HARARE, Zimbabwe — He was once Zimbabwe's director of National Public Affairs and Ministry of Information. He is a former film producer, radio script writer, editor of African newspapers and managing director of a media organization. His wife has a similar background. She is a former adviser for local television and demonstrated how to use recipes on TV.

But they call their two-year service mission in the offices of the Zimbabwe Harare Mission a "unique opportunity to serve the Lord," Elder Ben Musoni said. Elder Musoni, 68, began serving with his wife, Emmah, 58, last fall after Harare Zimbabwe Stake President Edward Dube spoke with them about the need for mature couples in the mission field.

In fact, President Dube said Elder and Sister Musoni are the first indigenous full-time couple missionaries called from within Zimbabwe.

"It came as a pleasant surprise of the century," Elder Musoni said. "We are feeling younger and healthier ever since Oct. 9, 2000 [when their service began]. We are enjoying and feel satisfied that we have been accorded a unique opportunity to serve the Lord."

Sister Musoni shares similar thoughts, "I find serving a mission both interesting and challenging."

Neither is new to service in the Church, however. According to correspondence sent by Elder Russell W. Olsen, who is serving in the Zimbabwe Harare Mission with his wife, Izola, Elder Musoni has been a branch president three times, has served in other district callings and was recently released as a second counselor in the Mabelreign Ward bishopric. He has been heavily involved in the translation of the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants into the local Shona language. Sister Musoni has served in Primary, Relief Society and Young Women callings in branches and the district.

Along with their current service mission, they are also still serving in local callings. He is serving as a high councilor. She is the stake Young Women president.

Elder Olsen wrote that the Musonis' background "gives them a lot of knowledge as to who to contact and how to contact people to get things accomplished. Elder Musoni will go out and inspect all the missionaries' flats and see if they are clean and safe and if they have needs of any kind."

Speaking of his gratitude for the service Elder and Sister Musoni bring as a mature missionary couple, Elder Olsen said: "They have rendered a service to the mission. We are excited to have them here. Without them, there would be a lot of things that would never be accomplished that need to be accomplished."

He added that the Musonis "are very energetic and act as though they are only 21."

Elder and Sister Musoni are parents of eight children, two who have served full-time missions. They have eight grandchildren.