Resources for Early Returned Missionaries
Don’t ever think that you failed Heavenly Father. Don’t ever think that coming home from your mission was a mistake. It’s not. Heavenly Father has something in mind for you. Now it’s time to move forward to your next mission in life.
On Campus Resources
BYU Mission Inclusivity Club
This club is directed towards individuals who returned home early from their missions, those who served a service or two transfer missions, and those who were unable to serve a mission. It provides a space for those with atypical mission experiences to find community, strength, and healing in a supportive and safe environment. Students who don’t fall into these categories are also welcome to attend and learn more about how to support those who do.
https://clubs.byu.edu/link/Clubs/MIC
BYU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CAPS offers individual counseling for early returned missionary students interested in receiving therapeutic support. Students can also receive online support by using Sanvello, Welltrack Boost, and SilverCloud. After-hours crisis: 801.422.3035
https://caps.byu.edu/get-started
Women’s Services and Resources Fact Sheet
This page contains information on early return missionaries, steps they can take to find healing, and how their loved ones can better support them.
Church Resources
Study:
The following talks, articles, and videos provide stories, testimonies, and helpful suggestions to promote healing for those who returned home early from their missions.
- Stopping the Stigma: Lessons from Early Returned Missionaries | Religious Studies Center
- Returning Early from a Mission
- Elder Holland’s Counsel for Early Returned Missionaries
- David A. Bednar: Called to the Work (more for reassigned missionaries)
- Counseling Resources: Missionaries Who Return Home Early
- Ensign December 2015: Returning Home Early From My Mission
- Ensign July 2016: Dealing with Coming Home Early
- Ensign January 2018: Home Earlier Than Planned
- Ensign July 2019: He Won’t Forget Your Work
- Ensign July 2019: If Your Mission Ended Early, Don’t Give Up
- Ensign July 2019: Early-Returned Missionaries: You Aren’t Alone
- Ensign July 2019: I Returned Early from My Mission—Did I Ruin God’s Plan for Me?
- Ensign July 2019: Supporting Returned Missionaries Who Come Home Early
- Ensign July 2019: Finding Joy through Christ despite Returning Home Early from My Mission
- Ensign July 2019: Serving a Full-Time Mission Was My Plan, but Heavenly Father Helped Me When Plans Changed
Family Services
Early returned missionaries interested in therapeutic support can receive up to six free sessions of professional assessment and treatment through Family Services when requested through the stake president or bishop. Talk with your stake president or bishop if you are interested in these services.
https://providentliving.churchofjesuschrist.org/lds-family-services/missionary-services?lang=eng
Off-Campus Resources
Be thoughtful and prayerful when considering community and online resources. Look for options that support the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and lead participants to make and keep sacred covenants with Him. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:20)