Mission President Letter

Taiwan Taipei Mission
4F#24 Lane 183
Chin Hua Street
Taipei 106 Taiwan ROC

5 May 2009


Dear Sister Bruno,

For Mother's Day I just wanted to express my gratitude, President Nielsen and mine, to you and your husband for sending such a fine young sister missionary out into this part of the Lord's vineyard. We are sad to not have a longer time with her but can tell she will be a great addition and a bright and shining light here in Taiwan to those who sit in darkness!

Warm regards,

Sister Mary A. Neilson

Mission President Letter: First Assignment and Focus of Missionary Work

10642
Taiwan Taipei Mission
4F, 24, 183, Chin Hua Street,
Ta An District, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.

April 13, 2009

Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Bruno
126 Summer Trace Dr.
Summerville, SC 29485

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Bruno,

Sister Nielson and I are delighted to let you know that your daughter, Sister Flora Bruno, has arrived in Taiwan safely and is doing well. We had the opportunity of spending the day following her arrival in orientation, training, and getting to know her. The next day we had a wonderful lunch with the new missionaries and their training companions. Sister Bruno has been assigned to work with Sister Amy Hill in the Zhongli 1st Ward.

I had the opportunity of interviewing Sister Bruno and am very impressed with her desire to serve. Thank you for sending us such a wonderful young woman. Truly, she is a fine example of an enthusiastic servant of the Lord. We send our love to you and promise to watch after your daughter as though she were our own.

The missionary work is focused. Missionaries should write home once a week to stay in close touch. In addition, I strongly suggest that you diligently write weekly to keep in touch with your missionary as well. If an emergency arises please call the Mission Office (Tel: 011-866-2-2393-3285 direct from the US) and leave a message, or contact us through the mission email address (2019353@ldschurch.org).

The monthly money that the missionaries receive is sufficient for their needs. Please do not send extra money for your daughter unless requested. If money needs to be sent to your daughter, we suggest you open a bank account and send your missionary an ATM or debit card. This provides fast and easy access to money from the many teller machines available in Taiwan.

May the Lord bless you and your family through the service of your missionary daughter.

Yours Sincerely,

President Norman S. Nielson
Taiwan Taipei Mission

Mission President's Letter: Discouragement of Parents Picking Up their Missionary

10642
Taiwan Taipei Mission
4F, 24, Lane 183, Chin Hua Street,
Ta An District, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.

March 18, 2009

Dear Mr. and Mrs. F. A. B.,

We extend our warm greetings from Taiwan and express our pleasure in working with Sister B. in this great part of the Lord's vineyard.

From time to time it becomes necessary to clarify policy on certain matters of concern as we have received a new mission president's handbook. It has become necessary to clarify that "Missionaries should travel directly home from their missions...The Church discourages parents from picking up their missionary." (Mission Presidents' Handbook, pg. 67) We encourage all family members of every missionary to be considerate of this policy.

Should you decide otherwise it would be important for you to know the following:

1. Your plans must be based on the release date of the missionary. You should not request a change of release date to accommodate travel plans or commitments.
2. You need to inform the Church Travel Office at least three months in advance if you choose to come pick up your missionary.
3. You are expected to make your own arrangements, including travel, lodging, and meals. The Mission Office and the Area Office Staff or local members will not be able to accommodate anyone making such arrangements.
4. You are expected to make your own travel itineraries or sightseeing activities rather than asking your son or daughter to arrange travel itineraries and sightseeing activities as this greatly distracts from the spirit of proselyting. Please allow Sister Bruno to keep her promise to devote all her "time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all other personal affairs" (Missionary Handbook pg. 4)

Missionaries are encouraged to serve with all their heart, might, mind and strength until the last day of their mission. "[They] are accountable to the Lord and to their leaders of the Church for how well [they] honor their promise." In addition missionaries are not released until they have been interviewed personally by their home stake president.

We send this letter to request that you support this policy which we know will help your missionary feel they have served faithfully giving all glory and honor to God. They will have completed their mission with honor as they endure valiantly to the end of this sacred time they have had to spend in service to the Lord, His church and His children here in the Taiwan Taipei Mission.

With warmest regards,

President Norman S. Nielson