Sister Missionaries: The New Mormon Moment

Brace yourselves, world! Mormonism is getting a stunning and irresistible new “face-lift”! There’s a whole new “Mormon Moment” sweeping the globe.

On Saturday October 6th, 2012 President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made an historic announcement that would change the lives and futures of hundreds of thousands of youth immediately, and generations of Mormons forever.

Effective immediately, the Missionary eligibility age for young men was lowered from 19 to 18 (once High School graduation is complete). A collective gasp was heard throughout the Conference Center, and smiles abound. But, it was President Monson’s next announcement that would generate the greatest surprise and loudest reaction!

“. . . we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21.

– Thomas S. Monson, Welcome To Conference, Oct. 6, 2012

Since October 6th missionary applications have soared over 470%! During the October conference there was roughly 56,000 full-time Mormon missionaries serving. By the next church conference in April 2013, that number will likely have doubled, with over two thirds of the increase being Mormon girls who are eager to serve 18 months at their own expense as Sister Missionaries around the world.

[Author’s Note: EXTRA EXTRA!! MoSop’s very own daughter is getting her mission call this week! Yes, I am going to be a “Missionary Mom”! Stay tuned for the big reveal, coming soon!!] 🙂

2012.12.08 Sister Missionaries — Future Sister Missionaries Gather on Temple Square Dec. 8, 2012

On Saturday December 8, 2012, exactly eight weeks after the big announcement, newly called Sister Missionaries in the Utah area met on Temple Square at a certain time arranged through word of mouth and a Facebook Event page. The response was HUGE. Over 200 beautiful girls came out en mass with bright warm faces on the chilly snowy day.

Thankfully, this event was captured on video. It’s such a delight to watch and feel the spirit of excitement, love, and commitment these beautiful young LDS women emulate.

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“Gathered here today are the Lord’s elect daughters. There is no more influential group standing for truth and righteousness in all the world than the young women and the women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I see your nobility and know of your divine identity and destiny. You distinguished yourselves in the premortal existence. Your lineage carries with it covenants and promises. You have inherited the spiritual attributes of the faithful patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. A prophet of God once referred to each of you assembled here tonight as “the one bright shining hope” of the future [Hinckley, “Standing Strong and Immovable“]. And I agree! In a very challenging world, your light shines brightly. Indeed, these are “days never to be forgotten.” These are your days, and now is the time for young women everywhere to “arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations!” Elaine S. Dalton, “Arise and Shine Forth!“, April 30, 2004, Women’s Conference