New York New York South Mission

Free resources about the New York New York South Mission:

*Other Mission Pages: New York LDS Missions.



New York South Mission Address

Here’s a recent address for the New York South Mission. We try to keep this information up to date, but it’s a good idea to check the address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.

NYNYC South Mission Home
85-69 60th Drive
Elmhurst, NY 11373-5547
United States

Phone Number: 1-718-672-2031
Mission President: President Gary Reynolds

New York South Mission Map

Here’s a link to the mission map for the New York South Mission (LDS). To access the official LDS.org map for the NY South Mission:

  1. Log into your LDS account here.
  2. Click here.

Videos with New York South RMs

Here are in-depth YouTube video interviews with returned missionaries from the New York South Mission.  We interview hundreds of returned missionaries each year, so check back regularly to see new RM interviews.

mission interview  mission interview  

Videos about New York

Here are LDS-friendly educational videos about New York. We scoured YouTube to find the best quality videos about New York, that are free from inappropriate music, immodesty and profanity.

LDS Church  places  food  nature  time lapses

New York South Missionary Blogs

Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the NY South Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.

*Send your missionary a gift (mission-specific shirts, ties, Christmas stockings/ornaments, pillowcases, etc.)

Mission Alumni mission.net/new-york/new-york/north 2017
Sister Booklyn Price calledtoservehimintheworld.blogspot.com 2017
Elder Caden Snell eldercadensnell.blogspot.com 2017
Elder Jack McCulloch elderjackwilliammcculloch.blogspot.com 2017
Sister Tara Franklin tarateachingthetruth.blogspot.com 2017
Sister Ally Voss hermanavoss.blogspot.com 2017
Elder Joey Wright joeyaslmission.blogspot.com 2017
Elder Renee Smith elderreneeksmith.blogspot.com 2017
Elder Powell www.elderpowellspreadingthegoodnewsinthebigapple.net 2017
Elder Koby Pace Imlay elderkobyimlay.blogspot.com 2017
Elder Michael McConkie eldermichaelmcconkie.wordpress.com 2017
Elder Richard Hull elderhull.weebly.com 2016
Elder & Sister Johnson johnsonnewyork.blogspot.com 2016
Elder Jordan Heaton jordanheatonnynys.blogspot.com 2016
Sister Morgan Seay sisterseay.blogspot.com 2016
Elder Tyler Rossi eldertylerrossi.blogspot.com 2016
Elder John Sirrine elder-johnsirrine.blogspot.com 2016
Sister Hannah Fouts sehannahfouts.blogspot.com 2016
Elder Ryan Payne elderryanpayne.blogspot.com 2016
Elder Parker Roland mymission.com/elderparkerroland 2015
Sister Sariah Wadsworth sistersariahmarie.blogspot.com 2015
Elder Joshua Shirts eldershirtsmission.blogspot.com 2015
Elder Sean Lee elderleeheartsnewyork.wordpress.com 2015
Sister Kelsey Layton sisterkelseylayton.blogspot.com 2015
Sister Katie Beecher sisterbeecher.blogspot.com 2015
Sister Amanda Hardman sisteramandahardman.blogspot.com 2015
Elder & Sister Bushman jawbushmission.blogspot.com 2015
Elder Brandon Waidmann elderwaidmann.blogspot.com 2015
Elder Eric Schenk elderericschenk.blogspot.com 2014
Elder Jonathan Hooper elderhooper.blogspot.com 2014
Elder Tyler Clark eldertylerjclark.blogspot.com 2014
Elder Tanner Morse missionsite.net/eldertannermorse 2014
President & Sister Calderwood newyorksouthmission.blogspot.com 2013
Elder Matthew Nelson mymission.com/eldermatthewnelson 2013
Sister Mckenzie Meyer nysouthsistermeyer.blogspot.com 2013
Elder Kody Hunter missionsite.net/elderkodyhunter 2013
Elder Seth Weber missionsite.net/eldersethweber 2013
Sister Missionary tawnismission.blogspot.com 2012
Elder Tanner Spear missionsite.net/eldertannerspear 2012
Sister Sara Langevin missionsite.net/4191NWestPinionCir 2012
Elder Daniel Woods missionsite.net/sisterjessicacahill 2012
Elder Jeramy Doyle elderdoyle.blogspot.com 2011
Elder Matthew Snow missionsite.net/eldermatthewsnow 2011
Elder Andy Mitchell missionsite.net/elderandymitchell 2011
Sister Kaitlin Gray missionsite.net/KaitlinGray 2011
Elder Chase Crowley missionsite.net/eldernchasecrowley 2011
Elder João Teixeira jnewyork.blogspot.com 2010

New York South Mission Groups

Here are New York South Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the NY South Mission.

  1. New York NY South Mission Group (864 members)
  2. New York North/South Mission Group (105 members)
  3. NY South Mission Moms (LDS) Group (39 members)

New York South Mission T-Shirts

Here are T-shirts for the New York New York South Mission!

Shirt designs include New York New York South 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: New York New York South missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.

*Click here to browse NY South Mission gifts



NY South Mission Presidents

Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the New York South Mission.

  1. 2015-2018, Gary Reynolds
  2. 2012-2015, Kevin E. Calderwood
  3. 2009-2012, William H. Nelson
  4. 2006-2009, Steven D. Bennion
  5. 2003-2006, Jeffrey R. Morrow
  6. 2000-2003, G. Lawrence Spackman
  7. 1997-2000, Dean William Croft
  8. 1994-1997, Walter John Bailey
  9. 1991-1994, Sheldon Child
  10. 1989-1991, Cree-L Kofford
  11. 1986-1989, Willard B. Barton
  12. 1983-1986, W. Boyd Christensen
  13. 1980-1983, Albert Choules, Jr.
  14. 1977-1980, Roland R. Wright
  15. 1974-1977, Thomas B. Neff
  16. 1971-1974, David L. McKay
  17. 1968-1971, Harold N. Wilkinson
  18. 1965-1968, Walter J.Eldredge
  19. 1962-1965, Wilburn C. West
  20. 1959-1962, Gerald G. Smith
  21. 1955-1959, Theodore C. Jacobsen
  22. 1952-1955, Delbert G. Taylor
  23. 1948-1952, George Q. Morris
  24. 1944-1948, Roy W. Doxey
  25. 1940-1944, Gustave A. Iverson
  26. 1937-1940, Israel F. Evans
  27. 1933-1937, Don B. Colton

New York LDS Statistics (2015)

  • Church Membership: 81,128
  • Missions: 4
  • Temples: 2
  • Congregations: 150
  • Family History Centers: 53

Helpful Articles about New York

Coming soon..

*Are you interested in becoming a lawyer in New York? Learn about the New York bar exam

New York South Missionary Survey

Here are survey responses from New York South 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?

  • February 2013-February 2015 (Scott)
  • 2014-2015 (Katelyn)
  • 2014-2015 (Karen)
  • 2013-2014 (Sydney)
  • 2013-2014 (Megan)
  • 2012-2013 (Kim)
  • 2010-2012 (Wes)
  • 2010-2012 (Austin)
  • 2006-2008 (Stanley)
  • 2003-2005 (Kory)
  • 1997-1998 (Mary)
  • 1992-1994 (Melissa)

Which areas did you serve in?

  • Dyker Heights, Bushwick, Freeport, and Woodside. (Katelyn)
  • Flushing, Queens and Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. (Karen)
  • Brooklyn. (Sydney)
  • Bensonhurst in Brooklyn, South Shore, Terryville. (Megan)
  • Freeport, Bushwick, Rego Park, and I was privileged to do exchanges in areas all over Brooklyn and Queens. (Kim)
  • Little Neck; Jamaica; Bermuda; Staten Island; Richmond Hill; Bushwick. (Austin)
  • Midwood, east New York, Jamaica, and Flushing. (Stanley)
  • Bayshore (2 transfers), Richmond Hill (2 transfers), Bushwick/Deaf (3 transfers), Staten Island (2 transfers), Midwood (2 transfers), Bushwick/Deaf (6 transfers). (Kory)
  • Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and the mission office. (Mary)
  • Washington Heights, Queens, Glendale, New Canaan, Upper East Side, Manhattan. Started out being New York, New York Mission then split while I was there. (Melissa)

What were some favorite foods?

  • Pupusas. New York Pizza. (Scott)
  • Pupusas, halal food truck, anything the members cooked! Hispanic delis. (Katelyn)
  • Chinese (shaolongbao, dumplings, noodles). Hispanic food (empanadas, papusas, rice/beans/meat dishes), halal food on the street. (Karen)
  • Rice and Beans. Gyro King. NY Pizza. Bagels. (Sydney)
  • I loved the halal trucks and farther on the island the pizza is super good. I would also suggest Ralph’s Italian ices. (Megan)
  • Pupusas, arroz con leche, any Spanish food at members homes, Filipino food, and Chinese food. (Kim)
  • Pizza. Always Pizza. And bagels, any Italian food. Pupusas from Guatemalans. Everything was awesome. (Wes)
  • Pizza hands down. The Halal food trucks that you find everywhere in the city are pretty delicious and convenient. (Austin)
  • $5 half chicken plate from the Chinese restaurants. (Stanley)
  • Pupusas, curried anything, jerk chicken, rice and beans, anything Dominican, Puerto Rican, or Central American. (Kory)
  • Anything Filipino, curried goat, and tostones (fried plantains). (Mary)
  • Loved Sister Pena’s home cooking, Gray’s papaya, Long Island pizza on the upper east side, street food and knishes. (Melissa)

What was a funny experience?

  • What you need to know before this story is that in Spanish, there is only one letter different between “winter” and “hell.” it was my first transfer and winter was about to approach. I was taking the lead on a plan of salvation lesson and so I started started with some small talk. I wanted to ask this member what she thinks winter will be like his year (qué piensa será el invierno este año?) but what actually came out was what do you think hell will be like? (Qué piensa será el infierno?) my companion just sits there and laughs. (Katelyn)
  • Went knocking doors in Brooklyn at an apartment building once and heard a noise coming from upstairs…thought it was a dog. But as we peeked around the staircase, a bunny hopped out and began chasing us down the stairs and out of the building. (Sydney)
  • My trainer stepped on a dead rat and the rat was huge. I have no idea how she missed it. She dragged her foot on the ground and the way she was flapping her arms, she looked like a bird trying to take flight. (Megan)
  • Language struggles. Once it’s trying to teach about the priesthood with my companion and I was trying to say you could give blessings of counsel and comfort through the priesthood (bendiciones de consuelo y consejo) but I accidentally said you could give blessings of comfort and rabbits (consuelo y conejo) haha! (Kim)
  • The Book of Mormon Musical debuted during my mission. Many people would try to sneak pictures of us on the subway and buses; we would always demand $5 from whoever took a picture of us, then we would laugh it off and start a gospel discussion. (Wes)
  • Sometimes the buses and subways get very crowded. On two occasions, my companion got on before I did and the doors closed before I could pile on. At that point, we looked at each other, and he laughed, because he knew I had to walk to the next stop. (Austin)
  • Chasing after the trains. (Stanley)
  • Too many to count. You see a lot of funny stuff in the subway. Off the top of my head, though, there was a guy that was visibly high, beating a tree with a baseball bat. Apparently the tree had wronged him. (Kory)
  • Standing in people’s places on the subway platforms. People get accustomed to routine.. they stand in the same places. We would get there first and just stand there… Try it…you meet some every interesting people. (Melissa)

What was a crazy experience?

  • Someone threatened to shoot my companion and me if we didn’t get off his property. Interestingly enough, we were there to meet with a tenant. (Scott)
  • I was in a trio and my companions and I were late to an appointment. We’re rushing through the subway station and I start to go down the stairs to the east bound train. I look back and my companions were gone! Immediately I felt alone and scared. Go back up and see my companions talking to a man, asking to borrow his phone to call me. Luckily, we all ended up safe! (Katelyn)
  • We were sitting in a cafe once on Parkside Avenue in Brooklyn waiting for our pupusas and a mob came rushing out of the grocery store across the street and a fight broke out. Saw a guy’s head get bashed into the street and he was beat unconscious. We watched from the cafe, weren’t harmed and waited as the cops arrived arrested the perpetrators and cleaned everything up. (Sydney)
  • Well between being stalked, trapped on a bus by the bus driver, and companions that were pretty abusive, it got a bit crazy. (Megan)
  • Thankfully I never felt like I was in danger. The Lord protects his missionaries. But there were many crazy experiences during Hurricane Sandy! Power outages, Marshall law, flooded homes and incredible friendships! (Kim)
  • Brooklyn Projects at Night. Always. (Wes)
  • In the South Jamaica projects, literally in the middle of the day, my companion and I heard a gunfight just on the other side of the project building we were near. We followed suit and ran away, and looked back to see someone laying on the ground. (Austin)
  • Walking through the projects at night. (Stanley)
  • Shootings on our block, some kid threatening me with a knife if I didn’t give up my cell phone, getting thrown up against a wall by a punk guy, watching a guy get hit in the head with a baseball bat during a fight, having a riot on our block and watching 50 cops come storming on our block arresting people left and right as I watched from my third story window… Just to name a couple. (Kory)
  • Walking though Central Park in the evening, If you stayed to the main roads, it was usually OK, but every once in a while, you meet interesting characters.We stayed together and just keep walking while being aware of what’s around you. (Melissa)

What was a spiritual experience?

  • The Tuesday after someone’s baptism. I was unable to make his baptism because of illness, but the transformation from the day before his baptism and the Tuesday afterwards, was eye-opening. (Scott)
  • We were teaching an investigator named Lidia. She had left her church just one month before and expressed to us her desire to just find the true church of Jesus Christ. We bore down in simple testimony that we had the truth, but it would require her to read the Book of Mormon and pray to know for sure. She actually cut us off before we finished talking and told us that she already read up to 1 Nephi 3. Six weeks later, and after multiple visits from us and the members, she was baptized. It was the best thing ever. (Katelyn)
  • Visiting a recent convert after finding out that she had just lost her job and testifying that God was aware of her and her family in their situation. We watched the Mormon Message, “Mountains to Climb” and just wept together as we both shared testimony of the reality of the love of God and his plan for each of us. (Sydney)
  • What is spiritual for me may not seem spiritual to another. Once I was a bit homesick towards the end of my mission on top of a few hard situations. I saw a light bug. It reminded me of a story my mom told me about her finding light bugs on her mission. One of the light bugs landed on my finger and I knew that Heavenly Father was conscious of what was going on in my life at that time. I felt very loved. (Megan)
  • Seeing a family who I came to love like my own accept the gospel. But it has been even more wonderful to see them stay strong in the gospel years later. (Kim)
  • I witnessed a 34 year old man from China pray for the first time in his life. (Wes)
  • The last 6 weeks of my mission were occupied solely by cleanup for Hurricane Sandy. We would leave each family that we helped with a prayer. On one occasion, a man who hadn’t prayed for many years offered one. In it he said, “Thank you God for sending these people. They have restored my faith in your Son.” (Austin)
  • Giving blessings to members when they are sick or seeking comfort. (Stanley)
  • So many. We had incredible experiences with investigators and members. (Kory)
  • Praying every day for the people of New York and knowing there were many who prayed for us too. (Melissa)

What are some interesting facts about the NY South Mission?

  • Of the 8,000,000+ people who live in my mission, less than 5,000 are active members. Bermuda is part of this mission. Those who live in the city aren’t counted as part of Long Island. (Scott)
  • Elder Hales grew up in our mission. (Katelyn)
  • Met people from all over the world. NY is very diverse. There were 7 different languages that missionaries were called to speak. Covered 3 boroughs of NYC. Brooklyn and Queens were considered “city” and Long Island was rural and farm lands. In the city you could get off the train and feel like you were in another country. (Sydney)
  • The people born and raised in New York are very friendly, it’s the people who move in that can be very rude. (Megan)
  • There are people from all over the world. As a missionary you have the unique experience to enter people’s homes that you otherwise wouldn’t. It is a blessing to be able to become so close to so many people whose culture is different than yours, but to find so much love and commonality with people who seem very different from you. It is amazing. (Kim)
  • We receive more media referrals than any other mission in the church. (Wes)
  • It covers the island of Bermuda. When I was there, our mission had 6 languages, although the city itself had countless more. (Austin)
  • Most of the missionaries were Spanish speaking. (Stanley)
  • There are more non-English speaking people in Brooklyn/Queens than there are native English speakers. (Kory)
  • You will meet people from all around the world, some rich and some poor. (Mary)
  • I went to the Twin Towers a few weeks before they tried to blow them up the first time. It split into the North and South half way though my mission. (Melissa)

What was the weather like?

  • Depends on the time of year. Summers it can be hot and humid while the winters are cold and humid. All in all, a temperate climate that has some of the extremes. (Scott)
  • When I was there we actually had the mildest winter and hottest summer. It’s super humid. (Katelyn)
  • Humid. Cold winters (not bad if you wear a big warm coat with down feathers, it’s the normal to wear knee length coats there) and HOT summers. (Karen)
  • Hot and humid in the summer. Freezing, windy and wet in the winter. (Sydney)
  • It was hot and humid, and then very cold and humid. (Megan)
  • Hot and humid in the summer to freezing sleet in the winter. (Kim)
  • Cold in the winter, hot in the summer. Always gray in color. (Wes)
  • Four seasons. Spring and fall are beautiful. So is the summer and fall, but they are extreme and very humid. (Austin)
  • Hot in the summers and cold in the winters. (Stanley)
  • Summer: hot and humid. Winter: frigid cold. (Kory)
  • HOT and humid, COLD and humid but the spring and fall are nice. (Melissa)

Any things you really like about the area/people?

  • I only ever served in a car area. Long Island is beautiful. In some places it doesn’t seem like it is but you will miss it when you leave. I love all the people I served. Spanish people have a tendency to love the missionaries unconditionally. (Scott)
  • The dynamic of my mission is indescribable. Literally every culture is there. I loved the Hispanic people! They are the nicest most genuine people I have ever met. They give incredible sacrifices to do what they love. (Katelyn)
  • I served in Chinese speaking areas. Chinese people are VERY nice and friendly. Although some people (usually older) are a little rude. (Karen)
  • I LOVED the diversity. New Yorkers can be cold, but once you break through their walls- they’re wonderful! Gotta love that Brooklyn and Long Island accent. (Sydney)
  • I loved the people, getting to know them and their different backgrounds. Learning about people helps to love the people and the place. (Megan)
  • Everywhere! It was like being able to serve in the entire world in just a small place. (Kim)
  • New York isn’t rude or mean, it’s just brutally honest. The people won’t apologize for hurting your feelings if what they say is true. I dig that honey badger attitude. (Wes)
  • I loved the diversity. You may never have another opportunity to not only meet so many different people from different parts of the world, but also to come to love and know them on a deep, personal level. (Austin)
  • I love the people of New York. (Stanley)
  • It’s the most multicultural and international place you will ever see. Getting transferred to a new area was literally like getting transferred to a new country. (Kory)
  • No one judged anyone. It didn’t matter how you dressed. People were people. (Mary)
  • So much flavor and culture, Everyone everywhere seemed to have something going on. And the plays. (Melissa)

Any packing/clothing advice?

  • Pack tight and wisely. Obey the suggestions in the mission packet. (Scott)
  • Bring good, sturdy boots for the winter. And a good coat. Some missionaries prefer to buy a coat in the mission but anything that can withstand -5 windchill will do. Also, waterproof is very important. (Katelyn)
  • Layers (cardigans) and boots for the winter! Fleece lined leggings. Good walking shoes. (Karen)
  • Pack for whatever weather you will arrive in. Save room in your suitcase and wait to get what you need for the other seasons when you get there. Waterproof boots and coats preferred for the wet winters. Thick leggings with gloves, hat and scarf. Then really light material clothes for summer. Good walking shoes are a must! (Sydney)
  • Bring a darn coat and boots that are well insulated. And don’t bring more than you need. A hammer and screw driver are very helpful. (Megan)
  • Bring stuff you feel comfortable in. But also if you need to go shopping there are plenty of places to go on pday if you need anything. Also pack only what you need because you have to.transport all of your stuff on your own if you are transferred and it is extremely difficult to carry a bunch of luggage on the subway. (Kim)
  • Buy cheap suits on the street there! Also make sure you get a fake G-Shock watch on Jamaica Ave. (Wes)
  • Don’t worry about ruining clothes or having to leave them behind at transfers. And don’t collect a lot souvenirs. Send that stuff home. The more stuff you have, the harder moving for transfers will be, especially if you don’t have a car. (Austin)
  • You wonder why they say to bring handkerchiefs. Bring them. They’re great for wiping sweat off your forehead. Bring an extra pair of shoes. Yours will wear out because you’ll be walking constantly for two years on concrete. (Kory)
  • Good walking shoes. Leggings for the winter. (Mary)
  • Good walking shoes and full skirts for sisters…at some point you will be in the city and you need to move comfortably and quickly. A HEAVY, LONG, HOODED COAT. This is a must have for winter for sisters. The jacket and hood should be attached so your neck and ears don’t freeze off. Wool, down or Thinsulate. The cold, wind and humidity are tough but with the right coat you will be a comfortable and busy missionary all winter. (Melissa)

What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?

  • I can’t begin to count them. But the most important to me was learning how to love people unconditionally. (Scott)
  • How can I even count! I learned charity, patience, hard work, how to love other deeply and truly. I learned how far a little bit of service goes. I learned to talk to others, defend myself and my beliefs with the love of Christ. I saw in action the truthfulness of the plan of salvation. I gained a true, unshakeable testimony of Joseph Smith. I learned what it means to really be someone who lives the gospel, not just the Mormon culture. (Katelyn)
  • Met my husband (served in the same zone), increased testimony, better social skills. (Karen)
  • Too many to count. Still continue to flow today. Will keep coming forever. I’d recommend it to anyone because it changed my life for forever. To see the change in others as they accept the gospel and follow Jesus Christ changes you in the most marvelous way. Love love love love my mission experience. Can’t say enough about it. Loved the people I met, those I served and served with, my mission president, and gained a testimony that is undeniable and unforgettable. (Sydney)
  • I gained a greater knowledge of the Gospel, learned who I was on my own, and learned that I am not afraid to fight back. (Megan)
  • I can’t even begin to list the blessings. I strengthened my testimony of Heavenly Father’s love for me and his children. My testimony of the Atonement was strengthened. My understanding of he doctrine of Christ grew. I met some of the most amazing people and found my dearest and best friends. All of my closest friends now a couple years later are all from my mission. And I am so lucky and I met my husband while we were missionaries in New York. My life has been forever changed and blessed because of my mission. (Kim)
  • I have a great appreciation for my religion. I have lifelong friends and a bed to sleep in and free meals anytime I return to New York. But most of all, I became acquainted with my Lord on my mission, and I know now how I will run to Him when He returns. (Wes)
  • Many of the attributes that make me a good husband and employee were developed on my mission. The amount of growth you develop in those two years cannot be found elsewhere. (Austin)
  • Happiness. (Stanley)
  • Greater understanding of the Lord’s ways. (Kory)
  • So many. Most importantly a strong, grounded testimony of our Savior. (Mary)
  • President Howell’s advice upon heading home. At the time it made me mad and sounded like a fortune cookie but it has served me well in lots of cases. (Melissa)

What are some skills you gained?

  • Teaching. Being Patient. And all the benefits of being a missionary. (Scott)
  • See above. Plus, I learned how to manage my time, plan, make good first impressions, budget, talk to others, and Spanish. (Katelyn)
  • How to talk to people and REALLY help the ward you’re serving in. (Karen)
  • Leadership. Accountability. Time management. Conflict resolution. Charity. Patience. Diligence. Humility. Perseverance. Interpersonal. (Sydney)
  • Study skills, communication skills, and life skills. (Kim)
  • I can make some mean empanadas (Gracias Hermana Molina). (Wes)
  • Effective planning. My gospel teaching improved. And it helped me to overcome shyness. I don’t have a problem talking to a stranger nowadays. (Austin)
  • Budgeting/saving. (Stanley)
  • Confidence, determination, the ability to handle rejection. (Kory)
  • To not be afraid to do or try anything, small group teaching, and being comfortable in doing presentations. If your not sure of yourself, pretend. (Mary)
  • Public speaking, money management and how to put the first things first. (Melissa)

What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?

  • We can say all the things we wish we had done but it doesn’t make a difference. Just enjoy your time out there and know that in time, you will learn everything you need to know. (Scott)
  • Nothing is more important than loving others. On a mission, you’re usually just going to regret the things you didn’t do — so talk to everyone, do something out of your comfort zone every day, and if you don’t have fun you’re doing it wrong! (Katelyn)
  • I already knew this going in and I think it helped, missions are HARD. So when times were tough, it wasn’t surprising to me or a deal breaker, while others had a different impression of what a mission was and really cracked during hard times. (Karen)
  • Read through Preach My Gospel. (Sydney)
  • I wish I had understood that revelation trumps the rule, when Heavenly Father tells you to do something you do it. Like Nephi when he was commanded to kill Laban. (Megan)
  • How to be more selfless and just be yourself. (Kim)
  • That I was called to serve, not somebody else. Me, not in spite of all of my weaknesses, but because of them, and nobody else. Give yourself a chance to grow and change. The Mission is way hard, but find ways to have fun. If you aren’t having fun, you are doing it wrong. (Wes)
  • It will go fast. Don’t let homesickness or discouragement keep you from being happy and experiencing the joy of serving the Lord. And it’s NYC! Get out on your preparation-days and experience the city! (Austin)
  • Read the scriptures more often and study preach my gospel. (Stanley)
  • What I really needed as far as clothing and bedding. (Mary)
  • That everyone feels that way when the get off the plane. (Melissa)

Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to NY South?

  • Be prepared to love in spite of dislike and mocking. (Scott)
  • If you don’t feel prepared, don’t sweat it! The MTC is a…special experience that you might not enjoy, so don’t let that determine your decision to serve. (Katelyn)
  • It is the BEST mission. It’s very diverse. There are six different language mission there’s (English, Spanish, Mandarin, ASL, Korean, French Creole). (Karen)
  • Be obedient. Work hard and stick it out. It can get hard sometimes, but turn everything over to the Lord. Become who he wants you to be. And all will take care of itself. (Sydney)
  • Be yourself, follow the rules, but do not let that take away who you are. You were sent because you are you and you have something important to do. Baptisms may be the goal, but members and less actives are just as important. (Megan)
  • Deciding to serve a mission was the best decision I ever made. It seemed kind of scary at the beginning, but once I got In it it was so much fun! Missions are fun when you are obedient and working hard! Work hard and your mission will be easy. Work easy and your mission will be hard. Work hard and play hard and just do your very best to be obedient. (Kim)
  • They only send the best to New York South. Live up to it! You will love the people and the place in a way that is very special and dear to you. Give ’em Heaven and Baptize the Hell out of ’em! (Wes)
  • Be obedient and be patient with your companion. This mission is truly a wonderful place. If you’re called here, that means you’re a truly wonderful person. (Austin)
  • Lock your heart and go on mission for yourself only. (Stanley)
  • Be exactly obedient. You’ll need to rely on the blessings associated with obedience. (Kory)
  • Do your best…the Lord knows you and he will send you where you are to go, trust that and listen for his promptings. Read, Read, Read all the standard works, conference talks, Preach My Word. You can’t teach what you have never seen, “all things to your remembrance” if your head is empty of gospel truths, you can’t remember them. Have your friends write in the first pages of your journal their love and support and confidence in your abilities because there will be days that you will need to hear them. (Melissa)

What was a funny language mistake?

  • My trainer said, “¿Cómo estás usted?” To a little kid. Estás is the tú form or the informal form. Usted is formal. He mixed the formality, it was hilarious. (Scott)
  • I once promised an investigator that we can always cuddle with God (acurucarse) instead of always turn to him (acudir). (Katelyn)
  • “ParkaY?” Is it a question or a spread. The little Spanish I learned was from Dominicans, who graciously tried to help me in Spanish Queens. However, they apparently are the southerns of the Spanish world, so my Spanish accent was “Gud U’all”. (Melissa)