5 Famous Mormons Who Served Missions (& Where)

(Source: LDS Living – Written by: Jake Healey)

Being a celebrity probably isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Oh, there’s money, sure—but the price of fame ensures that every decision made will be highlighted, every fashion choice scrutinized, and every mistake magnified. Though this prominence may be taxing at times, it does provide those who have it with a unique opportunity to publicly express their opinions and stand for their beliefs.

Many not of our faith have provided the Church with exposure and renown, both on the screen and on the stage. It’s been said that “any publicity is good publicity,” and that may be true—but the best publicity comes straight from the source.

Mormons have the responsibility to act like a disciple of Christ in word and deed, and for a Mormon who’s under the constant watchful eye of the public, that responsibility naturally compounds. Luckily, there are plenty of famous members whose actions reflect positively on the Savior—and some of them are even returned missionaries.

Lindsey Stirling (New York City)

Violinist, composer, dancer, and internet sensation Lindsey Stirling has performed all over the world. Her current tour will run through France, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, and Italy. She’s played with John Legend, Michael Buble, and Josh Groban, and her YouTube videos have generated over a billion views. But before the fame, Lindsey did something that she still considers to be “one of the best journeys of [her] life.”

She went on a mission.

“Every day you are thinking about others,” Lindsey blogged of her experience. “I learned so much about relationships, love, and being selfless.”

For 18 months, Lindsey put aside her adoration of popular music and stylish clothing as she taught the restored gospel to the people of New York City. “This was a big sacrifice,” she said, “but it was so worth it . . . . I had to reach down inside myself and realize that there is more to me than my desires, my style, and my hobbies.” She continued, “God helped me discover a new side of myself.”

Though she’s now a household name, Lindsey still feels the effects of her mission. “I feel my mission was preparatory for my mission in life,” she told the Deseret News. “It prepared me to do what I’m now doing and use it . . . to try to bring light to people . . . . I will be forever grateful that I got to serve a mission.