The Calling of a Missionary

 When a young man or woman decides to go on a mission, he/she must first be found spiritually, physically, and mentally worthy to do so.   

  The Savior taught, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19).  Church members consider it a privilege to show their love for other people and the Lord by sharing the gospel.

Missionaries generally begin serving when they are from 18 to 21 years old. Many retired seniors, men, women, and married couples also serve missions. Missionaries serve from 18 months to 2 years. Missions are voluntary, and missionaries are not paid for their service.  Missionaries come from around the world, and they serve wherever the Church calls them. While serving full-time, missionaries are official representatives of the Church.

As is done with every single perspective missionary, Elder Copeland first had to fill out his paperwork stating his desire to serve with recommendations from his ecclesiastical leaders of his worthiness in order to serve a mission.  This paperwork was then sent to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The perspective missionary then waits for the special e-mail to come with the particulars of his/her "calling."  This calling and the place where the missionary will serve is done by revelation through the Lord's servants, the prophets. A member of the Quorum of the Twelve assigns prospective missionaries to one of nearly 400 missions of the Church throughout the world.

When Elder Copeland received his mission call on June 14, 2023, he was at first disappointed because he really wanted to serve a foreign mission just like his father and brother had.  But, he soon realized this was where the Lord wanted him to serve and put his mind and efforts into preparing for the mission he was called to go.  He would be serving in the California San Jose Mission for a period of 24 months, and would be preaching the gospel in Spanish.  He was told that he would begin in-home Missionary Training on September 18, 2023, and then report to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, the week thereafter. 

Elder Copeland on the night of his announcing his call.  His older brother, Carter, presided at the meeting for all the friends and family.

Lots of cheers and happiness when Elder Copeland announced where he was being called.

Elder Copeland's family, minus his father who had to go out of the country was was following by Instagram live to be part of this.

Friends of Elder Copeland

Elder Copeland with siblings and Copeland family

Boundary lines of the California San Jose Mission

Elder Copeland with his Grandparents Harmer, siblings, and Harmer family

Elder Copeland's grandparents, Scot and Patrece Harmer

Jessica, Elder Copeland's sister-in-law, and her parents

Congratulations on your call, Elder Copeland.  You are going to be such a wonderful servant of the Lord and those people in the San Jose, California, Area.