“All of us we go two by two, sometimes three by three. The only times we separate is when one is in the bathroom.”
Sister Wilson, from Samoa, is one of 800 Mormon missionaries working in Australia. Her companion, Sister Spainhower, is from Utah. They're serving 18 and 16 months in Australia respectively.
Mormon missionaries hail from thirty different countries, and most are aged in their late teens or early 20s.
The life of a missionary is austere – they’re not permitted to socialize, drink, use the internet, or use social media.
Personal space is another sacrifice – missionaries are forbidden from being out of earshot from their companion.
“I think every missionary at some point in their experience has a feeling of just 'I just, I'd love to be alone, just for a second',” admitted Elder Ball, from California.
“We don't watch TV, we don't watch movies, we give up our phone, we give up social media,” Elder Ferney, Elder Ball's companion, told The Feed.
The day of a Mormon missionary is simple – wake, cook breakfast, clean, study scripture, and then hit the streets to find people and spread the word, which is called finding’.
Sister Wilson and Sister Spainhower 'finding' in Hyde Park, Sydney. Source: The Feed
“I think the best thing when we're approaching people is just to be yourself. Usually the best thing I like to do is say 'Hey how are you?' and then start a conversation from there,” said Elder Fenely.
Missionaries must deal with rejection from the public they are trying to convert on a daily basis. Many have been yelled at, followed, or otherwise harassed on the street.
“I had some food thrown at me,” said Elder Ball.
“Of course our beliefs won't always be appreciated by all but that's okay,” said Sister Wilson. “You can find more joy and more happiness just by learning more about wonderful teachings of our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Through it all, their companions are there to provide constant support and protection against dangers social, physical, and spiritual.
“I really like being with a companion all the time. I think when I go home it will be a hard adjustment.” said Sister Spainhower.
“It's like a constant support system that I have her and when she is away, I feel weird. 'Cause I'm used to it now.”
