SAFE ARRIVAL
Hello Richardson family
She made it!
The missionaries arrived last evening after a full day of
travel. We had a nice dinner and a quick
visit before they headed off to bed.
They are all excited to be here and I thought you might enjoy seeing a
picture of your daughter with Sister Stratford and me, as well as her new
companion, Sister Jung.
Companions for new missionaries are selected after much prayer and careful consideration. Be assured that your daughter will be in good hands! We have included her new address so that you will be able to send mail and an occasional package (don’t overdo it—let her learn the valuable lessons associated with independence. Likewise, learning to survive on a budget will give your missionary the opportunity to gain self-control over her finances).
I have attached a sheet which will give you some guidelines
related to the important role you will play during your daughter’s
mission. Above all, trust in the Lord to
watch over and bless your missionary.
Remember that she is in the Lord’s hands, doing His work. May His choice blessings be with your family
as we strive to build the kingdom together here in Ohio!
Faithfully yours, President and Sister Stratford
Ohio Columbus Mission
ljn
To the
Parent(s) or Designated Others of our Ohio Columbus Missionaries
Thank you
for the love and support you give your missionary son or daughter serving in
the Ohio Columbus Mission. Preparing for and serving a mission in today’s
world requires tremendous faith and commitment!
When missionaries know that their families are supportive and they do
not have to concern themselves with the day-to-day details of life back home,
they are enabled to be much more centered on their work and focused on their
responsibilities here. The time they
spend on their mission doing the Lord’s work provides many opportunities for spiritual
growth and self-reliance and will bless their lives—as well as the people they
teach—forever!
Missionaries have been given firm guidelines regarding communication with family (weekly) and limited
communication with others. As parents,
you play an important role in assisting your missionary by strengthening their
commitment to honor mission rules. This,
in turn, leads to greater spirituality and increased competency. I would appreciate your review and observance
of the following:
·
Your
missionary is allowed to initiate a phone call each week on Monday—their
Preparation Day. This call should never
be initiated by parents
·
If
you wish to communicate by email, send messages ONLY on Preparation Day
(Monday). Missionaries have limited time
to respond to emails, in addition to all the other personal and housekeeping
details they need to attend to that day.
·
Exercise
good judgment in your communication.
Share uplifting, spiritual thoughts and stories. Missionary work can be very challenging and
requires determined effort to stay focused.
·
Please
do not contact local leaders/members for information about your son or
daughter. Trust that they are doing
their best and do your best to
encourage them in your weekly email.
·
Limit
the number of packages you send. This is
an important, independent time in their lives.
During the
course of their time here, there may be major life events (such as the death of
a parent or family member, divorce, serious accident or illness) that you will
want to relay to your missionary. I would ask that you call me when these
situations occur. My direct number is
(614) 354-8839. If I can’t immediately
answer, leave me a message so that I can return your call as soon as possible. I want you to know that I am always available
to you when major life events may affect your missionary’s life. Trust that I will choose the most
appropriate and least disruptive time to share complex or sensitive information
with your missionary.
In your
missionary’s call to service, they were counseled to “devote all your time and
attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all other personal affairs.” Parents can make a huge difference in their
missionary being able to accomplish this and thereby fully consecrate
themselves to the work. I hope you will
join me in making this experience “the best two years (or 18 months, for sisters)
of their lives!”
Again, thank
you for your willingness to commit your son or daughter to the Lord’s work during
this important time. May the Lord bless
you and your family as we strive to build the kingdom together here in Ohio.
Sincerely
Val T. Stratford, President
Ohio
Columbus Mission
ljn
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