Why do Mormons have to travel on overseas missions?

Answer 1

They don't. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) are encouraged to go on missions, but a mission is not required. Most Mormon missionaries are single young adults between 19 and 27 years old or retired adults. Missionaries are not required to go overseas, in fact, they usually serve in their home countries.

When a Mormon decides to serve a mission, they submit an application to Church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. Several weeks later, they will receive a letter informing them when and where they will serve. Most of the time, missionaries will be called to another area of their home country or to a neighboring country. This is usually most effective, because they will have the language and culture in common with those they are teaching. However, missionaries are called wherever there is need, and often there is need for missionaries in a country that simply can't supply enough missionaries. This is especially common for missionaries from the United States. Over half of Mormon missionaries are from the United States, but most Mormon missionaries serve outside of the United States. Serving in another country enables young people to develop and appreciation for other cultures as well as recognize the condition of those who are less fortunate than themselves.

As for why Mormons serve missions, the first reason is that Jesus commands "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15) Mormons desire to follow the commandments of Jesus Christ, and travelling the world to preach the gospel is one of these commandments. In addition, by teaching and assisting others and giving years of selfless service, missionaries strengthen their own faith and form a unique relationship with God. Spending years away from the trends and popular things of the 'world' allows missionaries to come home with a better perspective of what is important in life. Young adult missionaries also often come home much better prepared for family and career than their peers since they develop service, discipline, responsibility, leadership, and goal-setting habits.