Young men of a certain age recognize what this envelope signifies:
Among other things, it means he:
- Wants to be a representative of Jesus Christ.
- Is putting God first and putting aside the things of the world for a season.
- Exhibiting faith in the love that Heavenly Father has for him—that He knows him personally and will send him where he can do the most good—for those he serves and for himself.
- Will have particular joys and trials that have been reserved just for him to teach and refine him.
The call does not come unexpectedly. Young men and women apply for the privilege to be the Lord’s emissary. They prepare through study and prayer. They counsel with church leaders to establish their readiness. They have medical and dental appointments to assure that they are physically prepared. They put their lives in order to free themselves up to serve with their whole heart, might, mind and strength. In the Church, we call this “putting in their papers”.
When the “submit” button is pushed (there are very few actual papers involved anymore in this electronic world), the information then goes to church leaders who pray about each prospective missionary and receive spiritual inspiration on where they should serve. An excellent explanation of the process can be found HERE.
And the family anxiously waits. Where in the world will our son be sent?
Tyler had been attendant to many of his friends receiving their calls while he was at school. They had a hypothesis tested and proven based on the postage on the envelope:
$1.70 Stateside
$1.90 Foreign
$2.10 Africa
As you can see, Tyler’s envelope was $1.90. Foreign-non-Africa.
Of course, you don’t just open the envelope when it comes. There is a procedure. You have to have an audience. It’s a big event! So we set the time and place, invited friends, and set up Skype, cameras, phonecalls, etc.
Peru-Lima North. Spanish Speaking. Entering the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah on November 7, 2012.
I immediately knew that was EXACTLY where Tyler should be. I’m grateful for the Spirit and its calming influence.
