If we are asked to house the missionaries in our home, is this considered a calling? Would I be turning down a calling from the Lord if I don’t feel good about doing this?
Sherri
Sherri,
Housing the missionaries is not a calling (no setting apart) as much as it is an opportunity to serve the church in a different way.
My understanding is that the mission would pay a certain amount for room rent, and the missionaries are responsible for maintaining the living space appropriately. You’ll probably be asked if they can use your family computer to write out their weekly emails to family (but there’s always the local library too).
Understandably, it is sometimes difficult for missionaries to find housing due to the high costs in certain areas. Also, they cannot be housed with families that have daughters between certain ages.
Missionaries are still young men, but with a higher calling. If you are able to serve in this way, I think you may find the spirit in your home to become stronger for such service.
I would encourage you to ask yourself and the members of your family: “What would be the worst that could happen? Is that okay? If we felt it necessary to no longer house them, who would we notify and how long would we have?”
Back in the early days of the church, members were asked to give up many things to help build the kingdom. This would seem to be a much smaller request than those asked in the early days.
That said, and if you’re still not comfortable based on your current situation, then I don’t think there’s anything wrong with turning down this request to serve.
-Gramps
