I told myself one more time he hits me he is going to to get the Book of Mormon across his head. I love their politeness, manners and gentility. (Kara), Being there when the first stake was formed in Versailles. (Mariah), I had the opportunity to go back to a previous area and be apart of a baptism for a person I had worked with for 6 months. 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. (Dennis), Do not feel like you are not finding success if there are few baptisms. How to love all of Gods children. Bread. About Us. Try to keep your luggage limited, too: one large suitcase, one good backpack or carry-on piece, and a wardrobe bag for your suits/dresses. (Jeffrey), You will teach mostly African immigrants. Always soaking wet, get water resistant everything. {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js');fbq('init','966613626711939');fbq('track','PageView'); Frog legs, snails, baguettes, and many more! Nothing changes the truthfulness of the gospel and Satan will work against you, so fight the battles and win. Later missionaries entered Quebec City where a branch was organized in 1969. (Merrilyn), I was a new member of the church when I went out on my mission. They love fine food, good education, good music, small gatherings, they dress nicely and are generous. Buy French Language LDS Missionary France or Quebec Mission Tank Top: Shop top fashion brands Tanks & Camis at Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY and Returns possible on eligible purchases Amazon.com: French Language LDS Missionary France or Quebec Mission Tank Top : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry (Merrilyn), Learned a new language. Later that night, my trainer asked me Elder, do you remember what you prayed for before we left our apartment? ): I have complete confidence in you. It never got too cold, but spending too much time outdoors in the winter was chilly business. The people who remember you most are often the companions you serve with so be good to each other. Africa North (AN), North America (NA), and South America (SA) are abbreviated for concise column and reduction of row height for most rows. Humanitarian Service Missionaries) Learn More Education It snowed in Paris the winter I served in the mission office and I may have thrown a snowball at a member of President Bennions family. They are excellent cooks as expected. How to keep pushing past hard times. Rain gear a must. Amazing ville. Dont assume they dont understand you if you are speaking in English together. Now reason thusly. (Bryan), Galettes. 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. Bring a shoulder bag. (Drew), I was on splits the first night of my mission with two elders. Pick things that you feel great in when you feel beautiful in the morning, you can stop worrying about yourself and your confidence is boosted as you go around talking to everyone. They were all so kind and friendly. My trainer replied Hey, Eldersonnerie means doorbell. (Zakarias), Baiser-careful!! She was overjoyed when we caught up with her! (Stuart), I suffered from debilitating migraines during my mission. Frequently Asked Questions. Has awesome preparation days. I felt the Spirit very strongly as I was able to answer Yes. Over coming adversity. (Anonymous), It gets very hot and very cold. Light skirts for humidity. Not only was I blessed with the chance to develop near-native fluency in French during my time serving, but I developed a literary fluency in most of the Romance Languages along the way. Here's a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Paris LDS Mission. Well, Sunday came, and he showed up in a three-piece suit looking like he was a groom! 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. Alaska Anchorage. . (Michael), Just be careful where you go after dark. Just trust in the Lord. Crepes. France Paris Alumni Web Site is dedicated to the alumni of this mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Teenagers were also hostile when in groups. Ah well. (Doug), Tamil riot near La Chapelle that we had to cross in order to get home. I tapped him on the shoulder after we crossed the street and started talking to him. (Jeffrey), Have a young punk kid saying ta mre and I laughed back at him because I realized he had just said youre mom which doesnt translate as a bad word into English. No clue why but he then proceeded to yell at us and we just walked away. (Doug), Pain au chocolat (Nantes) Falafel (Paris 4eme) Baozi (Paris Rue Au Maire 3eme) Banh Mi (Paris 13eme) Gaufres (Bruxelles) Kebab Poulet (18eme, Rue Marx Dormoy) Any McDonalds (really good in Europe). It was great. After the law granting religious freedom was passed in 1967, an independent Spanish branch was organized in Madrid. (Bryan), One time playing soccer near the Eiffel Tower and watching a bunch of illegal sellers of tourist items running away from police and diving into bushes and seeing all their stuff flying everywhere. (Elsa), I had three Mission Presidents: President Jones in Paris, Elder Andersen, and President Oveson in Bordeaux. The missionaries attracted converts and established a base for more Latter-day Saint French-speaking immigrants. Her brother had just accepted the gospel and told her about the blessings he had received and she wanted to know more. (Drew), There is so much history in France, and such a warm culture. (Bryan), One on one people and group speaking skills. After the dinner we headed towards the metro, but it was shut down due to a transit strike. The sisters where Im from wear black all over! We tried to explain to him that we werent nuns, and he thought that we were sad about it, so he spent 20 minutes reassuring us that someday we could be nuns. (Alex), Their loyalty to family and good friends. Then he tried to get between us. The very first one!? Packing wise, bring easy to use suitcases. Loved eating escargot just so I could tell everyone back home that I ate SNAILS. (Stuart), Cholet (twice), Troyes, Coutances, Aulnay-sous-Bois, le Vesinet, Tours. Have faith in God (Bryan), Forget yourself and go to work. My best reasoning is that however we got here as we are now (Big Bang or whatever), we are here. 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. Dont worry about yourself and focus on the Lord and His work you will be happier. French-speaking immigrants from the Piedmont valleys of alpine Italy, taught Utahns how to raise and use silk. Here are survey responses from France ParisRMs, to give you a snapshot into what its like to live in the mission. I should have just tried and learned rather than being worried about being embarrassed. (Kara), I mistakenly told a member in the hospital that I was glad that she smelled better, rather than feeling better. (Valan), They seem cold at first, but once they warm up to you they are super friendly. I love the cosmopolitan, international nature of the cities there, meeting people from every nation, all working together. Love the people. Instead I asked for a bra. (Dennis). (Merrilyn), We always road our velo solexes and scooters (1963 to 1966 without helmets). Make sure your luggage can roll so it is easier to travel on transfer days. 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. (Dennis), My wife was my MTC teacher..I think that covers a lot. (Michael), It covers three countries. Brussels is the city of miracles and Nogent is a dream. (Paul), France felt like home and still does. (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. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, spoke at the first of six area devotionals . (Jordan), Culture, food, country is beautiful. And those talents are specifically required for the people you teach. (Jordan), Pain au chocolat, religiouse; quiche. Cheese. I wouldve worked better with members. So are the Africans, who tend to be very open spiritually. (Matt), Belfort, Rouen, Villenuve Dascq, Mulhouse, Nivelles (Belgium), and Saint-Omer. *Simply click on a shirt design to view the details and submit an order. (Kara), First French stake formed in 1975. 4. Hated it so never tried it. Get a good,lightweight jacket thatll keep you warm and dry. (Zakarias), Kebabs. (Alex), Love the people and enjoy your differences and similarities. Talking to people. Make sure youre prepared. Missionary Preparation. However, as we climbed the stairs I felt the migraine lift and strength return. This helped me to accomplish many things later in life. (Roberto), While riding our bikes in Orleans, some guys we rode by spat at and hit us in the shoulder. Just an inch or two of snow, two months of cold, and only a few weeks of hot. During the 1960s, Church membership increased fivefold as missionaries and members worked to spread the gospel. (Jeffrey), Teaching and investigator in french, with him replying back in English, while reading from the Arabic Book of Mormon. Cheeses. Hair? I dont know if they ever got baptized, but I was definitely prompted to talk to him. (Paul), The language is beautiful. (Merrilyn), I met a woman whom my dad had taught and baptized 20 years earlier and that reinforced the importance of sharing the gospel and strengthening get new members I also now teach French and LOVE the connections I still have in France as I have been able to keep several friendships strong . I also learned to listen better. 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. Camembert & Brie. Whether we are full-time missionaries or not, no matter where were from or what language we speak, we can all invite others to come unto Christ and partake of the joy that can only be found in His gospel. It was awesome to see her progress, her maturity in the gospel, and how the Gospel filled her life with joy. They asked me if I spoke French. Read the Book of Mormon in the language. Enjoy every day. Talked about the gospel without being awkward. Blessings continue to flow from service. This led me in Patience to realize that, Have a good attitude. Its the best mission ever! The following statement from presidents of the German-speaking LDS missions in 1958 was intended to discourage immigration, but the disappointments and difficulties of employment it describes were often real enough: . When we left the appointment and went down the stairs, the migraine and weakness both returned. Also, most of our transfers were by train, not automobile. Dont get discouraged because it will be hard and you will be confused on what to do. He decided to be baptized. The people are amazing once you get past the front door, they are always excited to be able to help someone after they learn your asking for help and not trying to sell them stuff. Sharing the Gospel Online. Alabama Birmingham. There was an incredible spirit in the room which we could tell he felt. We have the coolest mission song ever! :) Although most Missionaries are American, there are a good number of native french speaking Missionaries as well. 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. Bread. Always practice the language. Pack light. I still have a copy of the flyer the police were handing out in my mission scrapbook. Serving missionaries, parents, and friends since 1995 . Language mastery. Be humble, be simple. HUMOR AND SPIRIT ARE POWERFUL TOOLS in making relationships work. Youll get rid of the big one quickly of you bring it. 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. One February day, while living in Arizona, he met the French-speaking sister missionaries when they knocked on his neighbors door. But they dont always mean the same thing in English. From that moment on, Brother Lualas life was changed. We were knocking doors, a little girl opened the door. Both times we helped those people feel the love of God and ultimately stopped the suicide. There's also Cote d'Ivoire, and Belgium. As of July 2022, there are 410 missions in the church. (Kara), Second language, presentation skills used in business meetings, focus on goals, attention to detail and record keeping. So are the Africans! John Taylor was one of the first missionaries here, but the church is still young. In general, weather is nice, except it occasionally snows in the winter and there are occasional heat waves in the summer. After settling down on the train, a big lady in bright pink barely made the train and shuffled all of her parcels and bags around to sit across from me. I technically served 2 missions. French Polynesia (Tahiti) Skip to Main Content. Still, the work is a daily challenge. Then knowing that he was faithful to the end of his life. 4 seasons without the extremes you get in the Midwest. (Michael), French! Any pastry from the bakery around the corner from the train station in Rouen. If not, they are cheap enough where you can buy a few. The quicker you do the faster you will start to have one of the most cherished times of your life. Online Recommendation System. I cant remember exactly how late it was, but the out of town companionships had to wait until well after dinner time before the trains were even up and running again so they could return home for the night. (Bryan), The Bible better and Book of Mormon. It was right outside a train station and everyone stopped to see how I would react. Utah Salt Lake City East Mission. Try to remember the quality of the people represent more than the quantity of numbers you have. But throughout the course of our service, the Spirit has confirmed to us that we are exactly where the Lord needs us to be and that He will magnify our efforts to accomplish His will here in this corner of the earth. (Elsa), A gypsy kid stole my companions cheeseburger at one of the McDonalds on Rue Ste. How to build an extra floor on a building. (Mariah), Kabobs, fajitas, cheese, raqulette, burritos, crepes, Charlotte au chocolate, baguette with butter and chocolate and chocolate. (Bryan), One of so many would be having my companion feel prompted enough by the Spirit and asked a devout Muslim to kneel with us and offer a prayer and end in the name of Jesus Christ. (Dennis), One day we stopped a girl in the center of La Rochelle, we had a chat about the Gospel, she told us she had relatives who are Latter-day Saints. (Douglas), Practically perfect in every way. *Click here to browse Paris Mission gifts. You dont always know what kind of circumstances a missionary is coming from. Self Control. Learn on your mission how to recognize the kind of person you do not want to be tied to and the kind you do AND LEARN HOW TO BE THE KIND OF PERSON THAT WILL MAKE A RELATIONSHIP LAST. The Gift of Tongues is a very real and very beautiful thing, I can testify to that. There are a lot of micro climates. A knowledge of Gods love and His involvement and interest in my life. So much time immersed in the scriptures, I got to know them so much better 2. We were handing out English lesson flyers while knocking on doors in St Dennis. That part was pretty cool. John Conway and I took the weekend off and biked up to a mountain village. Keep your wardrobe practical. (Alex), It is a baptizing mission! Well, we started walking one direction out of the station. 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. She got baptized later, and I got to baptize and confirm her. The first was humbling because he showed me that I was arrogant and inflexible. Pack light. Sometimes sunny. My prayer worked and he left us alone and minutes later almost had a brawl with some Arabs up to no good. (Valan), People skills. A language and an extra degree. 4. They also do their own laundry, exercise daily, eat nutritious meals provided by each MTC cafeteria and stay in touch with family and friends via weekly emails. (Drew), I had the opportunity to teach the missionary discussions in seven different languages over the course of my mission. IMO (Dennis), If you obey, work and communicate openly with your companion, you will be happy. (Alex), The ability to speak and teach without having every word written out. Many of the things I learned from trying to get the award helped me to understand the gospel better. Language. (Michael), In Meaux, a Sunday School instructor asked me to get a tableau. So Why Did My Husband Want to Join It? (Anna), There are two separate cultures in the mission: The city culture and the countryside culture. (Elsa), Grecs (kbab sandwiches) were a staple of my diet in every area I served in Northern France. (Anonymous), Great food and some very wonderful people who really dont know where to find the truth. (Dennis), Once they opened up to you, you had a friend for life. I could tell immediately that he was not interested, so we tried to go the other way, but he followed us. Yes. I Had Left the Church. They do provide sheets, but I suggest bringing your own haha. My last name is White. I trained Elder Jeffs. Didnt understand the word robbed. (Paul), A missionary asked if she could peter the dog, but peter means fart. (Anna), I had a missionary convince me to go ask for a soutian gorge at a pharmacy when I had a sore throat. Thankfully, this work isnt ours. DC North - President Dennis E. Simmons Group. (Valan), We found a guy that hadnt been to church in twenty years and he was re-baptized and reactivated. (Paul), A new perspective on life. (Merrilyn), Our mission extended from Paris to Tarbes and Pau. How to talk to people from all walks of life. (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. (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. You will see European clothes and want to change. We were able to set the stage for the visitor center, the temple, and new branches and stakes. A beautiful family and peace of mind and eternal perspective. (Anna), A lady answered the door in a robe and looked directly into my eyes and said, You have beautiful eyes. (Matt), Too many to count. Weve seen how Heavenly Father has a unique and beautiful plan for Brother Lualaand all the French-speaking people in Phoenix. I learned to listen more than I talk. (Anna), I was training for the second time in St. Ouen/Sarcelles, and we were waiting to cross a busy street after an appointment. All these things I learned are essential in my present life and future. (Kara), Fresh bread and chocolate. (Jordan), Finding a family that we were taking a Book of Mormon to whose address we had left at home, hours away. We were encouraging our amie to stop smoking and thought we were saying it would be more pleasant for her husband kissing her if she stopped. Know the history of the restored Church just like you should know scripture. It will be the hardest two years of your life but will be two years that will shape you in ways you could only imagine. Many of them understand English. The weather felt extreme (but its really pretty moderate) but only because of the humidity. (Jeffrey), Immerse yourself in the work. I learned to love a large variety of foods. It was so hard, but the people I met forever changed my life. 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! She nearly fell off the couch laughing. It is such beautiful countryside, both in natures landscape, and also in the architecture of the little roads, the stone buildings, the manicured trees and the history there . HenryB. Eyring, Prayers of Faith, Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 28.