Oh my goodness. I can't believe it. The prophet, Thomas S. Monson, just announced that men can now go on their mission at age 18, and women can serve at age 19! That is so incredible! I have a countdown on my iPod, and today it went from:

 

  

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"In a move to expand the opportunities for young members of The Church of 

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve full-time missions, Church president

 Thomas S. Monson announced today that, effective immediately, men may now

 begin serving at age 18 and women at age 19.

The previous age for beginning missionary service was 19 years of age for young

 men and 21 for young women.

The announcement was made during the opening session of the Church’s 182^nd 

Semiannual General Conference, broadcast worldwide from Salt Lake City, Utah.

President Monson said that missionaries will have to have graduated from high 

school or its equivalent, regardless of where they live.

“ I am not suggesting that all young men will—or should—serve at this earlier age,”

 President Monson said.  Rather, he said, the option is now available based on

 individual circumstances, as well as upon a determination by local Church leaders.

The Church anticipates that lowering the age requirement will significantly increase

 the number of missionaries who will serve by expanding the options for when they

 may begin their service.

A news conference is scheduled for 12.30pm today, when more details will be

 announced. A live stream of the news conference will be viewable on 

MormonNewsroom.org."