Why?

Metro Manila, Philippines taken from our 12th floor condo

So why do two people leave a comfortable and spacious suburban home in central Indiana to move to a sprawling metropolis and downsize to about 200 square feet? As Marcia and I have talked over the years we thought that we could probably live in a city the size of Chicago- it has a real lake and at least one decent baseball team (go SOX!). We could never have imagined that we would end up exactly half way around the world in metro Manila, Philippines.

So... why? Contrary to popular opinion (I'm just saying that- not sure what popular opinion is on this) we do not get paid for the time that we are here. In fact, for the most part, we (with the help of family members) are footing the bill for our stay here. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) does not have a paid clergy. Those that lead local congregations are volunteers who work a regular job to pay their bills while putting in 20-40 hours a week in providing service to their local congregations called wards. Their are approximately 55,000 missionaries serving around the world. They do not get paid for the work that they do but still they willingly serve for a period of eighteen months to two years. Several hundred, if not several thousand, serve a mission contrary to what their family would have them do. Some are disowned. Senior missionaries leave families behind and, normally, grandchildren. Milestone events are missed- births, baptisms, graduations, weddings, and funerals. So.....why?

We do so because we know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored; that prophets are again on the earth to share with and instruct us regarding revelation from God. We do so because it is true...


jsf