Last week in Salt Lake City at a concert, David Archuleta of American Idol Fame and now pop star announced he will serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, known to most of the world as the Mormon Church. Young men age 19 go on missions for the church serving two years to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Most of the 52,000 missionaries are young men but it also includes young women and older senior adults who retire from work and serve missions.
Where he will serve in the 340 missions located around the world is not known now but the President of the Church will select with other leaders, where each young man or women is sent to serve. These young missionaries go to serve at their own expense.
Elder Archuleta as he will be known for two years follows some very prominent men who have served missions. Mitt Romney served in France, Jon Huntsman in Taiwan, Jeopardy champion Ken Jennings in Spain and actor Aaron Eckhart in Switzerland.
Mission life is very structured and for the first year they might be struggling with a new language but most become very good speaking other languages within just months after they begin learning. He will find they are mostly left at their own honor and will have a companion as they work in pairs in the mission field. They will report weekly to supervisors and fellow missionaries and their Mission President who serves a three year mission to watch over and be a father like leader to these young men and women.
Good luck Elder Archuleta and may God’s blessings be with you and all who serve the Lord.
