Packing wise, bring easy to use suitcases. (Paul), The countless times of bearing testimony on the street to complete strangers. (Michael), It covers three countries. Bring a shoulder bag. Do as much of your study, reading, and praying in your mission language as possible. The temperatures didnt seem all that different than the, Cloudy and rainy. (Aaron), Resilience, hard work, language, friendship. Now my son is also serving in the same mission I know there were about 100 + missionaries and maybe 20-some sisters It was a lot smaller area than it is now. You WILL go through several pairs. It was a dangerous part of town, but we were just going to the train. A big reason that I memorized the discussions so quickly and taught so many shallow street lessons was to be better than others. Missionary Moms & Dads DC North Mission Group. Very brave people. Serve. It didnt usually get too hot except for when the wind blew in from the Sahara. . (Kara), Fresh bread and chocolate. (Douglas), I gave and participated in 15 musical concerts while a missionary, invited people to the missionary visitor center by playing the violin, and saw almost 50 baptisms. I love their politeness, manners and gentility. She asked me if the Book of Mormon could truly change her life for the better. (Anna), Beautiful, mild seasons. Many of the things I learned from trying to get the award helped me to understand the gospel better. (Jacob), Humid, which intensifies both heat and cold. (Kara), First French stake formed in 1975. (Valan), People skills. (Jordan), Weather was always great. If not, they are cheap enough where you can buy a few. We were there for 20 years before making the journey to America., Brother Luala felt grateful just to come to the United States, but the Lord had more in store for him. If you do, He will frustrate it and show you the right path. So Why Did My Husband Want to Join It? (Matt), Let your mission be a compass for the rest of your life. Utah Salt Lake City South Mission. 5. It snowed in Paris the winter I served in the mission office and I may have thrown a snowball at a member of President Bennions family. That lead to us teaching he and his girlfriend. (Zakarias). Learn the discussions in English before going to the Mission Training Center then you have a better idea of what you are saying in French. Heres a list of LDS missionary blogs for the ParisMission. Some of us may wonder if we were really called to the right place or whether we can truly make a difference. French Population. (Mariah), I had the opportunity to go back to a previous area and be apart of a baptism for a person I had worked with for 6 months. Dont buy more than you need. (Doug), Pray for the people even before you get your call. For many of them, the path that led them to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ wasn't easy, but meeting these people has helped us see how the Lord guides people to find His true gospel. (Zakarias), Its like regular mainland European weather- we have both a lot of rain and sun. (Mariah), My mission is one of the hardest, you dont see many missionaries on bikes, we walk, drive, or use the subways. She knew completely the truth and she whole-heartedly embraced the gospel from day one. I hope I get to go back as a couple missionary. An assignment as unusual as a French-speaking mission in Arizona has certainly caused us to question the impact of our role once or twice. Know the history of the restored Church just like you should know scripture. His friend pulled him away but we were scared, partially from the sense that we were not as well protected because we had not been obedient that day. Here are LDS-friendly educational videos aboutFrance. (Zakarias), Anything you need you can buy in France. (Nicholai), I walked around for the first 6 weeks saying that Jesus Christ is my flavor because the words for savior and flavor are really close. How to serve and make amazing friends. (Alex), Having an Amish call and say that the Book of Mormon is true and that he wants to be baptized. To access the official, up-to-date LDS.org map for the Paris Mission: Here are in-depth YouTube video interviews with returned missionaries from the France ParisMission. Like when someone disses someone and you say Burn! well I said Brul (burn) and found out that doesnt work too well. The ability to speak to strangers and to do hard things. If we are here now, what will our race be like a hundred, a thousand, a million years from now even if there is no higher power to interfere with our progress? We cant wait to hear from you! They do provide sheets, but I suggest bringing your own haha. (Matt), Belfort, Rouen, Villenuve Dascq, Mulhouse, Nivelles (Belgium), and Saint-Omer. (Matt), I called women, men sometimes haha. Ether 12:27 was revelation in DIRECT response to Moronis plea for understanding in light of his linguistic weaknesses. He decided to be baptized. The people outside of Paris seem more friendly to Americans than Parisians do. I learned more during my mission than 25 years of life. Yes. You dont generally need a large trench coat. Cant remember the name of the main cheese I loved. I am now a French teacher. We will have mastered all of the elements and planets and will have made our race immortal. 13 Days. (Zakarias), Its hard and long but its what you make of it, Make sure you have a solid testimony of the Gospel, especially The Book of Mormon. Serve. I was blessed with the Spirit and was able to do so sufficiently well that no one laughed at me. (Jeffrey), A warm coat for winter that can withstand wind and rain. Organization. Here Are Five Ways to Find Answers, Helping Loved Ones Face Questions and Doubts about Faith. You prayed that we would have a fruitful evening! The Lord answers prayers! (Nicholai), EVERYTHING! During the 1960s, Church membership increased fivefold as missionaries and members worked to spread the gospel. We waited for the train going the other direction and it must have been 30-40 minutes later that we got off at her stop. Layers. (Jordan), Pain au chocolat, religiouse; quiche. They were ridiculously good, not really sure why they were so much better tasting than everywhere else, though. I also gained a lot of confidence and happiness. (Drew), There are many Africans in France. Weve learned some valuable lessons from our unique mission experience. Living Life. (Jordan), Finding a family that we were taking a Book of Mormon to whose address we had left at home, hours away. (Scott), Pack some short sleeve white shirts, I didnt haha buy good shoes, sturdy firm bottom, waterproof. The prophets of the Book of Mormon regularly apologize for the weaknesses of mortal tongues because it can be the first and most intimidating barrier to sharing eternal truths with strangers in strange lands, but it can be overcome. Keep them affordable, too. Always stay hydrated, always have a water bottle on you. Wherever and however we are called to serve, may we take comfort in President RussellM. Nelsons words to youth (many of whom are now full-time missionaries! (UK), French is hard and the only way you can learn is by trying and making mistakes and learning if you speak and read and write French. Letting truth fill them and watching them achieve their potential. (Paul), Forget about home and engulf yourself in the gospel, the language and the French culture. (Scott), This happened twice on mission. Pretty hot in the summer. Should we turn around? (Nicholai), The language was really hard for me. Learned how to get along with a companion whom you were with 24/7 in every sense of the word. I would not be the same person without that growth. She asked me to volley with her, so I handed my things to my companion and we volleyed for a minute or two in front of the Htel de Ville. (Stuart), Crpe, Burrito Fte, Donner Kebab, Brioche, Galette Brtonne, Crme Frache Pizza. (Valan), Never snowed. That will bless your life and the life of your family forever. To do otherwise will keep you from speaking for a good part of your mission. Comfortable shoes (those flats wont last you long on the cobblestone roads!) Make sure you have good, sturdy walking shoes that will last. (Mariah), Just do your best and never give up. Alaska Anchorage. France Paris Mission Each US mission has languages you are officially called to speak and then other languages that you might be asked to speak regardless of your call. (Bryan), One time playing soccer near the Eiffel Tower and watching a bunch of illegal sellers of tourist items running away from police and diving into bushes and seeing all their stuff flying everywhere. They are excellent cooks as expected. Try to keep it as small as possible. Cheeses. We really should have gotten off, shouldnt we! (Chloe), Do not bring clothes hangers even though the missionary preparation manuals advise it. (Scott), The history was amazing!!! *Learn about living in Utah. The cobblestone may break your wheels so try to get a strong suitcase. (Michael), Too many to list. Turns out she loves family history and was full of love towards us and interested in what we did. Talking to people. (Scott), Organization, being bold, self discipline, diligence, hard work, following the spirit, studying scriptures, working with others. It is such beautiful countryside, both in natures landscape, and also in the architecture of the little roads, the stone buildings, the manicured trees and the history there . The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides relief and development projects for humanitarian purposes in countries all over the world. [2] U.S. State [ edit] Its nice and varied! Also, people enjoyed food. Hot summers (Anonymous), Wet and cold most of the year and hot and humid in the summer. As missionaries, we are helping fulfill that prophecy today. We taught them most of the discussions and they attended church several times and other church activities. (Matt), How to find the good in others, studying for a couple hours at a time, and not being afraid to open my mouth. (Bryan), Calling a Madame a Monsieur . Any pastry from the bakery around the corner from the train station in Rouen. (2019), 1. Bring athletic clothes because the people love soccer. The members preparing his name for temple work, the bishop emailing me a year after his death to tell me that he had personally done the proxy temple ordinances in Jean-Claudes name. Also, most of our transfers were by train, not automobile. No clue why but he then proceeded to yell at us and we just walked away. Scriptures Gospel Library Gospel Media Music Library. Her brother had just accepted the gospel and told her about the blessings he had received and she wanted to know more. Lots of translating opportunities. (Elsa), The opening of the Bordeaux StakeElder Packer was phenomenal. The designs on mission t-shirts may also be printed on other LDS mission gifts, including: France Parismissionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments. This gives them something real serious to think about. Hated it so never tried it. For many of them, the path that led them to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ wasnt easy, but meeting these people has helped us see how the Lord guides people to find His true gospel. I love you, and so does the Lord. My prayer worked and he left us alone and minutes later almost had a brawl with some Arabs up to no good. Make sure youre prepared. Often, they were primarily taught by other members or missionaries, but the fact is that there are lots of baptisms going on, and it is beautiful! basically serving in Nogent was 10 months of a fantastic spiritual experience that has continued ever since. Laundry. You are hereby called to serve in the Arizona Phoenix Mission. (Drew), I had the opportunity to teach the missionary discussions in seven different languages over the course of my mission. (Doug), Discipline, work ethic, study habits, spiritual study habits, organizational skills, language skills. (Alex), Pain au chocolat, baguette, Gouda, boxed soup, Brie. In general, weather is nice, except it occasionally snows in the winter and there are occasional heat waves in the summer. (Drew), Most of the blessings come from the friendships I made with many members, friends of the church, and even neighbors. It was a long walk. Keeping my voice low when talking to someone else. (Merrilyn), Learned a new language. 188 Countries Receiving Humanitarian Aid (Since 1985) 36,639 Welfare Services Missionaries (Incl. The quicker you do the faster you will start to have one of the most cherished times of your life. There were a few people at the median when we got there, so naturally we started talking to them. (Paul), France felt like home and still does. I had a unique experience. I love the cosmopolitan, international nature of the cities there, meeting people from every nation, all working together. We were having our district meeting that morning, so two companionships from out of town had arrived earlier by train and they were stopped and informed by police officers just outside our apartment of the situation. When we got there it turned out that the sister missionaries where there as well. I never actually baptized someone the entire 2 years I served. But there are cheap marchs that youll walk through on P-day, shampoo & hygiene products you can pick up for a euro or two in big subway stations like La Dfense as you switch trains and things like that. (Michael), Once, my companion and I were waiting for the mtro (subway) when a homeless man came up to us to ask for money. (Nicholai), Frites and sauce, Belgian waffles, foufou. There are places in the world where the missionaries, even in their humble circumstances, are wealthier than the people they serve: dont insult them and embarrass yourself by over-dressing. (Anna), We had decided to go up to a specific village a few train stops away to do some finding. It was amazing to see someones life lifted up and to receive joy through the Gospel. Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service, rev. (Mariah), The weather depended on what part of France you were init, Little bit like Washington D.C. but without snow. A knowledge of Gods love and His involvement and interest in my life. Then they asked me if they could visit my home because they had a message for me.. ed. (Anonymous), Cherbourg, Nogent, Vannes, Sarcelles, St Brieuc, Evreux, Niort, Soissons. People skills. Learn to accept them for who they are, look for the good in them, compromise with them, and have a good time while you are with them. {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js');fbq('init','966613626711939');fbq('track','PageView'); Frog legs, snails, baguettes, and many more! Never had done it. Get a good,lightweight jacket thatll keep you warm and dry. Utah Salt Lake City Mission. Loved eating escargot just so I could tell everyone back home that I ate SNAILS. (Valan), You will succeed. I told myself one more time he hits me he is going to to get the Book of Mormon across his head. The other blessings were from the ways I grew on my mission. (Kara), Colombes, Evry/Grigny, Versailles, Melun, Bois Guillaume, Rouens, and Nantes. Study skills. We were walking home from the train to our apartment and a drunk guy threw a glass bottle at us that narrowly missed us. Paris P-Days are so much fun. (Doug), Good sturdy yet lightweight luggage. MyMission.com provides free missionary websites to LDS missionaries and their families giving them a great way to communicate and share mission experiences. I wish I knew the doctrine better or even had a stronger testimony on certain things. Rainy springs. (Dennis), We were almost missing a train, so I started to drive with my best Italian style..It was quite dangerous because people dont seem to follow Italian streets rules. HUMOR AND SPIRIT ARE POWERFUL TOOLS in making relationships work. Life will go on without you back home, but you can make the most of other peoples lives in your mission because they need you. We used a translator. and just after a couple months of coming home, Ive secured a great job practicing my mission language while also potentially already planning my career. (Jacob), We were riding bikes one day with our skirts pinned and our helmets. You learn about traditions from every part of the world and celebrate with them. (Kara), Love every minute and never stop praying! The French-speaking members in Phoenix have a deep love for the Savior and strong testimonies that God knows each of His children. Ah well. 4 seasons without the extremes you get in the Midwest. Caresser is to pet. (Dennis), People, natural vegetation, culture. They asked me if I spoke French. We all spent the day in our apartment, having our meeting there in our living room, followed by a big lunch. You will become fluent enough. MyMission.com provides free missionary websites to LDS missionaries and their families giving them a great way to communicate and share mission experiences. We had to explain to him that we couldnt give him money because we were missionaries and he stopped, thought for a minute, and said, Oh! We kept working through the crowd, and somehow, up ahead another block or two away was that bright pink. to LDS Mission Network (LDSMN Official Donation Page) Number of records: Alumni: 3108: . We are members of THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF THE BLOODY LAST DAYS. Intermittent rain that youve got to be prepared for ;). In the evening that same day we were in a remote location far from the center and knocking doorsguess who opened one of the door we knocked at. It took some good companions to fix that. He is the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). My trainer replied Hey, Eldersonnerie means doorbell. (Zakarias), Baiser-careful!! Chinese people are absolutely amazing, humble and kind. Preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the people of the world, each in their own language, is a mandate from God. The people who remember you most are often the companions you serve with so be good to each other. What doyou wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission? If this will happen in the future given the eternity of time ahead of us why is it not just as reasonable to conclude that this has happened in the past and that we are part of a immortal eternal race who are here on earth to learn how to make moral decisions without being forced to IE Agency. Powerful tools to collect, organize and share your missionary experiences! (Anonymous), It gets very hot and very cold. Ratatouille. The same can be said about your companions in the field. (Roberto), Spoke out more-even if I wasnt confident in French yet. This list includes the missionarys name, URL and when their blog was updated. Can reach upper 90s with the additional heat index as well. DC North - President Dennis E. Simmons Group. Later that night, my trainer asked me Elder, do you remember what you prayed for before we left our apartment? Very little snow (winter in Orleans). To this day, he recalls how miraculous it was to meet missionaries in Arizona who could speak his language. Scott M. Naatjes, 53, and Jodi T. Naatjes, five children, Lake Marion Ward, Lakeville Minnesota Stake: Alpine German-Speaking Mission, succeeding President Christopher S. Brown and Sister Laura G. Brown. Armani isnt exactly for missionaries. (Bryan), One of so many would be having my companion feel prompted enough by the Spirit and asked a devout Muslim to kneel with us and offer a prayer and end in the name of Jesus Christ. The country side is amazing. You can submit your own article, ideas, or feedback at liahona.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. (Jacob), St Maur des Fosses, Chelles, Sarcelles, Rennes. So much time immersed in the scriptures, I got to know them so much better 2. Sometimes I would directly translate English to French and confuse people too haha. He knows exactly where to find those who are prepared for His message, and He knows how to touch their hearts. How to work harder when exhausted. (Stuart), I wish that I hadnt done things for competitive reasons. *Click here to browse Paris Mission gifts. They were going against a whole lifetime of culture to live the principles of the gospel. How to enjoy being anywhere. But they dont always mean the same thing in English. You dont always know what kind of circumstances a missionary is coming from. I can get along with almost anyone. France has over 65 million total inhabitants; Switzerland, nearly 8 million total . (Jeffrey), A lot haha honestly I learned self-confidence, I was blessed tremendously after my mission. Libraries. From opposite ends of the Pacific, we both gazed down at those words in our letters wondering, Who in Arizona needs to hear about the gospel of Jesus Christ in French?. So we turned the other way, and kept walking and bustling through the busy city square. Was in 3 missions, all transfers were by airplane. Fun night! (Elsa), Grecs (kbab sandwiches) were a staple of my diet in every area I served in Northern France. Basically love the Lord and the Gospel more than you love anything, anyone else and youll do fine. Some random guy didnt like that and ran up to my companion and I and threw a punch at me but stopped his swing right before it hit my face. It never got too cold, but spending too much time outdoors in the winter was chilly business. (Doug), Seeing peoples lives change through reading the Book of Mormon with an open heart and mind. Well, Sunday came, and he showed up in a three-piece suit looking like he was a groom! There are so many types of transportation that you have to figure out how and when to use. There's also Cote d'Ivoire, and Belgium. My new trainee stepped on dog poop a couple of times first day. What was the worst thing that could happen? You will learn sacrifice real fast. It was the first time for me! Today, Brother Luala is preparing to enter the holy temple. It was great. Chocolate. (Stuart), The French can take a long time to open up and embrace new ideas or people, but once they do they are totally committed. (Bryan), One on one people and group speaking skills. 6. They encourage you to learn French, and become part of their home. One-hundred-fifty years later, in 1981, that number had grown to 71 (Deseret News 1983 Church Almanac 1982, pp. (Matt), Having my last lesson on my mission where our golden investigator told us a story where he met 2 young men in white shirts and ties that gave him a book that forever changed his life and his families. Later missionaries entered Quebec City where a branch was organized in 1969. (Jacob), Be as obedient as you possibly can, but dont beat yourself up if you occasionally are not. (Nicholai), Temperate 4 seasons. (Dennis), Planning, prioritizing, organizing meetings and much more. (Kale), Dont worry too much about getting Everything before you leave there are markets with skirts and dresses, big shoe stores for when your shoes wear out, their styles are similar, and members and investigators will be happy to direct you on your P day to find more clothes. So many sacrament meetings for me were also so sacred, I felt like they were celestial room moments. Self Control. (Stuart), I learned French! When I got there, it was amazing how many members came over to welcome me back with so much love even though I had been gone for quite some time in a different area. I got a letter saying that I had successfully completed the BBN mission and a new call letter came. Cheese. (Jordan), How to speak another language. Things tend to work out, find joy in serving others. (Stuart), It is humid and moderate. Since we did nothing everyone was a lot nicer to us. (Drew), Paris West & East, St. Brieuc, Versailles. It was so cool to see the Spirit guiding us as we were walking having no clue what God was going to have us do. if you dont know the truth when you first leave, I promise you will know as you let yourself go to work and you will come back a better person. We spent the next four hours walking the sisters home before we could head back to our own apartment. I want to live in a place like this. My nervousness changed to joy, and we kept walking along the road, talking to everyone that came close. LDS Mission shirts come in all sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, up to 4XL. 2017-2020, Paul J. Sorensen 2014-2017, Frdric Jean Babin 2011-2014, Franck A. Poznanski 2008-2011, Don H. Staheli ( Listen to an interview with the Stahelis) 2005-2008, Steven H. Pond 2002-2005, Lynn Bennion 1999-2002, David W. Madsen 1996-1999, Dennis K. Brown Language. I know Christ and his mission on earth. Pack light. (Alex), Language bonus, people skills, being able to carry on a conversation, cooking. Member for less than a year but almost a year. (Paul), Kebab. How to love all of Gods children. I was also blessed to learn how to set goals and work toward those goals. :) Although most Missionaries are American, there are a good number of native french speaking Missionaries as well. Bread. (Michael), I served in Normandie so where I was it rained 295 days a year on average and was usually very cloudy. France Bordeaux Mission. Try to hold out for Soldes for major discounts. Dont hold yourself back. (Merrilyn). (Kara), Spent a year in Rouen.it rained a lot. (Anonymous), Perseverance. How to talk to people from all walks of life. (Jeffrey), We were about to enter an enclosed complex where I saw few exits and 2 young Arabs when I was prompted that we should ignore the reference and travel and hour back to our main area. (Drew), I was on splits the first night of my mission with two elders. HenryB. Eyring, Prayers of Faith, Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 28. I loved having meals with the people. Other times, it was just having a conversation with the man in the park about death, and what he was going through. Surely there will be hard and discouraging times. We had an elder from England who had not done language training. Now reason thusly. Wescoured YouTubeto find the best quality videos aboutFrance, that are free from inappropriate music, immodesty and profanity. (Anna), I was training for the second time in St. Ouen/Sarcelles, and we were waiting to cross a busy street after an appointment. Less stuff to pack is less stuff you have to carry around and keep up with. The French are kind but you need to be real and sincere with themthey will see through insincerity very quickly. In Europe (and especially Paris), people wear skinnier suits/pants/shirts, so youll want to either buy these beforehand or be prepared to buy them when you arrive. Knowing that you gave your best and you know the truth now. The Gift of Tongues is a very real and very beautiful thing, I can testify to that. French Language Called to Serve LDS Mormon Missionary design for sister or elder missionaries serving in Paris or Lyon France, Belgium, Switzerland, Montreal Quebec, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Congo, Madagascar, or any other French speaking missions. (Roberto), Speaking to others about the gospel, building relationships, leadership skills and following through on commitments, being a strong ward member, and speaking French. Croissante aux aumaund. (Paul), Some kids were throwing dirt clods at an old man and we told them to stop. I learned to love a large variety of foods. (Michael), Just be careful where you go after dark. The members are incredible. (Jordan), It rains a lot in France! Argentina Bahia Blanca. Understood more the culture of the people. (Mariah), Not many baptisms. (Scott), Crepes Kebabs Gallettes Panninis Baguettes. We try to keep this information up to date, but its a good idea to check the address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office. I love their wildness for football and tennis. Cold in winter, hot in summer. The Paris mission is awesome. You can find happiness in anything if you want to. (Drew), Rain in the winter, hot in the summer- especially in Paris. (Mariah), Pain au Chocolate. Since the 1970s, French Saints have prayed for a temple in their own country. The beauty of the mission is going to teach you how to rely on the Spirit which will force you to learn talents as you go! The more you pray, study and testify, the stronger your testimony will grow. All over the world, God has called His children to serve in capacities where they can help bring the knowledge of a Savior to the people around them. (Matt), Being threatened numerous times and actually being punched in the face. (Stuart), I suffered from debilitating migraines during my mission.