| Response |
You are right in your understanding that more young men do serve missions than young women. But the church mandates neither
situation. Even in the case of young men, even though there are substantially more missionaries who are young men than young women,
it is still true that only about half of the young men choose to go on missions. There is no compulsion or rule that says they must. I guess
that’s what makes the whole missionary program such a marvelous thing. We now have more than 60,000 young people who are doing
this at their own expense because they are moved by the Spirit to serve and to try and make a difference in people’s lives. I think it’s
commendable, don’t you? My oldest son served a mission, plus my second son is currently serving for the next 2 years. It’s been a great
blessing not only in their lives but also to my wife, my children and myself as well as those they have taught and continue to teach.
You asked one additional question about the safety for missionaries if they spend a lot of time knocking on doors. A lot of missionaries
do knock on doors, but the most effective missionaries spend considerably less time knocking on doors since they are often invited by
referral, to teach the friends and family of members of the church. Statistically speaking, there are far fewer injuries and deaths to
missionaries between the ages of 19 and 21, than there are among their counterparts who aren’t on missions and are going to college and
working. It looks like the safest place to be is on a mission. I hope this is helpful for you.
Sincerely,
Donny Osmond
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