It is time these young People serve their Country
Not use the Mission to escape responcibility
To many Utah youths are escaping their duty to serve in the Military
This would make better men and women and better to serve on a mission for the Church later

Say what you want, but this "raising the bar" thing is hurting people. The most important converts are the missionaries themselves, and too many who have made a few mistakes are disqualified from serving a mission. That is not the way it should be. Consider the best missionary in Church history: Paul the Apostle! He was an accessory to murder and persecution of Christians before going on his mission! Denying young people the opportunity to serve because of past sins is contrary to the Gospel and detracts from the power of repentance and Jesus' Atonement.

Raising the bar was long overdue and comes after a young man has been through the YM program where his activities both in church and at home were intended to prepare him for missionary service. Years and years ago, parents sent sons on missions to reform them and many of the results were disastrous for the church and didn't help the missionaries either. When you are taught the program from your early youth, it isn't a mistake that will keep you home; it's a choice that one knows he shouldn't have made.

Raising the bar was the correct decision for the Church and more especially for the young men and women who serve. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, not in the whining.

Raising the bar for the missionaries also raised it for the Moms and Dads. They, both parents and prospective missionaries are up to it; they can do it. Let them. No whining, please

The best way to prepare missionaries is to teach them about the Great Apostasy and the fact that all other Churches are false and corrupt. That is why the Restoration was needed, because all the other Churches taught false doctrines, were filled with sinful people, and were led by currupt, horrible leaders who did terrible things in the name of God.

As long as youth in the Church understand this central fact, then they can be great missionaries, putting on the Armor of God and brandishing the sword of truth to cut all the other ministers and people down in this great battle with evil! The best missionaries are the ones who are bold in declaring the Great Apostasy and the need for the Restoration. The best missionaries are the ones that have no tolerance for the corrupt religions of the world, and who show no respect and no mercy toward other Churches and religions, just like those excellent missionaries who defaced the Catholic shrine! The Caravan Moves ON! We shall prevail! Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess!

As a returned missionary and a veteran of the Viet Nam war, I believe my perspective is balanced. Thank heavens that the bar was raised. I prepared for my mission according to what I knew. I didn't have the teaching and encouragement that our young men and women do now. Fortunately, I served a mission prior to being drafted. I was able to provide service in the army to other troops much more effectively because of my mission experience. A mission is a privilege not a right. I am grateful that our leaders have thoughtfully considered the need for a very high standard of personal righteousness and other preparation for missionaries. I know that young men can meet the standards. If they choose to not do so, there are other great opportunities for them to serve and gain a personal testimony.

The church is guided by revelation. If the bar was raised it came from the Lord and it is for the benefit of all, including the missionary who will have fewer things to regret and will be able to be open to inspiration from the spirit. I consider missionaries as Heroes, they give up so much unselfishly, and that way they become better able to serve others the rest of their lives. I went to some of these classes and they were very good, informative and helpful. And it is absolutely necessary to prepare the youth at an early age since a mission requires so much. But the benefit they get from it is immeasurable.