Lynn and Pam Peterson are transplants to the Farwest Missouri Stake. Service brought them here, and it’s service that keeps them going.
While living in Wisconsin, Brother and Sister Peterson spent many months planning and preparing to serve a full-time mission. From 2022 to 2023 they served in and cared for five of Missouri’s Church Historical Sites. They felt a prompting to move to Missouri, and their mission service was part of it, but by the end of their time, they knew there was more to do. So they moved into what is now the Grindstone Creek Ward.
“When we moved back we felt like there was more work to do here,” Sister Peterson said. “We had been thinking and looking for opportunities. We were hoping to serve in the historical sites again, but there wasn’t an opportunity there.”
Another opportunity came up that they hadn’t been expecting. Brother and Sister King, a couple they had served with during their time with the historical sites, had been serving as Housing Coordinators in the Independence Mission. They knew the Petersons were looking for an opportunity to serve and referred them to the mission president. In short order, the Petersons were called to serve for one year as Service Missionary Senior Couple, with the assignment to inspect apartments for the younger, full-time missionaries.
“We go to about eight apartments each transfer and inspect the apartments,” Brother Peterson explained. “Some of these young missionaries haven’t lived on their own much before coming out on a mission, so we can teach them and help them learn about taking care of an apartment. They are willing to learn. It also gives us regular contact with the missionaries, which we enjoy.”
While this is the Peterson’s second mission, the two opportunities are quite different. They said that when they planned to serve the first time, they had to make a lot of preparations and they left their home in Wisconsin. This new assignment allows them to stay in their own home and continue to enjoy more freedom, while still being engaged in the Lord’s work.
“We had to be able to still take care of our daughter with special needs and this calling was a good fit,” Brother Peterson said of their considerations before accepting this call. “We can set the schedule and get them done. It’s always exciting to serve. We still have our regular church callings. We are both retired and we can still work this in and be involved with the community, ward and family.”
“Unlike the first time, this was a much easier process through a referral,” Sister Peterson added. “It was a little more unexpected, but as we discussed it and prayed about it, it was an easy decision for us.”
Brother Peterson said he feels like missions are a great way to keep his temple covenant to serve God with all he has. He and Sister Peterson didn’t want to just be the retired couple that plays and relaxes.
“There is still so much to do, and the Lord blesses us for our service,” he said. “The more we serve, the more the Lord will bless and provide for us in his own way.”
The Petersons have seen many blessings come from their service. Sometimes allowing them to serve and sometimes coming after the service.
“When we served our first mission, there were so many miracles that allowed us to serve,” Sister Peterson testified. “And then while we served, there were so many miracles that we saw. It was amazing! We know it will be the same with this assignment.”
The Independence Mission will be split in July 2026. Brother Peterson pointed out that there will be more opportunities like theirs to serve, as there will be twice as many roles to fill. If you have a desire to serve, and have more capacity due to retirement or empty nests, you might consider talking to your bishop or stake presidency about service mission opportunities. “It may not be on a mountain height or over a stormy sea” that you are called, but the Lord may have need of you here.