LDS Church marks historic milestone with 88,500 missionaries serving worldwide!
By Ava Hart
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has reached a historic milestone with more full-time missionaries serving than ever before.
The number of full-time missionaries serving worldwide has reached a new high of approximately 88,500, surpassing the previous record of just over 88,000 in 2014. The increase is attributed to the first wave of 18-year-old sister missionaries beginning their service.
“This remarkable moment reflects the faith and devotion of a rising generation of disciples of Jesus Christ, including many 18-year-old sister missionaries who are entering the mission field,” said Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Elder Rasband expressed gratitude for the parents, families, friends, and others who provide support to missionaries.
Mission expansion
This new record comes just after the creation of 55 new missions. The new missions, which began in July, brought the total number of missions around the world to 506.
“It is inspiring to see the number of young Church members who continue to answer the call to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world,” said President Dallin H. Oaks, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “These missionaries are helping to bless the lives of hundreds of thousands of people every year who are choosing to be baptized into the Lord’s Church.”
