New missionary policy takes church members by surprise

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are talking about a major policy change when it comes to their missionaries.

Missionaries may now contact their families by phone or video chat once a week.
Before they could do that just twice a year – at Christmas and Easter, although they were encouraged to write or email family each week.

Marci and Todd Hansen usually read letters or emails each week from their missionary daughter Jaidyn who is serving half way around the world in New Caledonia. She’s been gone 15 months and Hansens see some real benefits to being able to talk to her on the phone or see her on Skype.

“I think they can feel a support where they can feel lonely and homesick. Just the reassurance that they can talk to home and still be connected is a really amazing thing,” Marci said.

“Just seeing the faces of family is the support you need in some difficult times,” Todd said.

Not only are there benefits for the young missionary, but for the family back home as well.

“Knowing they’re OK and hearing the excitement in the things they’re doing,” Marci said.

Lynette Carter who has a son on a mission likes the new policy too.

“I think it’s great. Initially I was very excited to think I would be able to talk to my missionaries that are so far away and really get a feel for what they are doing,” Lynette said.

Lynette’s son Daemon is on a mission in Chile so she’ll get to take advantage of the new policy with him.

Her son, Brevon just returned from a mission to Maryland. He sees advantages to the new policy.

“I think it will help a lot of them work through trials they may be facing,” Brevon said.

Having recently returned from a mission though, Brevon says missionaries will have to exercise self-discipline to re-focus on their missionary work after calling or video chatting with family frequently.

Marci Hansen agrees that could be a concern.

“I love hearing from her each week but I worry a little it’s going to distract her — that she might spend too much time focused on what she’s going to say,” Marci said.

But church leaders say the new policy will be a good thing.

“I think it will motivate them even more after their communication with their family at home to go out there and serve the Lord with even a brighter heart,” apostle Dieter F. Uchtdorf said.