Comments about ‘David Archuleta announces plans to serve mission for LDS Church’

Gutsy decision. Hope he gets to serve someplace where no one has heard of him, so he can be a normal missionary.

He is a little older than he should be. What happened to 19?

He knows his music career has peaked.

Congarts on your decision, David. The Lord bless you.

@Spitvalve

I'm sure there are many places in the world where David would do wonderful as a missionary.
I recently had a close friend who some would consider a stereotypical blonde. (but she also has a heart of gold) She served in Hong Kong and had a wonderful experience.

@Y-Ask-Y?

I may be wrong, but I think you can be as old as 25 and still serve as a full-time missionary.

When I was in the mission field, I knew several elders who left the same time I did and were two or three years older than I was.

@ Y It doesn't matter that he's not 19 right on the dot. 19-26 is a normal range for young men to go.

19 is simply the youngest age at which a young man can serve, and it happens to be when most young men start their missionary service. I have known a few young men who were older than 19 when they began their missions. There was a young man in my MTC gym class who was 26. I don't know what the official upper limit is, but it is somewhere in the mid-twenties.

Nothing happened to 19. It's still between 18 and 20.

Re: Y-Ask-Y

That was one of the most cynical and judgmental comments I have seen posted here in a long time. Why not just be happy for the young man?

Wow. Good for him. What an amazing experience that will be. Can you imagine being this guy's missionary companion?

THAT is awesome! Many LDS stars justify that they are on a full-time mission by continually being in the public-eye. And they can do more missionary work by continuing in their craft. I'm of the opinion that you're on a full-time mission when you when you're on a full-time mission. Although I'm certain David Archuleta will always have a successful singing career, the faith and courage required to do this (and the message it sends) I think is of pioneer proportions.

@ Y-Ask-Y, 19 is simply the youngest age a young man can be to serve a mission. I've had many friends and sons of friends leave at a later age. Perhaps it shows a greater decision on his part and not an automatic "GO". Either way I'm confident it will make him a better man.

That is so great! Congratulations David.

Re: y-ask-y?? Maybe you need to change your name. Asking why on this one is petty and silly. Get a grip on how the Spirit can dictate, no matter what the age. I'm old enough to be his grandfather, or maybe great grandfather, am currently serving with my wife on a full-time mission. Sure glad no one asked "Why" when we decided to serve.

This could possibly be a little disruptive.

Y-Ask-Y? | 1:17 a.m. Dec. 20, 2011
Provo, UT
He is a little older than he should be. What happened to 19?
----------

Why does that matter?

As I have said all along, a person needs to make the decision on their own. If you don't have your own testimony and dedication to see it through then you should serve in other ways. Going just because you are expected to and doing it half hearted can be harmful. Going before you are ready is harmful.

I am happy to hear this news but even happier he is doing this on his own motivations for the Savior.

Y-Ask-Y:

Your cheap shot doesn't warrant any indulgence, but for your information a young man has until age 26 to enter the mission field.

I was a little older than 19 when I served my mission ... is there a problem?

To Y-Ask-Y? | 1:17 a.m. Dec. 20, 2011
Provo, UT
He is a little older than he should be. What happened to 19?

-------------------------

The "should be" age for each missionary is the age when s/he is ready to serve and when Heavenly Father tells him/her the time is right. 19 is merely the youngest age at which a male missionary can serve (the youngest age for a female missionary is 21).

For Y-ask-Y: Young men can go on a mission up until the age of 25. Some of those old missionaries are the best of all.

I have always thought David Archuletta was a fine young man with his head on straight. He is going on a mission for the right reasons - because he has listened to the spirit and feels it is right and he should, not because of peer pressure or someone telling him he should go.

Of course the "what happened to 19" question would come from Provo. Who cares? I wish him the best of luck. What a marvellous opportunity for growth for David.