The Church is in need of Senior Missionaries.  Why aren’t more couples going out, do you suppose?  Fear is probably at the top of the list.  Women, who have never served a mission, might fear the unknown.  Maybe they wonder what service of value can they provide.  Can a single senior sister serve as well as a younger sister?  Or maybe they just can’t possibly learn a new language at their age.  As I understand it, leaving children and grandchildren isn’t so much the concern now.

The church bends over backwards to offer opportunities for senior missionaries to serve.  Your Bishop has a list or you can get the list on line at www.lds.org.  There are local opportunities, far reaching opportunities, you can serve for four months, you can serve for three years, and re-up for longer in some cases.  You can serve alone or with a crowd of people.  There is so much work to be done in the kingdom, everyone should be looking at the list on a regular basis, calling to apply, packing their bags–or not, serve with their complete heart and soul, be released and repeat.

If you are guaranteed a companion you can get along with (married couples), then you don’t have anything to complain about.  You’ll figure out the mission field together.  Even the shyest person can feel secure that there are people who will watch over you and help you do what you need to get done.  There is something for everyone.  I bet you could pick a location at random and the mission there will find something for you to do.  I’ve heard way too many stories of older sisters getting through to people more than the younger missionaries; I think older people are just cozier folk.  The language thing is scary, no doubt.  But face it, the entire world knows English, more or less.  Besides that, people are usually willing to be very patient and helpful toward a person trying to communicate with them.  On top of that, we have the power of the Lord that allows us to do all things, if we believe. 

With the technology we have today, there is no reason to worry about missing out on the grandchildren (sort of).  Besides, what grandchild isn’t going to think its cool their grandparents are serving the Lord and sharing with them all these great stories of the people they are serving. 

Money might be an issue.  I don’t know what to say about that, other than desire helps us sacrifice in all the right places. 

Serving a mission as an older person is not the same as serving as a younger person.  You have much more privilege, control, flexibility and ability.  I have not met anyone who is sorry for the time they have spent in the service of the Lord.

Believe me, there is no perfect time to serve a mission.  It will always come in the middle of something.  Or, something might happen during your mission.  Some sacrifice may be required.  That’s all part of it, I’m afraid.  The Lord doesn’t ask a lot from us, but he does require all of us.

If you feel so inclined, decide today to serve a mission in the near future.  As for me and my husband, we are counting the years.