England Leeds Mission Update

Dear Parents and Leaders. (and Missionaries, except the YouTube part, sorry)

 

 

It is an honor to be with the missionaries of the England Leeds Mission.  Currently, there are 151 young Elders and Sisters serving in the field. They are joined by two full-time couples and Sister Green and me.  That makes 157 of us here in the East of England, down from a high of about 210.  The sudden departure of many has made for some interesting logistics. 

 

 

We would be even less (141) had we not received 16 new missionaries from the England MTC right before the closure of all MTC’s.  These new missionaries have injected a great energy and enthusiasm into the mission.  Despite being ‘hunkered down’ in their areas, our new missionaries are grateful to be in the field. 

 

 

One of the elders stated that he felt like Indiana Jones grabbing his hat just before the large door slammed shut.  (Can’t remember the reference?  YouTube seems to have everything - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ui85HwTX1s). To a person, these elders and sisters are thrilled to be here.

 

 

There are many missionaries who have been returned to Great Britain from various parts of the world. After a 14-day quarantine, they will be sent out to the 5 missions here (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Scotland/Ireland, and Leeds).  We can expect that 15 – 20 missionaries will join us.  This will necessitate a small transfer in the next week or so.  This transfer would normally be on 05 May, but no new missionaries will come to us that day.  Those previously scheduled to depart on 05 May have already returned or will soon return. 

 

 

The next transfer date is 16 June 2020. We expect that flights will take place as normal on the day after transfers (17 June 2020).  Missionaries scheduled to join us on that date are still on hold.

 

 

The growth rate of infections in the UK has seemed to level off. After many weeks, the new cases are around 4500 a day, still a high number, but staying about the same and not increasing.  Still, the travel and movement restrictions have been extended until May 7.  Our missionaries understand this and are adjusting to the new normal. 

 

 

Today, we held a mission wide Zoom ‘Mingle’.  It was a fun activity.  Together, each missionary reacted to this, “During isolation I have learned _________”.  The answers were varied and inspiring.  Just a couple –

 

-“I can do hard things”.

-“this is the Lord’s work”.

-“I need others”.

-“the methods change, our purpose does not”.

-“the Church is true”.

 

 

These are amazing men and women of God.  You certainly can worry about them, but your worry will be misplaced.  They are healthy, happy (most of the time), faithful and fearless. 

 

 

They are exceedingly valiant for courage and also for strength and activity.  They are men and women who are true at all times in whatsoever thing they are entrusted.  They are men and women of truth and soberness.  They have been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him (See Alma 53:20-21).

 

 

Our medical advisor, Elder (Dr.) Done recently put it this way:

 

 

“These simple but sometimes challenging means are the only tools that we have in our quiver to keep us safe from the virus. We also know that there are few if any cases of COVID-19 virus among our missionaries. Just as the Lord protected the army of Helaman, those 2000 stripling warriors, and also the armies of ancient Israel when they did as they were commanded to do, He is truly protecting His modern army. When the prophet Elisha asked the Lord to show the young man the forces of Israel, he was allowed to see the host of heaven that was there in support of the armies of Israel.

Just the same, those that be for us are greater than those that are against us. Also, like those of the armies of Israel who did not do as they were asked could not fight for Israel, we cannot expect the Lord to protect us if we do not use the tools that we are given in the fight against this virus. It seems mundane that two such simple things can protect us. Stay away from potential infection and practice good personal cleanliness”.

 

 

One note to those scheduled to join us.  We do not have any inside information about the time when missionaries, other than those being reassigned in Great Britain, will be allowed to come here.  April 30 is a deadline for decision making.  We are praying for the right choices to be made.  The Lord can and will direct you.  I wish we could be of more help, we just don’t know.

 

 

Thank you for the notes, the love, and the support. It is a different time, but we have learned to find happiness in simplified daily service, even when that service does not fit with our previous anticipation.  We have told our missionaries, “we refuse to have our joy held hostage by the disappointment with what we thought was going to be”. 

 

 

With Love,

 

 

M. Kirk and Sally T. Green, Leaders

England Leeds Mission