Based on the New Testament pattern of sending out missionaries into the whole world, two by two, more than 50,000 Latter-day Saints missionaries are now serving in over 150 countries. Within those 150 countries there are some 300 organised missions of the Church. Most of the Church's missionaries are young men and women between the ages of 19 and 23, although substantial numbers of older couples also serve missions. Missionaries are called to serve for a period of 18 months to two years, at their own expense. More than 1,600 missionaries serve in the British Isles, with an ever-increasing number from this country serving in the mission field, here and abroad.
All missionaries serve without pay during their two-year mission period.
Most rely on their own savings, or support from family and friends. Missionaries may be assigned to serve anywhere in the world, and are frequently required to learn another language. Although missionaries will teach any person sincerely willing to listen, they prefer to teach family members together, since it is within the family that Latter-day Saints teachings and principles are best exemplified. As the Church has expanded into Third World nations, health and welfare missionaries have been added to the missionary force. In these cases, people with training in nursing, health care, nutrition or agriculture will use these skills to help better the lives of people within the communities in which they serve.