As the Mormon pioneers entered the Salt Lake valley on 24 July 1847, they celebrated their arrival after travelling thousands of miles over mountains and plains, by wagon and handcart. They weren’t thinking of the homes, families and possessions they had left behind. They were ready to begin a new life in a new land where they would be free from religious persecution.
The days of the pioneers are not past. There are modern day pioneers whose achievements are an inspiration to all of us. Today senior missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints valiantly follow in the footsteps of those who came before, giving of their time and talents.
At a time in their life when retirees might be thinking of travelling the world, enjoying endless days of golf, or spending their time enjoying grandchildren’s ball games, they leave their homes, their loved ones and all their personal belongings. They spend their own money to volunteer, to travel to cities throughout the world where they will spend full eight-hour days and many evenings working in offices and meeting with people they have never met before.
They know they will miss their children and grandchildren. Elder David A Bednar, senior leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stated, “Your absence is the most powerful testimony you will ever bear to your posterity. The day will come when they will rise up and call you blessed because you were gone for a season. Those grandchildren will never pray as hard for you as they do while you are serving a mission.”
Elder O Vincent Haleck, Pacific Area President recently visited with a group of senior missionaries from the Sydney North Mission while he was on an assignment in Sydney. He thanked them for their service, and told them they are appreciated and needed in every mission.