Missionaries are volunteers who have set aside their normal lives for up to two years to help others come closer to Jesus Christ. Before leaving on a mission, they were students, employees, athletes, bookworms, musicians, and, well, you get the idea. After their service, they will return home to finish college, work, date and marry, and live pretty normal lives.

Missionaries come from all over the world. It’s not uncommon for a missionary to serve in a country and speak a language other than his or her own. Missionaries serve as young adults or in their retired years as singles or couples. Whatever their age, their motivation is sincere—they leave their homes and families for a period to do what Jesus taught His Apostles: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

No. The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. He invites everyone to come unto Him “without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1). Missionaries actually pay to see you, covering their own costs to come on a mission. Local Church leaders and class instructors don’t get paid either.

On a Sunday close to Christmas, each congregation prepares a special worship service that lasts one hour. The specific details vary from place to place, but you can expect to hear music, prayers, and short sermons (called “talks”) given by different members of the congregation.

The most important part of the meeting is when we take the sacrament (which is similar to Communion) to remember the Savior Jesus Christ.