Here are free resources about the California Rancho Cucamonga 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: California LDS Missions.
Rancho Cucamonga Mission Address
Here’s a recent address for the California Rancho Cucamonga Mission. We try to keep this info up to date, but it’s a good idea to check the address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.
California Rancho Cucamonga Mission
6541 Woodruff Place
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701-9214
Phone Number: 1-909-466-1129
Mission President: President Curtis G. Taylor
Rancho Cucamonga Mission Map
Here’s a link to the mission map for the California Rancho Cucamonga Mission (LDS). To access the official LDS.org map for the mission:
Rancho Cucamonga Missionary Blogs
Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the Rancho Cucamonga Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.
Rancho Cucamonga Mission Groups
Here are Rancho Cucamonga Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the Rancho Cucamonga Mission.
- California Rancho Cucamonga Mission Group (95 members)
- Rancho Cucamonga Mission Facebook Group (23 members)
Rancho Cucamonga Mission T-Shirts
Here are T-shirts for the California Rancho Cucamonga Mission!
Shirt designs include California Rancho Cucamonga 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: California Rancho Cucamonga missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.
*Click here to browse Rancho Cucamonga Mission gifts
Rancho Cucamonga Mission Presidents
Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Rancho Cucamonga LDS Mission.
- 2016-2019, Curtis G. Taylor
- 2013-2016, Bruce E. Hobbs
California LDS Statistics (2016)
- Church Membership: 773,762
- Missions: 20
- Temples: 7
- Congregations: 1,357
- Family History Centers: 222
Helpful Articles about California
Rancho Cucamonga Missionary Survey
Here are survey responses from California Rancho Cucamonga RMs, to give you a snapshot into what it’s like to live in the mission.
*Click here to take a survey to help pre-missionaries going to your mission.
When did you serve?
- 2014-2015 (Keisha)
- May 2013-May 2015 (Kaden)
- May 2012-June 2014 (Brendan)
- 2013-2015 (Dallen)
- 2013-2014 (Lauren)
- 2014-2015 (Amber)
- 2014-2015 (Keisha)
- 2015 (Berkeley)
- 2013-2104 (Nicole)
- 2014-2016 (Jessica)
- 2013-2015 (Lindsey)
- 2013-2015 (Brenda)
What areas did you serve in?
- Hesperia, Upland, Apple Valley. (Amber)
- I served in Ontario, Chino Hills, Hesperia, and Victorville. (Keisha)
- Rancho Cucamonga, Hesperia. (Berkeley)
- Hesperia. Big Bear. Ontario. Diamond Bar. I served in two areas in Barstow. Phelan. (Nicole)
- Chino Hills – Carbon Canyon ward. (Jessica)
- Hesperia, Upland, Ontario, and Rancho Cucamonga. (Lindsey)
- Upland 1st, Diamond Bar, Mojave Narrows, Silver Lakes, Spring Valley lake, Paraiso. (Brenda)
What were some favorite foods?
- Authentic Mexican. (Keisha)
- Pupusas, tacos, and mole. (Kaden)
- California Burrito, most food. (Brendan)
- Posole (Mexican soup), In-n-Out. (Dallen)
- All of it! Mexican food especially. I loved sopes, empanadas and pepusas. (Lauren)
- All the fresh fruit! (Amber)
- Oti. Mexican tacos. Enchiladas. (Keisha)
- Papusas, tacos. (Berkeley)
- Most of the members were really good cooks. I’m not sure I had a favorite. (Nicole)
- All kinds of Mexican food! Southern Californians love Mexican food. (Jessica)
- Lasagna. Arroz con leche. Enchiladas. Chicken soup. Carne Asada. (Lindsey)
- Taco salad, pies, rolls, broccoli salad. (Brenda)
What was a funny experience?
- We once had a drunk guy cheer for us as we were talking about the Book of Mormon with an investigator in the middle of a crowed McDonalds. (Keisha)
- Meeting drunk people who referred us to their friends. (Kaden)
- Funny conversations with homeless people on the street are always enjoyable! (Dallen)
- There was always a funny experience when we went knocking on doors, you meet wonderful and interesting people which bring so many stories. Also the members are fun and upbeat. (Lauren)
- We contacted a man in Upland named Philbo. He told us that he was a Mormon and lived in Utah for 25 years. He then told us we could go to any bar in Upand, drop his name, and we could get a free beer. We later found out he lived on the exact corner our ward had told us to stay away from. Philbo ended up coming to church and still talks about the girls he met who don’t like beer. (Amber)
- We once had to eat two dinners in one night because the Tongan people are so generous and won’t listen to you if you try and tell them no. (Keisha)
- My companion got hit on by a 90 year of man. (Berkeley)
- This one time, my companion and I were tracting and we ran into this gentlemen. Even from far away, I could tell he was pretty drunk. My companion however really wanted to talk to him. So we went over and started chatting with him briefly. We asked if he had heard of Mormons before. And he said I know all about you Mormons. I had some talk to me just the other day! And we were pretty confused because we didn’t share that area. And we asked if they were missionaries and he said you’re all the same preaching the word! We asked if we could talk to him another time. He said yes. So we got his address and left. We saw him walking away to someone’s house. He walked over to the rose bush and cut two roses off and left them on our car. (Nicole)
- One time, a member held her hand out to me at dinner so naturally I shook it although I was a little confused…then she said she was just wanting to take my dish. Awkward mission life…(Lindsey)
- We were tracting and I tried to ring the bell which was on the door and pressed really hard couple of times because it wouldn’t ring and all the sudden the door opened and a lady on a sofa just looked at us. We looked at her, I said “hi!” She grabbed the door and closed it! My trainer asked me why I did that and I said “I don’t know” and so I knocked and when the lady opened, we were laughing so hard that we were barely able to introduce ourselves as missionaries from the church. It was hilarious! (Brenda)
What was a crazy experience?
- We had a pitbull attack us while we were out tracting one day. (Keisha)
- Working in sketchy neighborhoods at night. (Kaden)
- Teaching gang members. Doesn’t happen all the time, but it can happen. (Dallen)
- We were eating dinner at a converts home when we heard a few gunshots. After dinner we prayed and ran to our car amid all the police running around. We later found out three people were killed that night in a gang fight. The scariest thing was seeing the bullet holes in various buildings and gates. (Lauren)
- My companion and I got stalked. We didn’t know the man was following us at first, until we realized the same truck was making all the same turns as us. We thought we lost them, quickly drove home and got inside fine. Then a little bit later, we saw the same truck in our parking lot and someone was trying to get into our apartment. We were kept safe and sisters are no longer in that area. (Amber)
- There was once a shooting a couple streets away from where we were but we were safe. (Keisha)
- Flash floods! (Berkeley)
- Just driving on the freeway we saw a semi merging and then the emu merged into our lane. Almost hit us. (Nicole)
- It didn’t happen to me, but while on exchanges, my companion witnessed a shooting in old town called Victorville. (Jessica)
- I didn’t have anything super dangerous happen but my companion got all her clothes stolen at the laundromat and our car got broken into a week before I went home. (Lindsey)
- When there was a shooting in our area at the time we would have been driving through it but our appointment cancelled so we stayed in the other part. (Brenda)
What was a spiritual experience?
- There were so many! One of my favorite things was watching the Spirit soften hearts! (Keisha)
- Giving a blessing to a man before he passed away. (Kaden)
- Not knowing what to teach in a lesson and being prompted to say EXACTLY what that person needed to hear! (Dallen)
- Where to begin. One experience I’ll never forget: there was a moment on my mission that I was on my knees after a difficult day. I was training two sisters and I felt very inadequate and scared. I asked in prayer to feel my Heavenly Father’s love and for someone to help me. I kneeled waiting for an answer but didn’t feel anything so I went to bed. The next morning during studies I got a text from Sister Hobbs (our mission presidents wife) she said that she woke up that morning thinking of me and that she wanted to let me know how much she loved me and how much Heavenly Father loves me. I immediately went to the restroom and cried and said a prayer of gratitude. Tender mercies. That answer to a prayer has impacted my life forever. My prayers usually were answered through other people on the mission and when I looked for it, I saw a miracle everyday. It’s really incredible. (Lauren)
- My companion and I were teaching a woman that had a problem with the Law Of Chastity. She kept telling us she was going to fail at keeping it. We fasted and prayed with her and for her to have strength to overcome it. She had a guy who she was dating that she was worried might try and pressure her into it. Then one day she texted and told us her prayers had been answered. She was able to talk with her boyfriend and he said he respected that. She got baptized and he is coming back to church. They are getting married as soon as she is getting ready to go to the temple. (Amber)
- So so many happened. But I truly came to know my Savior, Jesus Christ. To have him in my everyday life means so much to me. (Keisha)
- Finding an investigator who had prayed for our help. (Berkeley)
- This one time, my companion and I were teaching an investigator who really struggled with her testimony of the Book of Mormon. So we sat down and were teaching the message of the restoration to her again. As we taught we asked if she had prayed and she said, yes, I have but I didn’t get an answer. In that moment, my heart dropped because I had been struggling with feeling like my prayers were being answered. I remember feeling that I needed to trust the remarkable promise in the Book of Mormon because I HAD received an answer it was true. So I turned to Moroni 10 and we started teaching from there as we taught, the Spirit filled the room and I knew that if she read the Book of Mormon more diligently there would be an answer. (Nicole)
- Every day was a spiritual experience. One that really sticks out to me was when we extended a baptismal date to our investigators and invited them right then and there to pray about it. When she asked if that was the date to be baptized, the Spirit bore a strong witness and there was no way to deny it. They were baptized a month and a half later! (Jessica)
- So many…I had one investigator that turned from completely uninterested to golden just after a few lessons. She was leaving to go back to Mexico and we had taught her just about everything. After looking at her teaching record, I realized we hadn’t ever finished teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ lesson. We decided to teach that and I bore my testimony after and we both ended in tears. It was the first time I felt that there was a reason I was called to serve Spanish speaking. She was later baptized in her ward in Mexico and the Elder that baptized her was from my same hometown and when we got home, we were able to connect. Small world! (Lindsey)
- In lessons when I was teaching by the Spirit and was able to testify from my heart that what I was teaching was true. The Spirit I felt when I was a missionary is incredibly special. (Brenda)
What are some interesting facts about the Rancho Cucamonga Mission?
- It is the biggest in California. There is also an underground river that runs backwards right through the mission. (Keisha)
- It covers much of the Mojave Desert, and has much economic diversity. Lots of movies have been filmed in our mission boundaries. (Kaden)
- I don’t know any. :/ (Dallen)
- There are many beautiful hikes and mountains in the mission. The history of the area is also fascinating.(Lauren)
- Although they are in the same mission, the Valley and the Desert are completely different. The people in the desert are a little strange. They are called “desert rats”. You see a lot of really interesting things in the desert. I have helped people sweep and mop their front yards which is really just sand and dirt. But to them it’s normal. (Amber)
- Joshua trees grow there. Only in Jerusalem and the Mojave Desert do they grow. Also the Mojave River runs through our mission and it is the only underground and backwards river in the world. (Keisha)
- The cultural differences between the desert and the valley were very obvious to me. I loved serving in both areas! (Berkeley)
- It’s incredibly diverse. People usually think of Southern California and think of San Diego and there are places where the mission looks like that. But I spent most of the mission in the desert. There are mountain areas and foothill areas. As part of the San Bernadino county, there is a TON of church history there. (Nicole)
- It’s divided into two parts: the desert and “down the hill” in the valley. Of which, there’s always a little innocent rivalry between missionaries about which part is better. Most of the mission boundary is in San Bernadino county which was established by Mormons. Therefore, there is a group of rocks known as Mormon Rocks. This mission opened in 2013. The first Mission President and his wife were President Bruce Hobbs and Sister Julia Hobbs. It does snow in the desert. Joshua trees cover the high desert. They are a type of cactus that are only found in parts of the Mojave desert and Jerusalem. They are very protected by the state. So much that if they are on your property, you cannot remove them to build and if they fall in your driveway–don’t you dare touch it! You have to call the city to move it. (Jessica)
- The city of Chino is part of two missions depending on what language you’re called to speak. It has great Mexican food. There is a man in Phelan that is building a Mormon pioneer site although he isn’t Mormon. It is directly where the pioneers crossed and we did service for him several times. (Lindsey)
- I have many to talk about. I think the most interesting one is the conversion I experienced. I thought I would help others more than God did to me but he is so loving that he helps you in the first place. (Brenda)
What was the weather like?
- HOT!! Especially in the summer and cold enough to snow in the winter. (Keisha)
- Blazing hot in the summer, and cooler in the winter with occasional rain storms. It depends on whether you were in the desert, the mountains, or the valley. (Kaden)
- Very warm and Dry. Spent most of the time in the mojave desert of California. (Brendan)
- Hot. (Dallen)
- Hot but don’t underestimate the cold during the winter. I didn’t have proper outer wear for the winter. (Lauren)
- Winters in the High Desert are cold! Most of the year though, it is pretty nice in the valley or in the desert. (Amber)
- Hot year round. Lots of humidity in the valley and very, very dry up in the desert. (Keisha)
- It was very warm. There were more rainy days than I expected so I was very glad I had a rain coat! (Berkeley)
- Very warm all the time from spring to fall. Comparatively the winter was cold. We were going from 100+ weather to 60 degrees. And the nights would get cold in the desert. Almost always sunny. (Nicole)
- The Valley is hot in the summer and cooler in the winter. The Desert is very hot in the summer, but can be very cold in the winter. It is much more humid in the valley than the desert. (Jessica)
- Depends where you are and what month…the valley is always mild although in the summer it’s usually above 100 between May and October. In the desert, it is dry but very hot in the summer and decently cold in the winter…very windy in the fall and it even snowed in January while I was there. (Lindsey)
- It was really hot most of the year but pretty cold in winter. (Brenda)
Any things you really like about the area/people?
- Most everyone was kind. Most had some religious belief and were willing to talk. (Keisha)
- There are a lot of good Christian people. Many are set in their denomination, but many will listen. (Kaden)
- There is a big Hispanic presence in the area and you meet many people of different ethnicities. (Dallen)
- Many of the people I met were all very kind. It’s a conservative area. Members and non-members will literally give you the shirt off their back. Even those who have nothing will do anything for the missionaries. It’s very humbling. (Lauren)
- I loved how open the people were. Not everyone we talked to wanted to talk about the Gospel, but hardly ever did people not say hello back, or wave. When I was on a bike, so many people would give us water and make sure we were hydrated. Even though they didn’t know us, they still watched out for us. I also served in some humble areas and it really taught me that sometimes less is more. I saw people make do with next to nothing and absolutely love life. They helped me change my attitude. (Amber)
- The people of California are extremely kind. They are friendly and so loving towards God. It is truly incredible. (Keisha)
- Everything! Most people had a pretty good idea of religion and God so it made it easy to connect with them on that level. (Berkeley)
- I love the people. I went back to the mission and it was like being home. Seeing so many people and places that I just loved and loved me. (Nicole)
- I believe there are good and not so good people everywhere in the world. They are all God’s children and He loves them, so I should try to as well. I loved every place I served. I especially loved the high desert because it is very odd. So much dirt and desolation, yet there are some of the greatest people you will ever meet with amazing life experiences. (Jessica)
- I liked that it was mild weather because I’m a wimp when it’s cold. It was nice that it was in the states but still an adventure because I was immersed into a whole new culture. The people I served were incredible. They are the most giving people even if they don’t have much to give. They are all very accepting and kind. There were only a few people that I ever came in contact with that weren’t nice to us. (Lindsey)
- They are so willing to give and serve. They are so loving and caring. And I love California! I just love it and them sooo much! (Brenda)
Any packing/clothing advice?
- Pack a warm jacket and good shoes that can get wet. (Keisha)
- You’ll want an umbrella and warm clothing for the winter, but be prepared for hot summer temperatures. (Kaden)
- Pack with lots of short sleeves, and make sure to be ready for lots of heat. (Brendan)
- It’s gonna be hot from January-December so plan accordingly. (Dallen)
- Loose, light clothing. Broken in shoes. No long skirts. (Lauren)
- When you’re packing, pack one suitcase that is full of only things you’ll need in the field. That way in the Mission Training Center, you don’t have to worry about repacking so many bags. It made my life a whole lot easier!! (Amber)
- Take good shoes. Sturdy ones. Also a light wind jacket and umbrella. Also a mesh zip up bag for washing socks is a life saver! (Keisha)
- Sisters, bring skirts with elastic waist bands! Even if you don’t gain weight, it is nice to have extra room to breath. Don’t over pack ( seriously, you don’t need as much as you think you do) and make sure that all of your shirts go with most of your skirts so you have a lot of options. (Berkeley)
- Shoes get worn through really fast because of the heat. Try to pack clothes that you feel comfortable sweating in and will dry fast. (Nicole)
- You will need a warm coat. Although it doesn’t rain too often, it does–so a rain coat, umbrella, or something of the sort would be a good idea. Don’t worry if you don’t think you packed enough clothes and things. It’s California. Most areas have plenty of Walmarts and Burlington Coat Factories (most elders LOVE that store) to get you what you find out you’ll want/need in the field. (Jessica)
- It does get cold so pack a coat and tights! You don’t walk a ton if you’re a Spanish sister so don’t spend a lot on walking shoes. They do have stores in California so don’t feel like you need to bring your whole closet. (Lindsey)
- Be ready for the heat, for the cold and the rain. (Brenda)
What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?
- So many! I was blessed with an increased testimony and knowledge that I never would have got otherwise. (Keisha)
- It has been an anchor for my life. I learned what it means to live the gospel joyfully. (Kaden)
- A greater testimony of Jesus Christ. (Dallen)
- Patience, compassion, gratitude and a better understanding that with help from the Lord, I can do anything! I was terrified of knocking on doors my first transfer but through prayer it became one of my favorite things to do. I could talk comfortably with people despite being an introvert. I gained 30 pounds in the mission but I loved myself. I learned the blessings of hard work and making connections with everyone. I loved being friends with everyone in a neighborhood whether they were interested or not. (Lauren)
- I learned for myself the love that our Father in Heaven has for each one of us. There were things happening at home that I couldn’t control but I knew Heavenly Father would take care of everything. I learned Christ really did suffer for all of us, and because of Him I can become a little better every day. (Amber)
- There are too many to count but the biggest, as I mentioned before, was that I truly came to know my Savior as a friend. Continued progression is also an amazing gift our Father gives to His children. (Keisha)
- Even though I came home early, I know that I served exactly how the lord needed me to. I loved the people I served. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. (Berkeley)
- I was able to go back to school. I didn’t expect to get into BYUI because I thought my grades were so bad. But I did. Didn’t expect to have money to pay for school but right now I’m attending school debt free. (Nicole)
- Countless blessings. I don’t think there’s ever a way to count them all. Every day after my mission, I see how the experiences I had while serving are blessing my life. (Jessica)
- I met my husband the very first day in the mission field so that’s probably the biggest blessing that I never saw coming. I gained so many good habits for life, school, work and relationships. I made so many new friends and became more knowledgeable about the gospel. I feel much more comfortable doing missionary work as a member now and I have a much stronger testimony of the my Savior and His gospel. (Lindsey)
- Many! I am closer to my Heavenly Father even when I am weak, I know he is there. I have a stronger testimony. I have seen many changes in myself that help me in my relationship with others, with schooling, my church callings, etc. I have been blessed in my studies, health and work. And many many more things! (Brenda)
What are some skills you gained?
- Conflict management with companions. (Keisha)
- Planning, goal setting, diligence, patience. (Dallen)
- Fluent in Spanish. Time management. Becoming personable with everyone. How to deal with difficult situations. (Lauren)
- Studying the scriptures has such a new meaning to me now. I can take a topic and find things to study for hours. It has helped me since being home with studying for my personal life and the decisions that I need to make. (Amber)
- I definitely learned how to study better. Also how to cook and clean quickly but healthy and well. (Keisha)
- I am so much more confident when I talk to people. I am also great at planning and my scriptures studying skills are so helpful. (Berkeley)
- Patience. I know how to study. I know how to work hard. I know how to pray more sincerely. I love God more. (Nicole)
- Gospel knowledge – leadership skills – communication with companions and strangers. (Jessica)
- Asking inspiring questions. Following the Spirit instantly. Being more organized and on time. Setting goals. Making plans. How to use a map! (Lindsey)
- Patience, self-control, trust in God, self-sufficiency, love, eternal perspective, being positive, etc. (Brenda)
What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?
- Know Preach my Gospel!! (Keisha)
- I wish I opened my mouth more. (Kaden)
- Actually study Preach My Gospel before you enter the Missionary Training Center and go and teach with the missionaries as much as you can. (Dallen)
- I wish I understood better that you don’t have to teach exactly how it’s written in Preach My Gospel. It’s okay to teach someone even just about prayer if that’s what they need. (Lauren)
- I wish I knew that every missionary has hard days. Everyone from the Mission President down to the newest missionary in the mission. Every missionary at some point struggles with something, and it’s okay!! (Amber)
- I wished I knew the scriptures better. Especially the Book of Mormon. (Keisha)
- How happy I would be! (Berkeley)
- That the mission is the best not because I got to preach the gospel but because my heart changed. I also wish I had known what it meant to come home. Everyone tells you it’s hard. It is hard. But there were so many incredible blessings and so many happy things that are happening because I’m home. (Nicole)
- I wish I knew how much I would long for my mission after it was over–I think I would’ve seized every opportunity to tell the person walking their dog the glorious news of the gospel! (Jessica)
- I wish I knew the stories in the Book of Mormon better. I wish I knew that the challenges of a mission can be more than just physical…that a lot of it is mental and spiritual as well. I think we focus so much on the good of missions sometimes that we disregard the difficulties and create a distorted view of what a mission is like. I wish I had known or been more prepared to deal with difficult companions. (Lindsey)
- I wish I had know how fast time flies by. (Brenda)
Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to Rancho Cucamonga?
- Read. (Keisha)
- Know the scriptures as best as you can. Know the lessons in chapter 4 of Preach My Gospel. (Kaden)
- Give it your all and hold nothing back! (Dallen)
- When people ask me what’s one thing they should know or study before serving. I would say to have a testimony of the Book of Mormon. If you know that book to be true, you will do alright. Everything else comes. But people day in and day out will tear down Joseph Smith and The Book of Mormon. (Lauren)
- Never think you’re not good enough. That is what Satan wants you to think. Remember the Lord called you there to help those people. At the beginning of my mission, I thought I was going to be always teaching people. At the end of my mission, I realized the people of California were always teaching me. The teacher became the student. I know the Savior loves all of us. I know you love the Savior. Why else would you go out and find people to tell them, Jesus Christ loves you and can help you with every part of your life. (Amber)
- Study Preach My Gospel every day. It will give you the confidence to do your job well. Know that God lives and you are told in the Book of Mormon the reality that His Son came to earth and died for every single one of His brothers and sisters. Don’t get discouraged. Keep moving and always be obedient. (Keisha)
- It’s true. All of it. I know Joseph Smith is a prophet. I know that families can be together forever. I know Jesus is the Christ. I know that because that is what the Book of Mormon is about. Testifying that Jesus is the Christ. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know that more happiness awaits you has you preach the gospel. I know God loves you. I know He answers prayers. (Nicole)
- You can do hard things. Love your companion, love the members, love your investigators, love strangers. Love the Lord enough to give it your all every day. Love Him enough to do all that He asks of you. Give yourself to Him and you will be happier than you can even imagine. (Jessica)
- You will love it…if you work hard. The only advice is to forget yourself and go to work. The more you focus on the work, the happier you will be. It won’t be easy…the adversary does not want you to serve a mission and it will throw every challenge you can think of your way. But remember that God is always there for you. It was during those dark times that I truly came to know my Savior and Heavenly Father better. You will impact many peoples’ lives but the one who should be the most impacted at the end is yourself. (Lindsey)
- It is the most special time you will always remember. Serve every day like you don’t want to have any kind of regret. Do it even if you don’t want to, do it for him. Always follow the Spirit and always talk to everyone and leave something behind even if they don’t seem interested…you never know who that will help and when. It can change lives even generations. Update the Area book every night. It is the most important record that you’ll leave behind after you leave the area. Love it. It will change your life. I love my mission and wouldn’t change anything. I am grateful I got the opportunity to serve Him. (Brenda)
What was a funny language mistake?
- I said the equivalent of “touch” the name of Christ instead of “take” the name of Christ upon you. (Kaden)
- Pecado is sin, pescado is fish. Don’t mix that up. (Dallen)
- I meant to say a member was “kneeling” and instead I said they were “peeing”. (Lauren)
- My MTC companion and I made some pretty hilarious mistakes. You will mess up, but people will either ignore it or politely correct you. (Berkeley)
- My MTC companion was out in the field for less than six weeks when she was visiting with a older woman that showed her a picture of her son and said, “Este es mi hijo que se fallecio.” which means “This is my son who passed away.” but in the MTC we only learned the verb “morir” which is to die so my companion said, “Oh! Que bueno!” Meaning, “Oh! That’s great!” No…hermana…no…(Lindsey)
- I told my companion to grab the ‘carpet'(carpeta in Spanish ‘folder’ in English), got mixed up ham and jam all the time and once I couldn’t understand what a man was telling me so I made him say it like six times and he got so mad that yelled at me and slammed the door on my face. (Brenda)
Kylie (California Rancho Cucamonga Mission)
–Paraphrased from Kylie’s mission interview–
LDS History in the Mission
It was created out of a couple different missions in 2013. They mostly have wards, but there are a few branches. I mainly served in Hesperia, which was settled by Mormons. A member showed me this plaque that showed this Mormon Hotel in the town and how most of the area was founded by Mormons.
Two Different Worlds
The mission is divided into the desert and the valley. In the valley, Snoop Dogg has a house there. In the desert you have gangs, drugs, and small houses and everyone is more spread out. It was like two different worlds. We took pictures when it rained in the desert because it was so rare. It snowed maybe once a year. It’s dry and hot in the desert. The food is normal. I ate with Tongans a couple times and that was interesting. Other than that, it was pretty normal. I probably had tacos five times a week for dinner.
The People
I only had one companion that lasted for more than one transfer with me. It was different than most missions, but I loved. I was in a very poor area in the desert with lots of gang activities and drugs. It was amazing to see how humble these people were. One of the men that I was able to teach was one of the head gang members in Hesperia. It’s amazing seeing the transformation that these people have to go through to convert. They will never leave the church after that. I haven’t had one convert fall away.
Teaching ASL
The deaf people I taught were all Hispanic, but most of the other people I taught were white. I served in an English speaking ward that had about ten deaf members in it.
Allyson (California Rancho Cucamonga Mission)
–Paraphrased from Allyson’s mission interview–
Mission Boundaries and Diversity
It goes to the Nevada border so it is really inland. I lot of people pass through Barstow to get to Disneyland and that is in our mission. There are some other cities that aren’t very populated and as you go south it gets more populated. There isn’t much public transportation, so you have to find people at their homes. The temple is in Redlands and I got to go twice a year. Without traffic it’s like a 40 minute drive. It’s pretty easy to get from one place to the other. Two hours would be the farthest you would drive. We have the valley and the desert in our mission. In the valley there are tons of Hispanics, Asians, Koreans, and Filipinos. The desert has more African Americans. There is only English and Spanish for missionaries. There is a lot of diversity. You could always count on fun meals. I’m from a town of 2,000 people and that is tiny compared to California cities. The traffic was amazing. It was insane. The freeways are eight or ten lanes.
Popular Religions
Most people have a religion. We ran into a lot of Catholics. There are also a lot of Born Again Christians. There are a lot of local churches that are popular like Calvary Chapel. There are a lot of amazing people that aren’t members of our church. I lived with members throughout my whole mission. One member family lived next to a nice Catholic family and they were such great people and they did a lot of good. That was exciting for me because I wasn’t around a lot of other religions where I grew up. We get fed by members every night. I learned to never say no. I never said no to dessert, or this or that. The first summer I went door to door contacting and I never brought a water bottle because so many people offered us water bottles. I started to say no, but my companion would always say yes to the waters because we would get to come in to the homes and talk to people.