Publisher Chad Hardy is inviting people to take a fresh look at Mormonism, with his Men On A Mission calendar, which features 12 shirtless LDS beefcakes. According to the calendar’s website, MormonsExposes.com, the devout dozen, who have all served in the church’s missionary program, were “hand-selected for their striking appearances and powerful spiritual commitment.” The dedicated LDS disciples “are stepping away from the Mormon traditions of modest dress, and baring their testimony to demonstrate that they can have strong faith and be proud of who they are, both with a sense of individualism and a sense of humor.”
"I consider this a good opportunity to spread the word about the church and let people know who missionaries are and what we are doing; how we have changed the lives of so many, and how we continue to change the lives of others," says Austin, the calendar’s sexy Mr. September, who has been interested in helping others for as long as he can remember.
"I believe this calendar not only serves as an example of the beauty within the Church but also lets non-members know that we are normal people just like everyone else," says muscular May missionary Shane, who served his time in Las Vegas, ministering to the sick and afflicted there.
"At the end of the day, we are not much different than our neighbors," says James, who currently works as a marketing consultant in Mackay, Idaho. Otherwise known as Mr. December, James is the only model not to have grown up in the church. When he decided to serve as a missionary he was not an active member of the church, but found his faith while teaching Spanish to African refugees in the Canary Islands. “Service is always a great opportunity to brighten the lives of those serving as well as those being served,” says James.
The calendar costs $14.99, with a portion of the proceeds going to charities chosen by each of the calendar boys. Hardy is currently casting LDS cuties for his 2009 edition. A hot Mormon mommas version is also in the works.
Wish he would make a mormons gone wild as well.