Who are these guys in white shirts and ties?


The fact that it's another hot, sweltering day along Middle Road, doesn't stop these two young Mormon missionaries from trudging out under the sun to do what they came here for. Whether they're spotted on the south end of Middle Road in front of McDonald's or seen up Navy Hill, they're out walking.

“We probably walk about two hours a day,” says Elder Matt Roberts, from Alberta, Canada. “We get to meet a lot of very friendly people.” Saipan was his first area of service in his two-year mission and was recently informed of his transfer to Pohnpei. His companion Elder Jacob Peden from Highland, Utah will remain behind and receive a new companion to take Robert's place.

Each day starts at 6:30am and goes until 9pm, and without a car, they remain visible out walking. “The people are very open and invite us sometimes to join them at their barbeques,” states Peden. “They're different from people in the States.” These invites come as a relief as they otherwise do their own and not always impressive cooking. Majority of the time they spend out meeting people, and sharing their message.

After the two years, Roberts plans to return to Canada and enter the medical field of study. Peden intends to pursue business. As for now, they decided to put their studies on hold. “I'm here, because it's something that brings me happiness,” explains Roberts.

Their own personal funds and family sustain them, while they leave their jobs and school behind for these two years.

Always in a white shirt and tie, wearing the black nametag labeled “elder” for their title as missionaries, which they go by for the two years of service, followed by the “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.” These two young men at ages 19 and 20 choose to spend their days under the sun on a tropical island thousands of miles from home instead of the alternatives of studying, working or even chasing girls. They appreciate the occasional rides that they receive, even the friendly honks and waves. Regardless, they don't let a little walking halt their service as they venture out to share their message with anyone interested to listen
posted by Cathy Crandall at 5:00 PM