I am pleased to announce that effective immediately all worthy and able young men who graduated from high school or as equivalent regardless of where they lived. We'll have the often of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18. Instead of age 19, as we've prayerfully pondered at which young men may begin their missionary service. We've also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. Today, I'm pleased to announce that able worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21. We affirm the missionary work is a priesthood duty and we encourage all young men who are worthy and who are physically able and mentally capable to respond to the call to serve. Many young women also serve but they're not under the same mandate to serve as all the young men. We assure the young sisters of the church however that they make a valuable contribution as missionaries and we welcome their service.