Three of my sons, as of this writing, have been missionaries. It is comforting to me to know that there are two of them together. There are many practical reasons they always are with a companion.

However, it is scriptural. If you've read My Beliefs section, you know that we claim that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the same organization that Jesus organized when he lived 2000 years ago. We claim his original church along with the priesthood authority was lost and has been restored in these "latter days". That's why it is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to distinguish it from the former days.

In the primitive church, missionaries were sent out two by two as indicated as follows: "AFTER these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves." (Luke 10:1 - 3) There are those today who hold the office of Seventy as they did the primitive church and they are sent throughout the world to supervise the missionary activities. The young missionaries who visit door to door are Elders, a priesthood office often mentioned in the Bible such as Titus 1:5 where is says, "...ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:"

Now, to your second question. Many, I know, have often felt the presence and the influence of departed loved ones. Some have been visited for special reasons by the spirit of their departed loved one. These, I must say, are not experiences exclusive to members of our church. I do feel that the world of spirits is not too distant from the world we know here on earth. I believe we can be touched and guided from spiritual sources much more than we may be aware. However, these spiritual influences can be evil or good depending on on our inclinations and the circumstances of the moment.

I hope this answers your questions.

Thank you, again for the email.

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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