March 26, 2020
Dear Parents of the Happiest Missionaries in the Church,
Let me once again thank you for sending us such honorable and admirable missionaries. We are continually impressed with their dedication, faith and diligence. I so often think to myself, “This must have been how Helaman felt leading the 2000 stripling warriors.” I continually have to remind myself that these are 18-22-year olds. They are wise beyond their years.
As we are well into the second week of our government mandated self-isolation, the National Government announced that it will extend the quarantine until Easter (April 12). Even with that news, spirits remain high and the work is moving forward in miraculous ways. Even though this virus has limited our mobility, the forward movement of the Gospel has not slowed or contracted. It is awe inspiring to see the miracles their faith continues to bring. Our finding efforts are succeeding, and we continue to extend baptismal invitations to our friends.
Sister Bussey and I are in the process of interviewing all our missionaries and so far, they are all doing well and glad to be still in Spain sharing the Gospel. This week we held our Sister Training Leader Training and our Mission Leadership Council all via technology and even though we weren’t together physically, the Spirit was strong, and unity was felt.
Speaking of still being in Spain, the Church’s communication earlier this week about the process of missionaries returning created confusion and some concern regarding what is happening with your missionary. That communication has since been updated with the following statement: “Missionaries are in the process of returning to their home nations. This applies to all areas except Europe and Europe East and Taiwan.” I have also attached a letter we just received from Elder Brent H. Nielson, Executive Director, Missionary Department that clarifies our situation. Simply put, your missionary is included in the elite group who will remain in their mission of origin while all the rest return home and await reassignment. When I have talked with missionaries about this, they are so relieved to know they are staying and very sad for their friends and relatives who are returning to their homes.
I am including with this letter a copy of our Mission Intent Statement. This statement was developed by our missionary leaders when Sister Bussey and I arrived in the mission and is repeated by every missionary at all of our meetings. As we explain it, the Missionary Purpose is just that - our purpose. Our Intent Statement is who we must become to fulfill that purpose. I would love that each of you could be a “mouse in the corner” and see them stand to recite it. They not only say it, but they internalize it. I invite you the next time you interact with them, to review it and then discuss with your missionary specific sections of it.
Speaking of interacting with your missionary, we need to ask a favor. We appreciate the love and support you are giving them. It helps! We have expanded their ability to reach out to you, but we need to ask you to be considerate of the time you spend talking to them. We have more than doubled our data packages so they can continue the work online, but several have already exhausted their additional data and when asked they shared that they are having long video conversations with family. Please continue to communicate with them, but please help us keep the video calls brief and use email instead.
I am glad to say there isn’t really much more news to share, which is a good thing. Things are settling into a rhythm and the future, at least until Easter, is pretty well mapped out – we will remain in quarantine and keep proclaiming the Gospel. While we know each day brings the possibility of change, we know our purpose does not change. So for now your wonderful missionary is embracing his or her opportunity to follow Doctrine and Covenants 123:17 and will, “cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.”
May the Lord bless you and your family as you navigate the ever-changing coronavirus “waters”. Please know that we are praying for your safety and health. We know you are doing the same for all of us!
As always if you have any questions or concerns, Sister Bussey and I are here to respond and help.
Un abrazo fuerte,
Presidente Phil Bussey
Spain Madrid Mission
Dear Parents of the Happiest Missionaries in the Church,
Let me once again thank you for sending us such honorable and admirable missionaries. We are continually impressed with their dedication, faith and diligence. I so often think to myself, “This must have been how Helaman felt leading the 2000 stripling warriors.” I continually have to remind myself that these are 18-22-year olds. They are wise beyond their years.
As we are well into the second week of our government mandated self-isolation, the National Government announced that it will extend the quarantine until Easter (April 12). Even with that news, spirits remain high and the work is moving forward in miraculous ways. Even though this virus has limited our mobility, the forward movement of the Gospel has not slowed or contracted. It is awe inspiring to see the miracles their faith continues to bring. Our finding efforts are succeeding, and we continue to extend baptismal invitations to our friends.
Sister Bussey and I are in the process of interviewing all our missionaries and so far, they are all doing well and glad to be still in Spain sharing the Gospel. This week we held our Sister Training Leader Training and our Mission Leadership Council all via technology and even though we weren’t together physically, the Spirit was strong, and unity was felt.
Speaking of still being in Spain, the Church’s communication earlier this week about the process of missionaries returning created confusion and some concern regarding what is happening with your missionary. That communication has since been updated with the following statement: “Missionaries are in the process of returning to their home nations. This applies to all areas except Europe and Europe East and Taiwan.” I have also attached a letter we just received from Elder Brent H. Nielson, Executive Director, Missionary Department that clarifies our situation. Simply put, your missionary is included in the elite group who will remain in their mission of origin while all the rest return home and await reassignment. When I have talked with missionaries about this, they are so relieved to know they are staying and very sad for their friends and relatives who are returning to their homes.
I am including with this letter a copy of our Mission Intent Statement. This statement was developed by our missionary leaders when Sister Bussey and I arrived in the mission and is repeated by every missionary at all of our meetings. As we explain it, the Missionary Purpose is just that - our purpose. Our Intent Statement is who we must become to fulfill that purpose. I would love that each of you could be a “mouse in the corner” and see them stand to recite it. They not only say it, but they internalize it. I invite you the next time you interact with them, to review it and then discuss with your missionary specific sections of it.
Speaking of interacting with your missionary, we need to ask a favor. We appreciate the love and support you are giving them. It helps! We have expanded their ability to reach out to you, but we need to ask you to be considerate of the time you spend talking to them. We have more than doubled our data packages so they can continue the work online, but several have already exhausted their additional data and when asked they shared that they are having long video conversations with family. Please continue to communicate with them, but please help us keep the video calls brief and use email instead.
I am glad to say there isn’t really much more news to share, which is a good thing. Things are settling into a rhythm and the future, at least until Easter, is pretty well mapped out – we will remain in quarantine and keep proclaiming the Gospel. While we know each day brings the possibility of change, we know our purpose does not change. So for now your wonderful missionary is embracing his or her opportunity to follow Doctrine and Covenants 123:17 and will, “cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.”
May the Lord bless you and your family as you navigate the ever-changing coronavirus “waters”. Please know that we are praying for your safety and health. We know you are doing the same for all of us!
As always if you have any questions or concerns, Sister Bussey and I are here to respond and help.
Un abrazo fuerte,
Presidente Phil Bussey
Spain Madrid Mission
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