He said that translated it meant throat support so I thought it made sense. (Mariah), Just relax, you dont need to kill yourself to learn the language, it will come with time. We were going to take a trip to Spain but decided not to. Hangers take up a lot of space in your luggage. (Alex), Pain au chocolat, baguette, Gouda, boxed soup, Brie. Other times, it was just having a conversation with the man in the park about death, and what he was going through. Especially shoes, coat, umbrella (although the wind will destroy it). (Doug), Pray for the people even before you get your call. Have faith in God (Bryan), Forget yourself and go to work. To name two, I was blessed to learn to love people, even though I dont directly benefit in any temporal way from those people. There's also Cote d'Ivoire, and Belgium. The designs on mission t-shirts may also be printed on other LDS mission gifts, including: France Parismissionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments. (Jacob), We had an investigator who was searching for something better in life. (Chloe), I wish I was more dedicated in obtaining the Ammon Award. Those young men were us giving him the Book Of Mormon. Here are LDS-friendly educational videos aboutFrance. Get a good,lightweight jacket thatll keep you warm and dry. Make sure you have good, sturdy walking shoes that will last. He decided to be baptized. Utah Salt Lake City South Mission. And I loved hearing peoples stories. The ability to speak to strangers and to do hard things. (Doug), Paris is difficult at first but then, it just gets in your bones. Missionary Manuals. My advice is to rely with all your heart on the Lord and you will make it. The very first one!? (Drew), Paris West & East, St. Brieuc, Versailles. Often, they were primarily taught by other members or missionaries, but the fact is that there are lots of baptisms going on, and it is beautiful! (Valan), You will succeed. The French-speaking members in Phoenix have a deep love for the Savior and strong testimonies that God knows each of His children. (Anna), Lapin la moutarde, fraisiers, quiche, poulet aux arachides Africain. (Valan), Never snowed. Buy French Language LDS Missionary France or Quebec Mission Tank Top: Shop top fashion brands Tanks & Camis at Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY and Returns possible on eligible purchases Amazon.com: French Language LDS Missionary France or Quebec Mission Tank Top : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry We will in effect be Gods. We were trying to get away from him for like 30 minutes. (Drew), I was on splits the first night of my mission with two elders. (Kara), First French stake formed in 1975. It snowed in Paris the winter I served in the mission office and I may have thrown a snowball at a member of President Bennions family. Missionaries called French speaking serve in Reunion and Mauritius and never see the mission home on Madagascar. Heres a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the ParisLDS Mission. (Douglas), Everybody kept telling me that a mission would be so difficult, hard work, lots of rejection and stress. He participates in the temple preparation class we teach twice per week, and his testimony is a blessing to everyone around him. They asked me if I spoke French. I learned a valuable language. (Merrilyn), How to be humorous. Preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the people of the world, each in their own language, is a mandate from God. This helped me to accomplish many things later in life. (Elsa), Grecs (kbab sandwiches) were a staple of my diet in every area I served in Northern France. (Chloe), I started, ended, and spent most of my mission within the borders of the old Bordeaux mission and was even trained by a Bordeaux missionary. I had a unique experience. Make sure youre prepared. Enjoy every day. Everything you do/learn will apply to whatever you do after your mission for the rest of your life. The language of the Spirit is the codex for the universal translator that is the Gift of Tongues. Heres a recent address for the ParisMission. (Anonymous), Cherbourg, Nogent, Vannes, Sarcelles, St Brieuc, Evreux, Niort, Soissons. (Mariah), Just do your best and never give up. (Matt), Being threatened numerous times and actually being punched in the face. Learn on your mission how to recognize the kind of person you do not want to be tied to and the kind you do AND LEARN HOW TO BE THE KIND OF PERSON THAT WILL MAKE A RELATIONSHIP LAST. I learned to listen more than I talk. Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to Paris? So Why Did My Husband Want to Join It? A bit rainy in the winter but otherwise okay. She nearly fell off the couch laughing. Alpine German-Speaking Mission. (Alex), Layer! My prayer worked and he left us alone and minutes later almost had a brawl with some Arabs up to no good. Moules frites. Full-Time Senior Missionaries Senior Service Missionaries Service Missionaries Missionary Manuals Dress and Grooming Missionary Training Centers Online Recommendation System Missionary Recommendation Interview Questions Missionary Preparation Frequently Asked Questions Sharing the Gospel Online Mission Maps Home ChurchofJesusChrist.org Missionary We interview hundreds of returned missionaries each year, so check back regularly to see new RM interviews. ), how to recognize the Spirit, and much, much more! (Michael), I served in Normandie so where I was it rained 295 days a year on average and was usually very cloudy. Theres no way we can find her here! Alabama Birmingham. So I turned my bleue away and walked around the median just to be safe. Click the mission name for a page that indicates the mission (s) that now serve the same area. we just taught a lesson about Jesus Christ to a friend in the neighborhood but he then asked if he could have some of our hair. It was awesome to see her progress, her maturity in the gospel, and how the Gospel filled her life with joy. Utah Salt Lake City West Mission. 4. Scott M. Naatjes, 53, and Jodi T. Naatjes, five children, Lake Marion Ward, Lakeville Minnesota Stake: Alpine German-Speaking Mission, succeeding President Christopher S. Brown and Sister Laura G. Brown. Since we did nothing everyone was a lot nicer to us. The humidity makes it bitter. People will say they believe in God but they really dont act like they do. They do provide sheets, but I suggest bringing your own haha. We taught them most of the discussions and they attended church several times and other church activities. (Drew), I was a little nervous as plans fell through again with my first blue (trainee), and I was afraid she might be mad or frustrated that we werent teaching quite as much as she probably expected. (Dennis), My wife was my MTC teacher..I think that covers a lot. (Jacob), St Maur des Fosses, Chelles, Sarcelles, Rennes. As missionaries, we seek to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel.1 And as French-speaking missionaries serving in Arizona, weve found that our missionary work has also presented us with unique, diverse, challenging, and culturally vibrant experiences. Bad idea. (Merrilyn), I met a woman whom my dad had taught and baptized 20 years earlier and that reinforced the importance of sharing the gospel and strengthening get new members I also now teach French and LOVE the connections I still have in France as I have been able to keep several friendships strong . France Paris Mission Utah Salt Lake City North Mission. (Aaron), I loved teaching my investigator, Marie-line, because she was so sincere. He then reached out and grabbed some of my long red hair, and cut off several inches. (Roberto), When knocking on doors the first time, I commented after about three doors to my trainer Man, there sure are a lot of people called sonnerie here! Most of the doorbells said sonnerie on them. (Paul), Someone telling me they were literally the devil my first Christmas when we were porting in La Rochelle. A beautiful family and peace of mind and eternal perspective. The country side is amazing. Surely there will be hard and discouraging times. I love their politeness, manners and gentility. Understood more the culture of the people. The Quebec Mission (later changed to the Canada Montreal Mission) was created in 1972, and by 1974 several French-speaking branches were created. Give Him your time and dont bring your own agenda. (Mariah), I cant count all the blessings. You can get souvenirs, mementos, whatever, just remember that if you cant mail it home, though, youll have to carry it in a suitcase somehow. We waited for the train going the other direction and it must have been 30-40 minutes later that we got off at her stop. It took some good companions to fix that. Know the history of the restored Church just like you should know scripture. (Jeffrey), Depends on what part of the county youre in. (Jeffrey), A warm coat for winter that can withstand wind and rain. (Scott), When I was serving in Belgium, we were walking with our recent convert to his house when he ran in front of us and mooned us hahaha. It was the first time for me! Today, Brother Luala is preparing to enter the holy temple. So youd have to be prepared for anything over the course of a year. Rain gear a must. I never actually baptized someone the entire 2 years I served. Definitely a good rain jacket and umbrella and waterproof shoes. (Michael), Anytime you get to pray with someone or bear your testimony of the Savior is an incredibly spiritual experience! Love and serve your companion and those you meet. Great way to finish! ;). Well, Sunday came, and he showed up in a three-piece suit looking like he was a groom! That was always a good spiritual experience. But times have changed and there is so much work to do! (Paul), The countless times of bearing testimony on the street to complete strangers. Knowing that you gave your best and you know the truth now. (Bryan), One time playing soccer near the Eiffel Tower and watching a bunch of illegal sellers of tourist items running away from police and diving into bushes and seeing all their stuff flying everywhere. Dont buy more than you need. As of July 2022, there are 410 missions in the church. (Kara), Fresh bread and chocolate. (Chloe), People expect good manners and you learn good manners quickly when entering homes. So are the Africans, who tend to be very open spiritually. (Anonymous), Great food and some very wonderful people who really dont know where to find the truth. (Douglas), We joked with a Jewish man on the street, and told him that he should join us in another town for church on Sunday. Its nice and varied! Sometimes sunny. (Kara), Colombes, Evry/Grigny, Versailles, Melun, Bois Guillaume, Rouens, and Nantes. (Anonymous), My companion and I were beat up by three Arabs about a month after 9/11. (Kara), It was a magical place to serve. They are amazing men and their wives are incredible and strong. Chocolate. (Zakarias), Its hard and long but its what you make of it, Make sure you have a solid testimony of the Gospel, especially The Book of Mormon. ed. My best reasoning is that however we got here as we are now (Big Bang or whatever), we are here. Get to know the members, become their friends, and find out ways how you can help them do missionary work. (Drew), I had the opportunity to teach the missionary discussions in seven different languages over the course of my mission. (2019), 1. Were His people, engaged together in His holy work.3. For many of them, the path that led them to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ wasnt easy, but meeting these people has helped us see how the Lord guides people to find His true gospel. How to be more spiritual. From that moment on, Brother Lualas life was changed. Tropical island Evan Long, a BYU student from Oregon, expected malaria pills and poverty when he opened his mission call to Antananarivo, Madagascar. Now reason thusly. (Michael), It will be the hardest thing you ever do. Some random guy didnt like that and ran up to my companion and I and threw a punch at me but stopped his swing right before it hit my face. There are places in the world where the missionaries, even in their humble circumstances, are wealthier than the people they serve: dont insult them and embarrass yourself by over-dressing. You will become fluent enough. (Stuart), I was blessed with two difficult companions. I love the cosmopolitan, international nature of the cities there, meeting people from every nation, all working together. . Should we turn around? One or two probably turned away, but one man was at least curious. Always soaking wet, get water resistant everything. No spirit, no success. Utah St. George Mission. (Kara), Second language, presentation skills used in business meetings, focus on goals, attention to detail and record keeping. (Nicholai), I had 4 Mission PresidentsI only officially met 2 of them. We cant wait to hear from you! The ethnicity is add broad as you will ever find. (Mariah), Getting city vendors to sell you little souvenirs for really cheap by having two of them competing with each other for your purchase. You will never be in that place with that person again. Lots of translating opportunities. We spent the next four hours walking the sisters home before we could head back to our own apartment. Seeing ancient castles and cathedrals and buildings blew my mind!! I love you, and so does the Lord. 172 Years. I would not be the same person without that growth. So I went with that mindset, and I found that the mission was the most fun that Ive ever had. It was so hard, but the people I met forever changed my life. Sharing the Gospel Online. In a recent general conference talk, President HenryB. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, quoted the First Presidency in 1840 saying, The work which has to be accomplished in the last days is one of vast importance, and will call into action the energy, skill, talent, and ability of the Saints.4 We are each where we are for a reason, and no effort consecrated to accomplishing the work of the Lord will go unnoticed by Him. We have the coolest mission song ever! Members are helpful. How to work past exhaustion. Mainly humid. Language. (Stuart), If you forget anything or need something unexpected you will have no trouble finding it in France. (Alex), My elder and I being driven to the train station by drunk strangers. (Scott), St Nazaire Sarcelles Versailles Paris Poitiers Meaux Cergy. (Aaron), Communication skills, teaching skills (especially listening! Any pastry from the bakery around the corner from the train station in Rouen. (Nicholai), Walking out of the apartment was the start of something crazy- but crazy wonderful. Never had done it. (For sisters) A coat with a hood. I learned more during my mission than 25 years of life. Be humble, be simple. The French-speaking members in Phoenix have a deep love for the Savior and strong testimonies that God knows each of His children. That part was pretty cool. (Anna), There are two separate cultures in the mission: The city culture and the countryside culture. Frequently Asked Questions. Knowing to use common sense. The first was humbling because he showed me that I was arrogant and inflexible. (Zakarias), Anything you need you can buy in France. I have a stronger testimony. During a migraine episode, we had an appointment scheduled with a non-progressing investigator with major word of wisdom issues. France Marseille Mission. Memorized the Articles of Faith. Our mission president is french. Most of which concern public transportation and drunk people, haha. (Nicholai), Be more outgoing and less afraid of making mistakes. amertune 10 yr. ago Forgot about Tahiti, even though one of my MTC teachers served there. They encourage you to learn French, and become part of their home. (Alex), Their loyalty to family and good friends. Living Life. The members are awesome. Dont make derogatory remarks about the French. (Jordan), How to speak another language. In short, it will truly be the best time of your life. Member for less than a year but almost a year. (Roberto), One day while at the church, a lady called the chapel and asked to learn more. (Anna), Beautiful, mild seasons. But at the same time, I felt some inner rush to keep hurrying to find her. Albania Tirana. So we turned the other way, and kept walking and bustling through the busy city square. Organized on 18-Jun-1850 Connecting Daughters of God with His Priesthood Power, Unlocking the Door to Personal Revelation, Grappling with Unanswered Gospel Questions, How Studying Church History Strengthens My Faith, Do You Have Questions about the Gospel? My DNA be stolen or something? Fun night! Basically love the Lord and the Gospel more than you love anything, anyone else and youll do fine. I am married with 6 children and currently serve on the High Council and I am still a missionary every day. I saw almost 50 baptisms in my 18 months. (Drew), There are many Africans in France. We were told that our street was pretty much on the line of the evacuation zone and that we could leave if we wanted but otherwise were advised to stay in our apartment until the demolition specialist from Belgium could arrive on the TGV later that afternoon. (Chloe), Drunk people on the streets were sometimes hostile. French Population. (Valan), They seem cold at first, but once they warm up to you they are super friendly. We finally ran into one of our Evangelical African friends who cast out the demon in him. I came here as a refugee, says Brother Justin Luala. (Drew), Shoes: buy for comfort, support, and durability, NEVER for fashion. Pastries. Try to keep your luggage limited, too: one large suitcase, one good backpack or carry-on piece, and a wardrobe bag for your suits/dresses. Many of the things I learned from trying to get the award helped me to understand the gospel better. I love their wildness for football and tennis. Utah Salt Lake City Mission. Likewise, there are so many people out there who try to use the secular history of Mormons as a tool of deceit, confusion, and contention. Less stuff to pack is less stuff you have to carry around and keep up with. (Dennis), People, natural vegetation, culture. (Jordan), Pain au chocolat, religiouse; quiche. (Scott), This happened twice on mission. (Douglas), Every baptism was such a spiritual experience. Heres a link to the mission map for the ParisMission (LDS). DC North Graff/Gottfredson 1992-98 Group. We were encouraging our amie to stop smoking and thought we were saying it would be more pleasant for her husband kissing her if she stopped. I told myself one more time he hits me he is going to to get the Book of Mormon across his head. (Doug), Getting stuck in metro doors. (Bryan), Cold wet winters. Later, her daughter and sister also joined. HUMOR AND SPIRIT ARE POWERFUL TOOLS in making relationships work. We really should have gotten off, shouldnt we! He was quite disheveled, and asked if he should dress up a little we said, if you want to! I loved learning about the French and African cultures I loved the history and sites everywhere I served. (Aaron), Resilience, hard work, language, friendship. I cant remember exactly how late it was, but the out of town companionships had to wait until well after dinner time before the trains were even up and running again so they could return home for the night. (Jeffrey), Nantes, Rennes, Poitier, Bourges, Tours, Reims, Antony, Sarcelles. Hot summers (Anonymous), Wet and cold most of the year and hot and humid in the summer. (Kale), Dont worry too much about getting Everything before you leave there are markets with skirts and dresses, big shoe stores for when your shoes wear out, their styles are similar, and members and investigators will be happy to direct you on your P day to find more clothes. Missionaries (frequently with the help of family and friends) fund their own missions an approximate cost of $10,000 to $12,000 per missionary. After getting the huge table through the doors, the instructor repeated tableau so I could make the connection that I got the wrong item. It was very embarrassing. (Alex), Rainy, warm in country/cities, very rainy. Still, the work is a daily challenge. The Paris mission is awesome. (Chloe), Any kind of cheese and bread and Greque kebabs. (Matt), My family has grown much stronger together! So much time immersed in the scriptures, I got to know them so much better 2. It was a dangerous part of town, but we were just going to the train. Sometimes it was foggy and so cold you couldnt wear enough clothes to stay warm. That feeling of love was astounding. (Doug), Pain au chocolat (Nantes) Falafel (Paris 4eme) Baozi (Paris Rue Au Maire 3eme) Banh Mi (Paris 13eme) Gaufres (Bruxelles) Kebab Poulet (18eme, Rue Marx Dormoy) Any McDonalds (really good in Europe). basically serving in Nogent was 10 months of a fantastic spiritual experience that has continued ever since. Machine washable clothes are always best (dry cleaners arent always available). (Douglas), I love their love and pride in their culture and continual quest to perfect their language. Sometimes I would directly translate English to French and confuse people too haha. (Mariah), Kabobs, fajitas, cheese, raqulette, burritos, crepes, Charlotte au chocolate, baguette with butter and chocolate and chocolate. (Chloe), Dont worry about trying to express everything that you want to say. The members preparing his name for temple work, the bishop emailing me a year after his death to tell me that he had personally done the proxy temple ordinances in Jean-Claudes name. IMO (Dennis), If you obey, work and communicate openly with your companion, you will be happy. *Click here to browse Paris Mission gifts. But then she turned towards me and she said, this is the most beautiful street!! Foofoo. to LDS Mission Network (LDSMN Official Donation Page) Number of records: Alumni: 3108: . 4 seasons without the extremes you get in the Midwest. I trained Elder Jeffs. Brussels is the city of miracles and Nogent is a dream. (Jeffrey), You will teach mostly African immigrants. The cities are full of people from every country imaginable. The next day, we were notified from our Mission President that missionaries were no longer to hold Halloween parties in any way whatsoever. (Jordan), It rains a lot in France! Was in 3 missions, all transfers were by airplane. 131 Blvd Carnot (Matt), Having my last lesson on my mission where our golden investigator told us a story where he met 2 young men in white shirts and ties that gave him a book that forever changed his life and his families. (Dennis), One day we stopped a girl in the center of La Rochelle, we had a chat about the Gospel, she told us she had relatives who are Latter-day Saints. A language and an extra degree. On Halloween, we decided to show the French what a real Halloween was like. (Alex), The ability to speak and teach without having every word written out. How to see others in a different light and to love them and feel compassion for them. Just trust in the Lord. Always stay hydrated, always have a water bottle on you. Not only was I blessed with the chance to develop near-native fluency in French during my time serving, but I developed a literary fluency in most of the Romance Languages along the way. Avoid accumulating things on your mission. (Kara), I mistakenly told a member in the hospital that I was glad that she smelled better, rather than feeling better. How to serve and make amazing friends. There are a lot of micro climates. This is true for all those who have the desire to serve. So are the Africans! I just waited until the last possible month to earn it. (Merrilyn), I never ate cheese in my life. Miss those things dearly. That lead to us teaching he and his girlfriend. There are a lot of tourists in Paris, but also a lot of castles and country side outside of Paris. (Nicholai), Talked to strangers. Dont contend with them, but always be able to inform them where they can readily find accurate information and that youre always happy to teach them more about the Church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Jordan), More confidence in myself. The best was in Nantes or Bordeaux where we met in a three story house. (Kara), Spent a year in Rouen.it rained a lot. You can find happiness in anything if you want to. Very little snow (winter in Orleans). (Valan), Threw up in garbage can at metro stop after eating flour and water for dinner. (Doug), Congratulated a person for having been robbed. (Kale), I would shore up your testimony and knowledge of the Gospel and Book of Mormon. *Simply click on a shirt design to view the details and submit an order. Cheese. (Nicholai), Finding Jean-Claude at a bus station and seeing his life change in just 3 weeks. I hope I get to go back as a couple missionary. (Paul), Kebab. (Doug), Seeing peoples lives change through reading the Book of Mormon with an open heart and mind. (Kara), Finding ourselves in the middle of an anti-war protest. We were thinking the same thing. We had an elder from England who had not done language training. We all spent the day in our apartment, having our meeting there in our living room, followed by a big lunch. (Stuart), Cholet (twice), Troyes, Coutances, Aulnay-sous-Bois, le Vesinet, Tours. The following statement from presidents of the German-speaking LDS missions in 1958 was intended to discourage immigration, but the disappointments and difficulties of employment it describes were often real enough: . Study skills. (Paul), Youre girlfriend will NOT wait for you. I love how particular they can be, and how they say hello to every person in the room before they sit down. Courage, empathy, being able to work hard. The French people are incredible! We used a translator. Cold in the winter, but it never snowed. All over the world, God has called His children to serve in capacities where they can help bring the knowledge of a Savior to the people around them. (Mariah), I packed all the stuff on the list and used almost everything. (Merrilyn), Learned a new language. The Gift of Tongues is a very real and very beautiful thing, I can testify to that. You never know what the Lord has in store for the friendships you build with members and investigators. After the law granting religious freedom was passed in 1967, an independent Spanish branch was organized in Madrid. (Doug), Tamil riot near La Chapelle that we had to cross in order to get home. Thermal ones! (Merrilyn), Learn how to provide good reasons to believe in God without resorting to Bible/Book of Mormon/Prayer (which are all great ways to learn of God but some/most people need a logical reason to believe in a Higher Power at all. Also, most of our transfers were by train, not automobile. (Elsa), A gypsy kid stole my companions cheeseburger at one of the McDonalds on Rue Ste. (Scott), The history was amazing!!! Charles E. Jones (1990-93) Group, Paris Mission- Dennis K. Brown (1996-99) Group, Paris Mission Heber M. Thompson (1993-96) Group, Paris Mission Moms and Friends (LDS) Group, Paris Mission- President Johnson (1987-90) Group, 30 Funny French Language Mistakes LDS Missionaries Have Made, Things That Keep People From Recording Their Lifey (And Why They Shouldn't), Paris, Orlans, Cergy-Pontoise, Caen, and Cherbourg. (Anna), A lady answered the door in a robe and looked directly into my eyes and said, You have beautiful eyes. (Matt), Too many to count. Like when someone disses someone and you say Burn! well I said Brul (burn) and found out that doesnt work too well. (Scott), Organization, being bold, self discipline, diligence, hard work, following the spirit, studying scriptures, working with others. Thankfully, this work isnt ours. I Had Left the Church. I was a part of many individuals accepting the gospel and joining the church. Dont assume they dont understand you if you are speaking in English together. Just when we were starting to talk, she jumped up and ran to the door This is my stop! Missionary Preparation. Believe that everything will work out and dont worry so much. Love the people and dont judge others :)(Jordan), Read the scriptures out loud in the language. She said she was hoping to talk with us more, and what a miracle it was that we just appeared! (Mariah), Had a great companionship study in the morning and really felt the Spirit. Dont hold yourself back. No clue why but he then proceeded to yell at us and we just walked away. Oh yeah and raw hamburger. I dont know if they ever got baptized, but I was definitely prompted to talk to him. If you do, He will frustrate it and show you the right path. Trying different foods. Dress and Grooming. But he followed me and came straight up to me with scissors and took off a few inches of a chunk of my long red hair and scurried away.