PROVO, Utah — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a significant milestone June 24. One million missionaries have served the church in its 177 years of history.
Church President Gordon B. Hinckley made the announcement at the Mormons’ Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. Though the church is not sure exactly who the millionth missionary is, Hinckley said the milestone statistic is a reliable estimate. Currently some 53,000 missionaries are serving around the world.
Known for wearing suits and traveling door to door by bicycle or on foot, these missionaries have reached 145 different countries with the Mormon message. The two-year missions trips are not mandatory but are highly encouraged for men between the ages of 19 and 21. Women are also accepted for missionary service starting at age 21. Along with the millionth-missionary announcement, Hinckley said the church’s membership has now reached 13 million people worldwide.
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