The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the establishment of 55 new missions, set to commence in July 2026. This expansion will increase the Church’s global footprint to a total of 506 missions. The announcement highlights the Church’s commitment to spreading its message and fostering community engagement across various regions.
During the announcement, President Dallin H. Oaks expressed enthusiasm about the growth, stating, “It is inspiring to see the number of young Church members who continue to answer the call to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.” This sentiment reflects the Church’s dedication to missionary work and the significant role missionaries play in welcoming new members into the faith.
New Missions Across Continents
The newly established missions will span multiple continents, with a notable concentration in Africa. Among the newly announced missions are DR Congo Kinshasa North and Kenya Kisumu. South America is also set to benefit from this expansion, with new missions in Brazil and Peru, including Brazil Guarulhos and Peru Lima Northwest.
Each mission operates as a regional hub for missionary activities, where young Church members—often referred to as “elders” or “sisters”—commit two years to proselytizing and community service. The new missions will reach areas such as Papua New Guinea, Daru, and Samoa Apia East, ensuring that volunteers are available to support local communities.
The Church aims not only to increase baptism rates but also to provide humanitarian assistance and facilitate community building through these missions. By expanding its presence, the Church seeks to address diverse spiritual needs globally.
Impact of Missionary Work
President Oaks further emphasized the transformative effects of missionary work, both for those serving and for those they encounter. He remarked, “These missionaries are helping to bless the lives of hundreds of thousands of people every year who are choosing to be baptized into the Lord’s Church,” according to The Salt Lake Tribune.
With mission locations ranging from urban centers such as Uruguay Salto to remote areas like Mongolia Ulaanbaatar West, the LDS Church is poised to establish a diverse and comprehensive outreach. This strategic expansion reflects the multifaceted nature of the world and the Church’s ongoing commitment to meeting spiritual needs across different cultures and communities.
As the Church prepares for the launch of these new missions, the anticipation among its members is palpable. Many are eager to support the initiative that aims to foster spiritual growth and community engagement worldwide.
