“Effective today, young men and women in the United Kingdom and Ireland now have the opportunity to be called as Service Missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The new Service Mission Programme enables worthy young men and women who are unable to serve a proselyting mission for physical, mental and emotional reasons to still be called to meaningful missionary service. Proselyting missionaries who return home early due to accident, illness, or other health conditions and have a desire to continue their service may also be reassigned to a Service Mission.
Elder Martin J Turvey
Elder Martin J. Turvey Announces Service Missionary Programme© 2020 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.“Each Service Missionary is provided a customised experience to match his or her capabilities. They may serve in a variety of situations, including at community food banks, charity shops, homeless shelters and refugee centres. They can also provide service in Church operations such as Temples and family history work,” announced Elder Martin J. Turvey, Area Seventy, Europe Area.
“Under the direction of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, prospective Service Missionaries who qualify will receive a call that best suits him or her. A pattern of service has been characteristic of young women and young men of The Church worldwide.”
“For many years, young men and women with a desire to serve God through missionary service but who are unable to do so for health reasons have served the Lord valiantly in various community and Church organisations.” (Office of the First Presidency, Letter dated November 16, 2018.)
“The COVID-19 pandemic has required adjustments for Church proselyting missionaries, including young men and women returning home to the United Kingdom who were serving abroad. These young people may in some cases find a Service Mission an appropriate option to continue serving, after counselling with their priesthood leaders. This is an expanded opportunity for youth to serve as Jesus Christ exemplified during His mortal ministry,” explained Elder Gary B. Sabin, Europe Area President. “The Service Missionary Programme has been working effectively in various locations in the United States and Canada and is now available for the first time in Europe.”
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“They make a huge difference,” said Elder Dale G. Renlund (a member of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) of Service Missionaries. “They’re dependable, they show up, they do the work. They’re cheerful, they’re positive, they’re enthusiastic. They bring life and energy.” (“Church Announces Changes to Recommendation Process for Young Missionaries”, 16 November 2018 Newsroom, Salt Lake City.)
Service Missionaries make excellent volunteers as reported by various non-profit community and religious organisational leaders. View their testimonials:
“We are delighted to announce the Service Missionary Programme for the United Kingdom and Ireland where young men and women offer meaningful and rewarding service as well as learn important life skills for themselves”, said Elder Martin J. Turvey