The Missionary Age Change

On October 6, President Thomas S. Monson announced in general conference that young women throughout the Church could begin full-time missionary service at the age of 19.

 

“Today, I’m pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21,” said President Monson.

Then, he added: “We affirm that missionary work is a priesthood duty, and we encourage all young men who are worthy and physically able and mentally capable to respond to the call to serve. Many young women also serve, but they are not under the same mandate to serve as are the young men. We assure the young sisters of the Church, however, that they make a valuable contribution as missionaries and we welcome their service.”

After that comment Natalie turned to the family and said with a grin on her face, "What if I went on a mission?" We all laughed, including Natalie, and then listened to the next talk. But then in between sessions of conference she again said, "What if I went on a mission?" And as she said it more and more, we and she knew that she was becoming more and more serious. And several days later she announced that she would start her papers, and so it began.