Welcome Letter from her Mission President

THE CHURCH OF

JESUS CHRIST

OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

PHILIPPINES MANILA MISSION

P.O. BOX 1997

Makati Central Post Office

0714 Makati, Metro Manila

Philippines

4 December 2015

Dear Brother and Sister Barton,

Great news!  Your daughter arrived in the Philippines Manila Mission last Wednesday morning!  We picked up all the new missionaries at 6 AM from the Manila MTC.  Your missionary looks great!  Each of the missionaries expressed enthusiasm and excitement to begin their work.  We fed them well, trained them with all the health, financial, and mission things they needed to know to get started.  We also taught them how much Heavenly Father loves them and how He expects them to do their best, but that He is also a wise, loving Father. We showed a video of our one year old grandson, Ryan, learning to walk.  They saw how Ryan’s parents encouraged and cheered him on as he was taking his first steps.  We discussed how they were never upset with him if he wobbled or fell because they understood he was learning to do something new and that he would need practice to be able to do it well.  That is the same type of experience your missionary will be having.  We hope you will support and encourage her during this big transition time.  Help her realize it is natural to feel “wobbly”, but as she keeps trying, she will find her abilities growing until her confidence and enjoyment increases.  Soon, she will love the work and the people with all her heart.

We are so very grateful to you and your family for sharing your missionary with us and the wonderful people of Manila.  We hope that you will be able to enjoy the wonderful growth that your missionary will be experiencing during her mission. We encourage you to email her weekly and share the positive things happening in your family.  If you have serious concerns or worries about your missionary, do not hesitate to email or call us.  You can reach us via email at 2018209@ldschurch.org or by phone at 011632-836-4963.  We or our office staff would be glad to help you.

Your missionary has been given one of the best missionaries of our mission, Sister Tiongco, to be her trainer. They will be serving in the Pina District of the Manila Zone.  We expect great things from them. Please see the enclosed pictures for your enjoyment.  We love your daughter, and we again express our appreciation for your willingness to share her with us.  We will do all in our power to help her have a happy and successful experience here on her mission.  May Our Heavenly Father bless you and your family.

Sincerely,

Creg D. Ostler, President

Philippines Manila Mission