I never actually baptized someone the entire 2 years I served. The summers were hot and sweatyinterrupted, most evenings, by thunderstorms marching down from the north. (Michael), French! France Paris Mission (Anna), 1. Throughout our time as missionaries here, we have learned three important truths about missionary work that wed like to share with our fellow missionaries around the world. We were knocking doors, a little girl opened the door. She said she was hoping to talk with us more, and what a miracle it was that we just appeared! (Mariah), Had a great companionship study in the morning and really felt the Spirit. Crepes. We were encouraging our amie to stop smoking and thought we were saying it would be more pleasant for her husband kissing her if she stopped. The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you. (Doug), Tamil riot near La Chapelle that we had to cross in order to get home. I also learned to listen better. How to work harder when exhausted. Do as much of your study, reading, and praying in your mission language as possible. As missionaries, we seek to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel.1 And as French-speaking missionaries serving in Arizona, weve found that our missionary work has also presented us with unique, diverse, challenging, and culturally vibrant experiences. (Alex), Saint-Quentin, Brussels, Saint-Ouen. (Jordan), Riding the bus at night in Mauritius. Scott Hinrichs of North Ogden served in the Norway Oslo Mission, 19801982, Norwegian speaking. (Chloe), I wish I was more dedicated in obtaining the Ammon Award. [1] By country/territory [ edit] List of missions within each country, territory or dependency. Other franciphone missions are Tahiti, Quebec, Haiti, Switzerland, and temple square. Talking to people. When he started towards my blue, I got rather defensive, raised my voice, and then he ran away. Among the hardest things Id done. I remember when I buckled down on my mission, and really devoted energy to speaking, reading, and writing, how I was blessed for my efforts and how my ability to remember and retain vocabulary multiplied, and my language abilities really improved. The missionary training center president led with humor and spirit. Dont get discouraged because it will be hard and you will be confused on what to do. I remember when it finally clicked in my head, and I could truly understand and speak without having to translate everything in my headeven though I still couldnt say everything I wanted to yet. (Valan), They seem cold at first, but once they warm up to you they are super friendly. Today when I hear certain words or sing certain Church hymns, I fondly recall that I first learned them in Spanish. So many sacrament meetings for me were also so sacred, I felt like they were celestial room moments. Hot summers (Anonymous), Wet and cold most of the year and hot and humid in the summer. Were His people, engaged together in His holy work.3. I am married with 6 children and currently serve on the High Council and I am still a missionary every day. I was afraid of talking to people, but I prayed and studied chapter 7 ofPreach My Gospelevery day. During the early 1970s, the Mens Gym was used at times as living quarters for missionaries. Though printed copies of the new edition will begin to be . Theres no way we can find her here! I was 19 and right out of high school when I opened my mission call. The people take some getting used to but you will love them in the end. Online Recommendation System. John Conway and I took the weekend off and biked up to a mountain village. (Anna), I had a missionary convince me to go ask for a soutian gorge at a pharmacy when I had a sore throat. I asked for her name as she ran out and she yelled it back. I understand what is important. I dont know if they ever got baptized, but I was definitely prompted to talk to him. (Mariah), The place is amazing with so much to see, hear, taste, and enjoy. You WILL go through several pairs. Other miracles were feeling like we should have gotten off as a specific train stop to keep talking to somebody, turning around 10 minutes later, catching a new train, turning back, and still finding that person we wanted to talk to in the mass of people in that little town. It was later on that the language we were tested with was the Kurdish language. (Chloe), Dont worry about trying to express everything that you want to say. (Merrilyn). . Meals and classes were on campus. I learned to listen more than I talk. (Scott), Pack some short sleeve white shirts, I didnt haha buy good shoes, sturdy firm bottom, waterproof. Fortitude. We dont use cars for transfers. (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. After getting the huge table through the doors, the instructor repeated tableau so I could make the connection that I got the wrong item. The purpose of being there is what allows one to persevere and make it through. (Mariah), Getting city vendors to sell you little souvenirs for really cheap by having two of them competing with each other for your purchase. Amazing member missionaries, amazing examples. As of July 2022, there are 410 missions in the church. (Valan), People skills. We were praying for a ride back and a drunk guy picked us up. (Alex), It is a baptizing mission! Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service, Children and Youth: A Face to Face Event with Elder GerritW. Gong. Very brave people. You are equals no matter what; its not a competition, nor a fashion show (3 Nephi 13:25-34). Bring a shoulder bag. (Merrilyn), How to be humorous. 8 Months. (Paul), Forget about home and engulf yourself in the gospel, the language and the French culture. I served in the Fiji Suva mission, speaking French, which means I was on a island called New Caledonia the whole time. From that moment on, Brother Lualas life was changed. It existed until 1852 when it was closed due to restrictions by the French government, and the missionaries left the territory. Bring athletic clothes because the people love soccer. LDS Mission shirts come in all sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, up to 4XL. They encourage you to learn French, and become part of their home. I was the first sister missionary from Samoa assigned to the Bolivia Santa Cruz Mission. The cities are full of people from every country imaginable. The gentleman no longer called it the Book of Joseph Smith. It was a bit overwhelming. Keep them affordable, too. The Allen Hall served as another residence for missionaries. Just before my district left the missionary training center in Provo, the first group to get training in Tagalog entered the missionary training center. Knowing to use common sense. I served in the Canada Montral Mission, French-speaking. Readers shared how they learned their mission language. (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. A man opened the door in a small robe and when we asked him if he spoke English, he swung the door wide open and revealed a butcher knife in his hand. We studied listening to the Spirit and acting on faith. My trainer replied Hey, Eldersonnerie means doorbell. (Zakarias), Baiser-careful!! (Scott), Organization, being bold, self discipline, diligence, hard work, following the spirit, studying scriptures, working with others. (Alex), Layer! The people outside of Paris seem more friendly to Americans than Parisians do. The temporal/secular history of the Church is often many individuals only exposure to the Church, but intelligent discussion of such is often an amazingly positive and readily accessible way to reach people about the Gospel. (Dennis). It doesnt make sense to have to use time to even begin to find a testimony on your mission when you could be bearing it instead to people that need it. This gives them something real serious to think about. How to be more spiritual. Jeff Rowland of West Jordan served in the Philippines Ilagan Mission (now called the Cuauyan Mission), 19901992, Tagalog speaking. My advice is to rely with all your heart on the Lord and you will make it. (Jacob), St Maur des Fosses, Chelles, Sarcelles, Rennes. 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. At times during the early 1970s, missionaries were asked to live in some unlikely placesthe Womens Gym was one of them. Upon entering the LTM and in attempting to speak only Finnish, all my high school German came flooding into the vacuum of my mind. Latter-day Saint Missionaries Can Now Call, Text Home Weekly, First Presidency Announces, Expanded Service Missionary Program Means More Ways to Serve. Brittany DeKorver of Orem served in the Illinois Chicago Mission, April 2013October 2014, Spanish speaking. (Mariah), Kabobs, fajitas, cheese, raqulette, burritos, crepes, Charlotte au chocolate, baguette with butter and chocolate and chocolate. I wouldve worked better with members. So I went with that mindset, and I found that the mission was the most fun that Ive ever had. Harvey Armbrust of Placentia, California, served in Germany-Hamburg, 19891991, German speaking. There are a lot of tourists in Paris, but also a lot of castles and country side outside of Paris. You were called to that area to talk to the people you will talk to for a specific reason. The missionaries attracted converts and established a base for more Latter-day Saint French-speaking immigrants. After two months in the missionary training center learning Italian and even serving as a translator during Church services to the new missionaries, I felt pretty confident with the language as I headed to Italy. The first was humbling because he showed me that I was arrogant and inflexible. There was an incredible spirit in the room which we could tell he felt. I discovered a lot about myself. (Valan), You will succeed. We spent the next four hours walking the sisters home before we could head back to our own apartment. A new missionary in my apartments that had only been out a month or two was having a conversation with a cashier and another American that had been in Hong Kong studying the language for four years and still couldnt speak the language. ed. You need to watch where you walk. One of the things that helped me was the training and emphasis on listening to the voice of the Spirit and being able to testify. We interview hundreds of returned missionaries each year, so check back regularly to see new RM interviews. 2 pairs of sturdy shoes, you will walk a lot. It will be the hardest two years of your life but will be two years that will shape you in ways you could only imagine. When I served, Bislama was not taught in the missionary training center and I had to learn in the field. 2000-2003, Ronald R. Harrison 1997-2000, H. Ray Hart 1994-1997, Justin Rich Eccles 1991-1994, Chris J. Frogley 1988-1991, Earl J. Roueche 1985-1988, G. Perrin Walker I recall joking with them, I guess we know who passed the test! I was also at the LTM over Thanksgiving and Christmas of 1973, which included the funeral of President Harold B. Lee. I owe my proficiency in Tagalog to my first companion and a returned missionary that lived in my first area who took time several days a week to give me language training at the Church building. I learned a valuable language. A beautiful family and peace of mind and eternal perspective. Loved eating escargot just so I could tell everyone back home that I ate SNAILS. Diligent, heartfelt service with a true, sincere care for others pays dividends. Strange as that sounds! I know that I choose my joy or sadness. (Elsa), A gypsy kid stole my companions cheeseburger at one of the McDonalds on Rue Ste. Then knowing that he was faithful to the end of his life. (Matt), Do not bring a lot of stuff with you from the States because you will most likely throw it away and get European clothing, and it makes transferring towns much easier when its light Trust me. Heres a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the ParisLDS Mission. Just an inch or two of snow, two months of cold, and only a few weeks of hot. (Mariah), Cooking. We had cassette tapes of sounds and tones to help use with our pronunciation and to teach us the seven different tones for each sound. Know the history of the restored Church just like you should know scripture. Thankfully, this work isnt ours. Still, the work is a daily challenge. Light skirts for humidity. Neil L. Andersen. Upon leaving the mission field, my companions and I separated at the airport in New York City. (Chloe), Drunk people on the streets were sometimes hostile. I had never learned another language, and I heard that Finnish was difficult. In the summer, it was hot and humid. My companion scheduled a dinner appointment just outside of our area, but I went along with it since he only had three weeks left in his mission. I just needed to continue to study Italian and He would help me speak and bear witness of the gospel. I had a unique experience. Cant remember the name of the main cheese I loved. (Valan), Love of scriptures. Either how they got to France, how they found their faith/the Missionaries, some people were alive during WWII, etc. The translator was a new convert too and it was so cool to see her learning as we taught. We finally ran into one of our Evangelical African friends who cast out the demon in him. (Jeffrey), A lot haha honestly I learned self-confidence, I was blessed tremendously after my mission. Here are LDS-friendly educational videos aboutFrance. (Alex), Language bonus, people skills, being able to carry on a conversation, cooking. (Jacob), We had an investigator who was searching for something better in life. (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. I served in the Fiji Suva mission, speaking French, which means I was on a island called New Caledonia the whole time. I tended to remember all the unusual words that no one else could remember. We started our two-year mission in 1972 in an old school by Temple Square and ate downstairs at the Hotel Utah. (Mariah), The weather depended on what part of France you were init, Little bit like Washington D.C. but without snow. (Doug), Congratulated a person for having been robbed. Things tend to work out, find joy in serving others. Surely there will be hard and discouraging times. (Roberto), While riding our bikes in Orleans, some guys we rode by spat at and hit us in the shoulder. (Merrilyn), I never ate cheese in my life. Dress and Grooming. Tahitian and French are not alikePolynesian language vs. It was awesome to see her progress, her maturity in the gospel, and how the Gospel filled her life with joy. We started our two-year mission in 1972 in an old school by Temple Square and ate downstairs at the Hotel Utah. (Kale), Poubelles, crepes, couscous, steak-frites. Ways in which I was French, or like specific companions, members or investigators. To do otherwise will keep you from speaking for a good part of your mission. Photo provided by the Provo Missionary Training Center. The missionary training center in Provo opened in the 1970s, and there are several other missionary training centers around the world. Ill always be grateful for the time I spent at the Language Training Mission. (Kale), St. Brieuc, Chateauroux, Limoges, Talence, Nantes, and Montauban. In November of 1961, university officials and others involved with the pilot program assembled here to discuss plans for the new language institute. Likewise, there are so many people out there who try to use the secular history of Mormons as a tool of deceit, confusion, and contention. (Jordan), It rains a lot in France! Haitian Creole is pretty similar, and knowing French would help a lot there, too. (Paul), Some kids were throwing dirt clods at an old man and we told them to stop. Shirt designs include France ParisMission logo/emblem shirts and Called to Serve shirts. I think that I knew about two words of Spanish before I entered the missionary training center, and then the fact that I could walk away two months later speaking rudimentary Spanish to me is miraculous. What was the worst thing that could happen? Simulated Leather Quad Combination, Regular, Indexed, 2013 Edition. As the sister missionaries who served in this area before us visited him and the Spirit taught him, he came to know for himself the truthfulness of the message they shared. The best was in Nantes or Bordeaux where we met in a three story house. There's also Cote d'Ivoire, and Belgium. THE HONEY MOON ONLY LASTS FOR TWO WEEKS. The claires chocolats there were really good, too. (Zakarias), Video interviews with returned missionaries, Cultural articles written by returned missionaries, aredheadmormonmissionaryinparis.blogspot.com, France Paris Mission President Pond Group, Paris Mission Pres. (Kara), It was a magical place to serve. Updated editions of the triple combination of the scriptures in French include a minor wording change to one of the sacrament prayers and other updates to study aids. You can submit your own article, ideas, or feedback at liahona.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. to LDS Mission Network (LDSMN Official Donation Page) Number of records: Alumni: 3108: . Then, I got to the mission field and thought, This is not the language they taught me in the MTC! But the language did come. I queried locals about grammar and vocabulary. If you do, He will frustrate it and show you the right path. (Drew), Most of the blessings come from the friendships I made with many members, friends of the church, and even neighbors. In 1982 the first French-speaking stake in Switzerland was organized in Geneva, and by the year 2000 there were over 7,000 Saints in Switzerland. (Matt), Being threatened numerous times and actually being punched in the face. Caresser is to pet. In general, weather is nice, except it occasionally snows in the winter and there are occasional heat waves in the summer. (Paul), A new perspective on life. (Kara), Finding ourselves in the middle of an anti-war protest. Lots of rain In the winter. Always soaking wet, get water resistant everything. (Valan), Walking in a sketchy city with lots of Arabs and came across a fight in the parking lot. (Drew), Paris West & East, St. Brieuc, Versailles. Elders who stayed in the gym called it the Provo Hilton. This is the caption information found on the frame plaque accompanying this photo, one of nearly a dozen historical photos showing the development of the Language Training Mission and Missionary Training Center facilities in Provo since the 1960s. I wish I wasnt so self-conscious about not speaking French. People will say they believe in God but they really dont act like they do. Very little snow (winter in Orleans). Trying different foods. Here are ParisMission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni ofthe ParisMission. That ended my first porting experience and the Elders bought me my first French pastry. Learning a foreign language is never easy, but in the missionary training center you eat, sleep, and live that language with 14 hours of training and practice a day. Getting along with different personalities and people. (Nicholai), Temperate 4 seasons. (Bryan), The people are very kind and stick to themselves. There are several. 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