Elder Schulz and Elder Gwynn - missionaries

John Schulz and Ross Gwynn are missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints serving in this area for two years.  They go by the title of Elder while on their mission.

Elder Schulz is from near San Antonio, Texas.  He grew up on his father’s ranch, raising beefmaster cattle.  He spent one year in college majoring in Real Estate before going on a mission for the Church.

Schulz loves to fly with his brother.  He plays music and had the opportunity to perform at the Miss Rodeo World.  He also enjoys team roping in the rodeo.

Elder Gwynn is from Charlotte, North Carolina.  He was born in Oregon, lived two years in England, and has moved frequently.  He spent one semester in college in Idaho before his mission.  After his mission he will go back to College in Idaho, but has not chosen a major.  One of his brothers went to Portugal and North Africa and another brother went on a Cambodian speaking mission in California.

When going on a two year mission, missionaries spend three weeks in the Mission Training Center.  They spend six weeks there learning Spanish for Spanish speaking missions and nine weeks for languages highly different than English. 

When on a mission, missionaries do not date.  A mission for young men, ages 19 and older, is two years.  For young women, they must be 21 and serve for 18 months.  A two year mission costs about $10,000, paid for by the person serving the mission, with help from family and friends/local congregation if needed.

Schulz believes in the spirit of service.  His father would always help people at the snap of a finger.  He grew up in 4H and FFA.  His philosophy is “do the best you can.”  The family is the central unit of the country and where service has to be learned.  He has observed that a lot of youth have fun serving others, but don’t know how to get started doing it.