Mormon question

[TheMightyFavog]

Specifically my question is about the assignment of missionaries:

Do the kids of rich Mormons tend to be more likely to get to be assigned to places like Paris, London, Berlin, Hawaii, barbados, etc while the lest well to do kids end up in places like Dogpatch, Alabma, Middle of the Outback, Australia or somewherea poorer African, South American or Asian nation?

[goclark]

1. Interesting question

Fits the Rmoney profile ~ Rich Mormans could send their children on a fancy vacation.

[Bluenorthwest]

2. What I know of LDS and missionaries is that for my entire lifetime they come to my door simply

pleading to discuss their faith and yet the moment Mitt's campaign started, suddenly it was rude to ask a question about their faith. So they can come unasked, repeatedly for years and beg for questions, but when you actually want to question them, they act offended. The contradiction is so extreme that it indicates dishonesty on their part as a whole.

[SDjack]

3. Surely, the Mormon Church organization can't be influenced by rMoney.

In 1990, I had a long talk with two Mormon missionaries in Washington, DC. They were working the violent area around South Capitol and M Streets. They were BYU grads and were the sons of ignorant farmers, who were the sons of ignorant farmers, etc. They revealed that all of their ancestors as far as they could trace had committed to Mormonism as children. That is, they all had made this decision using information and encouragement from ignorant farmers who had made their own decision as children. It was only two guys, but I concluded that the sons of ignorant farmers get assigned to dangerous areas in big cities. I recommended that they give it up and become atheists, but hey, I'm no missionary for atheism, so my heart wasn't broken when they declined my help. So, I went into the Chinese restaurant at Waterside, had a beer, and forgot all about them until today.

[coalition_unwilling]

4. Nice! I've never engaged any of them in a conversation, so it's interesting

hearing about your encounter.

Hope the Chinese food was good.

[DCKit]

5. If it was at Jenny's, then probably not.

The food at their new (10 years?) location is much better.

[IdaBriggs]

6. Money and "being rich" have nothing to do with assignments that I am aware of --

The families of the missionaries pay a monthly stipend (I believe it is currently $400'ish) per month. This covers their food, housing and transportation during the course of their mission. Since some places cost more and some cost less, everything averages out.

They also go through orientation/training, and are evaluated where they would best be of service - languages spoken/understood, health, etc. (I believe) are all considered. (Spanish speaking has sent a lot of young missionaries to the south-east Michigan area!) They rotate through several different roles and multiple locations during the 22 months (on average), and are only allowed to "phone home" (although writing letters is encouraged) a few times a year. They also don't watch television or read anything except scripture during that time, as they are strictly concentrating on service to others and their faith.

ON EDIT: The rules are ones they follow *for themselves*; there are no "missionary police" making them do this, but the rules are clearly understood when they sign up. Also, they can quit anytime, with no questions asked. END EDIT

It isn't easy for them, but it does give them an excellent ability to speak clearly about what is important to them, face rejection with calm acceptance, and still show respect for others, even when they aren't being respected themselves.

I have always been impressed by the young missionaries we have been acquainted with; taking two years out of your life in service to your faith and others is something I admire.

Also, while they are very picky about even giving the "appearance" of impropriety - (ex: male missionaries will not be alone in a house with a woman without some form of chaperonage to protect against charges of misconduct by anyone), they are always willing to "provide service" to those who request it. This means they will gladly rake leaves/shovel side walks for seniors (even not of their faith), make sure appropriate people are notified if someone requires food/clothing assistance, and pretty much anything else reasonable you could ask of them.

Disclosure: We have been feeding young missionaries for 20 years.