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John Taylor (third prophet):
We are sending the gospel to the nations of the earth. Why? Because God has commanded it.
Source: Taylor, John. The Gospel Kingdom. 3rd ed. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1944. 235.
One of the most fundamental duties for Mormon men is to serve a mission. Mormons believe that the call to serve a mission comes from God.
Few non-members realize the intense pressure and constant reinforcement that is used to ensure men of the proper age (19 - 21) serve a mission for the Mormon Church.
There are certain requirements that must be met to be deemed worthy to serve a mission.
People with physical handicaps are discouraged from serving a mission abroad.
Missionaries are restricted in what they can teach potential converts. Subjects such as becoming a God, God had a God, and others subjects distinctly Mormon are omitted until after baptism. They rely more on getting the person to pray about Mormonism and the effect of bearing their testimony than using facts and points of doctrine. They're also taught to convert potential members as quickly as possible.
Missionaries concentrate on one-on-one conversion, not through public debate.
Although more women today are going on missions, it's not encouraged because their primary role is to stay in the home and raise children.
A dire warning awaits those countries who reject and turn away the missionaries.
Missionary work isn't restricted to 19 - 21 year olds, but every member is encouraged to become actively engaged in increasing the Church membership.
The ultimate goal for Mormon missionaries.