For more than ten years, I have been serving as a Family History Church Service Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My wife and I began our service in 2005 and with one or two short breaks, I have been serving since that first opportunity. Our initial service was at the Mesa Family History Center, now called the Mesa FamilySearch Library (presently closed for upgrade). When we moved to Provo, Utah, we immediately began serving at the Brigham Young University Family History Library and just recently renewed our calls for another two years.
Family History Church Missionaries can serve from home, serve close to home (like we do) or away from home. Men who serve need to be 18 years old or older and women need to be 19. As we have seen, there is almost no limit to the upper age, as long as the person serving has the physical capacity to serve. The time commitment is a minimum of eight hours per week. Church Service Missionaries serve for a minimum of 6 months, but they can also serve for 12, 18, and 24 months. The missionaries can also extend their callings, as we have several times, but every 30 months they need to submit a new Recommend Form. See Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
My schedule is rather flexible. I usually serve consistently one or two days a week, but I frequently serve four or more days a week. My wife and I both have additional Ward callings. We also presently have an additional calling in our Area.
I cannot imagine what my life would be like if I did not have the opportunity of serving frequently in a major Family History Library or Center. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and wonderful experiences I have had in working with missionaries and patrons. I hope to keep working until I am physically or mentally unable to do so.
I would invite you to seriously consider the option of a Church Service Mission. Click here for more information.
I served almost 8 years at the downtown SLC Family History Library as a Church Service Missionary, and learned a ton of interesting stuff, served in ways few could, due to my 34 years teaching experience, and computer skills. It was a valuable time for me, and has shaped my older years. Like James, I would highly recommend this kind of service. It's fun, rewarding and you make lifelong friends with like minded folks.
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