My count was 23 BYU kids were missionaries

[CougarBacker]

I have some idea. I can read. There's this funny thing about information, it's widely available and often used to prove someone's narrative is complete bull .

Of the 57 football players serving missions, 29 are in First World Countries, and most of those in America.


http://byucougars.com/m-football/missionaries


Missionaries

One of the first questions Bronco Mendenhall was asked after becoming the head coach at BYU was what he thought about the missionary program and if he felt it helped or hurt the BYU football program.

“Serving missions is what makes this team, this university and the Church unique,” Mendenhall said. “These unique characteristics are based upon sound principles and values. Why would we not embrace them?”

Brigham Young University is owned and operated by The Church of of Latter-day Saints. The missionary emphasis of the Church is perhaps one of its most recognized characteristics. Since the organization of the Church in 1830, over one million missionaries have served.

The Church operates 405 missions around the world in 145 nations speaking 164 languages. A mission covers a geographic area and has a central headquarters. Each is presided over by a mission president who is called from the ranks of the Church membership to serve for a period of three years. The mission president directs the work of the missionaries assigned to his mission.

More than 70,000 missionaries representing The Church of of Latter-day Saints are serving proselytizing missions in 330 missions around the world. Seventy-five percent of the Church’s proselytizing missionaries are young men between the ages of 18 and 26. A substantial number of young women and older couples also serve proselytizing missions.

Missionaries work long hours—seven days a week for two years or 18 months for women and couples—teaching the Gospel of and participating in community service.

In addition, about 23,000 individuals (including couples) are given special service assignments. Health specialists and doctors go to developing countries where the Church’s health services program teaches preventive care. Craftsmen, artisans and construction supervisors train members in local building projects. Agricultural experts train people to produce food more effectively and economically. Other mission assignments include education, family history research and leadership training.

The missionaries and/or their families donate money to the Church to pay for their personal expenses. When his or her assignment is completed, the missionary returns home to pursue vocational, academic or other personal goals. Aside from their brief orientation at a missionary training center, missionaries receive little formal training for their ministry. Missionary preparation comes primarily from personal study and, in many cases, from examples taught in the home from childhood.

The Church of of Latter-day Saints was officially organized on April 6, 1830 with six members. Today, congregations of the Church are found in more than 160 nations and territories. With over 13 million members, it is one of the fastest growing religions in the world and one of the largest Christian churches in the United States.

The Church of of Latter-day Saints is Christian, but is neither Catholic nor Protestant. Rather, it is a restoration of the original church established by . For more information on the beliefs of the Church of of Latter-day Saints, visit www.lds.org.

COUGARS CURRENTLY SERVING

PLAYER MISSION LOCATION
Brian Rawlinson Auckland New Zealand
Peter Welsh Argentina Rosario
Kesni Tausinga Figi Suva
Matt Sumsion Mississippi Jackson
Alex Leonard Scotland/Ireland
Hunter Moore Ohio Columbus
Adam Pulsipher Chile Rancagua
Tanner Balderree England Leeds
Austin Heder Canada Montreal
Ului Lapuaho Australia Sydney
Graham Rowley Illinois Chicago
Travis Tuilama Western Samoa Apia
Baker Pritchard Hawaii Honolulu
Va'a Nuimatalolo Utah St. George
Corbin Kaufusi Korea Seoul
Corey Edwards Taiwan Taipei
Colby Jorgensen Canada Calgary
Gavin Fowler California Long Beach
McCoy Hill Texas McAllen
Steven Richards New York New York North
Grant Jones Nevada Las Vegas West
Manu Mulitalo Oklahoma Tulsa
Colby Hansen Chile Concepcion South
Troy Hinds Mississippi Jackson
Phillip Amone Chile Osorno
Moses Kaumatule California Oakland
Ryan Jensen Chile Concepcion
Rhett Sandlin Tennessee Nashville
Tyson Brook Arizona Mesa
Dylan Collie Virginia Richmond
Morgan Unga Virginia Richmond
Zachary Saunders Argentina Neuquen
Quin Ficklin New York New York North
Sawyer Powell Uruguay Montevideo
Micah Hannemann California Carlsbad
Roman Andrus Mexico Monterey West
Nate Sampson California Roseville
Austin Hoyt Colorado Denver North
Bryan Engstrom Canada Calgary
Matt Hadley Brazil Salvador South
Brayden El-Bakri Uruguary Monevideo West
Butch Pauu Honduras Tegucigalpa
Moroni Laulu-Pututau Chile Antofagasta
Lene Lesatele Phillipines Naga
Taumata Tofi Phillipines Manila
Connor Noe Chile Concepcion
Daniel Lacey Uruguary Montevideo
Talon Shumway Texas McAllen
Nathan DuBeikes England Birmingham
Alex Kuresa Samoa Apia
Tanner Magnum Chile Antofogasta
Inoke Lotulelei Mexico Juarez
Francis Bernard Georgia Atlanta
Taggart Krueger Phillipines Quezon City North
Creed Richardson Costa Rica San Jose
Josh Weeks Washington Kennewick
Trevor Brown Adriatic North

 

[CougarBacker]

I think his point is that no matter where a missionary is serving, they are not "sneaking workouts in". They have a very regimented schedule, which does not include "working out".

Also, whenever these arguments come up it makes me laugh that some guys will say, "BYU's 24-26 year olds vs. our 18 year olds". Honestly, how many 18 year olds are actually starting on your team vs. 24-26 year olds starting for BYU? Outside of QB, just about every BYU offensive weapon has not served a mission and is therefore not in their mid 20's. And I doubt that UCONN is starting a team of teenagers.

 

[BYUBurr]

Just so we are clear. The idea that all these guys are in some dirt poor village in the a 3rd world country is patently false.

SOME are.

Others are in NYC, Columbus OH, Las Vegas, Jackson MS, Atlanta GA, Oakland CA, Denver CO, Carlsbad CA, Texas, Montreal Quebec, Leeds England, Birmingham England, Scotland/Ireland, Tulsa Oklahoma, Richmond VA, Nashville TN...

I didn't count each one, but roughly half their missionaries are not in third world countries. And just because one is in Argentina, Honduras. Uruguay doesn't automatically mean they are hundreds of miles from civilization. They could be, but it's not a given.

I'm sure they work very hard during their missions. But it can't be that difficult to sneak a work out in 5 days a week living in NYC, Atlanta, Nashville, or any of the other dozen major cities they are living in for two years.

http://byucougars.com/m-football/missionaries

Valid points. Not every missionary serves in third world countries. I would say the ratio is about 50/50.

However, even missionaries that serve in the developed world are unable to work out regularly due to the strict regimen that missionaries adhere to. Missionaries really only get one day a week (called a "preparation day") where they can schedule activities other than scripture study, proselytizing, and other forms of missionary work. Even on preparation days it's nearly impossible to "sneak" in a workout due to the fact that missionaries have to use their preparation days to catch up on the things they neglect throughout the previous week (laundry, shopping, cleaning, writing letters, etc.).

Missionaries don't have gym memberships. They aren't carrying around sets of weights, either. LDS missionaries are frequently transferred between areas within their mission boundaries, often hundreds of miles from one location to another...they typically don't have access workout equipment of any sort. They can't just walk out the door and leave their companions to workout whenever the feel like it, either.

It's hard for most people (even members of the LDS faith who haven't served full-time missions) to fathom the lives of LDS missionaries. I totally understand how those who haven't experienced an LDS mission might view missionary service as an advantage in athletic development, but, reality is far different than common perception.

Beyond the difficulties that come from spending two years away from the game and away from physical conditioning, there is the disruption of continuity within the program that comes as scores of missionaries depart and return every year. I know it may be hard from those on the outside to believe it, but, as someone who has had a number of friends and family members serve missions and play football for BYU, I believe the LDS missionary program has an overall negative impact on the BYU football program.

 

[BlueMAB]

I think his point is that no matter where a missionary is serving, they are not "sneaking workouts in". They have a very regimented schedule, which does not include "working out".

You guys are so full of it.

https://www.mtc.byu.edu/miss-whattoknow.htm#family

What should I bring to the MTC? top
Bring the following when you come to the MTC:

• Items on the mission clothing list sent from the Missionary Department
• Soap and towel
• Appropriate exercise clothing (five gym periods per week, one laundry day)
• Warm clothing (if you will be at the MTC during the winter months)
• At least one suit (for elders)
• Current temple recommend
• Money for personal items and, if necessary, transportation from the airport (See How Will My Expenses be Handled ?)
• Government issued photo ID (i.e. driver's license, passport, military ID, etc.) This ID is required by airport authorities.

 

[atlcougar]

My thoughts:

1. From a physical standpoint it helps O-line, and hurts everyone else--especially skill positions.
2. From a maturity standpoint it helps all players
3. From a mental toughness standpoint it helps all players
4. From a coach's recruiting standpoint it is a nightmare. Can you imagine recruiting someone not knowing if he will take his two year mission--that if he decides to go that you will hold his scholarship--that when he comes back he may or may not play--and if he does play he may or may not get back into football shape and mental mode. It's an absolute headache to try to recruit to fill needs in your team when you have no idea what your roster may look like! That means that kids from first contact can be "in the program" for up to 7 years! It's tough.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[sdhusky]

Also, whenever these arguments come up it makes me laugh that some guys will say, "BYU's 24-26 year olds vs. our 18 year olds". Honestly, how many 18 year olds are actually starting on your team vs. 24-26 year olds starting for BYU? Outside of QB, just about every BYU offensive weapon has not served a mission and is therefore not in their mid 20's. And I doubt that UCONN is starting a team of teenagers.

I would imagine its the line where the physical maturity of a 25 year old vs. 19 year old would have the biggest impact, not at the skill positions.

 

[sdhusky]

You guys are so full of it.

https://www.mtc.byu.edu/miss-whattoknow.htm#family

What should I bring to the MTC? top
Bring the following when you come to the MTC:

• Items on the mission clothing list sent from the Missionary Department
• Soap and towel
• Appropriate exercise clothing (five gym periods per week, one laundry day)
• Warm clothing (if you will be at the MTC during the winter months)
• At least one suit (for elders)
• Current temple recommend
• Money for personal items and, if necessary, transportation from the airport (See How Will My Expenses be Handled ?)
• Government issued photo ID (i.e. driver's license, passport, military ID, etc.) This ID is required by airport authorities.

You are being an

The gym periods are hardly heavy lifting periods. Have you ever talked with anyone who has gone on a mission or are you an internet genius on this subject.

I suspect that the BYU posters know more than you about what goes on during the missions.

 

[atlcougar]

You guys are so full of it.

https://www.mtc.byu.edu/miss-whattoknow.htm#family

What should I bring to the MTC? top
Bring the following when you come to the MTC:

• Items on the mission clothing list sent from the Missionary Department
• Soap and towel
• Appropriate exercise clothing (five gym periods per week, one laundry day)
• Warm clothing (if you will be at the MTC during the winter months)
• At least one suit (for elders)
• Current temple recommend
• Money for personal items and, if necessary, transportation from the airport (See How Will My Expenses be Handled ?)
• Government issued photo ID (i.e. driver's license, passport, military ID, etc.) This ID is required by airport authorities.

The Missionary Training Center (MTC) is for a 2 week period if you are serving stateside and a 2 month period if you are going foreign speaking. There is designated time for physical activity which, if I remember correctly, is 1 hour long each weekday. Typically missionaries play basketball or soccer.

Once you are out on your mission, you have either 30 min or 1 hour (I can't remember) in your outlined daily routine to exercise. This is scheduled in the morning around 7 a.m. I believe. My experience is that the kids that choose to do this 2 years are devoted to their faith and put their focus into doing missionary service. The other parts of their lives and other interests are put on hold.

Oh, and you have one day/week which is called a Preparation Day where you write letters home, email, do your laundry, shop at the market, and often the missionaries get together in groups to do some kind of activity. Sometimes its sports related. That starts at 9 a.m. and is over around 6 maybe? Usually that day is on a Monday.

It's been a long time since I served my mission in Kenya and Tanzania so my details might be a little off.

I only post this to point out that missions are not times to "beef up" physically. If a missionary is following the rules, then there is just no time for that whatsoever.

Bronco embraces missions and encourages his players to take them--not for football purposes but because he feels like experiences like missions contribute greatly to the character of an individual and he is raising young men first--football players second.

My 2 cents, once again...

Tomorrow can't come soon enough.

 

[sdhusky]

4. From a coach's recruiting standpoint it is a nightmare. Can you imagine recruiting someone not knowing if he will take his two year mission--that if he decides to go that you will hold his scholarship--that when he comes back he may or may not play--and if he does play he may or may not get back into football shape and mental mode. It's an absolute headache to try to recruit to fill needs in your team when you have no idea what your roster may look like! That means that kids from first contact can be "in the program" for up to 7 years! It's tough.

Just my 2 cents.

Double edge sword. You get kids from places like Greenwich CT because they are LDS. You have a big advantage with LDS kids everywhere.

BYU is a very unique program.

 

[BYUBurr]

You guys are so full of it.

https://www.mtc.byu.edu/miss-whattoknow.htm#family

What should I bring to the MTC? top
Bring the following when you come to the MTC:

• Items on the mission clothing list sent from the Missionary Department
• Soap and towel
• Appropriate exercise clothing (five gym periods per week, one laundry day)
• Warm clothing (if you will be at the MTC during the winter months)
• At least one suit (for elders)
• Current temple recommend
• Money for personal items and, if necessary, transportation from the airport (See How Will My Expenses be Handled ?)
• Government issued photo ID (i.e. driver's license, passport, military ID, etc.) This ID is required by airport authorities.

That's the MTC (Missionary Training Center), man. Missionaries are only there for a few weeks to a couple months (depending on whether they receive foreign language training or not) at the beginning of their two year service. They are given 5 "gym periods" a week to play basketball, dodgeball, or whatever else they want because they literally sit on their rear ends studying the scriptures, church doctrine, teaching methods, a foreign language, or eating for about 10 hours a day. These "gym periods" are nothing more than school recesses. They're not workouts by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[AZHuskiePop]

I have some idea. I can read. There's this funny thing about information, it's widely available and often used to prove someone's narrative is complete bull .

Of the 57 football players serving missions, 29 are in First World Countries, and most of those in America.


http://byucougars.com/m-football/missionaries


Missionaries

One of the first questions Bronco Mendenhall was asked after becoming the head coach at BYU was what he thought about the missionary program and if he felt it helped or hurt the BYU football program.

“Serving missions is what makes this team, this university and the Church unique,” Mendenhall said. “These unique characteristics are based upon sound principles and values. Why would we not embrace them?”

Brigham Young University is owned and operated by The Church of of Latter-day Saints. The missionary emphasis of the Church is perhaps one of its most recognized characteristics. Since the organization of the Church in 1830, over one million missionaries have served.

The Church operates 405 missions around the world in 145 nations speaking 164 languages. A mission covers a geographic area and has a central headquarters. Each is presided over by a mission president who is called from the ranks of the Church membership to serve for a period of three years. The mission president directs the work of the missionaries assigned to his mission.

More than 70,000 missionaries representing The Church of of Latter-day Saints are serving proselytizing missions in 330 missions around the world. Seventy-five percent of the Church’s proselytizing missionaries are young men between the ages of 18 and 26. A substantial number of young women and older couples also serve proselytizing missions.

Missionaries work long hours—seven days a week for two years or 18 months for women and couples—teaching the Gospel of and participating in community service.

In addition, about 23,000 individuals (including couples) are given special service assignments. Health specialists and doctors go to developing countries where the Church’s health services program teaches preventive care. Craftsmen, artisans and construction supervisors train members in local building projects. Agricultural experts train people to produce food more effectively and economically. Other mission assignments include education, family history research and leadership training.

The missionaries and/or their families donate money to the Church to pay for their personal expenses. When his or her assignment is completed, the missionary returns home to pursue vocational, academic or other personal goals. Aside from their brief orientation at a missionary training center, missionaries receive little formal training for their ministry. Missionary preparation comes primarily from personal study and, in many cases, from examples taught in the home from childhood.

The Church of of Latter-day Saints was officially organized on April 6, 1830 with six members. Today, congregations of the Church are found in more than 160 nations and territories. With over 13 million members, it is one of the fastest growing religions in the world and one of the largest Christian churches in the United States.

The Church of of Latter-day Saints is Christian, but is neither Catholic nor Protestant. Rather, it is a restoration of the original church established by . For more information on the beliefs of the Church of of Latter-day Saints, visit www.lds.org.

COUGARS CURRENTLY SERVING

PLAYER MISSION LOCATION
Brian Rawlinson Auckland New Zealand
Peter Welsh Argentina Rosario
Kesni Tausinga Figi Suva
Matt Sumsion Mississippi Jackson
Alex Leonard Scotland/Ireland
Hunter Moore Ohio Columbus
Adam Pulsipher Chile Rancagua
Tanner Balderree England Leeds
Austin Heder Canada Montreal
Ului Lapuaho Australia Sydney
Graham Rowley Illinois Chicago
Travis Tuilama Western Samoa Apia
Baker Pritchard Hawaii Honolulu
Va'a Nuimatalolo Utah St. George
Corbin Kaufusi Korea Seoul
Corey Edwards Taiwan Taipei
Colby Jorgensen Canada Calgary
Gavin Fowler California Long Beach
McCoy Hill Texas McAllen
Steven Richards New York New York North
Grant Jones Nevada Las Vegas West
Manu Mulitalo Oklahoma Tulsa
Colby Hansen Chile Concepcion South
Troy Hinds Mississippi Jackson
Phillip Amone Chile Osorno
Moses Kaumatule California Oakland
Ryan Jensen Chile Concepcion
Rhett Sandlin Tennessee Nashville
Tyson Brook Arizona Mesa
Dylan Collie Virginia Richmond
Morgan Unga Virginia Richmond
Zachary Saunders Argentina Neuquen
Quin Ficklin New York New York North
Sawyer Powell Uruguay Montevideo
Micah Hannemann California Carlsbad
Roman Andrus Mexico Monterey West
Nate Sampson California Roseville
Austin Hoyt Colorado Denver North
Bryan Engstrom Canada Calgary
Matt Hadley Brazil Salvador South
Brayden El-Bakri Uruguary Monevideo West
Butch Pauu Honduras Tegucigalpa
Moroni Laulu-Pututau Chile Antofagasta
Lene Lesatele Phillipines Naga
Taumata Tofi Phillipines Manila
Connor Noe Chile Concepcion
Daniel Lacey Uruguary Montevideo
Talon Shumway Texas McAllen
Nathan DuBeikes England Birmingham
Alex Kuresa Samoa Apia
Tanner Magnum Chile Antofogasta
Inoke Lotulelei Mexico Juarez
Francis Bernard Georgia Atlanta
Taggart Krueger Phillipines Quezon City North
Creed Richardson Costa Rica San Jose
Josh Weeks Washington Kennewick
Trevor Brown Adriatic North

Adriatic North?
Is he doing Missionary work in Venice ? How did he get that assignment?
Not exactly New Guinea.
I worked with a guy who did his mission in Sweden.
The most difficult thing he found was supporting yourself in a high cost of living country. Your suppose to be pretty much self-sustaining at least according to him.
The Swedish indifference to religion was also a problem.

 

[atlcougar]

Double edge sword. You get kids from places like Greenwich CT because they are LDS. You have a big advantage with LDS kids everywhere.

BYU is a very unique program.

Yep. BYU is definitely a great draw for certain types of kids. And Bronco sells it as a positive, of course. He wants to actively recruit kids who WANT to be here for other reasons outside of just football.

I was speaking more specifically how to manage your recruiting and roster. If not managed carefully I can see the coaches saying, "Holy crap, with incoming freshman plus incoming return missionaries we have 30 linebackers on the team". lol. I've heard Bronco talk about how hard it is to manage depth in all positions. Balance. That's all I was saying.

 

[BYUBurr]

Double edge sword. You get kids from places like Greenwich CT because they are LDS. You have a big advantage with LDS kids everywhere.

BYU is a very unique program.

It's true. BYU lands a certain number of high profile recruits from various parts of the country because of their affiliation with the LDS church. There's no way we would have as many heavily recruited, 4* rated national prospects (like Kyle Van Noy, Taysom Hill, Bronson Kafusi, Adam Hine, Harvey Langi, Alani Fua, Ross Apo, Zac Stout, Fred Warner, etc, etc.) if they weren't Mormon. They would be playing at USC, Oregon, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Texas, and Florida if BYU didn't have a religious angle in their recruitment.

 

[BYUBurr]

Adriatic North?
Is he doing Missionary work in Venice ? How did he get that assignment?
Not exactly New Guinea.
I worked with a guy who did his mission in Sweden.
The most difficult thing he found was supporting yourself in a high cost of living country. Your suppose to be pretty much self-sustaining at least according to him.
The Swedish indifference to religion was also a problem.

The Adriatic North Mission of the LDS Church is comprised of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina, and Serbia. I think Venice is in the Milan, Italy Mission. Unfortunately, LDS missionaries have no control over where the are assigned to labor .

Full-time missionaries are typically supported financially by their families (my mom and dad put three kids through full-time missions...I don't even want to know how much it cost them), but some are supported by the church's general missionary fund.

 

[JimmerJammer]

Like I said.

 

[Pudge]

See - I still don't think it's an excuse. Larry's falling into their narrative.

The Missionary Training Center (MTC) is for a 2 week period if you are serving stateside and a 2 month period if you are going foreign speaking. There is designated time for physical activity which, if I remember correctly, is 1 hour long each weekday. Typically missionaries play basketball or soccer.

Once you are out on your mission, you have either 30 min or 1 hour (I can't remember) in your outlined daily routine to exercise. This is scheduled in the morning around 7 a.m. I believe. My experience is that the kids that choose to do this 2 years are devoted to their faith and put their focus into doing missionary service. The other parts of their lives and other interests are put on hold.

Oh, and you have one day/week which is called a Preparation Day where you write letters home, email, do your laundry, shop at the market, and often the missionaries get together in groups to do some kind of activity. Sometimes its sports related. That starts at 9 a.m. and is over around 6 maybe? Usually that day is on a Monday.

It's been a long time since I served my mission in Kenya and Tanzania so my details might be a little off.

I only post this to point out that missions are not times to "beef up" physically. If a missionary is following the rules, then there is just no time for that whatsoever.

Bronco embraces missions and encourages his players to take them--not for football purposes but because he feels like experiences like missions contribute greatly to the character of an individual and he is raising young men first--football players second.

My 2 cents, once again...

Tomorrow can't come soon enough.

OK ... as a competitor ...

Are there statistics on how many converts that a Team's proselytizing gains? Is the actual conversion the goal of these missions? OR ... is it really a spiritual rite of passage that serves to strengthen the Mormon community?

 

[JimmerJammer]

See - I still don't think it's an excuse. Larry's falling into their narrative.


OK ... as a competitor ...

Are there statistics on how many converts that a Team's proselytizing gains? Is the actual conversion the goal of these missions? OR ... is it really a spiritual rite of passage that serves to strengthen the Mormon community?

Not sure I understand your first question. The answer to your others: Both.

 

[atlcougar]

See - I still don't think it's an excuse. Larry's falling into their narrative.


OK ... as a competitor ...

Are there statistics on how many converts that a Team's proselytizing gains? Is the actual conversion the goal of these missions? OR ... is it really a spiritual rite of passage that serves to strengthen the Mormon community?

Great question, Pudge. I think it's both. Of course, the missionaries want to share their faith, but in the end many say that they feel like they got more out of the experience than they gave. I'm sure we can all relate to the concept of "Giver's Gain". Whether it be military service, peace corps, communities coming together in times of crisis or simple acts of kindness and service--those who give honestly and unselfishly often feel great reward personally at the end.

 

[Pudge]

There wasn't a first question. (ie. I have no idea where that first line came from.)

 

[HuskiesFan1014]

Apparently, Mormons enjoy dead horse almost as much as UCONN fans. Ugh.

 

[atlcougar]

Apparently, Mormons enjoy dead horse almost as much as UCONN fans. Ugh.

LOL

 

[JimmerJammer]

Apparently, Mormons enjoy dead horse almost as much as UCONN fans. Ugh.

I thought 4 pages was the goal?

 

[Pudge]

Apparently, Mormons enjoy dead horse almost as much as UCONN fans. Ugh.

Your 103rd post ... and this is what you come up with. Let's see your BRILLIANCE. I expect a long BL like analysis of the game by Saturday at Noon ... by Quarters.

 

[HuskiesFan1014]

Your 103rd post ... and this is what you come up with. Let's see your BRILLIANCE. I expect a long BL like analysis of the game by Saturday at Noon ... by Quarters.

I thought it was pretty good. Apparently, not brilliant, but okay.

 

[BYUBurr]

Is the actual conversion the goal of these missions? OR ... is it really a spiritual rite of passage that serves to strengthen the Mormon community?

It's both. Our missionaries are definitely laboring to "bring souls unto Christ", but, it's also an experience designed to strengthen the young men and women who engage in the work.

Because I served in a part of the world where conversions were rare, I viewed my own mission more as an opportunity to serve my fellow human beings than to convert them to a particular religious persuasion. In the end, I probably gained more from my mission experience than the people I taught and served.