Local Heroes: Clermont Residents Return After Transformative Mission!

Lake County, Florida, USA - On July 16, 2025, Christopher and Anne Condie returned to Central Florida after dedicating three years to serving as mission leaders for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah. Their service journey stands as a testament to the church’s growing global missionary efforts, which have recently expanded to include approximately 80,000 missionaries worldwide, as reported by the Church Newsroom.

The Condies were responsible for overseeing over 700 missionaries from six continents with backgrounds from more than 30 countries. Their mission-centered activities involved teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ while providing essential services in various charitable organizations, including food banks, refugee centers, and women’s shelters. “Serving Jesus Christ and sharing His gospel brought me great joy,” Christopher Condie expressed, reflecting on the rewarding yet challenging nature of their work.

The Role of Mission Leaders

Mission leaders play a vital role in guiding missionaries, mostly aged 18-25, who volunteer for 18 to 24 months. The financial burden of service typically rests on the missionaries and their families. The Condies embraced the responsibilities, with Anne affectionately describing the missionaries as her „surrogate children,“ a testament to the nurturing environment they created.

Interestingly, Christopher Condie’s family legacy in mission service is largely colorful. His father, DeLyle Condie, served in Australia and also played basketball, famously participating in the training of the Australian National Basketball Team for the 1956 Olympics. This legacy has been dramatized in the film „Spirit of the Game,“ which portrays the unique intertwining of sports and missionary service.

A Growing Community

The recent numbers reveal that the church is experiencing a notable increase in engagement. Elder W. Mark Bassett indicated that new converts are continually progressing along the covenant path, and there has been an uptick in baptisms globally. Over 50% of new converts in North America now connect through technological avenues, including social media. This modern approach to missionary work has shifted from traditional door-knocking to welcoming individuals to church events, demonstrating a fresh and adaptable outreach strategy.

As the church embraces technological advancements, a new Churchwide missionary preparation course based on “Preach My Gospel” is set to launch in January 2025. This course aims to prepare young people by offering self-study options and engagement activities, signifying a commitment to evolving missionary training in line with contemporary needs. As emphasized on the Church’s website, Missionary Training Centers (MTCs) are instrumental in equipping missionaries with essential doctrine and practical teaching skills essential for their successful service.

The Condies‘ journey serves as a beacon of inspiration amidst a thriving community dedicated to service and faith. As they reintegrate into their lives in Central Florida, one can only hope that their experiences will continue to influence and inspire those around them. Indeed, there’s something to be said for the profound bond formed during such missions, not only bridging cultures but also deepening spiritual connections.