“Already a Missionary,” Friend, February 2025, 44–45.

Already a Missionary

By Jane McBride

A true story from the USA.

Kids helping mom set the table for dinner

Thad helped Mom set the table for dinner. “Can I wear my church clothes tonight?” Thad asked. “Since the missionaries are coming to dinner?”

Mom smiled. “I think that’s a great idea.”

Before dinner, Thad went upstairs to put on his white shirt and tie.

“Why are you wearing a tie today?” his older sister, Mindy, asked. “It’s not Sunday.”

“The missionaries are coming,” he said. “I want to be like them!”

Kids running down the stairs while parents open the doors for the missionaries

The doorbell rang, and Thad and Mindy ran downstairs. They saw two missionaries in white shirts come inside. They sat down, blessed the food, and started to eat. Thad was careful not to spill spaghetti on his clean white shirt.

“I like your tie,” said Elder Cowley. “You look just like a missionary.”

Thad grinned. “I’m going to serve a mission when I grow up.”

Family eating dinner with the missionaries

“That’s a great goal!” Elder Wakefield said. “You can even start being a missionary now.”

Thad sat up taller in his chair. “How?”

“You can be a good example to others. You can serve your family. And you can be a good friend.”

Thad thought about it. “I can do that.”

Boy helping around his home by sweeping the floor, sharing his toys, and reading with his sister

The next day, Thad tried extra hard to be nice to Mindy. He helped Mom with chores. He shared his toys when a friend came over to play.

At the end of the day, Mom hugged him. “You’re going to be a great missionary someday.”

Thad gave a big smile. “I already am!”