Free resources about the Washington DC South 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: Washington DC North Mission.
DC South Mission Address
Here’s a recent address for the Washington DC South 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.
Washington DC South Mission
5242 Lyngate Ct.
Burke, Va. 22015
Phone Number: 1-703-250-0111
Mission President: President David Huntsman
Washington DC South Mission Map
Here’s a link to the mission map for the Washington DC South Mission (LDS). To access the official LDS.org map for the mission:
Videos with DC South RMs
Here are in-depth YouTube video interviews with returned missionaries from the Washington DC South Mission. We interview hundreds of returned missionaries each year, so check back regularly to see new RM interviews.
Videos about Washington DC
Here are LDS-friendly educational videos about Washington DC. We scoured YouTube to find the best quality videos about Washington DC, that are free from inappropriate music, immodesty and profanity.
DC South Missionary Blogs
Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the Washington DC South Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.
DC South Mission Groups
Here are Washington DC South Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the mission.
- D.C. South President G. Mark Albright 2009-12 Group (423 members)
- DC South Missionaries Facebook Group (294 members)
- DC South President James Hamula’s Flock Group (264 members)
- DC South Mission President Wade 2000-03 Group (220 members)
- DC South Mission: The Wixom Years Group (190 members)
- Missionary Moms- DC South and Richmond Group (113 members)
- D.C. South Pres. Arlen B. Crouch 1997-00 Group (97 members)
- DC South Mission President John Ward Group (56 members)
- DC South Mission! Facebook Group (41 members)
- D.C. South Missionaries at BYU-Idaho Group (39 members)
- DC South Mission Alumni Group (35 members)
- DC North and South Mission Moms (LDS) Group (20 members)
- DC South Missionaries 2003-2006 Group (13 members)
- DC South Mission Videos Group (5 members)
- D.C. South Reunion President Wixom 2006-09 Group (3 members)
- DC South Mission 2003-2006 Facebook Group (1 member)
DC South Mission T-Shirts
Here are T-shirts for the Washington DC South Mission!
Shirt designs include DC 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: DC South missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.
*Click here to browse Washington DC South Mission gifts
DC South Mission Presidents
Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the DC South Mission.
- 2015-2018, David H. Huntsman
- 2012-2015, Matthew L. Riggs
- 2009-2012, George Mark Albright
- 2006-2009, B. Jackson Wixom
- 2003-2006, Richard T. Bretzing
- 2000-2003, Alton LaVar Wade
- 1997-2000, Arlen B. Crouch
- 1994-1997, James J. Hamula
- 1991-1994, Elmo L. Robinson
- 1990-1991, Phillip T. Sonntag
- 1989-1990, A. Dale Godfrey
- 1986-1989, John L. Ward
- 1983-1986, Brian Swinton
- 1980-1983, Jon M. Huntsman
- 1977-1980, Lyle M. Ward
- 1973-1977, Glenn E. Nielsen
- 1970-1973, Edward Drury
- 1967-1970, Norman R. Bowen
District of Columbia LDS Statistics (2015)
- Church Membership: 2,562
- Missions: 2
- Congregations: 3
Helpful Articles about Washington DC
DC South Missionary Survey
Here are survey responses from Washington DC South RMs, to give you a snapshot into what it’s like to live in the mission.
When did you serve?
- 2013-2015 (Zachary)
- May 2012-May 2014 (Matthew)
- July 2013-July 2015 (Ryan)
- Jan 2014-Aug 2015 (Mary)
- April- sep 2015 (Michelle)
- February 2013-2015 (Jeremiah)
- 2013-2015 (Andrew)
- 2012-2013 (Diamond)
- 2013-2014 (Hillary)
- 1999-2000 (Tiffany)
- 1999-2001 (Tyler)
- 2009-2011 (Peniueti)
- 2009-2011 (Taylor)
- 2010-2012 (Man Tai)
- 1998-2000 (Travis)
- 2008-2009 (Megan)
What cities/areas did you serve in?
- Ashburn, Tall Cedars, Shirlington, Burke. (Zachary)
- Herndon, Brambleton, Fairfax, Warrenton, Crystal City, Falls Church, Centrevile. (Andrew)
- Mt. Vernon, Alexandria, Centerville, Great Falls. (Diamond)
- Great Falls/Vienna/McLean, Oakton, Arlington/Alexandria, Springfield/Fairfax. (Hillary)
- Alexandria, Springfield/Rolling Valley, Mt. Vernon, Petersburg, West Virginia. (Tiffany)
- Vienna, Oakton, Annondale, Warenton, Manassas, Lake Ridge, Front Royal. (Tyler)
- Falls Church, Fredrickburg, Spotsylvania, Bristow, Prince William, Colonial 2nd YSA, Braddock YSA, Centerville YSA, Mt.Vernon, Wakefield, Alexandria, Chantilly, Franklin, Great Falls, Annandale, Manassas, Centerville. (I feel as if I’m still missing some) I served in 7 of the 8 stakes that were in my mission, and I loved moving around. (Peniueti)
- Arlington, Alexandria, Fredericksburg. (Taylor)
- The Chinese Branch. (Man Tai)
- Burke, Centerville, Front Royal, Romney, WV, Reston, Woodbridge, Prince William, and Martinsburg, WV. (Travis)
- Annandale- little River, Manasas, Arlington- Bella vista, Fredericksberg- Stafford, Alexandria- Old Town. (Megan)
What were some favorite foods?
- Steak, Lasagna, Ethiopian, Crab, Boiled Cabbage, Shrimp, Potatoes. (Zachary)
- Thai food, Peruvian food, Hunan West (In Burke), Carolina Brothers (In Ashburn), Il Mee Buffet (In Annandale), Village Chicken (In Springfield). (Matthew)
- Pupusas, silpancho- basically everything. (Ryan)
- Pasta, mangoes, chicken. (Mary)
- My mission called for some exgreen off the wall foods. Arabic Food was amazing! Chinese, Mongolian, and of course your everyday American Chipotle restaurant. (Michelle)
- Spaghetti, lasagna, hamburgers. (Jeremiah)
- All the members know how to cook or take you out to eat !! (Andrew)
- Fu fu, southern foods like biscuits and gravy. (Diamond)
- Pupusas. Chick-fil-a. (Hillary)
- Chicken and rice. Asparagus. (Tiffiany)
- Any and all Asian food that people made for us. (Tyler)
- I loved being able to try all the international foods within my mission boundaries. I served in an area that was VERY diverse. Everything from Ghanaian food, to authentic, homemade Korean food, even down to the most juiciest steak a man can dream of, to something as unique as deep fried frog legs. Fufu was by far, the weirdest most fulfilling thing I ate on the mission. (Peniueti)
- Fufu, Empanadas, Steak (Taylor)
- Some traditional dishes made by people from different cultures. I don’t even know their name in English. (Man Tai)
- Any home cooked meal. I did enjoy squirrel and dumplings. (Travis)
- Pupusas, 5 Guys. (Megan)
What was a funny experience?
- It was always funny when a little kid would get the door, run to the back, and return claiming that mommy said she wasn’t here right now. (Zachary)
- One day we were out doing work and I really needed to go to the bathroom. So, we stopped at a convenience store and I took care of business before realizing there was no toilet paper. I left that day without a lens cleaner for my glasses. (Matthew)
- One of the Elders in my mission *squirrel bombed* the AP’s. They got a giant plastic egg and put a live squirrel in it, then threw it in the AP’s apartment. It was very funny! (Mary)
- In VA, it is so moist your hair is every wear, so my hair was so out of control one day and I had decided i would pin it to the top of my head, where it didn’t exactly stay. Meanwhile my comp made an Embarrassing Video on how i looked like a lion. (Michelle)
- My companion biked into a big puddle. All this happened after I warned him not to bike through the puddle. He had a very, very cold bike ride home in the wind so he could change clothes. (Jeremiah)
- My companion and I were having personal scripture study. Then out of the corner of my eye I saw her get up. I didn’t think much of it but after about ten minutes I realized that she didn’t return. I thought that she was in the bathroom but I then checked and she wasn’t there. Finally I found her hiding under her study desk. I soon found that she enjoyed playing pranks on the greenie! (Diamond)
- There are many! Most are with companions. I had a companion fall asleep on our GPS device, which I needed to look at, so I grabbed it from under her and she bonked her head on the dashboard. Too funny! (Hillary)
- While on splits with a new missionary, we saw Robert Duvall. I got really excited and said ” look, look, look there is Robert Duvall standing on the corner.” My companion for the day said Awesome….. Who is Robert Duvall? Some you teaching? I just laughing. (Tyler)
- Realizing that our neighbors (in one of my areas) were L.A.R.P-ers (Live Action Role Play) They knew they lived next to missionaries, always said hi to them in previous years, but never interacted with them until the transfer that I got there. On our last P-Day, we asked them if we can use some of their improvs. Among some of the things we discussed with them, they said that we can come up with our own story lines, names and places, as well as design our own weapons. We used a few names and places found in the Book of Mormon, and they couldn’t HELP but to be amazed with the name Zarahemla! They asked us where did we come up with these names and that they would love to use it when they actually go to their LARP events. Haha. We ended up getting the whole zone together and went into the woods (behind our townhouse) to have a LARP battle. (Peniueti)
- Learning Twe with the Ghanians. (Taylor)
- Served in only one area on my entire mission. Three companions only (including Mission Training Center companion). (Man Tai)
- My trainer for some reason thought he was in a York Peppermint Patty commercial. We were riding bikes and he stands up on the bike and acts like the guy that is the ski jumper. Next thing I know, his handle bar turns and he is thrown from the bike. His bike ended up in front of me so I hit the front brake on my bike and get flipped off onto his bike. A second later my bike lands on me. (Travis)
- In Alexandria, we would ride the bus every Saturday. One Saturday, we missed the bus when we first got there so we decided to keep walking and talking to people as we went to the next stop. But we didn’t make it to the next stop in time so we kept walking and talking to people. Finally, we decided to stay at a stop and just wait. It so happened that there were a bunch of people there so we started to talk to people. My companion was talking to a man and didn’t see the bus, so we missed it. Then we started walking again. We ended up walking all the way to the south of our area which was about 10 miles all because we missed every bus along the way. (Megan)
What was a crazy/dangerous experience?
- Riding a bike on Virginian roads at night is terrifying. (Zachary)
- My companion and I had a car full of drunk men chasing us one night. Knowing our area well came in handy. We knew some shortcuts through places a car couldn’t fit. (Matthew)
- Walking up to an apartment complex that we visited regularly and finding police cars out front with police tape all around. Come to find out someone had been killed. (Ryan)
- I smashed my thumb in the car door. That was pretty dangerous. (Mary)
- One day our sister training leaders had a broken down car, and no way to get to there appointments, we only had one appointment so we decided it would be okay for them to take our car, well on our way to our Appointment, we had to cross a bridge with no sidewalk, then after we got to our Appointment, the lesson went well, the lady even asked us a ton of questions. This went on till it was dark out. Noticing the time, we would be late coming home. We left and decided to call around, no one answered, until we got ahold of the DLs. My comp was freaking out. We had to wait on a side walk under light, and she didn’t like the idea at all. (Michelle)
- While teaching an investigator. He got up on his couch and went a little crazy, so we had to wait until he calmed down before we could leave (Jeremiah)
- A MS-13 gang member almost shot me!! (Andrew)
- Saw someone get shot in front of me and my companion. (Diamond)
- Beware of bed bugs! Because there are so many international people in Virginia, there’s a greater chance of bed bugs. I got them in my 3rd area, and it was a nightmare. Be sure to check your mattresses as well as your box springs! (Hillary)
- While serving in the Warrenton area, my companion and I were driving from house to house tracting. We were out in the country so houses were far apart from each other. While walking from our car to the front door, a man came running out and shot his shot gun at our feet. It was a single shot shot gun so right after he shot it he reloaded it then pointed it at my head and said leave. We turn right around, walked back to the car and left. Went to the next house down the road and taught a great 1st discussion. (Tyler)
- One experience was knocking in an area where previous missionaries marked off (to not track in) and after getting to the 5th door, the gentleman who answers the door, invites us in to talk. We come to find out, he just got out of jail having served 23 yrs for killing 2 guys when he was young. Good thing he changed and was looking for a change in life. (Peniueti)
- Riding bikes between traffic and huge snowbanks. (Taylor)
- Getting my driver license. (Man Tai)
- Riding bikes in Virginia is always dangerous. One day, we were riding the seven miles into our area. We had to cross some busy streets and my companion was a much better rider than I. He crossed the busy road with no problem. As I went to go across the road, my tire was swallowed by a hole. The bike flipped and threw me out in the road. I just curled up in a ball because I knew I was going to get hit by a car. I heard tires squealing and the car came to a stop. I could touch the car with my finger. Thank goodness I was on the Lord’s errand. (Travis)
What was a spiritual experience?
- To sacred to talk about, but worth the whole mission. (Zachary)
- I remember one lesson when I was on an exchange with my MTC companion. It was so incredible to be back together again and teaching the gospel. We were both out almost 18 months at this point, and had learned and grown so much since our last lesson we had taught together. Nothing specific about the lesson was notable, but it was incredible just letting the Spirit guide. (Matthew)
- Ah, so many! Probably the biggest one that happened to me was when God told me who I was supposed to marry 6 months before I came home. We are currently engaged. 🙂 (Mary)
- My comp and I were over at an investigators house, and we were testifying about the prophet Joseph Smith, and the Holy Ghost, the spirit filled the room so much we were all in tears. It was at this moment I fully believed that this church Is true, and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet. (Michelle)
- Going to the church at night before we went home for the night. (Jeremiah)
- The whole two years. (Andrew)
- Too many to write. One was we were going proselyting. We were walking and felt impressed to knock on a particular door. We had tried it a week ago and no one answered. A person answered and said that she saw us a week before but was too afraid to answer. She had just prayed to have more guidance in her life when she finished the prayer, she heard a voice say to let the missionaries in and her prayer would be answered. It ended up being one of the most spiritual lessons I had experienced. (Diamond)
- I remember teaching a Korean investigator, who barely knew any English, about the Book of Mormon. At one point, she read a passage in Korean, and told us in her best English, “I feel… comfortable.” It was a simple and beautiful testimony to me of the Spirit that the Book of Mormon brings. (Hillary)
- While I was out, we really tried to get members to be at as many discussions as possible. If at all possible, we would get them to become friends with someone in the ward and have that person do the baptism. In one area, an 18 year old guy started taking the lessons and his friend from school was a member. The day he was baptized, his buddy did it. At different times, they both came up and said I can’t wait to be a missionary. This is one of the best days of my life. My companion and I could not keep from smiling and said it was one of the best days for us as well. (Tyler)
- Google search: 1. Tongan Storm Hits Lofanga 2. African Prince Gets Baptized in VA 3. Miss Teen Nevada 2010 Goes on a Mission And that’s just to name a few of the MANY that I was blessed to be a part of. (Peniueti)
- Baptisms! Lots of success and baptisms in DC south. (Taylor)
- I was able to teach an investigator for a year and see her change and get baptized. (Man Tai)
- My companion and I were teaching a young lady. We invited her to be baptized. She was so worried what her family would think. She needed some time to think about things. We scheduled another appointment to get her answer. We met with her a couple of days later. As we met I explained to her that I had a dream. I told her that I had seen a man standing behind her in the chair she always sat in when we taught her. I told her I didn’t know who the man was but he was happy with her decision as his hand was on her shoulder comforting her. She relayed to me that that was her uncle. She explained to me that she had had the same dream. She knew that she should be baptized and join the true church. (Travis)
What are some interesting facts about the DC South Mission?
- Number one in the world for car crashes. 🙂 We were in the ten pilot missions to receive iPads. We attended a National’s baseball game annually as a mission. It has the two richest counties in the USA, you get a taste of everything, it is a foreign mission. (Zachary)
- Large immigrant population. People from all over the world. There’s also many, very powerful people. Three of the ten wealthiest counties in the US are in this mission. Dozens of Civil War battles took place in mission boundaries. (Matthew)
- It has the most amount of cars in the USA. (Ryan)
- DC South mission doesn’t cover any of DC, just the northern VA area. We get to visit DC once a transfer though. The DC temple is in the north mission, but we get to visit that with investigators and less active members. (Mary)
- Most of the people we talked to were from the middle East, they are very religious, and super spiritual if you ever get the chance to share your testimony with them. (Michelle)
- Lots of ethnicities live in the area. (Jeremiah)
- It’s all government officials. (Andrew)
- The mission split two years ago. The people are busy but nice. Lots of other churches are here and they like to Bible bash us but generally people are nice. It’s very fast paced here, so be brief but direct. (Diamond)
- One of the most expensive missions in the United States! Lots of affluent areas, but some not as affluent too. People from all over the WORLD. A stones throw from DC and the temple! (Hillary)
- Lots of different people from all over the world. (Tyler)
- History. The nation’s history is a huge part of Northern Virginia. Outside of that, my mission was VERY diverse. We were able to be around people from ALL OVER the world. Everything from different countries, as well as, one day, you could be having lunch in a mansion, than the following week, eating squirrel in a shack. (Peniueti)
- You are able to visit DC on preparation day. (Man Tai)
- The area covered the revolutionary and civil war areas. It is on the south border of Washington DC. I was able to go and see all the sights but nothing was better than going to the Washington DC Temple. (Travis)
- There are a ton of Spanish people there. From just about every country and they have amazing food. When I was there, we were allowed to go to DC with permission every 3 months. We could go to the temple visitor center any time with permission if we took a less active, recent convert or investigator. (Megan)
What was the weather like?
- Summers are hot and winters are cold. Too humid. (Zachary)
- Humid, four beautiful seasons. Summer rainstorms can be frequent. You’ll see sun all day until the breeze starts blowing in the evening. Then it’ll pour for an hour max and be beautiful again. Winters vary by year. I wouldn’t expect subzero temperatures. We had it for two days my entire mission and it was a “bad” winter. Summers will be hot and muggy though. (Matthew)
- Cold and rainy in the winter and hot and humid in the summer. (Ryan)
- In the summer it was hot and humid. In the winters that I was there it snowed a lot, but that’s pretty rare for that area. (Mary)
- You love the rain?, well it is humid there so most rain storms are warm and light. But you will catch yourself in tons of crazy weather patterns out there 🙂 (Michelle)
- Humid (Jeremiah)
- Warm, warmer, and hot. (Andrew)
- It’s was pretty normal. I experienced all four seasons (Winter is usually mild or non existent but when we get snow it always turns into Snowmageddon). It rains A LOT. (Diamond)
- So much rain. No matter the season. Very humid, but bearable. Can get cold in the winters! (Hillary)
- Hot and humid during the summer. Cold and freezing during the winter. (Tiffany)
- When it’s hot is hot and muggy. When it’s cold it hurts to knock on doors. Take a golf ball! (Tyler)
- HUMID! Winters were colder than cold and summers were hotter than hot. Spring and Fall were amazing though. I happened to get into the field right in time for the worse snow storm Virginia has ever seen. (Peniueti)
- Hot and humid in summer. (Taylor)
- Like Hong Kong… except it’s much colder in the winter. (Man Tai)
- The weather was amazing. I had all four seasons. I saw the most spectacular thunderstorms and lightning. The humidity can be miserable. You always feel like you just showered. (Travis)
- Super humid and hot in the summer. Very humid and cold in the winter. It snows in the winter but also have ice storms. Beautiful falls and springs! (Megan)
Any things you really like about the area/people?
- The diversity and sophistication. (Zachary)
- They’re so hospitable. It felt like home everywhere I went. (Matthew)
- I loved working with Hispanics because they were so loving and open. (Ryan)
- They are all so nice! Very kind and thoughtful. The members are incredible and so loving. I love VA! (Mary)
- Everyone was nice for the most part, my mission was one of those where I knocked on doors and people never slammed the door on me. In fact they saw how new I was and let us share the gospel any way so I could get more practice. It’s a very friendly environment. (Michelle)
- Most of the time they were kind to us. (Jeremiah)
- Everything, best people ever. (Andrew)
- I loved the mixture of cultures. It’s so fun to teach Nigerians, Canadians, Southerners, and Ethiopians all on the same day. (Diamond)
- I absolutely ADORE the people of Virginia. It’s such a cultural melting pot. I taught people from China, Albania, Syria, Iraq, Ghana, Nigeria, Russia, and so much more. Because it’s so diverse, people are tolerant and intelligent and just amazing! I miss them so much. (Hillary)
- Loved the variety of cultures. (Tiffany)
- Loved the people. (Tyler)
- The people I served were amazing. So much culture! I also love the history within my mission area. We got lucky because serving in Washington DC was as if we served in all the missions of The Church. (Peniueti)
- Lots of diversity. People of all ethnicity and all economic situations. (Taylor)
- I know this place is where God wanted me to be and He wants me to served those people that I met. (Man Tei)
- I love the areas I served in especially in the country areas where things were slower. It reminded me of home. The city was too fast paced. (Travis)
- They are very busy people but take time for religious activities. Very generous and giving. (Megan)
Any packing/clothing advice?
- Pack light. (Zachary)
- I learned to love earmuffs and scarves during the winter. (Matthew)
- Layers. Lots of layers for the winter seasons. Lots of light weight clothes for summer. (Mary)
- Yes, winter you need all you can get with wool, if it Embarrasses You and its the right length go for it! I thought everyone was joking with me about what to wear because I would never in a million years get caught in half the stuff my comps wore! the summer gets very hot! Your car is your best friend, keep your garments to a mesh, and Cotton, for winter Carrinessa you will do fine. (Michelle)
- Coat. And extra shoes. (Jeremiah)
- Take one suit with two pairs of suit pants you only use your suit for district meetings and church so only two times a week asking buy not take nice dress pants slim fit. (Andrew)
- Rain boots! Lots of sturdy shoes because you walk a lot. I liked having several tops because I loved mix and matching them with skirts- more choices than only having dresses. (Diamond)
- Raincoat! I didn’t bring a proper one and that was a mistake. Also rain boots. Leggings to go under your skirt for the winter (I hate tights). I also recommended duffel bags for luggage because you can fit more! (Hillary)
- Light clothes for summer and heavy coats and nice boots for winter. (Tiffany)
- Pack as least as possible. You will find yourself having picked up extra clothing (RANDOMLY) as you go on about each transfer. (Peniueti)
- My most useful clothing was having extra pants for proselyting and biking. Don’t want to ruin your suit pants. Also pack a good jacket for the rain. (Taylor)
- You will need more shoes than suits. (Man Tai)
- I packed what the mission letter told me to pack and I was fine. I had plenty. (Travis)
- Take good shoes that are sturdy. Sisters have cars but you still walk a lot. Heavy jacket for the winter…it gets cold and a scarf. Rain jacket…it rains like no other. (Megan)
What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?
- Too many to list. Primarily the ability to love someone. (Zachary)
- I’m a whole new person in Christ through the experiences I had with him. Patience, charity, teaching skills, love for others, lifelong friends, joy beyond any I’ve felt. The blessings are innumerable. (Matthew)
- Knowing which school to attend, figuring out who my eternal companion would be, an increase in my testimony and knowledge about the doctrine of Christ, a greater relationship with my Heavenly Father, and an increase in Christlike attributes. (Mary)
- I have long lasting friendships I never thought I would have, I have investigators who are my best friends, I know how to talk to people and not be shy, I learned how to share the gospel. (Michelle)
- New friends, and a love for the area (Jeremiah)
- Going on a mission helped me become a man and helps you see the hand of God in everything! (Andrew)
- Seriously? A lot. I learned a lot about myself. I initially went on a mission with the thought of just converting others but I ended up really converting myself to the Gospel. (Diamond)
- I was able to gain a greater love and appreciation for those around me and for the gospel. I have a more eternal perspective that keeps me happy even when times are hard. (Hillary)
- I learned how to get out of my comfort zone and that MOST of the time, it wasn’t that scary. (Tiffany)
- To many to count. Still blessing my life 15 years later. (Tyler)
- Too many to name. One blessing I received though, was meeting the man who brought the gospel back to my family back when he served many years ago in the small islands of Tonga. (Peniueti)
- Increased spirituality, knowledge of the scriptures, eternal perspective. Really my mission changed my life and I’ll never be the same. (Taylor)
- I became a person that I could never have become if I hadn’t served a mission. Especially to be able to see and understand things spiritually, and to use all the spiritual knowledge. (Man Tai)
- I received so many blessings that I cannot count. I met the most amazing people and have life long friends. I learned how to cope with all kinds of issues. Most of all, I learned to teach. (Travis)
What are some skills you gained?
- People skills. (Zachary)
- Public speaking, communication, teaching, problem solving, negotiating, conflict resolution, excel, technology/computers, studying, organization skills. Many, many…haha (Matthew)
- Planning what I need to get done each day. (Ryan)
- I learned how to work well with a variety of different people. I learned a lot about different cultures and religions, which helped me to love all people of every kind. (Mary)
- I know what it takes to feel the Spirit. What I can do to have the Spirit by my side at all times. I can trust fully in the Lord. (Michelle)
- Biking up hills. (Jeremiah)
- Talking to people and getting out of my comfort zone. (Andrew)
- Organization, communication, public speaking, leadership, managing, customer service, the importance of serving others, etc. Too many to name. (Diamond)
- How to talk to people! Especially with people who you don’t have much in common with (including your companions). Studying is another one! But my favorite: learning to love others no matter what. (Hillary)
- I was able to pick up a few sayings from the many cultures in my mission. I knew enough to get into any home for a quick meal. On a serious note, I learned to manage time, plan effectively, always have a back up plan, manage money, be independent, as well as being able to trust and rely on a companion. I couldn’t mention everything (skills) I gained from the mission, but a testimony of gospel is the most prized thing I gained on my mission. (Peniueti)
- Talking with people. Confidence. Teaching. Leading meetings. (Taylor)
- To love and understand everyone. (Man Tai)
- Confidence, social skills, home skills, speaking, loving all people. (Travis)
- Learned to work hard while having fun, how to love people unconditionally, how to serve with a purpose. (Megan)
What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?
- Preach My Gospel. (Zachary)
- I wish I gave my whole heart to the Lord’s work earlier. For much of my mission I held some back. When I finally let go, miracles happened. (Matthew)
- I wish I was open and willing to make mistakes. (Ryan)
- I wish I knew how to have more fun and enjoy my mission. (Mary)
- Nothing, I would change nothing. It was designed perfectly for me. (Michelle)
- How amazing Preach My Gospel was (Jeremiah)
- Just have fun, don’t be hard on yourself, take tons of pictures, and write in your journal. (Andrew)
- That it’s more important to help investigators build relationships with members than with the missionaries. That it’s not about me. (Diamond)
- OBEDIENCE. Honestly, the Mission Training Center felt like a giant Especially For Youth session to me. There were a ton of people my age and it was a party, coupled with the Spirit. This is great, but learn and ABIDE by the rules at the Mission Training Center then getting into the mission field will not be as rough of a transition. You’ll learn to love being exactly obedient. (Hillary)
- You truly get out only what you put in to it. Don’t be afraid to work hard and be 100% obedient. You will be so much happier you did. (Tyler)
- I wish I knew what I was called to preach, LONG before I even served, and how exciting the scriptures can actually be. It wasn’t until I got to the mission that I realized that the scriptures came to life as we applied ALL that there is to gain from pondering it and praying about it. (Peniueti)
- I wish I knew the scriptures better. (Taylor)
- More knowledge of the scriptures and a strong testimony. Church history will be a bonus. (Man Tai)
- I loved every growing step of my mission. Every step took me closer to my Heavenly Father. (Travis)
Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries called to DC South?
- Learn to plan. (Zachary)
- Try ALL the food. Listen to the Spirit ALL the time. Give all of your heart to God. Don’t just ask what you can do. Ask what you can place on the altar for Him. (Matthew)
- It is hard, but so very worth it. (Mary)
- When you feel like your testimony is not as good as your comps, just remember. Maybe God needs your small testimony or what ever you got at that particular time for someone else. Think about it, you knock doors to a million different people each day. What if a few of those people need what you have to say.. And not what your comp has to say. (Michelle)
- Be yourself. You won’t have as much success if you are not being you. (Jeremiah)
- Go, fight, win, be the missionaries your mom thinks you are, trust me your reputation will proceed you. (Andrew)
- Be yourself. Have fun sharing the Gospel. Missionary work is so much more than baptisms. You are more than enough. If you give your all, you will truly change lives. It is true that perfect obedience brings about miracles. (Diamond)
- Enjoy every single minute! It goes by crazy fast. And don’t be too hard on yourself. I had so many friends develop anxiety because they felt like they couldn’t match up to the standards. There’s no such thing as a perfect missionary. Love God, the people and yourself. (Hillary)
- Love the Lord…He will take care of all the rest. (Tyler)
- Yes, remember, everything that happens on a mission, remember that it is a lesson. A life-learning lesson that’ll help you in the future, if you know how to apply it to yourself. (Peniueti)
- Just choose to love your mission. There will be good and bad but just enjoy it all. Don’t let it pass by while you waste time missing home or not working hard. (Taylor)
- Try to love the people you hate, starting now. You will need this ability. (Man Tai)
- The only advice I can offer is to love everyone. We don’t know their stories until they tell us. Some people may look scary but they can turn out to be the most amazing people. (Travis)
- Be prepared to work hard every day. Don’t waste your time thinking of yourself because the day will come when your mission will end and you will regret not serving every day with full purpose of heart. Love the people like they are your family, they have so much to offer if you will look at them like Christ would. Don’t let fear stop you from becoming the best missionary. (Megan)
What was a funny language mistake?
- I was called women in general persnickety. (Zachary)
- I was an English-speaking missionary, but I learned some Spanish so I could get referrals for the Spanish-speaking Elders. I forgot some of that Spanish one day though, and instead of asking a man if my friends could come teach him, I asked him if they could come play with him…. He said “yes” and they were able to come teach the gospel, but it was funny. (Matthew)
- A missionary I trained tried to say “thanks for the juice” but said “thanks for the judgment.” (Ryan)
- My mission was English-speaking but be prepared this mission is multi-language. (Andrew)
- It wasn’t necessarily one that my companion or I made, but as we were walking across the street from the Pentagon, an Asian gentleman walked up to me asking if I was Jesus Christ, because that was the only thing he could read on my name tag. (Peniueti)
- English 🙂 (Man Tai)