Mission guide
California Fresno Mission
The California Fresno Mission serves in the warm, agricultural heart of the San Joaquin Valley.
- English
- Spanish
California Fresno Mission shirts
Every style made for this mission, printed when you order.
California Fresno Mission T-Shirt
$29.00
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California Fresno Mission Heart Map Shirt
$29.00
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California Fresno Mission Flag Map Shirt
$29.00
Choose size & color →I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission
2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
Weak Things Become Strong, in the language of this mission
"I make weak things become strong" (Ether 12:27) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
More shirts in the language of this mission
Press Forward, in the language of this mission
"Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ" (2 Nephi 31:20) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
About the mission
Missionaries speak English and Spanish. Families may find both languages useful in daily life and Church service.
At a glance
- Country
- United States, California
- Mission created
- July 1, 1975
- Main city
- Fresno, 542,107 residents (2020)
- Time zone
- Pacific Time (UTC-8 standard time)
- Climate
- Semi-arid, with long, hot, dry summers and mild winters
- Church in California
- 725,648 members, 145 stakes, 1,085 congregations
A short history of the area
Fresno was incorporated on October 21, 1885. Its name is Spanish for “ash tree,” referring to ash trees along the San Joaquin River. Today, Fresno is California’s most populous inland city and an important agricultural center.
The Church here
- 1846Latter-day Saint immigrants first arrived in San Francisco.
- January 1847The Mormon Battalion arrived in San Diego.
- January 1848Six Mormon Battalion members were at Sutter’s Mill when gold was discovered.
- 1850The Latter-day Saint colony of New Hope was founded in California.
- 1850The first Church building in California was completed.
- 1851Church leaders encouraged colonization in San Bernardino to support a travel route from the coast to Utah.
- 1920sCalifornia’s land boom attracted many Church members.
- 1975The California Fresno Mission was organized on July 1.
Temples nearby
Fresno California Temple
Dedicated April 9, 2000 · Near Fresno
Modesto California Temple
Opening soon · About 90 miles from Fresno
Bakersfield California Temple
Announced · About 105 miles from Fresno
The Book of Mormon here
Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.
Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Before you go
Phrases to learn
- HolaHello
- Buenos díasGood morning
- ¿Cómo está?How are you?
- GraciasThank you
Foods to try
- Tacos from local food trucks (featured at Fresno’s annual Taco Truck Throwdown)
- Sausage (a local food product associated with Saladino’s Sausage Company)
- San Joaquin Valley produce (grown in the surrounding agricultural region)
- Grapes (celebrated at the annual Armenian Grape Blessing)
Fun facts
- BankAmericard, which later became Visa, was launched in Fresno in 1958.
- Popping, the dance style, evolved in Fresno during the 1970s.
- Sierra Sky Park is recognized as the first residential aviation community in the world.
Just got the call?
Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.