (after general conference) — five of the six young women in my class stated that they now are seriously considering a mission. Prior to President Monson's announcement, only one of the six was seriously considering it. Amazing change!

— Damon Murphy, El Paso, Texas

My son turned 18 in May, is enrolled at BYU-Idaho and planned to finish a full year of college before serving his mission. He planned to put his papers in in February or March so as to be ready in May. After hearing the age change, he decided he wanted to be among the first to go and has started his papers even though he has scholarships that cover his entire tuition for next semester. He wants to go NOW. He has been champing at the bit to serve a mission since he was 15, so he could not be happier that the age has been changed.

— Sandie Graham

My 9-year-old daughter jumped off the couch yelling "Yes!" It has always been her dream to be a missionary, and with the age lowered she feels closer to that dream.

— Leah Crow, Anchorage, Alaska

My daughter is 18 years old, and when she heard about the change about the ages of the mission, she felt happy, because she is now preparing for a mission the next year. I am proud of her.

— Francisca Cruz

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JWB

Kaysville, UT

This is a beautiful and worthwhile cause to prepare to do for the people of the world. This preparation is for life's journeys and not just for a mission, however. Service is such a worthwhile project that never stops, in this world or the More..

8:47 a.m. Jan. 4, 2013
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J-TX

Allen, TX

I am in the YM Presidency and am thrilled about the change. It immediately made us change our attitude, as some of my Deacons will be on missions within 5 years. We are more coordinated with what the Teachers are doing, and they more with the More..

3:19 p.m. Jan. 5, 2013
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