Robertses return home after 18-month Member Leader Support mission in North Carolina

After serving their third mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Shane and Miriam Roberts have recently returned home following an 18-month assignment in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The couple returned to Wyoming after a drive home that included visits with their five children living across the southern United States.

Their most recent assignment was a Member Leader Support mission, a role that focuses less on traditional proselytizing and more on supporting local congregations and church leadership. The Roberts were assigned to the Charlotte South Stake, where they remained for the duration of their mission.

“We worked closely with local leaders and members,” Miriam Roberts said. “A lot of our time was spent helping individuals who were looking to return to church activity, as well as teaching lessons to new members.”

Their responsibilities varied day to day. They coordinated with local bishops, assisted full-time missionaries and helped teach new converts. They also provided support to young missionaries in their assigned district, attending weekly meetings and offering mentorship when needed.

“There wasn’t really a typical day,” Shane Roberts said. “Mornings were usually spent planning and scheduling appointments, and afternoons and evenings were filled with visits and meetings.”

In addition to their church-related work, the couple volunteered in the community. They spent several hours each week assisting a regional genealogical society, helping organize records and support local research efforts.

“We’ve been very blessed, and this was a way to give back by helping people in practical ways,” Miriam Roberts said.

The Charlotte mission itself has seen significant growth in recent years. According to Shane Roberts, the number of annual baptisms increased during their time there, reflecting broader changes in how missionaries connect with people. They noted that a growing percentage of contacts now come through social media outreach.

A unique aspect of their mission came during its final months, when Shane Roberts’ identical twin brother and his wife were assigned to the same mission. The two couples were able to serve simultaneously, more than 50 years after the brothers had each served separate missions in England as young men.

They also served with a young missionary, Austin Allred (pictured), who is a grandson of Miriam Roberts’ first cousin.

Over the years, the Roberts have completed three missions together, with previous assignments in Tucson, Arizona, and Provo, Utah. Shane Roberts also served as a young missionary earlier in life.

Now back home, the couple says they plan to focus on family and local service rather than additional full-time missions.

“We feel like this is a good time to be closer to family,” Miriam Roberts said. “We still want to serve but in ways that allow us to be more flexible and involved with our children and grandchildren.”