What to Know
As you prepare for one of the most spiritual experiences of your life, there are several details you need to consider. The following items will help you prepare for your mission.
- What preparations are necessary before entering the MTC?
- What should I bring to the MTC?
- Where should I report?
- When should I report?
- What supplies and services will the MTC provide?
- How will my expenses be handled?
- May my family come to the MTC?
- May I have visitors at the MTC?
- May my family deliver packages to the MTC?
- Do I qualify as a student for my parents' health insurance policy?
- Is it possible to receive immunizations at the MTC?
- What about travel from the MTC to the mission field?
What preparations are necessary before entering the MTC? top
Your mission begins when you enter the Missionary Training Center (MTC). You must complete all preparations before entering the MTC, including the purchase of all clothing and personal items. Personal time is extremely limited. You will not be able to leave the MTC to shop.
Take care of all health-related matters, including dental and eye exams and follow-up treatment. Complete all medical tests requested on the Missionary Immunization/Preventive Medication Requirements form. (You or those providing for your support must pay for pre-mission medical conditions including dental and eye care.)
You should be set apart as a full-time missionary by your stake president and, if you desire, receive a father's blessing and/or patriarchal blessing. You are encouraged to bring a copy of your patriarchal blessing with you.
What should I bring to the MTC? top
Bring the following when you come to the MTC:
- Items on the mission clothing list sent from the Missionary Department
- Soap and towel
- Appropriate exercise clothing (five gym periods per week, one laundry day)
- Warm clothing (if you will be at the MTC during the winter months)
- At least one suit (for elders)
- Current temple recommend
- Money for personal items and, if necessary, transportation from the airport (See How Will My Expenses be Handled ?)
- Government issued photo ID (i.e. driver's license, passport, military ID, etc.) This ID is required by airport authorities
Have the following items in hand (not in your luggage) when you arrive at the MTC:
- A copy of your completed Missionary Immunization/Preventive Medication Requirements form
- Money for required immunizations not received before entering the MTC.
Please put your name on all clothing, luggage, and other belongings.
Where should I Report? top
Report to the Missionary Training Center dressed in missionary attire with a proper missionary haircut.
Missionary Training Center
2005 North 900 East
Provo, Utah 84604-1793
Telephone: (801) 422-2602
If you need transportation from the Salt Lake International Airport to the MTC, you will receive information from the Church Travel Department concerning arrangements.
If you will be driving to Provo from the north, take I-15 exit 269. If you will be arriving from the south, take I-15 exit 263. If you need additional assistance, call (801) 422-2602.
When should I report? top
You should plan to report to the MTC on the date and at the time specified in your Call Packet.
What supplies and services will the MTC provide? top
All bedding supplies and meals are provided. Laundry facilities, a barber/beauty shop, and a book-and-notions store are also available.
How will my expenses be handled? top
You do not need to bring money to the MTC for room and board, training materials, laundry, haircuts, or other essential personal care items. However, you must provide your own spending money for miscellaneous expenses, such as stamps, film, snacks, etc.
Stamps and travelers' checks may be purchased at the MTC. Check cashing is available at the MTC for US currency only. The MTC does have an automatic teller machine.
May my family come to the MTC? top
Because of the increasing numbers of missionaries, and the limited space at the MTC, it is suggested that only immediate family members accompany you to the MTC and attend the brief introductory orientation when you first arrive. They should wear Sunday attire in order to preserve the reverence of the occasion. Convenient parking is limited to one car per family.
May I have visitors at the MTC? top
Your training schedule will not allow time for visits from family or friends. Please advise your family not to request visits because such visits would distract you and your companion from your training. Church leaders have also asked that missionaries not be excused from the MTC to attend funerals, marriages, farewells, baptisms, or other family activities. While you are at the MTC all communications with family and others should be limited to letters.
May my family deliver packages to the MTC? top
Any packages or letters for missionaries must be sent through the US Postal Service, UPS, or other commercial carriers. The MTC cannot accept packages or other items delivered any other way. This includes FAX and E-mail transmissions. Mail to you should be addressed with your full name and mission assignment.
Do I qualify as a student for my parents' health insurance policy? top
Most insurance policies will continue coverage under your parents' policy while you are at the MTC, but require a verification letter. If you need this letter, contact the MTC by calling (801) 422-2602. Most insurance companies, however, will not continue student status coverage in the mission field. Please check with your insurance company to find out if you are covered in the field.
Is it possible to receive immunizations at the MTC? top
You should receive all required immunizations before entering the MTC. However, you will be able to purchase required immunizations at the MTC if necessary. Please bring money to pay for such immunizations.
What about travel from the MTC to the mission field? top
The Church Travel Department will handle arrangements for your travel to the field. They will also give you official passport and visa instructions. You must follow these instructions carefully. You may be requested to send certain documents required for a visa. If you do not submit these documents by the requested date, your departure to the field may be delayed. Your departure may also be delayed because visas to certain countries are difficult to obtain.