Why do Mormons go on missions?

As Mormons, we believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to be spread throughout the world.

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, young men are asked to serve a mission when they turn 19. Young women also have the option to serve a mission at the age of 21. Each young man or woman is asked to be living worthy and they are asked to save up their own money to pay their way. After being found worthy to serve you are then given an assignment of where you will be for the next two years. You don't get to choose!

As I explained earlier, I had come to a knowledge of my Savior and found His teachings in the Bible and Book of Mormon to be life changing. I also knew that others weren't as blessed to have parents like me who taught them of Christ. I had learned that where much is given, much is required and I knew I wanted to serve a mission.

I had worked hard to save money by working construction with my dad and was hoping to be called to some place cool or exotic like Fiji, Italy, or South Africa when I turned 19. Instead, I was called to serve in Houston, TX! I had never been there but all I knew about Houston was that the Houston Rockets had just signed Charles Barkley to their roster and I loved Chuck! :)

I had failed my Spanish classes in High School so just showing up and knocking on the doors of Central Americans wasn't the easiest thing to do. I felt that I was called to Houston for a reason so I was persistent and ended up learning spanish in a couple of months. I met the most wonderful people and fell in love with latinos and their culture. I also learned that Taco Bell was NOT real Mexican food. :)

I thought that I would go out and bring people to Christ but found out quickly that I was not only helping others but I was growing closer to my Savior and getting to know him better myself. My mission changed my life and I am grateful that I was sent to Houston to learn and grow.