Well written story Brother Bishop with some great insight and explanations.
Rochelle HaleDecember 6, 2025
I served in the 70s, and I don't recall having any preconceived notions about calling home, receiving mail, etc. We just knew these were part of sacrifice. We could not call home for Mother's Day or Christmas. Mail was difficult, so we learned not to expect packages. Even communication within the mission had some drawbacks, as we had to use landline phones where we lived or go to a public phone, leave notes for our district/zone leaders or send letters to the mission office. Our training included 5 or 6 "flip-chart" discussions, from which we were to teach without much variation. I think the advent of "Preach My Gospel" and the use of phones and iPads have totally changed missionary work (when used correctly). In one area where I served, the idea of food storage or preparedness was just beginning. One Relief Society President spoke at length with my companion and me. My companion's mother was a RS President back home, so my companion said she would ask her for some information. Through snail mail it took several weeks to relay the request, let alone receive a response. My husband and I frequently assist the missionaries assigned to our ward by making phone calls to or sharing testimonies with new friends or those already taking discussions. Often, these calls can be made from one area, while we are home in comfy clothing, just taking a few minutes of our time. I believe technology has been a real boost to missionary work, especially giving access to church videos, cross-referencing scriptures, calling home for emotional support, FamilySearch, etc.
R.W. ThoelkeDecember 5, 2025
I think the benefit to writing letters is that you have a record of your activities and feelings. No one can re-read a phone call. Also, for some people, hearing voices can make one more homesick. I served in 1979-80. We made it with letters alone, and now 45 years later those letters bring back so many memories as I read them again. I don't remember being able to call home, although I did once when I was having a really hard time.
Richard GardnerDecember 4, 2025
On my mission in Brazil in the late 80s (this is pre-email), our letters took 2 to 3 weeks to travel in each direction. And the area presidency forbad calling home, even on Mothers Day and Christmas. Now, missionaries can video chat weekly. It does make me wonder why the rules changed so drastically; was there a benefit to the old rules?
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Corey D.December 8, 2025
Well written story Brother Bishop with some great insight and explanations.
Rochelle HaleDecember 6, 2025
I served in the 70s, and I don't recall having any preconceived notions about calling home, receiving mail, etc. We just knew these were part of sacrifice. We could not call home for Mother's Day or Christmas. Mail was difficult, so we learned not to expect packages. Even communication within the mission had some drawbacks, as we had to use landline phones where we lived or go to a public phone, leave notes for our district/zone leaders or send letters to the mission office. Our training included 5 or 6 "flip-chart" discussions, from which we were to teach without much variation. I think the advent of "Preach My Gospel" and the use of phones and iPads have totally changed missionary work (when used correctly). In one area where I served, the idea of food storage or preparedness was just beginning. One Relief Society President spoke at length with my companion and me. My companion's mother was a RS President back home, so my companion said she would ask her for some information. Through snail mail it took several weeks to relay the request, let alone receive a response. My husband and I frequently assist the missionaries assigned to our ward by making phone calls to or sharing testimonies with new friends or those already taking discussions. Often, these calls can be made from one area, while we are home in comfy clothing, just taking a few minutes of our time. I believe technology has been a real boost to missionary work, especially giving access to church videos, cross-referencing scriptures, calling home for emotional support, FamilySearch, etc.
R.W. ThoelkeDecember 5, 2025
I think the benefit to writing letters is that you have a record of your activities and feelings. No one can re-read a phone call. Also, for some people, hearing voices can make one more homesick. I served in 1979-80. We made it with letters alone, and now 45 years later those letters bring back so many memories as I read them again. I don't remember being able to call home, although I did once when I was having a really hard time.
Richard GardnerDecember 4, 2025
On my mission in Brazil in the late 80s (this is pre-email), our letters took 2 to 3 weeks to travel in each direction. And the area presidency forbad calling home, even on Mothers Day and Christmas. Now, missionaries can video chat weekly. It does make me wonder why the rules changed so drastically; was there a benefit to the old rules?
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