An Army of Faith: Inside the MTC

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

MTC Website

MTC website

Welcome from the President

A message from the President of the Missionary Training Center

Dear prospective missionary and parent:

Young men and women who are called by the Lord as full-time missionaries begin their service at one of the Church's 16 missionary training centers worldwide. The Provo MTC is the largest of these. Although a great number of missionaries enter and depart the Provo MTC, the staff, teachers and leaders strive to serve the individual needs of each missionary who comes here to receive training.

The length of stay for missionaries at the MTC varies from 3 to 12 weeks, depending on the language requirement of their mission. During your stay, you will develop increased understanding and love for the scriptures and the doctrines of the Church. Our training is focused on the scriptures and the inspired volume, Preach My Gospel. Through obedience, personal prayer, and study of the scriptures, you will have your faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ strengthened and your testimony of His restored gospel deepened. You will become skilled in teaching the missionary lessons in your own native tongue or in one of the more than 50 languages taught. You will learn to teach with the power of the Spirit. You may become a mentor and righteous example for other missionaries and new friendships will be forged which will last forever.

Between 1,600 and 2,500 missionaries usually reside at the Provo MTC. The campus is made up of 19 buildings on approximately 30 acres of property. Missionaries keep very busy with class work and meetings throughout a normal day. Weekly devotionals and firesides are held in which General Authorities, Missionary Department and MTC leaders instruct and motivate. Each week you will have the opportunity to attend the Provo Temple. You will also participate in weekly service projects. Additionally, you will have personal preparation time to read, ponder, write to family and friends or just relax. You will enjoy having meals in our large cafeteria and daily exercise in the gym and/or outdoor sports areas.

The Provo Missionary Training Center is truly unique in all the world, and the experience that missionaries have here is equally unique and wonderful. Learning to teach the gospel in order to help in the work of establishing the Lord's Kingdom throughout the world is a challenging task that will stretch the capacities of most. However, the spiritual blessings that accompany this work will bring about great personal growth.

Sister Smith and I welcome you to the Provo Missionary Training Center. We know that you have the experience of a lifetime ahead of you! We feel it is a privilege to serve with you in the work of the Lord. We know that He will bless you as you faithfully prepare.

President Ralph W. Smith  &   Sister Elizabeth R. Smith

MTC

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

MTC celebrates 50 years    KSL News report

PROVO -- The Missionary Training Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the MTC, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

The Church first started the training program half a century ago. Since then, the idea of how to train young men and women and senior couples to do missionary work has changed in the 21st Century -- everything from learning languages to staying fit. But it begins with leaving family and friends -- always an emotional experience.

Every Wednesday, families and friends say farewell to young Latter-day Saint men and women, volunteering 18 months to 2 years to preach, teach and serve somewhere in the world.

"It's very exciting but it's hard too," said missionary mother Kim Bracken. "It's mostly exciting. I have to admit, it's mostly exciting.

There are approximately 52,000 full-time missionaries currently serving in 334 missions in approximately 120 different countries around the world. -LDS Church

Missionaries greet the 300 to 400 new arrivals each week, and 100 cars unload every 15 minutes. Every year, 20,000 new missionaries pass through the doors of the MTC in Provo.

For 50 years, they have come here to learn how to teach the basic principles of their faith.......