SISTER BURT OF GILBERT, ARIZONA AND SISTER FARR OF SALEM, OREGON are making converts to the Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS) commonly known as the “Mormons”. Young people in their church dedicate 18 months to 2 years of their lives to spreading the news of the Gospel and of the Book of Morman. These ladies now live in the county. You may be used to seeing the Mormon Elders-dressed in their white shirts and tiesriding around Raymondville on their bikes. But now, Raymondville has some new missionaries in town: Sister Missionaries.

Sister Burt and Sister Farr are the newest missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). “One of the first things people say to us is, ‘Wow, I didn't even know that there were lady missionaries!’” says Sister Farr. “There is a set of Elders still in town, but it’s actually been about 20 years since Raymondville has had Sisters,” says Sister Burt, “so it’s no wonder that people are a bit surprised when they see us at their door.”

Sister Missionaries have been serving missions for the LDS Church since 1898. Women serve missions a little shorter than men-18 months compared to 24 months. Women who choose to serve missions are much less common than the young men; currently, out of the 51,000 missionaries worldwide, only about 5000 of those are women.

Sister Burt is from Gilbert, AZ. Before choosing to serve a mission for the church, she graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) with a degree in Business Marketing. After she finishes her mission in July, she plans to work at an advertising agency and get her MBA.

Sister Farr is from Salem, OR. She enjoys hunting elk with her dad and ballroom dancing. After studying one of her passions-art-and receiving her Associate’s degree from BYU-Idaho, she decided to serve a mission. “I’ve wanted to be a missionary ever since I was very young because of how important my family is to me,” comments Sister Farr, “Through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I’ve learned that it isn't the end after death. But rather, our families can be together. We teach people what they need to do to have the assurance that their families can be together eternally.”

Missionaries have strict, vigorous schedules and are out all day, every day; in thunderstorms or sunshine. “It’s the most physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausting thing I have ever done. But at the same time, the Lord gives me strength and it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” says Sister Burt.

Missionaries serve in nearly every country worldwide and come from every country. The Sisters have had former companions from as close to the states and as far away as Samoa and El Salvador. “We got called to serve our missions here in South Texas,” says Sister Farr.

They have served as far north as Beeville and Corpus Christi to as far south as Brownsville. “It’s amazing to meet people from all over and see the differences in people and culture,” says Sister Burt, “yet, what we teach is universal and can help everyone.”

“We share with people the Gospel of Jesus Christ; that it has been restored today by God through a living prophet. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ-or his suffering for our sins-and by living the Gospel, people can overcome any challenge, trial or addiction and find the source of lasting happiness,” says Sister Burt.

“A lot of people give us the nickname ‘Mormons’ because of the Book of Mormon,” says Sister Farr, “but that’s not the actual name of the church.” Mormons believe the Book of Mormon is a volume of ancient scriptures comparable to the Bible. “We use and cherish both the Bible and the Book of Mormon as the word of God,” says Sister Burt, “The only difference is that the Bible tells the story of God’s dealings with the people in Israel-the Old World; while the Book of Mormon is the story of God’s dealings with the people who lived here in the ancient Americas-the New World. It’s another testament that Jesus is the Christ and Savior of the world.”

And now the infamous question: is it possible to ride a bike in a skirt? “Oh, definitely,” laughs Sister Farr, “It takes a bit of creative thinking, but it’s doable and we do it!” So next time you are out in town, keep your eyes peeled for the Sisters on their bikes and they’ll be sure to give you a friendly wave and a smile.

The LDS Church will be hosting an Open House and Movie Night, Thursday at 7 p.m. for the next 3 weeks (April 22, 29 and May 6). The program will feature films that are usually shown only at the Church’s Temple Square Visitor’s Center in Salt Lake City. They will include themes about the Book of Mormon, the life and martyrdom of Joseph Smith and Mormon Temples. Both the Elder and Sister Missionaries will be present to answer questions. “We hope anyone who is interested or curious will come,” invites Sister Farr, “We’d love to meet the members of the community and answer any questions.”

The Church is located in Raymondville on 490 N. 1st Street (white church on 1st and Yturria). Worship services start at 9 am., with Sunday School from 10:15 a. m. to noon. Also, free English classes are offered every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. President Rolando Ramos presides as the local Branch President. For more information, please visit www.mormon.org or call 800- 438-7557 to have the missionaries visit you in your home.