Message from the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Dear Fellow Missionary:

After His Resurrection, Jesus Christ appeared to His disciples and commanded them to “make disciples of” (see Matthew 28:19, footnote a) “all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20).

You have been called by revelation through God’s chosen servants to assist the Apostles in this great work of taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world in order to make disciples of all nations.

When you serve a mission with all your heart, you help fulfill the two great commandments: “Love the Lord thy God … [and] love thy neighbor as thyself” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:5–6).

To be an effective missionary, you must be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. We invite you to enlarge your talents and skills for the glory of God. Jesus Christ will magnify you. Heavenly Father loves you, and He will help you to love and bless His children wherever you serve. He will empower you and the people you serve, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, to be truly “converted unto the Lord” (Alma 23:6).

These missionary standards are approved by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. They will help protect you physically, spiritually, and emotionally and help you be the disciple Jesus Christ needs you to become.

If you have questions about a standard, prayerfully ask the Lord to help you understand its importance, and then if needed, ask your companion, your young missionary leaders, or either of your mission leaders for help. Regularly study these standards with your companion and strive to obey them.

We congratulate you for accepting a call to serve a full-time mission, and we pray you will find true peace and joy in serving the Lord Jesus Christ.

First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints