Thousands of missionaries across the world have returned or are returning home before completing their missions at the direction of top Church leaders. Upon arrival, they must quarantine themselves for 14 days to prevent any spread of COVID-19. The Daily Universe is looking at the impact of the pandemic on missionary service in a series of stories.

Items connect returned missionaries to defining moments

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints ages 18- 25 are invited to set aside two years, or 18 months, to serve a mission. Being a full time representative of Jesus Christ himself. Their purpose will be to “invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel.” Although a missionary's purpose is to help others to come to know the truth, on the way missionaries participate in and experience spiritually defining and converting experiences.

MTC to reopen in late June with limited capacity

The Provo, Ghana and New Zealand MTCs will reopen in late June 2021 for a limited number of missionaries to receive on-site missionary training again.

Called to serve in a pandemic: ‘Miracles’ allow missionaries to return to foreign missions

Almost a year after the pandemic sent home thousands of missionaries, several missionaries who were reassigned to stateside missions are being sent to their original mission calls for the first time or returning to where they started their mission.

Called to serve in a pandemic: Utah County missionaries find creative ways to serve

Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints found some new ways to share the gospel and serve while cooling off on Saturday, June 27.

Called to serve in a pandemic: MTC teachers adapt to remote classes

Missionaries aren't the only ones who have adapted to the pandemic. Their MTC teachers have also had to make some changes.

Called to serve in a pandemic: More to life than football

A lot of the changes in Jaylon Vickers' life have come suddenly, including his recruitment to BYU Football, his decision to serve a mission and his unexpected return due to the COVID-19 outbreak. With each one, however, he gained a new perspective and received unexpected blessings.