Free resources about the Georgia Atlanta Mission:
- Mission address and phone number
- Mission map
- Video interviews with returned missionaries
- 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: Georgia LDS Missions.
Georgia Atlanta Mission Address
Here’s a recent address for the Atlanta 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.
Georgia Atlanta Mission
112 Governors Square Ste A
Peachtree City, GA 30269
United States
Phone Number: 1-770-486-9191
Mission President: President David A. Foote
Georgia Atlanta Mission Map
Here’s a link to the mission map for the Georgia Atlanta Mission (LDS). To access the official LDS.org map for the Atlanta Mission:
Videos with Georgia Atlanta RMs
Here are in-depth YouTube video interviews with returned missionaries from the Atlanta Mission. We interview hundreds of returned missionaries each year, so check back regularly to see new RM interviews.
LDS-Friendly Videos about Georgia
Here are LDS-friendly educational videos about Georgia. We scoured YouTube to find the best quality videos about Georgia, that are free from inappropriate music, immodesty and profanity.
Georgia Atlanta Missionary Blogs
Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the Atlanta Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.
Georgia Atlanta Mission Groups
Here are Georgia Atlanta Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the Atlanta Mission.
- Georgia Atlanta Mission Facebook Group (847 members)
- Atlanta Mission Reunion- Satterfield Years Group (273 members)
- Georgia Atlanta Mission Facebook Group (64 members)
- Georgia Atlanta Mission – President & Sister Lund Group (58 members)
- Atlanta Mission ’82-’85 Reunion Facebook Group (10 members)
- Georgia Atlanta Mission (President Mineer) Group (9 members)
- Atlanta Mission 1989-91 (President John Fowler) Group (1 member)
Georgia Atlanta Mission T-Shirts
Here are T-shirts for the Georgia Atlanta Mission!
Shirt designs include Georgia Atlanta 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: Georgia Atlanta missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.
*Click here to browse Atlanta Mission gifts
Georgia Atlanta Mission Presidents
Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Atlanta LDS Mission.
- 2015-2018, David A. Foote
- 2012-2015, John R. Harding
- 2009-2012, Steven H. Satterfield
- 2006-2009, Warren H. Mathusek
- 2003-2006, Steven J. Lund
- 2000-2003, Michael Glauser
- 1997-2000, Richard W. Jones
- 1994-1997, Monte Stewart
- 1991-1994, Everett S. Pallin
- 1988-1991, John E. Fowler
- 1985-1988, Wayne A. Mineer
- 1982-1985, Brent W. Edman
- 1979-1982, David R. McDougal
- 1976-1979, Russell C. Taylor
- 1976-1978, Rutherford
- 1973-1976, Seth D. Redford
- 1971-1973, John Orvin Hicken
- 1968-1971, Charles Nibley
- 1965-1968, Ray B. Evanson
- 1964-1965, Fontleroy Hunsaker
- 1960-1963, J. Byron Ravsten
- 1955-1958, Berkley L. Bunker
Georgia LDS Statistics (2015)
- Church Membership: 82,857
- Missions: 3
- Temples: 1
- Congregations: 151
- Family History Centers: 42
Helpful Articles about Georgia
Georgia Atlanta Missionary Survey
Here are survey responses from Georgia Atlanta 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?
- 2013-2015 (Robert)
- 1993-1995 (Alex)
- 2013-2015 (Nathan)
- 2013-2015 (Mark)
- 1986-1987 (Cyndi)
- 2005-2007 (Jeff)
- 1984-1986 (Merrill)
- 2007-2009 (Christian)
- February 2013-March 2015 (Kalin)
- 2006-2008 (Amanda)
- 1987-1989 (Steve)
- 1999-2001 (Daniel)
- December 2009-June 2011 (Stephanie)
- 1993-1994 (Mandy)
What cities/areas did you serve in?
- Tucker, Thomaston, Marrietta, Buchanan, Atlanta, Griffin, Lithia Springs, Snellville. (Robert)
- Tucker, Powder Springs, Lawerenceville, Cochran, Gainseville, Carrolton, and Conyers. (Cyndi)
- Peach Tree City, Avondale Estates (Downtown Atlanta), Gainesville, Warner Robbins, Cochrane. (Merrill)
- Midtown-Bankhead-Symrna-Columbus-Fortbenning-Jonesboro. (Christian)
- Americus, Gray, Macon, Valdosta, Swainsboro, and LaGrange, Georgia. (Kalin)
- Auburn AL, Dallas GA, Fayetteville GA, Mooreland GA, Atlanta GA. (Amanda)
- Conyers, Albany, Lithia Springs, Sandy Springs, Tifton, Dunwoody. (Steve)
- Dracula, Stone Mountain, Douglasville, Flint River, Athens. (Daniel)
- Cedartown, Douglasville /Lithia springs, Powder Springs, Mars Hill, Jonesboro, Buchanan. (Stephanie)
- Avondale Estates, Murietta, Peachtree City, Conyers, & East Lake branch. (Mandy)
What were some favorite foods?
- Biscuits and Gravy, Chicken and Waffles, Fried Chicken, and anything at the local Waffle Houses. (Robert)
- Fried chicken, grits, fried okra Hated collard greens and chitlins. (Alex)
- BBQ, corn bread, lots of soups in the winter. (Nathan)
- Chili, pulled BBQ pork, brisket, oatmeal with peanut butter and honey. (Mark)
- Southern Fried Chicken, Pecan Pie, hush puppies, corn bread. (Cyndi)
- Tacos rojos, yerba maté, sopes, flautas, pozole. (Jeff)
- Fried Chicken. Homemade gravy and biscuits. (Merrill)
- Zaxbys Shaq on Main. (Christian)
- Oakria, the corn bread, banana pudding, green fried tomatoes, pecan pie, steak n shake, and Zaxby’s. (Kalin)
- Peach Cobbler, Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Jambalaya. (Amanda)
- BBQ, Southern Comfort Foods. (Steve)
- Fried chicken, mashed potatoes. (Daniel)
- B. Oatmeal, cereal, eggs. L. Chicken salad, fried rice, hamburger helper, baked potato, tuna wrap. D. Tacos/fajitas, hot dogs, chef salad, sloppy Joe’s, tin foil dinner Snack. Slim fast, peanut butter, granola bars. (Stephanie)
- Homemade Mac & cheese, fried chicken, grits and corn bread. (Mandy)
What was a funny experience?
- In Monroe I had a companion who loved to take creative pictures, i.e. With a bike on top of the martinizing dry cleaners building or in old abandoned homes or railway cars. (Alex)
- When you serve in a bike area and it rains you feel like you are swimming. When it rains it pours. (Nathan)
- When my companion took to much laxatives and didn’t make it to the bathroom in time… (Mark).
- When my companion had to ride bicycles. She had an accident on her bike, and someone had called emergency personnel. The Fire Department showed up, and my companion was dazed, but seemed to notice the handsome firemen that came to help her. (Cyndi)
- Gun pulled on me while contacting cause my Zone Leader couldn’t take no for an answer. (Jeff)
- In Cochrane, GA, every home was on a dirt road somewhere on a mail route. There were no addresses. No maps existed that represented the mail route system. The only person who knew where everyone lived was the mailman. It was hilarious having to wait to find the mailman to find out how to find someone’s house. Members would tell you, but the twisting turning dirt roads were a maze and it was easy to take a wrong turn. The whole stereotype of getting directions where people tell you to turn at the tree with the big red dog underneath, and then go three farsee’s was real! Very funny. (Merrill)
- I left the area book on top of our car after district meeting. So we needed to run up and down the street picking up the Lord’s paperwork. (Christian)
- Telling someone who asked me if I have Facebook and responding by saying Book of Mormon. (Kalin)
- Meeting (literally) crazy people. I met Jesus Christ #2 and he even had business cards made up with that name on them. (Amanda)
- Speaking to a group of youth at a Methodist church in downtown Atlanta. As we were carrying in cases of copies of The Book of Mormon, my companion’s pants ripped down the seam in the rear. He had to stand against the chalkboard the entire time so no one would see. At one point I said to the class, “my companion is now going to draw this part of the Plan of Salvation on the chalk board.” He replied “No I’m not.” (Steve)
- Tore my suit “facilities” in the woods. (Daniel)
- Another sister said “sometimes you just want to take someone (by the shoulders) and shake them, but you can’t because that would be assault ” she was from New York. (Stephanie)
What was a crazy experience?
- Getting stuck late at night in the projects after dark in our p-day clothes. There was a shooting 10 minutes after we were on the bus headed home on the same street we had been waiting for the bus on. Getting a media referral at the Alamo hotel, a known brothel. (Alex)
- Most roads don’t have a paved shoulder so you have to ride your bike in the edge of the lane. (Nathan)
- My companion and I were almost jumped in a bad neighborhood late at night. (Mark)
- One night, some people knocked on our door late at night. When we opened the door, a woman started asking us if we knew some person. We became aware of 2 men standing in the dark where we had a hard time seeing them. We both knew instantly they were not there looking for someone. We immediately closed the door and locked it. (Cyndi)
- Riding bikes all over Atlanta, carrying them on the buses and MARTA Trains. One time, we were walking from the projects of downtown Atlanta to the MARTA station and it was dark. A couple of officers stopped in their cruiser and asked us if they could give us a ride to the station. Apparently, a gang related group was tailing us and the officers felt we were in danger. They were not LDS but they were Christian brothers. I thank them and the Lord for looking after us. (Merrill)
- We were getting jumped in Bankhead and some random guy started firing a shotgun because he knew previous missionaries. (Christian)
- Getting caught on a gate in the pursuit of ice cream, getting almost hit by a car for ice cream, getting caught in a super bad storm with humidity and my glasses were fogged up so I couldn’t see and my bike lights were out so I had to follow my companion’s, staring at an ex-hit man when we joke about killing someone, chasing down the guy who stole my companion’s bike, riding on the highway, and playing poker with monopoly money and playing it with my investigator. (Kalin)
- My companion and I were held hostage in a mentally insane woman’s home for three hours. She was off her medication when this happened. (Amanda)
- Our apartment was robbed in Lithia Springs. While in Albany, we had to cut through the government housing (projects) to get to our apartments. We were the only Caucasian people around. The called us “the God Squad.” We met a person about the size of Mr. T whose name was Morman. He said we named our church after him but we didn’t know how to spell. He would meet us at night and walk us through the housing to our apartment to make sure we were safe. (Steve)
- In stone mountain walking through a bad apartment complex, a group of fang bangers asked us if we were preaching the word and we said yes. They said “good, because if you wasn’t, we would have beat you up by now. (Daniel)
- Prayed at night to have help getting up. I was tired and the idea of exercise doesn’t help. Climbed into bed and went to pull the covers over me, and saw that 2 inches past my hand was a scorpion…needless to say, I had no trouble getting out of bed. I learned to make more specific prayers. (Stephanie)
- Watching President Palin climb the “tree” house in Avondale Estates barefoot in Decatur! 😁 (Mandy)
What was a spiritual experience?
- The entire two years was amazing, but spending the day at the Atlanta temple with baptisms with the youth in the morning, culminating in an endowment session with our branch that night was amazing. (Alex)
- Most people are Christian so they will talk about Christ with you. (Nathan)
- Finding families prepared by the Lord to receive the restored the gospel and be baptized and then seeing these families sealed in the Temple. (Mark)
- My companion and I taught a brother who was dying of cancer. He referred himself to the missionaries as a deathbed promise to his best friend who died the month previous. He was a professor at the University and the Sunday School teacher at the largest Methodist church in Atlanta. His weekly Sunday School attendance averaged around 5000 people. As we taught what was then the 4th discussion which included Priesthood power and the Apostasy and Restoration, his eyes widened with amazement and he asked for clarification, “do you mean the Priesthood of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has been restored with the power of the Lord?” I testified with clarity that this was THE Church of Jesus Christ restored to the earth and his priesthood power is held by the elders of the church. We explained how the very men who held the power came to earth as heavenly messengers and gave the power to Joseph and Oliver, first Aaronic, then Melchizedek. Then I was prompted to ask if he wanted a Priesthood Blessing. We gave him a blessing and the words of the Lord came unto me promising him he would be healed through his faith and the power of the Priesthood.. He went to his next chemotherapy appointment later that week and the doctor had no explanation for his recovery. He had previously been given just a couple of months to live, and now the doctor could find no signs of cancer whatsoever. The only remaining indicator was the dark skin from his radiation therapy, but the yellow hue was gone and all the metastasized masses were completely gone. My dear brother Jack did accept baptism, go to the temple a year later and live another 23 years and into his eighties. He also became a great member missionary helping many to find a testimony of the Lord’s restored gospel. Thank you, Jack, and thank you Lord Jesus. (Merrill)
- Two families that didn’t show up for their baptism service showed up before another baptismal service. We baptized 8 people that day! (Christian)
- There are a lot, one that I could think of was finding a scripture to share with our investigator that will really help him. My companion and I took our time and prayed and we were prompted to share Alma 7:11-13 and it was a great lesson. (Kalin)
- There were SO many spiritual experiences on my mission. If I had to pick one though, it would be when we were teaching a 19 year old girl the third lesson and while my companion was speaking, I had this vision of our investigator getting baptized and serving a mission of her own. It was pretty powerful! (Amanda)
- Way to many to share here… but they happened frequently. I will share this… Our Mission President was Wayne Mineer. He had two goals for every missionary 1) to go home with your head held high and 2) to leave with a deep and forever abiding testimony of the Savior. (Steve)
- Started teaching the wife of an investigator who at first wouldn’t have anything to do with us because she was Pentecostal. Her and her husband were having some issues and he had left. I felt impressed to promise her if he would come to church, he would come back. I was too scared to make her that promise though. The next time we taught her I felt the same thing and made the promise. She came to church that Sunday and that week he came back. (Daniel)
- Speaking of making prayers specific, we had been teaching someone for weeks. She was progressing wonderfully with reading scriptures etc, but she hadn’t come to church because hers was at the same time. We prayed in the car before going in. We decided that if she wouldn’t come to church that Sunday, then we would have to drop her. We prayed for help knowing which way it should go. We walked in, and she hugged us and almost tearfully said that she wanted to start coming to church. She was later baptized. (Stephanie)
- Witnessing the humble beginnings of the East Lake Branch in Atlanta. (Mandy)
What are some interesting facts about the Atlanta Mission?
- The mission has split since I was there. My final area I was in a branch in Fayetteville. That branch that met in a storefront, now is in a Stake building that covers the same area with two family wards and a singles ward and has the new mission home in it. (Alex)
- Peachtree City has over 80 miles of paved golf cart trails. (Nathan)
- It has the worst traffic in the country outside of LA. One of the wards in the mission is featured in the movie “meet the Mormons”. (Mark)
- The Atlanta Temple was my home temple district when I served. The President would allow my parents to take my companion and I out for dinner whenever they visited the temple every few months. I was called from my home state of Florida. Nothing but love and support. (Merrill)
- Most Elders and Sisters didn’t take lunch or dinner. (Christian)
- There are nine military bases in the mission. There is a lot of civil war history around because Georgia is one the 13 colonies. People are always polite, they love Jesus and the Bible and are not afraid to talk about and share both of them with people. A lot of people like to hunt. (Kalin)
- It can get really bone chilling cold in the winter, so bring a coat and gloves. It gets incredibly hot in the summer, so bring breathable clothing that you are ok sweating in. Girls were allowed to wear nice cotton tee shirts with their skirts when I was there. Keep your apartment clean! There are so many bugs, especially cockroaches, that will find their way in if you live like pig. (Amanda)
- At the time we covered nearly the entire state. We averaged about 50 baptisms per month. (Steve)
- Some elders couldn’t live in their area or be in their area past dark because it wasn’t safe. (Daniel)
- Loving people. Even the ones who aren’t interested in hearing the gospel, still know that you represent Christ and thank you for the time you spend spreading the word. Most people that turn you away are respectful about it. Lots of delicious food. At members homes, eat very small portions since they will make you have seconds and sometimes thirds. Natives cook very fattening foods, so keep portions small and don’t do lame exercises, you have lots to burn off, unless you are in a biking area. Don’t linger or look lost in ghetto areas, cops think you look nice for a drug deal. (Stephanie)
- Georgia Atlanta Mission is best mission ever! Sister’s were known as Sista’s. (Mandy)
What was the weather like?
- It was constantly changing. It could be a clear day in the morning, rain giant rain drops in the afternoon and then clear again in the evening. Muggy and humid in the summer, but in the winter the freezing rain was scary and the cold would move right through you. (Alex)
- Rainy days at least once a week in the winter. Lots if rain in the summer. Humidity can get some but it didn’t bother me. (Nathan)
- HUMID! Hot in the summers but bone chilling cold in the winters. (Mark)
- Hot, humid, and rainy during the year. During the colder months, it was damp, snowy and cold. (Cyndi)
- Humid. (Jeff)
- There are a couple of cold months in the winter in the northern half of the state, but its very mild most of the year. Plenty of humidity. I preferred to shower twice daily. (Merrill)
- Hot and muggy and never below 30 in the winter. (Christian)
- Hot, wet, and it actually snowed about an inch and everything shut down. Different kind of cold that gets to your bones. (Kalin)
- Georgia has four seasons. The winters don’t get snow but they do have ice storms occasionally. The summers are incredibly hot and sticky due to the humidity. (Amanda)
- Awesome. Hot and humid and sometimes it rained incredibly hard. (Steve)
- Hot and muggy in the summer. A lot colder than I expected in the winter. Occasional ice storms where everything was covered in ice which was really cool. (Daniel)
- Most people say hot and humid. Not any worse than other southern places (I’m from Houston). Winters are surprisingly cold. Only gets down to 40-50 degrees, but the humidity makes it feel 20 degrees. Bone chilling and hard to get warm. I wore leggings and layered a few skirts. (Stephanie)
- Humid & hot in summer, cold & wet in winter months. (Mandy)
Any things you really like about the area/people?
- I loved everything! The diversity of people, rich and poor, black or white, kind or not. The place was amazing. And such rich history! (Alex)
- Everyone likes guns, and like to talk about Christ. Peachtree City has golf cart trails covering the entire city. Makes biking easy. (Nathan)
- The people are very loving and love God. (Mark)
- I loved how personable people could be. When we were out knocking on doors, many times we were invited into homes to sit down and eat with families or individuals we had never met before. (Cyndi)
- Slow pace, generally kind & loving. (Jeff)
- I love how so many people of all denominations already believe in Christ and want to follow his teachings. We taught lessons every day. We were invited in, fed and warmly greeted every where we went. The golden rule is truly practiced here and it starts with you. (Merrill)
- The will feed you even if they aren’t interested in the church. (Christian)
- People’s love for the Savior, people being polite and true Christians. Also I love their accents. (Kalin)
- Everyone is so kind and hospitable. I loved the variance in people’s accent depending on where you were in Georgia. I also loved how rich in history Georgia is. So much to see and learn all around you. (Amanda)
- I loved the southern hospitality. I loved the respect of calling those older than you ma’m and sir. (Steve)
- A lot of history. Civil war history was really cool. The suburbs were just like anywhere else but the country was really fun and the people were interesting and nice. The city was a different experience but gave me good perspective into people living in poverty. (Daniel)
- Friendly, home-y feeling. Everyone loves you simply because you are missionaries. (Stephanie)
- Down to earth, enjoyed the diversity of Georgia. (Mandy)
Any packing/clothing advice?
- Waterproof is the way to go. I would also suggest a waterproof side bag that can hold a few water bottles separate from your pamphlets and scriptures. (Robert)
- Bring a camel back water source for the summer. (Alex)
- Light cool (temperature wise) clothes for the summer. Warm clothes for the winter, the humidity will get you no mater what your wearing. (Nathan)
- Pack less than you think you need. By the end of the mission you only have one bag because you never need as much as you first bring. Anything you don’t bring can be bought or sent to you later. (Mark)
- One long sleeve shirt, the rest short sleeves. (Merrill)
- Wear pants a few times a week if your not on bike. Use white deodorant. Use insoles and clean your shoes weekly. Do not wear loud, polyester ties from the thrift store just because everyone else thinks it’s cool. (Christian)
- Actually bring warm clothing you’re going to need it during the winter, even if it doesn’t snow that much. A lot of short sleeve shirts. (Kalin)
- Bring clothes you will be comfortable in, and can breath in. It is very humid year round, so cotton might be your best friend. I wouldn’t worry about bringing really nice clothes because they will get ruined quickly. Most homes you go into will smell like cigarette smoke or have animal fur all over, so you will only ruin your good clothes. Pack comfortable walking shoes and cortisone itch cream. You will need the itch cream for chiggers and ant bites. (Amanda)
- I’m sure things have changed since I was out there. (Steve)
- Don’t buy new suits. I bought 2 new suits for my mission and was just as happy with the goodwill suits I got on my mission. Talcum powder is your friend if you are on a bike and it’s summer. Camelback backpack can hold plenty of media for media referrals and lots of water. 😄 (Daniel)
- Keep it light. You only get 2 bags, don’t let it explode past that. Pack outfits that can mix and match. Only one pair of black & brown shoes, alternate days to minimize blisters. (Stephanie)
- Skirts, shirts, comfy shoes, tights & nice warm coat. For Sister’s. (Mandy)
What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?
- A beautiful Southern accent ;). (Robert)
- Too many to count but most particularly it is where I met my sweet wife. (Alex)
- Lots of friends. (Nathan)
- I met my wife there! (Mark)
- Learned Spanish & Portuguese, which I use every day professionally. (Jeff)
- My dear wife and I have been blessed with 6 children. Three have served missions to Taiwan, Bulgaria and Russia with one currently serving in LA Spanish speaking. My missionary service coupled with my parents and my siblings greatly influenced my children’s choices to serve. (Merrill)
- Greater conversion and a deeper appreciation for church structure. (Christian)
- A greater love for my Savior and people. More confidence in myself and that eternal truths matter and not temporal. (Kalin)
- SO MANY WONDERFUL BLESSINGS! I learned so much about myself and the gospel. It was really hard most days but if you open yourself up and allow change to take place, you will grow tremendously and be a terrific instrument for the Lord. (Amanda)
- My mission was the best thing to happen to me as an individual. It helped me develop so many good habits and great discipline. It’s what prepared me for my wonderful marriage, the children that bless my life, and the callings that I have held. I have friendships developed from my mission both missionary, members, non-members, and converts who are friends to this day and are a great blessing to me. (Steve)
- Greatest blessing was a stronger testimony and more knowledge of the gospel. (Daniel)
- Testimony. Learned how to recognize and rely on the Spirit. Over came shyness/public speaking. Teaching by Spirit. Learned lots of things I still use. (Stephanie)
- It was the best 18 months of my life. Truly rooted my faith and testimony in Jesus Christ. Taught me to love and serve all people and get outside my comfort zone. (Mandy)
What are some skills you gained?
- The ability to talk to ANYONE. (Alex)
- Talking with people, bike maintenance. (Nathan)
- Planning, goal setting, hard work, communication skills, leadership, event planning, etc. (Mark)
- Listening to the spirit, faith. (Merrill)
- Empathy. (Christian)
- I learned how to talk to people better and not to be afraid of small rejections. A desire to make true goals, and more truer and stronger relationships with people. (Kalin)
- Patience, team work, budgeting, sacrifice, service, love, ….so many more. (Amanda)
- Discipline. Ability to keep commitments. Speaking. Thinking on your feet. Being creative. (Steve)
- How to discuss and not argue. How to just listen to someone I disagree with without having to try to prove them wrong. (Daniel)
- Time management, not wasting time, doing things quickly-eating, writing home, cleaning, utilize power nap. Cooking, mending things, instead of getting someone else to, or buying new. How to find good things at thrift store. I wrote 2-3 words in the corner of my planner to remember a story as it happened. The days all blur together and this helps with journaling and writing home. I wrote a summary of my week to everyone, then personal replies to those who wrote individual or personal things. Keep up with replying to handwritten letters if you don’t want them to stop coming. (Stephanie)
- Building relationships of trust, finding out by asking and showing interest in others, perseverance was a big skill I gained and self confidence. (Mandy)
What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?
- Probably how to clean and organize better. (Alex)
- Better at talking with everyone. (Nathan)
- Be EXACTLY obedient to EVERY rule in the white handbook. The scriptures and Preach my Gospel have all the answers. If you’re not having fun and learning to love the people then you’re doing it wrong. Rely on the Lord and the Atonement in everything you do. Love your companion and show it every day. (Mark)
- Not all missionaries are in the mission field because they love the Lord and want to serve him and build his kingdom. Many have been promised a car and a paid for education by parents if they go. Some go because no LDS girl will marry them unless they do. The bright side of the many reasons missionaries choose to serve… All missionaries can learn to serve the Lord because of their faith and love for him, even if they started on the mission path for another reason. You can help them with your love and example to want and seek that conviction and testimony. (Merrill)
- Running in the morning. (Christian)
- That talking to people is that hard. Don’t let disappointment make you judgmental of people…always see them as children of God. (Kalin)
- I am a perfectionist and really felt like I had to know perfectly how to teach the lessons. I wish I would have relaxed and enjoyed myself a little more, realizing that my companion would make up for what I lacked. Your senior companion is there to help you and will automatically take over if you forget something. Trust your companion and work as a team, even if you think you know better than they do. (Amanda)
- I wish I would have had greater spiritual preparation. (Steve)
- That I would marry someone I had never met and not worry about the girl I was writing back home. (Daniel)
- Good fast recipes. You know enough. You don’t have to be a scriptorian. You are teaching them at a Primary level. You just have to be obedient and keep the Spirit and he will give you the rest. (Stephanie)
- Memorized useful scriptures. (Mandy)
Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to Atlanta?
- Get the scriptures down deep in your heart. Know the bible and the Book of Mormon and be open to all kinds of people and experiences. (Alex)
- Know the Book of Mormon, but also know scriptures from the Bible to link to the Book of Mormon. (Nathan)
- Wear yourself out sharing the gospel and learn to love the Lord more than anything or anyone. Also, be exactly obedient to mission rules and your mission president. (Mark)
- Pray for and work to love the people. (Merrill)
- Read the scriptures! (Christian)
- Don’t judge people even if they are like the other investigators that don’t progress. They all deserve a chance. Also listen to your companion, he too can have revelation to help the people that you’re serving. (Kalin)
- Stay worthy and clear up anything you need to take care of. None of us is perfect, but when you go into the MTC, the spirit is ridiculously strong and if you haven’t cleared something up you will end up feeling the guilt and go home. To think about going on a mission can seem scary but I promise you that it is the greatest gift you can give yourself! I would do it all over again in a heart beat. (Amanda)
- 1. Thrust in your sickle with ALL of your heart, might, mind, and strength. 2. Don’t look back only look forward. 3. Develop the habit/discipline to wake up 30 minutes earlier than everyone else to study the gospel. You will be amazed at what happens to you during your mission. 4. Roll up your sleeves and work. (Steve)
- Read the Book Of Mormon and New Testament. Take a temple prep class. Go to the temple as much as you can. (Daniel)
- Be 100% obedient, if you are 98% obedient, it is hard to draw the line for that 2%. It is the only time that you will be blessed for easy things like not swimming or chewing gum in public. Work on being your best and loving your companion. It will be hard at times, but it will prepare you for the rest of your life. Read the Book of Mormon every day…that is where your strength comes from. Share the Book Of Mormon pass-along cards. Don’t wimp out, anyone will take the Jesus DVD, you are looking for the elect. Also teach using Book Of Mormon scriptures and support with Bible. If you mostly use the Bible, then how are we different than their church? Talk to everyone on the street, you never know who is waiting for the gospel and it also strengthens you since it is one of the scariest things you do. The other scary thing is to commit people to baptism, especially on the first lesson. The First Vision is the most powerful thing you teach. Recite it slowly and with conviction. Then ask that if they pray and learn that this is God’s church, they will get baptized. It’s not out of the blue, it is the next logical step and people get that once you explain that. (Stephanie)
- Love those you serve! (Mandy)
What was a funny language mistake?
- Get used to y’all. In Georgia “ugly” in reference to a person means grumpy, not fun to be around. “Hey man, don’t get ugly.” Might apply to someone trying to argue. (Nathan)
- Learn the local Ebonix. (Christian)
- Not any that I can recall…it was in English, but you have the different kinds of accents especially Ebonix and that is a fun language. (Kalin)
- An elder had a cough and someone offered them a homemade cough remedy which they took. It turned out to be moonshine and sugar. (Daniel)
- None. Became a southerner with an accent! (Mandy)