Elders Spreading Mission across Tallahassee

Young Mormon elders are making appearances at the universities throughout Tallahassee, FL spreading their missions and purposes every day at 2 p.m.

After six weeks of intensive training on Mormon beliefs and culture in at The Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah 18-year-old Elder James and 19-year-old Elder McMillian were sent to Florida State University to share their experiences after converting to Mormonism.

Elder James, a Mormon from Wyoming said he was 17-years-old when he decided to change his beliefs due to lack of understanding.

“I grew up in a Catholic Church and didn’t really understand the message the Priest was trying to deliver during our Sunday worship services,” James said. “The Mormon religion allows me to be myself without changing everything about my life.”

James also said he was able to convince his mother to become enriched in the Mormon culture. She was baptized almost two years ago. His 15-year-old sister Melissa will be baptized in a few weeks.

The Missionary Training Center sent the Elders to expand their teachings in Tallahassee to The Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints located on Stadium Drive near FSU. Under Elder James, Elder Oaks and Elder Bednar of the church, they provide assistance and guidance to the two young elders. They participate in classes on Tuesday night from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. During these classes, students come in and share their experience based on previous class teachings.

On Tuesday, a 20-year-old third year nursing student named Brittany Jonas from Tampa, Fla was baptized last week. During the class, she shared her experience related to last week’s lesson, “Come as You Are.”

“I grew up not having confidence in myself, said Jonas. “After learning I’m accepted by my Mormon brothers and sisters, I can now be myself.”

Jonas commented on having more confidence in her looks and appearance. She also speaks to other girls who have the same self-esteem issues.

Elder McMillian shared his experience with the class on why he is excited to travel and share his mission with others.

“I grew up in a small town and was really shy in school because I was afraid of how other people would treat me,” said McMillian. “Becoming an Elder gave me the confidence I needed to speak to others.”
             McMillian said he wouldn’t have picked any other religion to convert too.

McMillian also commented on the fact that Elders are not allowed to give their first names.

“We are not allowed to give our names for liability purposes,” said McMillian. “We are here to delivery our message and try to help other students find their way and purposes in life.”

For more information on the Mormon culture, visit Mormon.org, or stop by The Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints on Stadium Drive.