Mission president

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In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a Mission President is a man who presides over a mission, and the group of missionaries, in the mission. Depending on the particular mission, he may also preside over the church members in the mission area.

His wife serves the mission alongside him. Mission Presidents are usually financially secure men between 40 and 65 years old

Mission presidents leave their vocations for three years to preside over their mission. They usually leave in July, though some leave at different times due to emergencies or serious medical conditions. On a few occasions, some serve shorter terms because of other church assignments.

Candidates are typically interviewed and selected after the fall conference of the LDS church by an apostle. The president's family typically accompanies him to the field. The wife's role varies depending on the age of her children and her background.

Some wives with nursing criteria serve as the medical person for the missionary. They help with hygiene, particularly in third world countries. Wives also frequently cook meals for visiting missionaries.

Mission Presidents are usually assisted by counselors who serve in the mission for varying periods of time while maintaining their regular employment. Where there are no stakes, the mission president is the presiding authority over the church within the mission area. In that instance, the mission is divided into districts which are composed of branches.

Mission Presidents are normally revered by the missionaries they supervise. Many general authorities have served as mission presidents.

After the mission ends, Mission Presidents generally return to their jobs and to activity in their home ward and stake.