Being Set Apart as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

June 3, 2104

The night before she reported to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo, Utah, Ashley was set apart as a missionary by our stake president (local church leader). Being set apart means, “To be selected and consecrated for holy purposes. This appointment is to a specific service within the Church organization by the laying on of hands by someone who has the proper authority." Once she was set apart, her mission officially started. She received the right and privilege to represent the Lord. She also received a ministerial certificate to verify her authority to government institutions.

One of our prophets, Spencer W. Kimball said, "The setting apart may be taken literally; it is a setting apart from sin, apart from the carnal; apart from everything which is crude, low, vicious, cheap, or vulgar; set apart from the world to a higher plane of thought and activity."
Essentially, Ashley is leaving behind all worldly and personal affairs and dedicating the next 18 months solely to serving the Lord and the people around her. As a family, we were excited to be with her as became "Sister Alley": full time missionary.

Flashback: Receiving the Call

Flashback to February 2014: Totally stalked the mailman for days. I think
he was close to taking out a restraining order. Good thing my call finally arrived on February 8th! (Looks like someone was trying to peek at my call. haha Naw. It just came that way.)

Rice krispie treat earth courtesy of mom ;)

A bit shocked at my call, but excited! Thailand Bangkok Mission here I come!

Group hug

May 18, 2014

Just a little over two weeks before I enter the MTC to start my missionary service and I am finding that the nerves are starting to kick in. Don't get me wrong, I am very excited to be going on a mission, but [as with most life-changing events] the excitement is coupled with nervousness and a healthy dose of anxiety (if anxiety could ever be considered "healthy"). I have always prided myself on handling change fairly well, but this leap is a bit more daunting than I expected.

However, in those moments where I find myself a little bit on edge, I remember that "fear is the opposite of faith" and reflect on those intense feelings of peace and assurance when I first opened my mission call.

Many people do not realize that a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no control over where he/she will be assigned to serve. During the application process, potential missionaries can indicate if they have a desire to learn a language, but their answer in no way guarantees placement abroad or the opportunity to speak a new language. Once the papers are completed, they are sent to the church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. There the information contained within is examined by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; prayerful consideration is given to each individual missionary and through divine revelation a mission location is assigned. [For more information on this process, please see: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/the-divine-call-of-a-missionary?lang=eng ]

When I received my call, I had (and still have) a firm testimony and understanding that my location assignment came directly from God through one of His servants on the earth today. The Thailand Bangkok Mission happens to be the place where the Lord knows I will grow and mature the most, where I will meet the specific people I need to meet, and where I will come closer to becoming the person He needs me to be. Each time I start to feel the nerves closing in, I remember and reflect upon this knowledge. It is a source of both strength and comfort. Knowledge is such a powerful thing.