Information for Prospective Missionaries

Missionary Training Center

"The MTC is a unique place, and the experience that missionaries have [there] is equally unique and wonderful. Learning to teach the gospel and to help in the work of establishing the Church throughout the world is a challenging task that will stretch the capacities of most missionaries. However, the spiritual blessings that accompany this work will bring about great personal growth. Missionaries receive many blessings that strengthen them and their families both during their missions and throughout their lives.

Between 2,700 and 3,000 missionaries usually reside at the Provo MTC. [The] campus is made up of 19 buildings on approximately 37 acres of property. Missionaries keep very busy with class work and meetings throughout a normal day. Weekly devotionals and firesides are held in which General Authorities, Missionary Department leaders, the MTC presidency and their wives instruct and motivate the missionaries. Each week the missionaries have the opportunity to attend the Provo Temple. They also participate in weekly service projects. Additionally, they have personal preparation time to read, ponder, write to family and friends or just relax. They enjoy their meals in our large cafeteria and have daily exercise in the gym."

Spiritual Preparation

Read or reread the Book of Mormon.  Take time to ponder and reflect upon its teachings.

Take with you the most recent edition of the standard works of the Church in your native language.  You may also bring the following books: Jesus the Christ, The Articles of Faith, Our Search for Happiness, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Truth Restored, Gospel Principles, and a missionary journal.  You will not need a daily planner since a missionary planner will be provided for you.  Do not bring any other books with you or have any others sent to you.

Receive a patriarchal blessing before beginning your mission if you have not already received one.  Bring a copy of the blessing with you.  You cannot receive a patriarchal blessing at the MTC.

If applicable and where feasible, receive your temple endowment at the temple in your area.  Bring your current temple recommend with you.

Documents & Medical Issues

Check your driver's license and other documents to make sure they will not expire while you are in the mission field. If they will expire before you return home, contact the necessary agency for instructions on renewing them. You may need to submit a copy of your missionary call letter to verify that you have been called to serve a mission and will be out of the area for an extended period of time.

Resolve all medical and dental problems before beginning your mission. The Church does not carry medical, hospital, or accident insurance coverage on missionaries. You are encouraged to maintain your current medical insurance. At the conclusion of your mission you will be responsible to maintain your insurability. If you have preexisting or unusual medical conditions, you should plan on maintaining your current medical insurance. If you are not now carrying medical insurance, most medical expenses for conditions that arise during your mission that are not related to preexisting conditions will be paid by the Church out of tithing funds. Items that will not be paid by the Church include nonprescription medicines, treatments and prescriptions for pre-mission medical conditions, dental care, and/or eye care. Your mission president must give approval in advance for all medical treatment.

Sources for the above information:
Missionary Training Center (http://mtc.byu.edu)  & The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (http://www.lds.org)

Additional Information & Resources