Pioneering spirit continues as young women go forth to serve

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is well known for its missionary efforts. For over one hundred years, young men and women have voluntarily dedicated a period of their life to serving others and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ full-time.

Over 67,000 missionaries are currently serving in countries around the world, and a large percentage of those missionaries are faithful young women.

“We have a high level of consecration among sister missionaries,” Creg D. Ostler, President of the England Missionary Training Center, said. “There are people, both men and women, that only sisters can reach. It is remarkable to observe their great capacity to love and to teach. I’ve been amazed by their courage and their faith.”

Women have been pioneers in the way missionary work has been done for over a century. One woman, Elizabeth Claridge McCune, was instrumental in helping improve the missionary work in England.

McCune was a Latter-day Saint living in Utah in the late 1800’s. She traveled to England in 1897 to gather family history information and visit her son. When she arrived, she was invited to speak at local town meetings to dispel some rumors about Mormon women that had been circulating.

“I sometimes had an ardent desire to speak myself, feeling that as a woman I might be able to do some good,” McCune said.

Pushing past her fear and overcoming other challenges, she spoke to the local groups with power. Her words and influence helped remove many of the prejudices and doubts people had towards the Church.

After seeing the impact that one woman had on so many, the President of the Church announced the following year that from then on women could serve full-time missions.

Since this announcement, thousands of stalwart young women have left their homes and taken on the title of “Sister” as they serve the Lord and spread His gospel. The pioneering spirit of Elizabeth McCune has been carried throughout the world as women overcome obstacles to diligently serve the Lord.

Sister Elizabeth Cocker is one of several Tongan missionaries who were unable to return home because of border restrictions. She recently completed her missionary service in Leeds, England. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, her original call to serve for 18 months was extended to 24 months.

“Since I’ve been here longer than my original assignment, I have learned to rely on the Savior and to use the enabling power of the atonement of Jesus Christ,” Cocker said. “I have learned so much from my extra time here, and I would not trade it for any other experience.”

Along with Sister Cocker, thousands of other women have accepted the call to serve even during difficult times. Although these sisters face daily challenges, they rely on Jesus Christ and are able to reach individuals in a distinct and special way – just like Sister McCune did over a century ago.

You can learn more about the early sister missionaries and other powerful pioneers at https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/sister-missionaries-video?lang=eng