Currently, more than 400 senior missionary couples are serving in humanitarian assignments around the world. Whether teaching literacy and English, organizing family-strengthening programs, offering medical and dental services, or aiding in relief efforts for disaster victims and those who are sick and suffering, these missionaries have the joy of knowing that their contributions are making a difference. Missionaries typically serve for 18–24 months at their own expense.
If you wish to serve as a missionary with a humanitarian assignment, contact your bishop or stake president. He will review your qualifications and worthiness, as well as available assignments for humanitarian missionaries. He will assist you as you prepare to serve wherever you are most needed.
Short-term specialists serve in many different capacities. Medical and dental specialists provide services to the needy and training to local medical and dental personnel. Social workers help in orphanages, child development programs, and refugee camps around the globe. Specialists serve from one to six months, depending on the assignment. In addition to paying their own expenses, specialists must have specific, certified skills necessary for the project they will be working on.
Humanitarian Services has specific needs for short-term specialists in the areas of neonatal resuscitation training and vision treatment training.
If you wish to serve as a short-term specialist or if you want to learn more about these initiatives, contact Humanitarian Services. Personnel at Church headquarters will review the available opportunities for short-term specialists and the qualifications necessary for participation in these programs.