Elders on mission to spread their religion
Job synopsis: We’ve all seen the clean-cut young men wearing dark pants, white shirts and riding mountain bikes around town. A closer look reveals black nametags with white lettering spelling “Elder” in front of their last names. I caught up with two Mormon missionaries pedaling on their bikes in a Coeur d’Alene neighborhood, doing what missionaries do – making “cold calls” by knocking on doors, spreading the word about the Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Elders Collin Thompson, 20, of Tucson, Ariz., and Mike Kettle, 19, of American Fork, Utah, joined the ranks of more than 60,000 Mormon missionaries worldwide, serving for 18 to 24 months and paying their own expenses. They are happy for a Northwest assignment, saying the people here are much friendlier than in some parts of this country and the rest of the world. Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, there is much to be admired about the bike-riding elders’ determination while fighting weather, being away from home and facing rejection on a daily basis. The men report that out of 100 doors they knock on, about five people show interest and about one of those converts to Mormonism.
What is your job title? “Elder.” (According to answerbag.com, an elder must be male, be baptized within the LDS, be conferred in the Aaronic Priesthood and live a righteous life. The Web page says elders can “heal the sick, dedicate graves, bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost and so forth.”)
How long have you been doing this? Thompson has been on his mission for just over a year and Kettle for three months.
How did you choose this line of work? Thompson: “My two older brothers and my dad went on missions, and I wanted to give others what my religion has given me.” Kettle: “My dad went on a mission, and every since I was a little kid, I wanted to share what brought me a lot of happiness in my life.”
Are you paid: (a) well; (b) more than you are worth; (c) slave wages, (d) could be better? Thompson explained that missionaries are not paid and must pay for their own expenses. They say one benefit is that church members occasionally invite them for a meal.
What is the best thing about your job? Thompson: “Seeing people come to Christ and changing their life for the better.” Kettle: “You learn a lot and meet people from different religions and background.”
What is the worst thing about your job? Thompson: “Some days are harder than others. It’s hard when we get turned down, and it is the hardest when being accused of being with a cult.”
Do you plan on doing this job (a) until retirement; (b) until something better comes along? Thompson: “After my mission, I will start my life – college, marriage and teach history.” Kettle – “College, start a family and go into accounting.”
Do you have any on-the-job funny stories? Thompson: “One man wanted us to pray for his family and gave me a list. After the prayer, he asked, ‘What about me?’ I hadn’t included him in the prayer.” Kettle: “At a dinner appointment, the family asked me to say a prayer. I said the wrong family name in the prayer.”
Any bad experiences? Thompson: “One lady told her little dog to attack us. Fortunately, it just walked up and sniffed my leg. We do get slammed doors, and motorists sometimes wave at us with just one finger. We wave back with all five.” Kettle: “Sometimes we are told to get off property, with a few choice words.”
If there was a movie made about you and your job, what actor should play you? Thompson “Matt Damon.” Kettle: “Tom Cruise.”