Missionaries of the Church
Parley P. Pratt was a powerful missionary. In the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he brought many to the gospel, including a fair few who would become leaders in the Church. Throughout his life, he proved tireless in the spreading of the word to any who would listen – and many who, at least initially, would not. In his writings, in his preachings, in everything he did, Parley P. Pratt was a missionary and often suffered terribly for his efforts. Suffering never dimmed his conviction or his resolve.
What of Mormon missionaries today? Modern missionary work is a little different in practice, but the spirit of it remains the same. Every young man in the Church is counseled to go on a two-year mission, which usually starts at the age of 19. Young women may also go on missions (eighteen months, when they’re 21). Older, often retired, members of the Church are also counseled to go on missions.
The continual missions that Parley P. Pratt went on throughout his life are not common today – but every member is to be a missionary. Indeed, every member of the Mormon Church is to have a missionary spirit, even if they are not on an official mission. Every member is to preach the gospel, by fellowship, by example, by testimony.
Read further about who Mormon missionaries are and what they do.
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