Philip and Erlinda Leaning are volunteer senior missionary coordinators for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Zealand.
Erlinda-and-Philip-Leaning.-Auckland,-New-Zealand.
Erlinda and Philip Leaning. Auckland, New Zealand.© 2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.They train and support other senior missionaries who either serve in their local communities from their home or take an assignment in another part of the country or world for a season of their retirement.
Their goal as senior missionary coordinators for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Zealand is to encourage more retired, senior people, married or single, to consider some kind of volunteer missionary service.
"You can serve right out of your own home in so many capacities," Phillip Leaning said. "Whether a person has all the time in the world to serve, or only a few hours a week, we know there are opportunities for you to be involved in improving the world around you."
Leaning said senior missionaries also can serve abroad if they have the desire. "There are all kinds of senior missions-- education, self-reliance and welfare opportunities, serving in the Church's Temples here in New Zealand and throughout the world, humanitarian service, family history, and supporting church leaders in your own community," he explained.
"You can serve for six months, a year, or longer. If you have the desire to serve, we want to help you do it, and there are many opportunities where you can make a difference," Erlinda Leaning added. "Your local leaders will help you find an opportunity that is just right for you!"
Watch a video in which the Leanings talk about their own experience as senior missionaries.
Learn more about senior missionaries and opportunities to serve others here.