For Those Who Served Missions in Less-Developed Countries

[Clark Addison]

I was in Hong Kong, so not really "less developed", although I did meet very many very poor people.

I have never had anyone ask for money. That's not really the Chinese way. I did have a couple of younger girls who gave the impression that they would like to live in America someday . . .

[YOhio]

I was in Hong Kong, so not really "less developed", although I did meet very many very poor people.

I have never had anyone ask for money. That's not really the Chinese way. I did have a couple of younger girls who gave the impression that they would like to live in America someday . . .

I haven't had that happen either with the Taiwanese friends I've kept in contact with. I have had requests to drive people outrageous distances while they're visiting the States.

[BlueHair]

I've had several requests. I suppose it doesn't help that I would show people a picture of the Manti temple when they asked to see a picture of my house.

[LA Ute]

Never even once. I have been asked for assistance in seeking citizenship or jobs, but only a couple of times.

[Maximus]

Ironically, a guy from my mission just asked me for money on facebook. What are the odds?

[Surfah]

Ironically, a guy from my mission just asked me for money on facebook. What are the odds?

What the hell? I sent that to you in confidence.

[MarkGrace]

I knew there was a reason I didn't keep in contact with people from my mission.

[grapevine]

I really have not kept in contact with members and investigators from my mission. As a missionary some people wanted us to be the go between to the bishop for there fast offering needs. Some took discussions for that reason not to get baptized. Best not to get involved in there quest for employment and to tell the bishop what they need.

I did see someone solicit donations on our mission webpage webmaster quickly got rid of it. For employment or something else.

In CD version of lengthen our stride it is not in book Ed Kimball said during the Book of MOrmon family to family program many people asked for money from the families with pictures. It would of helped if they did not give there addresses. That is why that program quit that very reason.

[Art Vandelay]

I really have not kept in contact with members and investigators from my mission. As a missionary some people wanted us to be the go between to the bishop for there fast offering needs. Some took discussions for that reason not to get baptized. Best not to get involved in there quest for employment and to tell the bishop what they need.

I did see someone solicit donations on our mission webpage webmaster quickly got rid of it. For employment or something else.

In CD version of lengthen our stride it is not in book Ed Kimball said during the Book of MOrmon family to family program many people asked for money from the families with pictures. It would of helped if they did not give there addresses. That is why that program quit that very reason.

When and where did you serve grape? You must be younger than I thought if your mission had a webpage master. With your near-encyclopedic type knowledge of the brethren I always assumed you were in your 40's

[JohnnyLingo]

I had a guy e-mail and ask if I could send him a subscription to the Liahona. He moved to the Comoros, and the Church doesn't officially exist there.

That's it.

[grapevine]

Served in Florida Tampa Bay Bucaneer Mission 95 to 97. We do have a webmaster for the mission page for the alumni. ldsmissions.net actually has a list of all th emissions so any rm can put his porlfie up on any missin they served in.

[Hallelujah]

Are you frequently (perhaps regularly is a better term) faced with the uncomfortable position of being petitioned for money by members/native companions/investigators from your mission?

At least once or twice a year I get contacted by Elder "Equis" or Hermana "Igriega" or some other acquaintance from my mission who asks for financial help. In fact, only once have I been contacted by someone from my mission who didn't ultimately end up asking for money. Unfortunately, they usually have a Hollywood-influenced understanding of how money works here in the U.S., and some of them have expressed disappointment, frustration, and even anger when I can't (or won't) provide them with what they are asking (sometimes in excess of $1000).

Just recently I was contacted by a young man who I baptized. He was 12 at the time, and while his mother ended up getting baptized a few months later, I always wondered if he wouldn't fall through the cracks and become one of the many inactives on the rolls of the church. Much to my surprise and pleasure, he has remained active, served a mission, and is planning to get married in the temple this coming December. He was contacting me to invite me to the wedding, and expressed what a great honor it would be to have me there. While I can't make the wedding (for both financial and timing reasons) I gave him my email, and we have stayed in contact over the past few weeks--me asking questions about members in the ward, him eagerly providing any info he could.

Then last week he drops the bomb: he and his fiancee would be honored if I would "patrocinar" their honeymoon. That's right--sponsor. As in, "could you provide us with $750 so we can take a honeymoon on the coast." He was convinced that $750 was a drop in the bucket for an American, and was quite insulted when I told him I couldn't give him that amount of money, but that I would talk with my wife and see how much we could give.

After discussing this with Mrs. Donut, we decided that we could give $100 to help them. (Note: $100 is the same amount I gave my younger siblings for their weddings, and 5 times as much as we usually give our friends who get married.) Upon relaying this to him, he was clearly put out, telling me that a single night on the hotel costs $80, and that he didn't know how he would come up with the rest of the money for the honeymoon. Rather than succumb to my instincts and send a harsh response (most of our communication has been via email since the initial contact), I waited a couple days until I had cooled down. I then replied that I wished I could send more, but that was all I could send, and to get me the information so I know where to send the money. That was 3 days ago, and I haven't heard back.

This is only one of dozens of similar instances. Have any other here been faced with the dilemma of constantly being approached for money by their mission friends? If so, how have you dealt with it?

Yes, especially since the flooding in the Philippines. Difficult to simply turn them away. Western Union charges an arm and a leg for their fees. Any ideas as to how to send money with less fees?

[Tim]

Yes, especially since the flooding in the Philippines. Difficult to simply turn them away. Western Union charges an arm and a leg for their fees. Any ideas as to how to send money with less fees?

Do a "remittance" through the bank. That should be cheaper.