Free resources about the Texas McAllen 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: Texas LDS Missions.
Texas McAllen Mission Address
Here’s a recent address for the McAllen 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.
Texas McAllen Mission
200 W La Vista Ave
McAllen, TX 78501-2131
Phone Number: 1-956-664-0273
Mission President: President José S. Torres Caballero
Texas McAllen Mission Map
Here’s a link to the mission map for the McAllen Mission (LDS). To access the official LDS.org map for the McAllen Mission:
Videos with McAllen RMs
Here are in-depth YouTube video interviews with returned missionaries from the McAllen Mission. We interview hundreds of returned missionaries each year, so check back regularly to see new RM interviews.
LDS-Friendly Videos about Texas
Here are LDS-friendly educational videos about Texas. We scoured YouTube to find the best quality videos about Texas, that are free from inappropriate music, immodesty and profanity.
Texas McAllen Missionary Blogs
Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the McAllen Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.
Texas McAllen Mission Groups
Here are McAllen Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the McAllen Mission.
- Texas McAllen Mission & Friends Group (1,020 members)
- Texas McAllen Mission 2013-2016 Group (262 members)
- Texas McAllen Missionary Moms Group (144 members)
- McAllen Mission Reunion: Peru Group (101 members)
- The Great Texas McAllen Mission Group (76 members)
- McAllen Mission Moms (LDS) Group (28 members)
- McAllen Mission Buddies 2005-07 Group (2 members)
Texas McAllen Mission T-Shirts
Here are T-shirts for the Texas McAllen Mission!
Shirt designs include McAllen 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: McAllen missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.
*Click here to browse McAllen Mission gifts
Texas McAllen Mission Presidents
Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the McAllen Mission.
- 2016-2019, José S. Torres Caballero
- 2013-2016, Fernando Mateluna Maluenda
- 2010-2013, Stephen James Trayner
- 2007-2010, Gary Fred Miller
- 2005-2007, James M. Scott
- 2003-2005, Kay M. Lewis
- 2000-2003, Spencer Christensen
- 1997-2000, Robert Dyer
- 1994-1997, Douglas Lyons
- 1991-1994, J. Kent Jolley
Texas LDS Statistics (2015)
- Church Membership: 334,772
- Missions: 8
- Temples: 4
- Congregations: 635
- Family History Centers: 11
Helpful Articles about Texas
Texas McAllen Missionary Survey
Here are survey responses from Texas McAllen 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?
- 2016-2018 (Amy)
- 2015-2017 (Cody)
- 2012-2014 (Alan)
- 1996-1998 (Scott)
- 2013-2015 (Jordan)
- 1995-1997 (Brian)
- 1993-1994 (Karina)
- 2010-2012 (Sam)
- 1999-2001 (James)
- 1999-2001 (Reed)
- 2003-2005 (Anonymous)
What areas did you serve in?
- Sullivan City, La Joya, Laredo, Weslaco and Brownsville. (Amy)
- Brownsville, Laredo, Edinburg, North Padre Island, Weslaco. (Cody)
- Mathis, Zapata, San Juan, Weslaco, Zapata, Kingsville. (Brian)
- Westlaco, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Mission and Laredo. (Karina)
- Brownsville, Mission, Edinburgh, Heartville. (Sam)
- Brownsville, Edinburg, Alice, Corpus Christi and Mission. (James)
- Harlingen, Sinton, Corpus Christi, La Feria. (Reed)
- Laredo, Las Milpas, Brownsville, Beeville, Zapata, Weslaco. (Anonymous)
What were some favorite foods?
- Hamburgesas, flautas, syncronizada, papas, tamales. (Amy)
- Flautas, Church’s Chicken, Taco Palenque, breakfast tacos. (Cody)
- Tacos, Salsa, Whataburger. (Alan)
- Mole, buñuelos, elotes, brisket (Scott)
- Pazole, tamales, tostadas. (Jordan)
- Fajitas. Mole. Jamaica (drink). Horchata (drink). Taquitos. Bunuelos. (Brian)
- Fajitas and Whataburger burgers! (Karina)
- Tacitos,Gorditas, flautas, Bacon Chicken. (Sam)
- Tacos, mole, least favorite= menudo. (James)
- I enjoyed cactus when I was there. Always enjoyed and still enjoy some good Mexican food. Love a breakfast called migas. (Reed)
- Mole. Chile relleno. Tacos al carbon. Carne asada. Pozole. (Anonymous)
What was a funny experience?
- One time a missionary I was serving with asked me to try this weird-looking food with her at a ward party without telling me what the food was. I did, but it didn’t sit well in my stomach. I found out later that it was pig feet, which is a delicacy that many people eat during the holidays. (Amy)
- I accidentally stopped a Mexican from crossing the border because he thought my companion and I were Border Patrol. (Cody)
- My companion was riding along the road on his bike. Before he could react, a car door opened in front of him and he flipped over it. Bike destroyed. His pride gone. Car door had no problem. (Alan)
- In Falfurrias, my companion and I were riding by this house with these teenagers. They called us over. It was soon clear they didn’t have good intentions. One kid asked if we had any money he could borrow, and he pulled a marijuana pipe out of his pocket. I said I didn’t (I really did though) and immediately he walked toward his house and went inside. Meanwhile my companion was trying to get me to leave, I was naively still trying to teach someone. After just a few seconds the boy came out of his house holding a pellet gun. I knew it was a pellet gun because he was pumping it as he walked closer to us. Then, as he walked, he said “You lied to me. Lying is a sin. I punish sin. (Scott)
- We were outside teaching a lesson and a bird pooped on my hand. (Jordan)
- At a dinner appointment, a member sister told us about her mission in California where all missionaries had to pass through an initiation of eating a gallon-sized ice cream sundae. We said no way, and she said she did it. The next time, we went to their house for dinner they prepared a gallon-sized ice cream sundae each for my companion and I. We started to eat. We got about 3/4s of the way done, and we couldn’t eat anymore. She said “Elders, I have to confess something. I called the ice cream shop and it was actually a 1/2 gallon-sized ice cream Sundae.” We were so sick. (Brian)
- A lady yelled at us, and then was at our dinner appointment, the member who invited us over was her friend. (Sam)
- We tricked a young greenie into eating a hot pepper and he stood up from the table, ran around yelling, and ran to the member’s fridge and took out their gallon of milk and started chugging it! (James)
- Met a man on the mission that was the gang lord for Corpus Christi and his nickname was “Machete” always would tell us that if anyone ever messed with us missionaries to let him know and he would take care of it. Needless to say, we never mentioned anything to him. (Reed)
- Bike wrecks. (Anonymous)
What was a crazy experience?
- In Laredo, the sewer pipes can’t drain out water fast enough, so when it rains the streets flood. One time, my companion and I were driving while it was raining and we turned onto a street that was completely flooded and also flooded our car. (Amy)
- Getting chased by huge dogs on our bikes. (Cody)
- Knocking on a door to talk to a potential investigator. Before I knew it, there was a gun pulled out, and we quickly got out of the situation. (Alan)
- Also in Falfurrias, my companion and I were riding home one night and as we rode down this one street in our neighborhood, close to our house, we passed a bunch of guys out in their front yard, loud and drunk. Before we knew it we had beer bottles being thrown at us. We shrugged it of and rode home. However the next night the same thing happened. This became a pattern whenever we passed this house at night. I became nervous, because it was clear from how they reacted when we rode by that they didn’t like us. We both felt it was possible that they could chase after us one night in their car and do who knows what to us. The Spirit was warning us. So, after some investigation, we found a different route home each night and we didn’t encounter them again. (Scott)
- I got hit by a car, lol. (Jordan)
- Walking home one night, we saw a guy staggering on the side of the road. We went up to him, thinking he was drunk. When we got to him, he told us he had just been stabbed and he was walking home, about 1/4 of a mile away. We tried to get him to go to the hospital but he wouldn’t go. So, we walked with him. He was going to an apartment building that as missionaries we were told NEVER to approach. As we got to the walk, a guy comes out of the door and asks us what we’re doing. We explain the man we’re with had been stabbed. The guy said to let him go. We say we want to take him to the hospital. The man at the door told us to let him walk down to the door or he would get his gun and shoot us. We started to walk down with him, the man came back with his gun, so we let him walk down the walkway himself. (Brian)
- South Texas handsome, crazy drivers! My companion and I were getting stuff out of the trunk when a crazy driver came around the corner and almost ran us over! (Karina)
- I got attacked by a pit bull my first day in the field. (Sam)
- My last area, we were tracting into a house in the area and came across an old man who did not like us. He pulled a double barrel shotgun and held it to my chin and told us to leave in which we did. (Reed)
- Handing out pass along cards to 30 or 40 members of Loco Trece as they gathered with their gang to make plans against PoBoys. (Anonymous)
What was a spiritual experience?
- One day we were knocking on doors and right on the doorstep a lady opened up to us about how her mother passed away and it was hard for her to deal with her passing. We testified of the Plan of Salvation and that she would see her mother again. The Spirit was so strong as tears rolled down her cheek. Heavenly Father provides little miracles like this and prepared people for you to meet everyday of the mission. (Amy)
- Receiving the specific miracles that we pray for. (Cody)
- Returning to a city that I had started my mission, I was able to work with one of my converts who was in the Elders Quorum Presidency. (Alan)
- Chris Rivas was prepared by the hand of the Lord for his Gospel. In, my first Area, Corpus Christi, we met Chris through a media referral. He had called and requested a Book of Mormon. By the second time we visited him he knew the book and the gospel he taught was true. He wanted to be baptized as soon as possible. He ate everything up we taught. He was fast becoming a true member of the ward, he served right along side everyone else and all liked him. The night before his baptism came. We watched a video with him about a young man who was a star football player at his high school in Utah, had a beautiful girlfriend, a promising college career ahead of him, his life was prefect. Then he fell asleep at the wheel of his car one night, got in an accident and became paralyzed from the neck down. How he overcame that adversity was the inspiring part of the story. I had felt strongly impressed to show that video to him, I didn’t understand why until the phone rang. He was gone for 15 minutes. When he came back into the room he had a stunned look on his face and told my companion that our mission president was on the phone and wanted to talk to him. I was alone with Chris and had no idea what to say, so I didn’t. I waited for him to talk. Finally he said, “I can’t be baptized tomorrow.” I was shocked. (Scott)
- We gave a priesthood blessing to a man who hadn’t been able to sit up that whole morning, and he got out of bed on his own. (Jordan)
- My Mission President promised if I stayed an extra couple of weeks after my date to go home that I would have spiritual experiences. The day after I was supposed to go home, we received 2 phone calls. The first was from a sister who said “Hi, I work at the hospital. Someone gave me a Book of Mormon a few months back, and I just finished reading it. How do I join your church?” The second call was from a sister who said “Hi, we just moved here from Ohio. My husband is a member. I just finished reading Gospel Principles and I want to be baptized. How do I do that?” Both sisters were baptized before I went home. (Brian)
- Just when the Spirit would take over and was felt by all who were present while we were giving the discussions. Undeniable truth! (Karina)
- When I started in an area, I met a less active recent convert. He had fallen into some old habits. Right before I left the area, I got to see him baptized his Mom. (Sam)
- On Mother’s Day, I really had a feeling to visit a recent convert. I could not shake the feeling all day. We decided to go visit late in the day, and when we arrived the sister was so excited we were there. She said that she had been praying all day long that we would come, because she needed us to bless her house. She had needed a priesthood blessing, she prayed for help, and the Lord had inspired us to go visit! The gospel is true!! (James)
- Participating in the conversion of Gabino Jaramillo in Laredo. This man is a modern-day Job who lost everything to gain even more. (Anonymous)
What are some interesting facts about the McAllen Mission?
- All throughout the valley they have little drive-throughs where you can buy “Tex-Mex foods” and common groceries items like milk. The most common places you’ll probably go are taco stands, HEB (grocery store only in Texas), and Whataburger (fast food restaurant). There are many palm trees and cactus in this mission. Some people cook cactus and eat it. The closest temple is San Antonio, but you have to cross the checkpoint so many people have not been able to receive ordinances. We are working hard in the mission to get a temple in McAllen. (Amy)
- It’s ghetto. The people can’t speak English or Spanish. Most of the language we learn is made up lazy words. (Cody)
- When I served there, the mission was only Spanish. There were no English-speaking missionaries. (Alan)
- It was the only mission where missionaries taught lessons in Spanish and English. That still might be the case. It’s covered in resacas, inland semi rivers especially Brownsville. A common reason for investigators not coming to church is because on the weekends they’d go to Mexico either to visit their family or because they lived there. (Scott)
- It’s the best! (Jordan)
- The musician Selena lived in our mission. Everyone loved her! Parents use the threat of the Chupacabras instead of the Boogie Man. We spoke 4 languages – English, Spanish, Tex-Mex, and Spanglish. (Brian)
- Towns closest to the border are almost 100% Spanish-speaking towns. (Karina)
- There is another “border” in the middle of Texas that people get stopped at all the time. (Sam)
- Loved that the Mexico border was just a stones throw away! People that served there will understand! (Reed)
- We were told it was the only bilingual mission at the time (everyone learned both Spanish and English). While there, I had four different Mission Presidents. (Anonymous)
What was the weather like?
- In the summer it is killer. So hot and humid, make sure to drink plenty of water and pack light colors. In the winter it can get pretty cold (because of the humidity) so make sure to pack a coat and some warmer clothes. (Amy)
- Hot. (Cody)
- It was hot year around. Really hot. Really humid. (Alan)
- HUMID. Though my first winter there was the coldest they had in 40 years. It got down to 5 degrees. I was unprepared for that type of cold. In the summer I would sweat so much that the color in my ties would bleed into the collar of my shirts. (Scott)
- Very humid. (Jordan)
- Very hot. The last 4 months (May through September) of my mission it was 100 degrees or hotter everyday. When I was there, it rained a total of 14 days. (Brian)
- Hot and very humid during the summer, winters go down to maybe 35 degrees. Not to bad. (Karina)
- Hot and humid. (Sam)
- Spring- hot. Summer- really hot! Fall- hot. Winter- really warm! It never got cold. (James)
- Summer’s are brutal, very hot and humid. Winters are okay but can get cold because of the humidity. When it rains, it rains hard and then it gets really humid and sticky hot. (Reed)
- HOT! Humid. Very, very hot. (Anonymous)
Any things you really like about the area/people?
- Each place in this mission is very different and has it’s own unique culture. You live close enough to the border that you get to experience Mexico- there are import stores to buy items from Mexico, most of the people are Mexican, and you have many opportunities to speak Spanish. However, you also have the luxury of being in the US and still having Walmart, many popular fast food places, and can speak English when necessary. The people there are so kind and friendly- you won’t ever want to leave! (Amy)
- They feed us even if they’ve never met a missionary in their life. (Cody)
- They were super friendly and humble. I would always be able to count on them for things we needed, just maybe not for spiritual commitments we gave to them. (Alan)
- They were unbelievable kind and friendly. They would impoverish themselves to make you happy and comfortable. (Scott)
- That for the most part they are a charitable and humble people. (Jordan)
- Love the people, so friendly and welcoming. (Brian)
- People were friendly and would open up their homes for missionaries. I think I only encounter a handful of rude people on my mission. (Karina)
- They were always willing to talk to the missionaries. (Sam)
- The people are very down to earth and very humble. A lot of people are not very affluent in most places down there. I served in very poor places and also served in very affluent places. (Reed)
- Their humility and willingness to share what little they had. (Anonymous)
Any packing/clothing advice?
- Pack light colors for the summer and warm clothes/coat for the winter. Bring closed toe sandals for summer. Bring a filtered water bottle because the water is terrible and you will get very sick if you drink it. Don’t bring hangers there are plenty in each apartment. Bring two separate journals for spiritual things and entries for just everyday it helps to have them organized. (Amy)
- Bring pants that are a little bit too wide. You’ll grow into them. Also, get a shirt with a stretchy collar. (Cody)
- One suit would do just fine. Take white pants and tie, you’ll be needing those for all the baptisms. (Alan)
- Follow mission guidelines and invest in a heavy coat, just in case. (Scott)
- It is warm in the summer, but pack some decent winter clothes. The humidity can make it feel very cold. (Jordan)
- Light clothes, it’s very hot. (Brian)
- I never used my iron. It is so humid there that the wrinkles would just disappear! (Karina)
- Don’t buy as many long sleeved shirts in South Texas. Also the garments made out of “Corban” material act like plastic and will kill you. (Sam)
- I would bring a winter coat and long sleeve shirts for winter time. Don’t buy expensive shirts or pants as they will get ripped and torn from biking a lot on the mission. You can always buy more at the ropa usada. (Reed)
- Don’t skimp on shoes. Get a couple of good pairs. Don’t pack extra unnecessary items, just the essentials. (Anonymous)
What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?
- Every day since the mission has been the biggest blessing. God has given many tender mercies to me, has blessed my family, given me a continued conversion to Jesus Christ, and a drive to continue doing great things even after the mission. (Amy)
- I know the stories from The Book of Mormon now, and have learned how to apply them in my life and help others apply the stories to their lives. (Cody)
- One of the biggest blessings I’ve received was guidance in my studies. I now perform at a much higher and better rate in college because of my missionary service. (Alan)
- Far too many to enumerate. Suffice it to say that when I went on my mission I was spiritually immature and too inexperienced, when I returned I had all the maturity, strength, experience and testimony I needed to make it home to the Celestial Kingdom if I chose to do so. (Scott)
- Too many to list (Jordan)
- Too many to mention. (Brian)
- I met some of the neatest people and some I still keep in touch friends. Eternal friendships. I also had the blessing of meeting my husband of 20 years now, in McAllen. (Karina)
- God has blessed me with everything I have. Especially my wife. (Sam)
- Deeper understanding of the Plan of Salvation. Leadership training. Stronger love for people with differing views/opinions. Excellent jobs (thanks to learning Spanish). Overcame shyness. (Anonymous)
What are some skills you gained?
- How to talk with people, how to cook things that aren’t Mac & Cheese and cereal, the importance of weekly and daily planning for a productive day/week, how to compromise with a companion/members, and using prayer, church and scripture study for my benefit. (Amy)
- I got better at basketball, Spanish, and talking to strangers. (Cody)
- I now speak Spanish, and I became an excellent teacher. (Alan)
- The confidence to speak to others. The ability to teach. The ability to pause and reflect. How to study the scriptures. How to pray. (Scott)
- Spanish and people skills. (Jordan)
- Learning how to talk to people, overcoming social fears. (Brian)
- Public speaking! I was really shy before my mission but I was able (with the Lord’s help, of course) to go up to strangers and share the gospel with them. (Karina)
- Spanish, eating tacos, many social skills. (Sam)
- I gained a testimony and love for the church and Book of Mormon. I gained a lifetime experience that no person would know unless they serve a mission. I gained self confidence in myself and learned to trust in the Lord and that he is always there for us. (Reed)
- Public speaking. Spanish language. Phone skills. Conversation/communication skills. People management skills. Bike repair skills. (Anonymous)
What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?
- I wish I would have been in the habit of praying and reading my spiritual daily before I went out and not have wasted so much time on my smartphone/social media. Don’t be worried if you don’t feel like you are prepared though, the Lord will qualify you to do His work. (Amy)
- Happiness is a decision. (Cody)
- I wish I would have had a better understanding of the process of missionary work. (Alan)
- I wish I had learned to take more initiative. (Scott)
- Studied harder. (Jordan)
- Missionary work is more about the Atonement than anything else. Once I understood how to apply the Atonement to myself, it was so much easier to teach it to others. (Brian)
- I wish I could have lived outside the home to become a little more independent before serving a mission. I think that could have helped with the home sickness I experienced at the beginning. (Karina)
- How to be more social, and my mission culture. (Sam)
- I wish that I had a better testimony and confidence in myself as a missionary that I do today. (Reed)
- Talk to everyone. Use time more efficiently (don’t waste time traveling between appointments while passing by potential converts). Increase faith that the Lord prepares people for the message. (Anonymous)
Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to McAllen?
- The mission is incredible. There are parts that are fun and so joyful. You will meet people who will be your friends for life! You will feel the Spirit stronger than you’ve ever felt and become converted to the Gospel of Christ. There are also parts that will be hard. Not everything will go your way, you’ll probably have hard companions and areas, and sometimes you might get homesick. Be humble and let the mission shape you because everything that happens is what God wants for you to prepare you for your future and to shape you to your full potential. You will grow your testimony of God’s plan for you and learn to love our Savior so much. (Amy)
- Never turn down food. The more you eat, the more the people will accept you. Always get seconds. (Cody)
- You’ll love it, don’t worry about the heat or what other people say. You will learn to love the people, and the food 🙂 Start eating spicy things now. (Alan)
- Spend your time drawing closer to the Lord. Nothing else will be more valuable. (Scott)
- Get studying the language! (Jordan)
- Love the people, just love them. (Brian)
- Regardless of what your shortcomings and weaknesses are, the Lord will show them to you, but he will turn them into strengths. Lose yourself in the service and you will definitely have success. (Karina)
- Exercise spiritually and physically every day. (Sam)
- Prepare now. Don’t let a minute pass you by while you are in the field, time goes by so fast, make every second count in the field. Study your scriptures and have a testimony of The Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. Serve because you want to serve not because someone made you. (Reed)
- Be obedient to ALL the rules ALL the time! (Anonymous)
What was a funny language mistake?
- One time we were sharing a message with a member and we were getting them excited about missionary work. I was trying to explain the scripture about Christ “feeding the sheep” and instead of saying “da comida a mis ovejas” (feed my sheep) I said “come mis ovejas” (eat my sheep). (Amy)
- One time I was trying to say “Can we sit down” (podemos sentarnos?) but I said “podemos senirnos” (can we feel ourselves). (Cody)
- Can’t remember any, but I’m sure I made many (Scott)
- I can’t roll my r’s so that was fun. (Jordan)
- My district leader once asked if an investigator had been a participant in an abortion, as part of the baptismal interview.The word for abortion and miscarriage are the same in the Spanish we spoke. Needless to say, it got really embarrassing, really quickly. We received training on the topic at Zone training after that. (Sam)
- I tried to tell a family that we had cherry trees, but I ended up telling them that I had “beer trees”. (James)
- While we were speaking with an investigator, my companion told me to say tengo hombre instead of tengo hambre. Tengo hombre means that I want a man, instead of saying I am really hungry. (Reed)
- Calling a woman named Meirna the S word. Sister missionary speaking in sacrament meeting for first time and saying, “Estoy embarazada y el obispo tiene la culpa”. (Anonymous)