Many young people in Indiana have limited knowledge of the Church of Latter Day Saints, more commonly known as Mormons. Some may have a comedic impression based on TLC’s hit show “Sister Wives”. However, members of the church say their belief system is more serious and complex than what people see on TV or on the Broadway stage in hits such as “The Book of Mormon“.
For instance, 19-year-old missionary Elder Justin Longman has moved from his home state of Utah and has been assigned to the IU Campus of Bloomington, with the intent of sharing his testimony. While many people his age are worried about their college grades, social lives and work futures, Longman has put his formal education and personal life on hold to devote to his ministry.
“The biggest reason (for his missionary work) would be that, I love my savior, Jesus Christ,” he said. “And that I wanted to serve Him. And to do whatever I can to help Him.”
Elder Justin Longman discusses how missionary work has impacted his life.
The Church of Latter Day Saints missionary program that Longman pursues lasts from 18 to 24 months. Missionaries can spend up to 6 weeks in one particular location. Most of these young apostles do not visit home once they begin their journey, ultimately putting their lives on hold until they return.
“I definitely miss my family,” Elder Dallin Smith said, “But I know that the work I’m doing right now is more important, and they understand that too.”
A former student at Brigham Young University-Idaho, Smith put his studies on hold to follow a higher calling, something that even his older brother did before him.
Elder Dalin Smith talks about what life is like while being on his mission.
Traveling around the state, they can end up in residential areas, big cities, or college towns like Bloomington. Wherever they go, Longman says, they are typically WELL-received, no matter the age group or demographic.
The missionaries work from an Institute on South Highland Avenue behind the T.I.S. bookstore on 3rd Street. The proximity to campus makes their daily travels easy. The missionaries work from an institute on South Highland Avenue behind the TIS store
A typical route for the day can be a long stop at the corner between Ballantine Hall and the IMU. Or, behind Woodburn Hall, catching students as they travel to and from classes.
If someone has to be somewhere, that’s not a problem. They’ll walk with you to class and try and get to know about your religious tendencies, share their ministries, or just add positive companionship to your day. Despite seeing a range of responses – from willing to unreceptive – they do not let that dim the light for their cause.
Watch the work in action.
Although they do not have a personal means of communication outside of their Institute, missionaries will ask for cell phone numbers to keep in contact and set aside a time to connect more personally with those that they speak with on the street.
They are able to relate further with people on the street through interactive activities, such as having them highlight positive words they found from the Book of Mormon. Afterwards, they collected the pages for a video montage.
This is part of a nationwide event, where the missionaries will compile pictures to create a promotional video for the Mormon Church.
The missionaries work extends further than speaking directly with people on the street. They do service projects, whether grand work, such as Habitat for Humanity, or more local, such as helping an elderly woman clean her lawn.
These young men and women devote their lives to their ministry, showing a passion that is not typically highlighted in the teen years.
For more information, you can visit the church’s website, visit the local Institute on 333 South Highland Avenue, or stop to talk with a missionary on the street.
