Mission call opening videos

[Tacenda]

8 hours ago, Okrahomer said:

I like this homecoming video better.

That would be an awesome family!

[Calm]

56 minutes ago, rongo said:

Ironically, this boy is able to go on a mission only because two missionaries years ago pre-paid money for their missions and came home after only a couple of months (this was before we moved into the ward). We have had a $10,000 surplus in the ward mission fund for the three years I have been here (the non-refundable money from those two missionaries), and when I called Salt Lake asking if they wanted to take the money out of the account, they were adamant that this money stay in the ward (it was then that they told me it stemmed from two early returnees). The family cannot afford a mission (and if any money at all were involved, the father would not allow it), and while the ward would pull together and pay for it monthly ($10, or $20, here and there from members), having this meant that he could go. His mother cried when I told her that generous members had covered it. I asked her to donate what they could ($50 a month, but no problem if they couldn't on certain months --- it wasn't dependent on it). 

It makes even more sense he feels the ward has a right and maybe even a need to share in the moment, documenting it ensures any who get involved later on in support can feel as if they were there at the beginning.

[Rain]

1 hour ago, rongo said:

Ironically, this boy is able to go on a mission only because two missionaries years ago pre-paid money for their missions and came home after only a couple of months (this was before we moved into the ward). We have had a $10,000 surplus in the ward mission fund for the three years I have been here (the non-refundable money from those two missionaries), and when I called Salt Lake asking if they wanted to take the money out of the account, they were adamant that this money stay in the ward (it was then that they told me it stemmed from two early returnees). The family cannot afford a mission (and if any money at all were involved, the father would not allow it), and while the ward would pull together and pay for it monthly ($10, or $20, here and there from members), having this meant that he could go. His mother cried when I told her that generous members had covered it. I asked her to donate what they could ($50 a month, but no problem if they couldn't on certain months --- it wasn't dependent on it). 

I've never heard of prepaying before.  Is that common? 

[Calm]

Perhaps it was for the tax deduction?  Paying it all in one year would in some cases maximize deductions.

Found confirmation on LDStech for the tax reason, can't copy paste for some reason.  It is in the May 11, 2:14 PM post.

https://tech.lds.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3082

Edited December 2, 2017 by Calm

[rongo]

13 hours ago, Rain said:

I've never heard of prepaying before.  Is that common? 

Not very common. I don't advise it, just because you never know. Better to have it in the bank and pay it monthly, I think. They are non-refundable.

[Atheist Mormon]

On 11/30/2017 at 5:07 PM, Calm said:

I  would not be surprised if the Church comes out and says something about toning it down now such things seem to be gaining traction as a new tradition.

Seems like they have to do this every decade or so, huge farewells, etc.

That would be a bad move. Just because most of us wouldn't attempt what this kid wants why should anyone dampen his enthusiasm? This event doesn't repeat itself ever for individual, He should be able to do what he desires.

[Anijen]

Just my two cents worth, I like it when members post their call opening. It helps share that moment. I think the Elder showed some control too, I mean when I got my call I paid my stepsister $10.00 to bring it to work where I immediately ripped it open to see where I was going. 

 

[Calm]

8 minutes ago, Atheist Mormon said:

That would be a bad move. Just because most of us wouldn't attempt what this kid wants why should anyone dampen his enthusiasm? This event doesn't repeat itself ever for individual, He should be able to do what he desires.

Unless it becomes The Thing to do where kids and family end up doing it because it is expected and not because they want to.  That is generally my only concern...well, that and if it starts intruding on others' lives.  Living in Utah, one could have one or more of these a month that one is invited to if it becomes standard.  With baptisms, receptions, and family reunions and other such social events here, for those who have a normal social sphere Saturdays are already heavily booked.

From what Rongo has shared with this kid, it sounds to me like there were some solid, unselfish reasons for pushing for it.

[The Nehor]

I should be clear that if people enjoy it I have no problem with it. I just do not get it.

[Darren10]

On 11/30/2017 at 5:12 PM, Duncan said:

Something i've noticed with these youtube mission call openings is everybody in Utah has fireplace, golly!!!!!! it's funny too when they can't even pronounce where they are going! then some one in the background is like, it's pronounced, "Ed min tin" not, "Ed Monton"

Everyone knows It's 'Ed min tin. 

I grew up in Illinois where the final "s" is silent. It's always humorous when I hear the final "s" sonorized.

[Darren10]

I've been talking to my 19 year old daughter about sering a mission. I know she should and she'd like to but has never gotten on the ball to do it. It's between her and the Lord so I encourage much more than pressure. So, if she finally gets on it and gets her call I'll definitely record it and post it. But my inent is to treasure the moment for the future and to share it with those who care to view it. I like videos of missionary call letters being opened but I share Rongo's point in avoiding the vanity of it. 

Edited December 3, 2017 by Darren10

[Duncan]

2 minutes ago, Darren10 said:

I've been talking to my 19 year old daughter about sering a mission. I know she should and she'd like to but has never gotten on the ball to do it. It's between her and the Lord so I encourage much more than pressure. So, if she finally gets on it and gets her call I'll definitely record it and post it. But my inent is to treasure the moment for the future and to share it with those who care to view it. I like videos of missionary call letters being opened but I share Rongo's point in avoiding the vanity of it. 

let us know if she goes!!!

[Darren10]

On 11/30/2017 at 5:31 PM, JAHS said:

Here's how my mission call went back in 1972.  I brought the mail in, saw the letter from Salt Lake; opened it and saw I was going to Austria.
Gave it to my mom ; she read it and yelled out AUSTRALIA ??
No mom! Austria !

That's all the excitement I got out of it. 

LOL!

Good thing the MTC is in charge of teaching foreign languages. Your mother would have assumed you were already to go since you already spoke English.

[Darren10]

12 minutes ago, Duncan said:

let us know if she goes!!!

We'll do. I'll also try to post something on You Tube and link it here.

Edited to ad: On second thought, that You Tube link may violate the board's policy in self serving links being made here. If so, oh poopies. 

Edited December 3, 2017 by Darren10

[Duncan]

21 minutes ago, Darren10 said:

We'll do. I'll also try to post something on You Tube and link it here.

Edited to ad: On second thought, that You Tube link may violate the board's policy in self serving links being made here. If so, oh poopies. 

I link videos from youtube and as of yet I haven't heard any complaints

[Storm Rider]

3 hours ago, Calm said:

Unless it becomes The Thing to do where kids and family end up doing it because it is expected and not because they want to.  That is generally my only concern...well, that and if it starts intruding on others' lives.  Living in Utah, one could have one or more of these a month that one is invited to if it becomes standard.  With baptisms, receptions, and family reunions and other such social events here, for those who have a normal social sphere Saturdays are already heavily booked.

From what Rongo has shared with this kid, it sounds to me like there were some solid, unselfish reasons for pushing for it.

In our family this would not occur - a child pushing to have a big to-do on opening their mission call.  It is not that our kids are introverts at all, but we just are not the kind of people to do that.  I have waited to comment because I wanted to ask some of my grown children their thoughts as well as my brothers and sisters.  Not a single one favored this type of event.  It is a little too over the top for us.

Would I think it is acceptable for others?  Hmm, it makes me squirm a bit.  It seems self-centered and too out-there, but it is a personal choice.  I would never see myself participating in such an event. 

Live and let live remains good advice.

[Darren10]

30 minutes ago, Duncan said:

I link videos from youtube and as of yet I haven't heard any complaints

Were they about yourself? Self serving links (link a about yourself and even family) have been deleted by admins here. 

Edited December 3, 2017 by Darren10

[Duncan]

2 minutes ago, Darren10 said:

Were they about yourself? Self serving links (link a about yourself and even family) have been deleted by admins here. 

no, mostly disney and seinfeld clips

[Calm]

2 hours ago, Duncan said:

I link videos from youtube and as of yet I haven't heard any complaints

I think it would be fine in Social.  It is not like trying to get people to go to your site without engaging them here.

Edited December 3, 2017 by Calm

[Meerkat]

I do tend to put missionaries on a pedestal, particularly the two who taught us. They are an important part of our life's story.

I also know some popular LDS youth who use social media to influence their friends for good.  That's not my way, but it is for a lot of people these days.

The Church uses social media as a way to reach out.  Right now, they have the #LighttheWorld initiative.  25 Ways in 25 Days.

Could it be this "good boy" saw this as a missionary opportunity? Personally, I'd be a little embarrassed.  But I am thankful for people who aren't, or those who go out of their comfort zone to make the joyful statement "I love the Lord, and Can't wait to get out there and tell the world about it."

It sounds to me like that was his goal.  He was willing-- to put his excitement on hold for awhile to gain maximum exposure.  He chose to wait for his non member friends to share his joy, that they may even wonder why and seek out the local missionaries.  I think it was a noble thing to do especially if even only one person was moved in the direction of asking "What is this feeling I'm having? Is this what I've been looking for my whole life? How do I find out more about what it is that inspires a person to spend two hard years on a Mission." I think he ought to be commended for his love and desire to reach out.  Don't you?

Edited December 7, 2017 by Meerkat