Here are free resources about the Arizona Tucson Mission:
- Mission address and phone number
- Mission map
- Missionary blogs
- Facebook groups
- LDS Mission t-shirts and gifts
- List of past mission presidents
- Cultural articles written by returned missionaries
- Survey with RMs
*Other Mission Pages: Arizona LDS Missions.
*Learn about living in Arizona.
Arizona Tucson Mission Address
Here’s a recent address for the Arizona Tucson Mission. We try to keep this information up to date, but it’s a good idea to check the mission address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.
Arizona Tucson Mission
939 West Chapala Drive
Tucson, AZ 85704-4516
United States
Phone Number: 1-520-577-7076
Mission President: President David Passey
Arizona Tucson Mission Map
Here’s a link to the mission map for the Tucson Mission (LDS). To access the official LDS.org map for the Tucson Mission
Arizona Tucson Missionary Blogs
Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the Tucson Mission. This blog list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their mission blog was updated.
Arizona Tucson Mission Groups
Here are Tucson Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the Tucson Mission.
- Arizona Tucson Mission 2002-2005 Group (336 members)
- Arizona Tucson Mission 2011-2014 Group (272 members)
- Tucson Mission President Mangum Group (148 members)
- Arizona Tucson Mission 1999-2002 Group (125 members)
- Arizona Tucson Mission – Loveland Group (108 members)
- Elder Patrick Williams – Tucson Mission Group (68 members)
- Arizona Tucson Mission Facebook Group (56 members)
- Tucson Mission Moms and Friends (LDS) Group (22 members)
Arizona Tucson Mission T-Shirts
Here are T-shirts for the Arizona Tucson Mission!
Shirt designs include Arizona Tucson Mission logo/emblem shirts and Called to Serve shirts. The shirts make great gifts for pre-missionaries, returned missionaries and missionaries currently serving. LDS Mission shirts come in all sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, up to 4XL. The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you.
*Simply click on a shirt design to view the details and submit an order. The designs on mission t-shirts may also be printed on other LDS mission gifts, including: Arizona Tucson missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.
*Click here to browse Tucson Mission gifts
Arizona Tucson Mission Presidents
Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Tucson LDS Mission.
- 2017-2020, Eric L. Browning
- 2014-2017, David Gordon Passey
- 2011-2014, Roger E. Killpack
- 2008-2011, Wesley Paul Walker
- 2005-2008, Douglas Farr Higham
- 2002-2005, Philippe Jacques Kradolfer
- 1999-2002, Lanny J. Nalder
- 1996-1999, Douglas R. McKinlay
- 1993-1996, Karl C. Loveland
- 1990-1993, James E. Mangum
Arizona LDS Statistics (2015)
- Church Membership: 416,192
- Missions: 6
- Temples: 5
- Congregations: 844
- Family History Centers: 66
Helpful Articles about Arizona
Coming soon..
Arizona Tucson Missionary Survey
Here are survey responses from Arizona Tucson RMs, to give you a snapshot into what it’s like to live in the mission.
When did you serve?
- 2014-2015 (Scarlett)
- 2009-2011 (Isac)
- 2009-2010 (Danja)
- 2005-2007 (Chase)
What areas did you serve in?
- Safford, Tucson, Marana. (Scarlett)
- Tucson, Sierra Vista, Wilcox, Duncan, Virden, Deming, Sunland Park, El Paso. (Chase)
What were some favorite foods?
- Sonoran hot dogs were the best!! Besides that the food was generally found anywhere else in the States. Mexican food does not taste the same to me now, Tucson’s better. (Scarlett)
- White Enchiladas, Posole, Horchata and many, many tortillas…yumm… (Isac)
- Mole, flautas, frijoles, tacos. (Danja)
- Carne Asada burritos, Sonoran hot dogs, Mole. (Chase)
What was a funny experience?
- There were about two weeks where it did not stop raining. It wasn’t monsoon season, it was just raining. My companion and I were driving down Tucson road and it was literally like driving down a river. (Scarlett)
- Once, knocking doors, this guy came to answer the door, barefoot. While he talked to us, he seemed uncomfortable and kept hiding his toes from us.. anyway.. we came back to teach the family and the wife told us that she and her daughter had painted his toe nails during his after-lunch siesta, while he was asleep… hahaha. (Isac)
- In zone conference we were shown a video called Hijos de la Promesa that we could show investigators to explain the Book of Mormon. It wasn’t good at all and none of us wanted to use it. About a week later we were eating dinner with some members. The father asked us what we thought of Hijos de la Promesa. My companion (who didn’t speak English very well) and I were honest about what we thought of it. He later told us that he helped make it. He wasn’t very happy with us. Thankfully I was transferred out of the area a few days later. (Chase)
What was a crazy/dangerous experience?
- In one area, three blocks away from where I lived, there were gunshots heard. It was at the middle of the night right before bedtime. There also seemed to always be helicopters looking for people around the area we lived. Since it gets dark early and not that light, it was crucial to have appointments for night because walking the streets was not a safe option. (Scarlett)
- We had this funny old guy as a Ward Mission Leader- good talker, cool guy. He drove his minivan everywhere and took us to our appointments.. He knew so well his town that he would tell us jokes while driving- not looking at the road much. The red light approached.. he kept telling jokes.. the red light was really close now.. he kept on and on.. he was about to cross the road.. I got so nervous that said at loud “Brother Smith, watch out!”… He kept on going and in that very second the green light turned on.. he laughed and said “Got you, Elder!” hahaha. (Isac)
- There are parts of Tucson that aren’t very safe. Upon arriving to an appointment, my companion and I felt like we shouldn’t go in, so we prayed and immediately felt like we needed to leave. We left and went to a members house. We don’t know what would have happened, but we are glad we followed the Spirit. (Danja)
- In Virden, New Mexico my companion and I were outside our trailer looking at the stars after coming in for the night and doing our nightly planning. We then could hear what sounded like a police bull horn coming from the town. We then heard what they were saying, “Come out with your hands up!” We decided it was best if we went inside. (Chase)
What was a spiritual experience?
- There were many spiritual experiences. Many of them involved the people of Tucson. You could see the good in them, regardless of their circumstances or past. Just looking at the good, you will find amazing people the Spirit guided you to. (Scarlett)
- In my last area we did not have many investigators. One Sunday this man came to church, dressed in white shirt and tie. Nobody knew him. He came to us and said “Guys, I am like a sponge in the desert..please teach me”. He become the best investigator in history. He started reading many church books at once. He was crazy well-prepared for the Lord’s hand. (Isac)
- Teaching people was always a great spiritual experience. When you follow the Spirit, you can teach your investigators exactly what they need to hear. (Danja)
- In Tucson we were teaching a family and fasting with them so they could know if they should be baptized. It was a Saturday night and we began the fast. On Sunday morning it snowed (in Tucson!). We pointed out that it looked like God was giving them a sign by blanketing the earth in white. They agreed and all were baptized. They still remain active and two of their sons have served missions of their own. (Chase)
What are some interesting facts about the Tucson mission?
- It is the only place were saguaro cactus grow. If you vandalize one, you can get a very heavy find. Up to $5,000. Also, I don’t know why, but their fire hydrants are painted silver instead of red. (Scarlett)
- Everything is dangerous or wants to harm you in the desert. There are beautiful animals everywhere. It’s the hottest place I’ve ever been. It has wards in both English and Spanish. Sometimes the English and Spanish speakers have meetings together and sing in Spanish and English at the same time. (Isac)
- It is always super hot in the summer- it gets around 120 degrees some days. There aren’t any grass lawns- the sun dried them out. All the lawns are gravel or little stones. It’s pretty cool actually. (Danja)
- At the time the mission stretched from Tucson, Arizona to El Paso, Texas. I had an unusually high number of areas (11 total). While I didn’t get as much time to get to know people I did get to see almost every corner of the mission. (Chase)
What was the weather like?
- Very hot! Summer is the hottest for sure. You have a few days where there will be monsoons in the summer but it won’t get that cold. In the winter it is still hot, but at night though, temperature drops a lot. Below freezing at some points. If you have acclimated to the weather, you will find their 50° winter cold. So pack a jacket even if you think you won’t use it. But otherwise use a lot of sunscreen and drink plenty of water. (Scarlett)
- HOT, and sometimes hotter. But you get used to it. (Isac)
- Super hot, you don’t really need a heavy jacket–ever. There are monsoons, or random thunder/rain storms. (Danja)
- On average Tucson gets 284 days of sunshine during the year. To compare, Salt Lake City gets about 222. The first 100 degree day usually comes in May and lasts into September. Also, monsoon season usually starts in June-July and goes till August. (Chase)
Any things you really like about the area/people?
- They are very kind and friendly. You will find many friendly people. You also find not so friendly ones but the friendly ones are more prominent. (Scarlett)
- Diversity. Never knowing who is going to cross in your way- Spanish or English speakers, poor, rich, legal or not. (Isac)
- I loved the members there. They were amazing and loved to feed us. The people loved that we were trying to learn their language. It softens their hearts a bit. (Danja)
- The hispanics were very humble and kind. (Chase)
Any packing/clothing advice?
- One coat for winter, maybe a few sweaters if you are a sister. A raincoat or poncho for unexpected monsoons. Rain boots would be good too but not a necessity. And light clothing that will not stick to you during the hot summer months. (Scarlett)
- Don’t bring more than one coat. Get a CamelBak and a bottle for water. (Isac)
- Don’t bring heavy jackets. The lighter the clothing, the better. (Danja)
- Lots of short sleeve white shorts. Thin slacks. (Chase)
What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?
- An overall better outlook on life. You always go back to what you learned on your mission. (Scarlett)
- Got to know He really is my Savior. Had quality study times. (Isac)
- Too many to count. (Danja)
- Learned how to deal with adversity, how to get along with others, how to be humble, how to rely on God and the Spirit. Just to name a few. (Chase)
What are some skills you gained?
- Prioritizing what I need to do. Getting those things done before I can relax. (Scarlett)
- Became more social and forward-looking. (Isac)
- Speaking Spanish, teaching skills, learning to follow the Spirit during a lesson… (Danja)
What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?
- I wish I knew that the time you waste on your mission is not coming back. (Isac)
- I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I was the first one to serve a mission in my family. I kind of wish I knew what exactly I was going to be doing. But, you don’t figure it out until the end of your mission, whether someone warns your or not. (Danja)
- A mission is as fun as you make it. (Chase)
Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to Tucson?
- Love the work, if you are not having fun, you are doing it wrong. You will not baptize the nation, but don’t forget that there are certain people out there that you need to meet and they need you. Numbers are nothing if you have no name to back them up. Do not compare your work to others because you will feel like you are not enough. Never compare. (Scarlett)
- You will feel satisfied after working hard. Work every second of your mission. Don’t get frustrated with numbers, but do what you are supposed to do. (Isac)
- Really learn the scriptures. Study them every day. Read from Preach My Gospel every day. (Danja)
- Just love every day. Forget home and what you’re missing. You’ll find you’ll get home and feel you’re missing the mission. (Chase)
What was a funny language mistake?
- Spanish-English missions are full of funny, tricky mistakes. Once I asked my companion about what we should do. He said “es arriba de usted”. He wanted to said it’s up to you, and it didn’t make any sense. So, don’t translate literally..English is not Spanish. (Isac)
- In the MTC, a missionary who was praying said we are grateful for our birthdays instead of our companions. (Danja)
- And confused the words for busy (ocupado) and worried (preocupado) so when we visited an investigator who was very busy doing something I asked if she was worried. My companion and her were all confused. It was embarrassing. It happens all the time though. (Chase)
Ryan (Arizona Tucson Mission)
–Paraphrased from Ryan’s mission interview–
Mission Boundaries
The Mormon Battalion went through Tuscon and there are 5 or 6 stakes. It goes south to the Mexican border and North up to Thatcher area. With the announcement of the temple it will be one of the only missions with two temples. The mission used to go to El Paso, but about a year before I got into the mission they split the mission so it just goes to New Mexico.
Numbers of Missionaries
The church is really strong and there were about 150-170 missionaries, but now there are about 200+ missionaries. Usually it was about one companionship per ward, but now there are multiple.
Main Religions
I was there from 2011 to 2012. The main religion is Catholicism. There are huge Catholic cathedrals down there. There are a lot of Jehovah’s Witnesses as well.
Church Attendance
Church attendance varies from area to area. My biggest wards were up in the Gila Valley. It depends on where you’re at, but usually at least 75-100 people in each ward that are active. I served in Tuscon and then I went up to the Gila Valley. Tuscon has three languages: English, Spanish, and ASL. There is an ASL church unit in Tuscon.
Jason (Arizona Tucson Mission)
–Paraphrased from Jason’s mission interview–
Mission History
There’s the Gila Valley temple that was built and I got to go once. There are places where Mormons have been for a long time. I think President Benson grew up around there in the Thatcher area. There is a temple announced for Tuscon and there are at least six stakes there. A lot of the members have been there for quite some time so they know the area well. There’s the Mormon Battalion with some history in Tuscon. Raytheon is a big company there so you will meet a lot of engineers that work there. There’s a lot of employees that come from BYU.
Interesting Facts
The members are helpful. There are bobcats and lots of lizards. There are a lot of washes, and when it rains there they have to have places that guide the water. We would ride our bikes through there to find shortcuts. It’s right next to the border so there is a lot of Hispanic influence and a lot of Spanish speaking missionaries. The culture is very mixed.
Carter (Arizona Tucson Mission)
–Paraphrased from Carter’s mission interview–
Mission Geography
The mission seemed pretty big. It included the southeastern part of Arizona and part of New Mexico as well. Tuscon is almost to the western edge of the mission, but there was an Indian reservation that was more west. It was like a 4 hour drive across the mission. Only English and Spanish were spoken by the missionaries and it was pretty even with the numbers of English to Spanish missionaries. There were like 150 when I first got there. A big influx happened after the age change to well over 200. We had a large number of sisters come in.
The Mormon Battalion
The first day in the mission we had the opportunity to see a monument to the Mormon Battalion in Tuscon. Their march to California stopped through there. As far as temples, there was one in Gila Valley. It was right on the boundary, and we got the opportunity to go there every 4 months. You really weren’t supposed to go more often than other missionaries were, but sometimes you could get special permission and that was a great experience for me. Another neat experience was during general conference when we learned about the building of the Tuscon temple.
Housing and Transportation
The housing for the missionaries was pretty good. I remember not thinking my apartment was pretty nice, but I realize now that it was. It had two bathrooms which was rare. There were some apartments that were even nicer than that. There was one apartment nicknamed the mansion which was a big members house where the member usually wasn’t home and everyone wanted to serve there. For the most part the housing was really nice, a lot better than some other missions I’ve heard about. We had just one set of missionaries to an apartment to try to keep focused. As far as transportation, there are a lot of trucks in the mission instead of cars. I was never fortunate enough to have a car for very long. I was on a bike most of the time. Most of the areas did have cars though.
David (Arizona Tucson Mission)
–Paraphrased from David’s mission interview–
The Tucson Arizona Mission
In Arizona there are six missions: Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Tucson. Tucson is special is one of the few missions in the world that has two temples. When I arrived in the field there were about 150 missionaries, some of whom were sisters, but most were elders. When I returned home, there were about 250 missionaries there with over 75 being sisters. Many areas baptize weekly, and this is because a lot of members are widely varied but friendly.
Diversity and Unity Among the Saints
Demographically, the people in the mission vary widely. there are a 2 or 3 reservations, including Douglas and Navajo. There were also a lot of Spanish speakers, a mix of whites and blacks, and others. Most of the wards had a great friendly culture despite any differences.
The temperature was mainly 70s-80s year round, unless you went further south. The Tucson mission boundaries started in the South from Safford towards Mexico. Over to the west we went to the U.S. border and the border with Mexico. This included towns like Silver City and Douglas.
Church attendance was relatively high. Most of the mission included wards, but there were a few branches. The missionaries were divided to teach in English or in Spanish. Those who learned Spanish were more likely to serve in branches. In branches, the member are very willing to work. The members in both small branches and large wards are just ready to do the work