ive always wondered why people still bother going on missions like this given you have to have a constant buddy to make sure you dont touch yourself at night and the whole religious colonialism thing. like its 2023 not 1200

You bring up some valid points and I can see where you're coming from. Thank you for expressing them! I can't speak on behalf of the church I am a part of, but here are my thoughts on the matters:

Regarding missionaries having a constant buddy/companion - We believe that God commanded that "in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word [of God] be established.", so one of the main reasons for missionary companionship is because we believe it isn't enough for just one person to teach Jesus Christ's Gospel. During my time as a missionary, the greatest benefits that came from having another missionary with me is it helped me have a second perspective on all the activities I did, whether it was teaching a lesson, coordinating efforts, or personal habits and time management. There were many points in lessons and activities on my mission where I had no clue what to say or do, but my missionary companion did. Same goes vice versa. Having another person with me also helped me stay productive and not slack off (whether it was just a regular time-waster like tv or if it was something considered sinful like masturbation, as you have pointed out). Another positive outcome of it is that I have gained some of my best friends through being missionary companions with them, and we still frequently chat with each other. I will admit that I did not like that I rarely had alone time, and some missionary companions I had were a real nuisance, but overall I'd say having a missionary companion was worth it to me.

And regarding missions being religious colonialism, that is also a valid concern. There is so much infamy in Christian history regarding missions and missionaries. Many Christian missions a few centuries ago would force people to learn about Christianity and become baptized, often also making them slaves afterward. More recent Christian missions wouldn't force people to learn, but they would often use "bait and switch" tactics, or would harrass those who weren't interested in learning or being baptized. I know that all those tactics are wrong and harmful, and my church fully agrees. The goal the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' missions are stiving for is to still be open with sharing our beliefs through word and deed; but also respect the choices of others and value them regardless of if they choose it or not. Why? Because we believe that is what Jesus would do and is what would lead to the best win/win outcome for everyone in & out of the church.

btw if you have more questions or would like to keep in touch, you're more than welcome to message me! You seem like a great artist and I believe you have a valid viewpoint and experiences just like I do.

oh im pretty good, i do know a fair amount about mormonism considering its founding principles were based on the subjugation and displacement of my ethnicity from our homelands which was never apologized for by the church. its leaders are more keen on hoarding their ignorant followers money and avoiding accountability for the crimes done in the name of their faith

Oh, are you of Native American descent? If so, I'm sorry you and your ancestors were wronged. There were definitely things the earlier members of the Latter Day Saint church could have done better, and things we could still do better now (individually and collectively). You are right we weren't and still aren't perfect.