(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. (Jeffrey), Kebabs, crpes, coquilles St Jacques. The people take some getting used to but you will love them in the end. Argentina Bahia Blanca. Thermal ones! (Jordan), Riding bicycles down the hill from the supermarket with a Christmas tree tied to the back of my companion with her scarf. I served in the Fiji Suva mission, speaking French, which means I was on a island called New Caledonia the whole time. From that moment on, Brother Lualas life was changed. Alpine German-Speaking Mission. 4. There are a lot of micro climates. And high speed trains can get you anywhere you need to go within a couple hours across the country. Still, the work is a daily challenge. (Kara), I mistakenly told a member in the hospital that I was glad that she smelled better, rather than feeling better. This led me in Patience to realize that, Have a good attitude. There's also Cote d'Ivoire, and Belgium. The people outside of Paris seem more friendly to Americans than Parisians do. My grammar became worse because of the foreign language, but I learned to explain basic concepts and then building up to more complex concepts as a missionary. But times have changed and there is so much work to do! The country side is amazing. You are equals no matter what; its not a competition, nor a fashion show (3 Nephi 13:25-34). They are excellent cooks as expected. Missionary Moms & Dads DC North Mission Group. If not, they are cheap enough where you can buy a few. I was blessed with the Spirit and was able to do so sufficiently well that no one laughed at me. They love fine food, good education, good music, small gatherings, they dress nicely and are generous. Here are LDS-friendly educational videos aboutFrance. (Anonymous), Where ever you are called, serve with all your might, mind, and strength. (Doug), Congratulated a person for having been robbed. Serving missionaries, parents, and friends since 1995 . (Doug), Paris, Versailles, Nantes, Chatiillon, Pau, Tarbes, Bordeaux. (Michael), In Meaux, a Sunday School instructor asked me to get a tableau. Theres no way we can find her here! Utah Salt Lake City South Mission. We taught them most of the discussions and they attended church several times and other church activities. I learned to love a large variety of foods. The countryside is where you find more of the French people, and they vary from region and town to town. (Zakarias), Video interviews with returned missionaries, Cultural articles written by returned missionaries, aredheadmormonmissionaryinparis.blogspot.com, France Paris Mission President Pond Group, Paris Mission Pres. Each US mission has languages you are officially called to speak and then other languages that you might be asked to speak regardless of your call. 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. Read the Book of Mormon in the language. (Drew), Rain in the winter, hot in the summer- especially in Paris. I loved the people and the area. (Roberto), Speaking to others about the gospel, building relationships, leadership skills and following through on commitments, being a strong ward member, and speaking French. Missionaries: Historical Antecedents and Foundations for Current Church Policies and Institutions Lynn Henrichsen In 1830, just one language --English --was used in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. (Aaron), Communication skills, teaching skills (especially listening! (Mariah), I have some of the most amazing friends who have been able to come visit in the U.S. Racolette. Utah Salt Lake City North Mission. You need to watch where you walk. The other blessings were from the ways I grew on my mission. The cobblestone may break your wheels so try to get a strong suitcase. (Mariah), The weather depended on what part of France you were init, Little bit like Washington D.C. but without snow. (Alex), Having an Amish call and say that the Book of Mormon is true and that he wants to be baptized. (Zakarias), Kebabs. I should have just tried and learned rather than being worried about being embarrassed. It was great. (Michael), I served in Normandie so where I was it rained 295 days a year on average and was usually very cloudy. Turns out she loves family history and was full of love towards us and interested in what we did. What was the worst thing that could happen? Comfortable shoes (those flats wont last you long on the cobblestone roads!) (Roberto), My dad served in the Franco-Belge Mission 20 years earlier. I wasnt sure if I could even make it to his apartment because I was feeling so weak and he lived on the 6th floor. (Jeffrey), Teaching and investigator in french, with him replying back in English, while reading from the Arabic Book of Mormon. Serve. France has over 65 million total inhabitants; Switzerland, nearly 8 million total . Also, people enjoyed food. You were called to that area to talk to the people you will talk to for a specific reason. Hair? (Chloe), People expect good manners and you learn good manners quickly when entering homes. I want to live in a place like this. My nervousness changed to joy, and we kept walking along the road, talking to everyone that came close. Member for less than a year but almost a year. If this will happen in the future given the eternity of time ahead of us why is it not just as reasonable to conclude that this has happened in the past and that we are part of a immortal eternal race who are here on earth to learn how to make moral decisions without being forced to IE Agency. There are 346 missions in this index. It is so enriching to learn form people from every corner of the world and you can learn so much from them. One-hundred-fifty years later, in 1981, that number had grown to 71 (Deseret News 1983 Church Almanac 1982, pp. Over coming adversity. (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({}); !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) Talking to people. Here are T-shirts for the France ParisMission! You will learn sacrifice real fast. He is the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). He said that translated it meant throat support so I thought it made sense. We are members of THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF THE BLOODY LAST DAYS. Bring a shoulder bag. Chocolate. (Matt), Do not bring a lot of stuff with you from the States because you will most likely throw it away and get European clothing, and it makes transferring towns much easier when its light Trust me. (Scott), In short, I was in Amiens, my comp and I were headed home for dinner, we ran into a young man who had been possessed by a bad spirit, he took off my plaque and broke it. You will never be in that place with that person again. Dont assume they dont understand you if you are speaking in English together. (Anna), There are two separate cultures in the mission: The city culture and the countryside culture. Crepes. 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. (Kara), Second language, presentation skills used in business meetings, focus on goals, attention to detail and record keeping. You will become fluent enough. (Stuart), I suffered from debilitating migraines during my mission. (Kara), TIGHTS! Its nice to have some high quality tights/nylons and deodorant and stuff. (Doug), There are an estimated 500,000+ Chinese natives living in Paris and surrounding suburbs. What doyou wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission? Im so excited to see how it grows and now the temple is being dedicated! It was a long walk. His friend pulled him away but we were scared, partially from the sense that we were not as well protected because we had not been obedient that day. Intermittent rain that youve got to be prepared for ;). (Doug), Discipline, work ethic, study habits, spiritual study habits, organizational skills, language skills. Friends. I developed a love of linguistics which has indeed carried over into my professional career as a game artist, especially when working in iconography for user-interface design. In Europe (and especially Paris), people wear skinnier suits/pants/shirts, so youll want to either buy these beforehand or be prepared to buy them when you arrive. (Drew), Shoes: buy for comfort, support, and durability, NEVER for fashion. Both times we helped those people feel the love of God and ultimately stopped the suicide. To name two, I was blessed to learn to love people, even though I dont directly benefit in any temporal way from those people. As the sister missionaries who served in this area before us visited him and the Spirit taught him, he came to know for himself the truthfulness of the message they shared. In a revelation to Joseph Smith the Prophet in 1833, the Lord said, "For it shall come . Africa North (AN), North America (NA), and South America (SA) are abbreviated for concise column and reduction of row height for most rows. Make sure you have a mechanism by which they can attach together in case you need to book it across train stations! Almost all of these people are warm and wonderful. It always opens doors. I did not have the gift of tongues from the get go, but I learned to accept myself for mistakes. Sometimes sunny. France Marseille Mission. France, Phone Number:33-1-34-80-04-83 My scripture studies were so good, I was always learning new things, meeting amazing new people every day, in extraordinarily beautiful places, and feeling the love of the Lord every single day it was more fulfilling than I ever imagined. (Scott), I would say to ignore and not listen to anybody who tries to tell you that Europe is super hard and that you wont get hardly any baptisms. Later that night, my trainer asked me Elder, do you remember what you prayed for before we left our apartment? He was quite disheveled, and asked if he should dress up a little we said, if you want to! (Chloe), Western European oceanic climate. It was so cool to see the Spirit guiding us as we were walking having no clue what God was going to have us do. I would not be the same person without that growth. Kebab. He knows exactly where to find those who are prepared for His message, and He knows how to touch their hearts. ed. (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. France Lyon Mission. Goat cheese salads. Many of them understand English. (Valan), Love of scriptures. (Douglas), Everybody kept telling me that a mission would be so difficult, hard work, lots of rejection and stress. (Alex), The ability to speak and teach without having every word written out. (Bryan), The people are very kind and stick to themselves. My new trainee stepped on dog poop a couple of times first day. The people are nicer than what is portrayed in American media. The French are awesome people. We went around a corner and a bunch of soldiers started clapping for us. (Bryan), Almost knocked out a drunk Irish guy that kept jabbing me in the side trying to start a fight. Well, us Canadians (me) did not have a clue how wild the American missionaries would be. 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. Most of which concern public transportation and drunk people, haha. Other times, it was just having a conversation with the man in the park about death, and what he was going through. So many sacrament meetings for me were also so sacred, I felt like they were celestial room moments. See DieterF. Uchtdorf, God Will Do Something Unimaginable, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 54. (Zakarias). (Dennis), Once they opened up to you, you had a friend for life. Ratatouille. (Douglas), Every baptism was such a spiritual experience. Any things you really like about the area/people? You prayed that we would have a fruitful evening! The Lord answers prayers! (Anonymous), Great food and some very wonderful people who really dont know where to find the truth. I had a unique experience. Utah Salt Lake City East Mission. (Doug), Seeing peoples lives change through reading the Book of Mormon with an open heart and mind. Organization. (Michael), It will be the hardest thing you ever do. (Nicholai), Finding Jean-Claude at a bus station and seeing his life change in just 3 weeks. (Kara), Colombes, Evry/Grigny, Versailles, Melun, Bois Guillaume, Rouens, and Nantes. (Drew), Most of the blessings come from the friendships I made with many members, friends of the church, and even neighbors. Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service, Children and Youth: A Face to Face Event with Elder GerritW. Gong. Remember this when you are off your mission and are in the process of choosing an eternal partner. Living Life. I know that I choose my joy or sadness. Missionary Preparation. I trained Elder Jeffs. I still have a copy of the flyer the police were handing out in my mission scrapbook. Surely there will be hard and discouraging times. I learned more during my mission than 25 years of life. Libraries. (Elsa), A gypsy kid stole my companions cheeseburger at one of the McDonalds on Rue Ste. (Jeffrey), France is a beautiful country. DC North - President Dennis E. Simmons Group. Crepes. How to work past exhaustion. (Jacob), We had an investigator who was searching for something better in life. We finally ran into one of our Evangelical African friends who cast out the demon in him. Just trust in the Lord. (Stuart), I wish that I hadnt done things for competitive reasons. I love their architecture, their love of flowers and symmetry, their pride and knowledge of their history, their wisdom growing from their mistakes. Now reason thusly. The Church was legally recognized in October 1968. Pastries. Transferring up and down stairs from train to train. From opposite ends of the Pacific, we both gazed down at those words in our letters wondering, Who in Arizona needs to hear about the gospel of Jesus Christ in French?. The temporal/secular history of the Church is often many individuals only exposure to the Church, but intelligent discussion of such is often an amazingly positive and readily accessible way to reach people about the Gospel. Humanitarian Service Missionaries) Learn More Education I know Christ and his mission on earth. Loved eating escargot just so I could tell everyone back home that I ate SNAILS. (Kale), The Moloroff (speed record of 6:15). 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. When we got there it turned out that the sister missionaries where there as well. (Michael), Paris (twice), Tours, Meaux, St. Nazaire, Limoges, Cherbourg, Rennes. 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. (Zakarias), Anything you need you can buy in France. (Chloe), Do not bring clothes hangers even though the missionary preparation manuals advise it. Keep your wardrobe practical. Its nice and varied! Try to hold out for Soldes for major discounts. (Drew), Missionaries convince the greens that the slang when asking tens for help is to ask for throat support, this would be soutien gourge, however soutien-gourge actually means your asking for a bra and then they watch as people give you a weird look. 65,950,000 (July 2013 estimate) Operating. (Merrilyn), Learned a new language. (Chloe), My companion and I were street contacting in Troyes and we were stopped by a woman dressed in a volleyball uniform holding a volleyball with two holding a net. (Scott), Crepes Kebabs Gallettes Panninis Baguettes. The people who remember you most are often the companions you serve with so be good to each other. Definitely a good rain jacket and umbrella and waterproof shoes. 172 Years. Amazing ville. 131 Blvd Carnot She got baptized later, and I got to baptize and confirm her. Now my son is also serving in the same mission I know there were about 100 + missionaries and maybe 20-some sisters It was a lot smaller area than it is now. A big reason that I memorized the discussions so quickly and taught so many shallow street lessons was to be better than others. (Matt), My family has grown much stronger together! (Paul), Youre girlfriend will NOT wait for you. People will say they believe in God but they really dont act like they do. (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. Bring athletic clothes because the people love soccer. (Anna), Living & spending all your time with many different types of companions. We kept working through the crowd, and somehow, up ahead another block or two away was that bright pink. A beautiful family and peace of mind and eternal perspective. (Jacob), A stronger testimony of the Gospel. (Roberto), One day while at the church, a lady called the chapel and asked to learn more. I returned to my first city nearly a year after I entered the mission and trained a brand new missionary there. Should we turn around? (Doug), Changed every aspect of my life. (Bryan), Very atheist. (Matt), Bread and cheese, snails, sauerkraut with various meats, fries and the different sauces that France and Belgium have to offer. But after a few steps, we felt it wasnt right. This is true for all those who have the desire to serve. Dont worry about yourself and focus on the Lord and His work you will be happier. Were His people, engaged together in His holy work.3. My trainer replied Hey, Eldersonnerie means doorbell. (Zakarias), Baiser-careful!! My advice is to rely with all your heart on the Lord and you will make it. (Jeffrey), I wish I knew the language better. Product details Package Dimensions : 10 x 8 x 1 inches; 4.8 Ounces I wish Id understood things about the Temple more when I was there attending so much so I couldve more fully appreciated the experience. (Alex), Living in the neuf-trois in Paris during gang fights(Jacob), We were a little bit late coming home one night. (Chloe), Too many to appropriately list here. (Mariah), Pain au Chocolate. (Stuart), Cholet (twice), Troyes, Coutances, Aulnay-sous-Bois, le Vesinet, Tours. (Alex), Force yourself to learn the language, talk to people, talk to your companion. :) Although most Missionaries are American, there are a good number of native french speaking Missionaries as well. (Anonymous), Cherbourg, Nogent, Vannes, Sarcelles, St Brieuc, Evreux, Niort, Soissons. Bad idea. After getting the huge table through the doors, the instructor repeated tableau so I could make the connection that I got the wrong item. (Nicholai), Talked to strangers. (Drew), I had the opportunity to teach the missionary discussions in seven different languages over the course of my mission. I love their politeness, manners and gentility. It is possible to spend all day just speaking Chinese. In the evening that same day we were in a remote location far from the center and knocking doorsguess who opened one of the door we knocked at. The temperatures didnt seem all that different than the, Cloudy and rainy. We all spent the day in our apartment, having our meeting there in our living room, followed by a big lunch. (Chloe), Drunk people on the streets were sometimes hostile. amertune 10 yr. ago Forgot about Tahiti, even though one of my MTC teachers served there. Sometimes it was foggy and so cold you couldnt wear enough clothes to stay warm. There are many kind, beautiful Muslims, many vibrant and funny Africans, people from the old French colonies, transplants from Asia, South America, the rest of Europe, and also many tourists. 5. 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. Very little snow (winter in Orleans). Great way to finish! Less stuff to pack is less stuff you have to carry around and keep up with. (Stuart), I learned French! Teenagers were also hostile when in groups. (Dennis), Do not feel like you are not finding success if there are few baptisms. We hiked up a mountain one weekend when everyone from Tarbes went to a Missionary Training Session in Bordeaux and there was only room for all missionaries but one so another had to stay behind so we could be a pair. (Douglas), I gave and participated in 15 musical concerts while a missionary, invited people to the missionary visitor center by playing the violin, and saw almost 50 baptisms. Here are survey responses from France ParisRMs, to give you a snapshot into what its like to live in the mission. Getting along with different personalities and people. Machine washable clothes are always best (dry cleaners arent always available). How to get along with another annoying person. (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. Ah well. (Bryan), Cold wet winters. He participates in the temple preparation class we teach twice per week, and his testimony is a blessing to everyone around him. Enduring to the end. (Bryan), Pack with quality luggage or large packs. Diligent, heartfelt service with a true, sincere care for others pays dividends. But then she turned towards me and she said, this is the most beautiful street!! Love the people. And it wasnt my doingI got to see the Elders baptisms, taught some that others found, found some that others taught, sang or performed at many others, fellowshipped or attended classes with other missionaries investigators and taught many recent converts. (Anna), (Sisters) Dont feel like you have to have Everything youll need for 2 years. (Anna), One of the best things I think I did to prepare for leaving on a mission was spending a month (or less) focusing on each Christ-like attribute. We were thinking the same thing. (Jeffrey), Nantes, Rennes, Poitier, Bourges, Tours, Reims, Antony, Sarcelles. Wescoured YouTubeto find the best quality videos aboutFrance, that are free from inappropriate music, immodesty and profanity. Fun night! -awesome!!!! (Anonymous), My companion and I were beat up by three Arabs about a month after 9/11. We were having our district meeting that morning, so two companionships from out of town had arrived earlier by train and they were stopped and informed by police officers just outside our apartment of the situation. Dont make derogatory remarks about the French. They were all so kind and friendly. Winters do get cold. Do your best to communicate in a loving way with your companion. (Doug), Dont worry so much about yourself or the future. (Mariah), Not many baptisms. All these things I learned are essential in my present life and future. You dont always know what kind of circumstances a missionary is coming from. I have a stronger testimony. 4 seasons without the extremes you get in the Midwest. We were able to set the stage for the visitor center, the temple, and new branches and stakes. (Paul), A new perspective on life. This list includes the missionarys name, URL and when their blog was updated. Creme Fresh was a staple for missionary cuisine. Other miracles were feeling like we should have gotten off as a specific train stop to keep talking to somebody, turning around 10 minutes later, catching a new train, turning back, and still finding that person we wanted to talk to in the mass of people in that little town. Letting truth fill them and watching them achieve their potential. It was right outside a train station and everyone stopped to see how I would react. Argentina Buenos Aires North. She met the missionaries after her member friend told her about how priesthood holders can bless homes, and this really helped her and her family. Mission President:President Paul J. Sorensen. One was when a recent convert learn how to read by sounding out words from the Book of Mormon and the Gospel Principles manual. 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! (Kale), Poubelles, crepes, couscous, steak-frites. (Drew), There is so much history in France, and such a warm culture. He told us (in French) that he was excited to be there, but exciter in French means to be sexually aroused. (Bryan), Calling a Madame a Monsieur . In September 2019, the third French-speaking branch in the United States was organized in Arizona. (Stuart), The French can take a long time to open up and embrace new ideas or people, but once they do they are totally committed. (Nicholai), Frites and sauce, Belgian waffles, foufou. How to be more spiritual. It was just awesome. The very first one!? How to see others in a different light and to love them and feel compassion for them. (Jacob), We were riding bikes one day with our skirts pinned and our helmets. *Send your missionary a gift (mission-specific shirts, ties, Christmas stockings/ornaments, pillowcases, etc.). (Roberto), While riding our bikes in Orleans, some guys we rode by spat at and hit us in the shoulder. We try to keep this information up to date, but its a good idea to check the address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office. (Mariah), I loved going to Paris. Family unity. Since then, the missionary work has accelerated, and the knowledge of a Savior has reached many French-speaking people in this part of the world. (Scott), St Nazaire Sarcelles Versailles Paris Poitiers Meaux Cergy. The prophets of the Book of Mormon regularly apologize for the weaknesses of mortal tongues because it can be the first and most intimidating barrier to sharing eternal truths with strangers in strange lands, but it can be overcome. I asked for her name as she ran out and she yelled it back. No spirit, no success. We were trying to get away from him for like 30 minutes. People are proper and polite, they love their language, beauty and history. . We dont use cars for transfers. How to keep pushing past hard times. (Dennis), We were almost missing a train, so I started to drive with my best Italian style..It was quite dangerous because people dont seem to follow Italian streets rules.

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