Deseret News | Reader comments: Mission reunions attendance usually tapers over years

Reader comments
Reunion attendance usually wanes

Anonymous | 12:44 a.m. April 3, 2009

Mission reunions should be held during vacation periods. Almost no one outside Utah travels to GC anymore, especially when they have children...

Elder......... | 3:49 a.m. April 3, 2009

I went to two missionary reunions with my girlfriend at the time as a date only because I wanted my former companions to eat their hearts out about how pretty my date was! I never even ended up marrying that girl. I got an even prettier one!

'Elder' Christensen | 6:05 a.m. April 3, 2009

An exception to the trend: The Berlin Mission - first organized in 1961, under President Percy K. Fetzer, has now been holding annual (even for many years - semi annual) reunions for nearly forty-five years; and still holding strong.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 6:24 a.m. April 3, 2009

I love to attend my mission reunions, but living quite a distance away from Salt Lake makes it very difficult. Most of us can't make the trip to Utah for Conference and the reunions, so we have to keep in touch in other ways. But when I am in Salt Lake City during conference, you can be sure I will be at the reunion.

C.Russell
Texas

Pointless Sentimentality... | 6:53 a.m. April 3, 2009

what would be the point? imo, most reunions are matters of vanity. Like the Elder who posted above, to show off just how you've succeeded in life now... If they were friends they'd have kept in contact with you of their own accord. As it is, who needs more remote friends who claim you as theirs but have no actual impact upon your life? Seems kinda superficial by all accounts.

Ramses | 6:53 a.m. April 3, 2009

The greatest factor in the relative decline in missionary reunions is what was mentioned in the article. Fifty years ago, it is probably reasonably accurate to say that 80% of the missionaries who had served were from Utah or were going to college in Utah after their mission. Many stayed in Utah after college was over.

Today, that percentage is much, much lower. Additionally the percentage of missionaries who are local in Brazil or Mexico or the Philippines, etc. is much much higher. And, of course, the same thing is true for mission presidents.

Inevitable, of course, as the Church becomes more and more global.

missions last a life time | 8:08 a.m. April 3, 2009

The friendships of a mission last a life time. No better place to establish life long friend ships than a mission. Reunions are hard to keep going but are certainly worth the effort.

jr | 8:08 a.m. April 3, 2009

I lived in the mission field, served in a mission field then ended up in Utah. My actual mission I served in doesn't even have a reunion, even the Miss Pres isn't interested. The mission I lived in still has some of the old codgers coming out and those new from their mission come once and then go their way. I find most of those I met and knew in the mission fields are not really interested in continuing a long friendship and not everyone really makes life long friends from many of their mission partners. Many went on missions for th wrong reason to begin with therefore reunions are mundane. I know one mission president that served in our country holds a reunion on his own during the summer and he still has quite the following from his elders as he and his wife were genuine people and were truly an example of living the life Christ supposedly set the example of

Rebecca | 8:11 a.m. April 3, 2009

I am a convert from a different country who moved to the US in the mid '90's and I love to go to the mission reunions and see the Elders who taught in my area and who baptized me. Keep the reunions coming!!!!!

Mona | 8:12 a.m. April 3, 2009

Pointless Sentimentality? I am sorry you feel that way. For most of us, working hard in close quarters for 1.5 or 2 years is a precious experience that creates bonds and memories that a participant never forgets. We may see /talk to each other rarely, but when we do it all comes back--laboring in the kingdom has eternal implications and the reunion experience has nothing to do w/ vanity or comparison. Except for maybe a few like P.S.

erudite | 8:15 a.m. April 3, 2009

The comment about attendance at mission reunions being only an outlet for one's vanity reminds me of feelings aroused by high school class reunions -- at least for the first 10 -20 years after graduation. But, as time goes by one gets more of a longing for re-communication with what were really very emotionally satisfying experiences. I would love to attend my mission's reunion, if only there were one. I haven't heard of a Central Atlantic States Mission reunion for a long, long time. I guess I'll just have to organize one myself. Long live the Aposhian - White era of missionaries and mission experiences.

Elder Skousen | 8:17 a.m. April 3, 2009

Served in the Korea Pusan mission in 1986 and we have only had two mission reunions. It is pretty sad.

My father served in Boston under President Truman Madsen. They have bi-annual mission reunions and keep in touch on a regular basis.

I wish our mission had at least some contact.

Combo Pointless | 8:37 a.m. April 3, 2009

I certainly see the value in reunions with the sisters and elders you actually served with. But I really don't see why you would attend one with combo missions which would largely include people you not only don't know but who were not even in your mission or at least not there while you were.

Kinda like attending a school reunion of people who went to any Utah Valley school within a 15 year timeframe that you did. Might as well just go to a BYU football game and hope you run into an old classmate instead.

Suzanne | 9:04 a.m. April 3, 2009

If you aren't already in contact with those people that you served with, I'm not seeing the point. It would take quite an effort to get to Utah for one of those, and probably no one that I served with would even be there... just kids much younger who served there since. Cool stories perhaps, and maybe you could find some common ground, what happened to someone you lost contact with ... tell them the story of the mysterious articles that are still in some of those apartments... but I could make a lot less effort and meet strangers closer to me. And the people I am still in contact with, I can just call up, or chat with on Facebook, where there are some good mission groups as well.

John S. | 9:09 a.m. April 3, 2009

As the article points out, a big part of the reason why the reunions are not well attended is because a large percentage of the ex-missionaries and ex-mission presidents live outside Utah and many live outside the US. I was in a mission in Brazil. My mission president was Brazilian as well as most of my companions. For those living outside Utah and have children, travelling to Utah during General Conference weekends conflicts with school schedules.
There are other ways people stay in contact -- via mission websites and e-mail.

Vain | 9:09 a.m. April 3, 2009

While it is nice to keep in touch I agree with the commenters that say the reunions are largely for show. For example, we have several from my mission (to remain anonymous because I mean no malice) who make it a point to declare "I'm a stake president now" as if it's an accomplishment in life rather than a sacred calling for which there are 100+ brethren capable of filling for every one that is actually called.

TheAllKnowingEye | 9:10 a.m. April 3, 2009

The mission I went to has never held a reunion. Probably because we all hated each other.

AZ-RM | 9:15 a.m. April 3, 2009

re: pointless,I had a companion like pointless, and I didn't let him ruin my day back then either.
And regarding the lessor number of mission reunions in and around SLC, don't forget that as a global church, there are undoubtedly reunions held in other parts of the world such as Brazil, Central & South America. There is no need for everyone to come to SLC just to have a reunion.
My mission in Central America in the early 70's has only occasional reunions, but they are 'inolvidable'! Unforgettable!!!!

Anonymous | 9:31 a.m. April 3, 2009

As reunions go, Facebook is the new "minimum" ... and also a very satisfying way to reconnect.

short-sighted | 9:33 a.m. April 3, 2009

Our mission had a huge turnout for more than 50 years, when it covered all presidents and all times. What killed it was when the younger ones started break-off groups for their own time, every one of which died a very quick death, but split up the efforts that had kept the original one going. Many of us served under two presidents, and we could not go to both, so went to neither. The young kids did not recognize the fellowship that was tied together by the unique culture of the country where we served, and when the newness of being an RM wore off, the larger organization was dead as they married and got on with their lives without participating.

RE: Pointless Sentimentality... | 9:34 a.m. April 3, 2009

I agree with you 100%. Besides who wants to a mission president tried to send you home because you were having trouble with the language. Or the other elders and sisters who are still spreading rumors about you 18 years later.

utwingnut | 9:38 a.m. April 3, 2009

My military experiences far out weigh my missionary experiences. I would much rather attend a military reunion than a missionary reunion. Nothing quit compairs to having sacrament in a fox hole with two other members using a canteen and the bread from an MRE.

Greg | 9:44 a.m. April 3, 2009

To Elder Skousen,

I also served in the Korea, Pusan mission. I was there from 1988 to 1990. As far as I know, we have only had one mission reunion. I have tried to keep in touch with as many people as possible. However, it has been difficult. It would be nice if our mission would at least have a reunion once every five years. It would make it easy to keep in touch with friends.

It is sad, that for whatever reason the Korea, Pusan mission does not have reunions.

where are now? | 9:48 a.m. April 3, 2009

geez...i wonder what happened to some of those ones who said they wanted to kick my butt out there but couldn't then and most definitly couldn't now as that was all ego talking...anyways ...perfect everyone you is perfect ..every thing you do is perfect ..perfect what a boring crew...i'd have more in common with a bunch of lions!

Facebook Baby | 9:58 a.m. April 3, 2009

The modern era of keeping in touch is now Facebook and the like. I think that with the advent of this technology you may see a renewed interest in reunions, not only for missions but for high school or old wards or stakes. It is amazing how quickly one can catch up on 20-30 years. As for Elder Skousen, check facebook for the Korea Pusan Mission and I think you will find several who served with you, as did I. Now just try to figure out who I am. Once you join, I'll add you as my friend and we'll plan a Kimchi party.

It's..... | 11:01 a.m. April 3, 2009

very rare to see "all mission presidents" invitations these days. Also I don't want to look like an ancient T-Rex at a missionary reunion.....LOL!!

Elder Skousen | 11:11 a.m. April 3, 2009

To Facebook Baby,

I'm dying to know who you are. What area did we serve together in?

Glad I didn't go to Korea | 11:30 a.m. April 3, 2009

Skousen probably isn't having reunions because he would have to hang out with a bunch of whiny, former missionaries. Grow up and move on Elders.

Paul | 12:02 p.m. April 3, 2009

I'm waiting for the "reunion(s)" after I pass from this world. I think it will be a lot easier with better results to catch up and keep up there. I can wait.

Great Italy Mission 1967 - 1970

Kit | 12:05 p.m. April 3, 2009

Can I ask everyone to please think about what a mission is before you post your opinion bickering about the point of a reunion. It's ok to not have an opinion on everything. Please rethink your actions and what you are portraying before you post.

Dear "Vain" | 1:57 p.m. April 3, 2009

In my entire "long" life of 55 years, I have met probably over 100 Stake Presidents. Not one of them in their wildest imagination would boast, "I'm a Stake President!" I truly feel recollections like this are stuff of "way out in left field." Once in a total lifetime kind of thing.

awsomeron | 2:53 p.m. April 3, 2009

I am not sure that Reunions need to have a Shelf Life. You come and gather if you want to and can afford to.

Life goes on and the continuation of the Mission Zeal sometimes fades in the realty of life.

For some people it is Not the Best Two Years of their life. Some would rather forget then remember. For some the cost was very high. The Princess did not wait, etc.

I think you should enjoy the company of who is there and remember fondly those who are not.

I did Two Stake Missions, Humble People do not show off their Girlfriends or boost about their callings.

They where doing Gods Business and for the Vast most part they did it very ,very well.

Elder M. | 4:36 p.m. April 3, 2009

I've been home from my mission nearly 40 years. I am going to only my second reuinion this evening. I haven't been to any more for a variety of reasons, some valid and some not so valid (even selfish, I admit). Nevertheless, most of the comments here make me just a little sad. I had a great mission and am still having a great life. It's sad to read so much resentment towards so many past missions, companions and Mission Presidents. Why waste so much time and energy worring about old problems or what anyone today thinks about anything in the past. Then again, maybe those who claim that attending missions is nothing but showing off, have something. I'm going to my second reunion with my wife and youngest daughter to show off to old companions what a wonderful family I have and to show a small part of my family (I daughter out of nine children) what a wonderful mission I had. Why attend? Like all of life, you get out, what you put in. Remember, God still lives and the Church is still true. FOREVER

Jordan | 4:59 p.m. April 3, 2009

Just because listings on the Deseret News mission reunion board are lessening, doesn't necessarily mean that mission reunions in general are on a decline. The difference today is in the variety of ways we now have to disseminate information about the reunions: facebook, emails, mission web sites, etc. I checked the Deseret News postings today and didn't even find my mission reunionthough it had been planned for months. I guess no one bothered to post it there. However, I've received more reminders than I can count from those other sources. The difference is in way we spread news now...

Mom | 9:26 a.m. April 4, 2009

I'm so sorry some have had a bad time. I went with my son, wife and their children to the Dublin Ireland reunion in 2007. It was worth going to IReland for even if we didn't even go site seeing. The love and respect those ex missionaries showed for each other and the members attending was wonderful. I was embraced by many members and missionaries and enjoyed myself so much. They are planning anoher reunion in 2010 and have many signed up. They are hoping to contact some who haven't been active and remind them of why they joined in the first place. They had a testimony meeting as part of the Sat. night meeting and you could see how much they loved what they did there and what they are doing in the church now. One man came who was baptised in the early 70's and was at Sacrament meeting on Sunday. Sorry some of you don't have this opportunity. I certainly learned how the love of our Savior has made a difference in the lives of all these people. I hope all missions can have this attitude.

jann | 6:20 p.m. April 4, 2009

We do it every other year.I am alwys given notice. But I live to far away to go. Most of the ones I was close to, I keep in touch by email. I couldn't afford to come just for a mission reunion but I'd sure love to see the ones I served with.

Elder Conrad | 5:07 p.m. April 5, 2009

I would think that missionary reunions are being hurt by the same thing that hurts HS reunions anymore--Facebook. Why go through the time and expense of going to a reunion when you're already keeping up with the latest on the few friends you care about every day online? It just doesn't seem worth it to go to reunions at all anymore.

To Elder Skousen | 11:44 p.m. April 5, 2009

Not sure if we served together or not but I was in the Poneboo, Masan and Ulsan to finish up. I think I was about a year ahead of you. I also went to BYU. Don't see you on facebook yet.

Meyers | 1:16 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009

Our reunions have gone on strong for over 40 years, twice a year, with the mission parents attending when able and speaking to us and still guiding us with their examples. One Mission President and wife have now gone to their eternal mission, the other couple are not able to attend regularly because of health, but we miss them and care about them and try to be like them. Many of our group now have mission reunions of their own to be parents of, but we all try to stay connected. Even the spouses love the reunions. Are reunions sentimental? Of course, but they are also wonderful in helping us to keep an eternal goal in our lives. What is the best part? Seeing old friends and the testimonies.

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