Young Man Shares Experience in Preparing for Missionary Service During the Pandemic

"The decision to serve as a full-time missionary during the pandemic might seem like a great challenge for others - but not for me. My desire to serve the Lord was stronger than anything else because I wanted to be an instrument in His hands to help others feel the blessings of the gospel," said Elder Burdeous of Marikina Philippines. 

Like many Filipino youths, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed Elder Burdeos' initial plans of serving a full-time mission in 2020. The young man had to wait for almost a year before he could submit his mission papers. 

"The delay that came because of the pandemic actually gave me more time to prepare to serve the Lord. I used it to study the scriptures, attend my institute classes, and work with missionaries. When I finally got my mission call, I was just overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. The long wait had made my mission worth even more to me", expressed Elder Burdeos as he shared his experience upon receiving a mission assignment to labor in the Philippines Baguio Mission. 

The young missionary began his long-awaited full-time service in April of this year.

"It's hard to wait. It can be a challenge to choose to serve the Lord during these challenging times. But I know that if you really want to, God will provide a way for you to make it. It might take a long time, but it will come. God did it for me, and He can do it for you too. Just have faith in Him," testified Elder Burdeos.

Missionary Program

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' missionary program is one of its most recognized characteristics. Latter-day Saint missionaries can be seen on the streets of hundreds of major cities in the world and in thousands of smaller communities.

The missionary effort is based on the New Testament pattern of missionaries serving in pairs, teaching the gospel, and baptizing believers in the name of Jesus Christ.