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Update on the Spain Madrid Mission and the Corona Virus

Dear Spain Madrid, Missionary Parent,

I want to provide you with an update on the evolution of what is transpiring with your missionary in Spain. Things continue to evolve rapidly, and we feel it is important to update you on what is happening and try and provide some peace of mind for you as we journey with your sons and daughters through this unique and transformational time.
The quick summary is that Spain is about two weeks ahead of the United States as far as the progression of all things related to the Corona Virus. We closed schools, requested self-isolation/distancing and started curtailing and limiting church meetings two weeks ago. Today, Spain President announced further restrictions, limiting travel, closing all but essential businesses and inviting everyone to not venture out unless absolutely necessary. For the next two weeks we are also postponing any exchanges, baptism services, District Council meetings in person and preparation days with more than one companionship. 
These proactive steps are being taken blunt the growth of the virus and to more quickly help life return to a greater sense of normalcy. Even with these adjustments, we are finding ways to move ahead with the work and our missionaries, with precaution and wisdom have continued to share the gospel and minister to others. 
Yesterday I received notice from Church Headquarters that all Senior Missionaries from the United States were to return home immediately as well as a select group of our younger missionaries who were also potential to be at risk. This is being done in a proactive effort to protect the health and wellbeing of these individuals. They will return home in the next few days and once it is felt that they are no longer at risk, they will return to Spain and resume their labors. As for now, we have received no indication that any other missionaries will be removed and that we are all going to keep pushing the work forward. 
As for the rest of our missionaries (your sons and daughters), they are adapting to our “new normal” as far as the work goes, all the while obeying the health and safety instructions provided to guard against the virus. Things in Madrid are the most sensitive while the rest of the mission, while less Dear Spain Madrid, Missionary Parent,
I wanted to provide you with impacted is taking strong precautionary measures as well. We are also being extremely sensitive to local church and government leaders’ directions. 
So far there has not been a single missionary in all of Europe that has contracted the virus and we pray that this protection will continue. We have also instructed each missionary to purchase and have in their apartment a two-week supply of non-perishable food. The mission is covering the cost of these items. We have also been producing our own hand sanitizer, distributing it amongst our missionaries, so everyone has their own supply.
As you are also aware, we received the notice that went out Churchwide that all meetings had been suspended worldwide. This has required additional modifications to our work, but we are carrying on. Finally, we have permission to still holding baptisms, but with a limited attendance, and focus solely on the ordinances themselves. We are adjusting and finding new doors opening where others have temporarily closed. 
The new reality is that this virus has caused us to rethink virtually all aspects of missionary work as well as what it means to care for and protect these valiant young people. As we now face the reality of 14-day self-isolation by our missionaries, we have provided them with ideas and activities they can do to keep busy and active in the work. I am attaching a document we have shared with your missionary and would encourage you to review it with them and suggest ideas that you have as to how they can remain productive and successful as additional work limitations may be placed upon them. 
We have also given them permission this week, if they so desire to take time to call home and let you know how they are doing and  for you to counsel with your missionary on how to optimize this “new reality” they are temporarily living in.
As I close, I want to thank you for raising such amazing young people. They have been the calm in the face of this storm. They demonstrate faith, charity and integrity every day regardless of what they currently face. I also want to promise you that Sister Bussey and my highest priority is the physical and emotional health, safety and wellbeing of your sons and daughters. While some say we are in unknown territory, we move forward in confidence thankful for continuing revelation and the wonderful history and teachings in the Book of Mormon, enlighten for us where we are heading.
We will keep you informed as this all evolves. In the meantime, we’ll remind you what we tell our missionaries every day, regardless of what is happening around us, there are “miracles just ahead”!
Un abrazo fuerte,
Presidente Phil Bussey

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