Healthy Missionaries Self Isolating

Dear parents and church leaders,


Please accept apologies for not responding personally to each of you.  We have received well wishes, encouragement and questions from many of you.  We will try to write directly.  


There are pressures on the England Leeds Mission, but plans have been executed quite well.  Flights have been difficult, but manageable. .Missionaries have been extremely obedient.  Work is progressing in a more technological way.


Most of you know that all of the senior missionaries were recalled from our mission. Two couples were allowed to stay, one to help run the office and one at a military base in the south of our mission.


Additionally, about nearly 30 missionaries with chronic illness or other health issues returned home.  They have been asked to conduct a 14 day isolation. We expect that like the rest of their mission, these elders and sisters are being obedient.


As a scaled down Missionary force, we are calling new leaders and asking every missionary for additional service. This can be challenging, as the Coronavirus has been steadily growing in England.


For perspective, here are a few interesting dates:
 

February 24 - 28. Zone conference held in each of the five zones. The theme of the conference - "Going Back to the the Basics'.
At the conclusion of each session, a priesthood blessing of health and safety was pronounced on all missionaries.

February 29 - missionaries are provided an additional £40 to bolster their supplies in their flats (apartments). 

March 4 - A no touching rule was implemented mission-wide 

March 6 – UK reports 100 cases of coronavirus. 

March 7 – missionaries are provided an additional 50 pounds to bolster supplies in their flats.

March 11 - UK reports 333 cases of coronavirus 

March 12 – England Leeds Mission begins self isolation.

March 13 - Missionary medical records are reviewed for chronic health issues and other medical challenges.

March 14-16. Senior Sisters and senior couples, Plus young missionaries with health concerns Depart from the mission field

March 17 – UK reports nearly 2000 cases of coronavirus. 


These are but a few of the key dates. We have seen the Lord’s hand in protecting our missionaries. More importantly we have seen miracles taking place in this great land.


The virus is taking its toll across the world. Obviously, people are right to be concerned. Please know that we have been following the guidelines set up by the church and other government agencies. We have also tried to stay ahead of the local actions. 


We were fortunate to have friends in Italy. They kept us apprised of how things were progressing there. We used it to determine some of the action we have taken in England.


As of tonight there are nearly 2000 cases reported in Britain. Yet, our missionaries are all safe and protected. We believe that the early isolation was critical in keeping all of us protected. We are serious about making certain we are keeping safe. 


There can be a bit of boredom, but our missionaries are remarkable and using technology to get the message out. In fact, we are convinced that this is a "back to the basics' approach that we need.


We now conduct a mission wide prayer at 10 oh clock 10:10 pm every evening. Additionally, at 9:30 AM and 9:30 PM we 'narrowcast' a video feed to all of our missionaries.  It is fun and inspiring. 


You are encouraged to follow the general audience group on Facebook at England Leeds Mission. Sister Green posts almost daily on Instagram.  You can find her at GreensInLeeds.


We love these wonderful missionaries and are doing all we can to help them stay healthy, happy and engaged. 


President and Sister Green