Dear family members of missionaries of Peru Lima Central Mission,
It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the following updates regarding the future missionary service of your beloved sons and daughters.
On Friday, March 20th the Church issued an Official Announcement which said in part: “In the coming weeks, based upon world conditions, substantial numbers of missionaries will likely need to be returned to their home nations to continue their service. This will be done in a systematic way based on the urgency of travel restrictions, level of COVID-19 concern, and other considerations… Returning missionaries will go through a 14-day period of self-isolation and then may be assigned to serve within their home country, based on local conditions….”
This afternoon, March 22nd, we participated in a video conference under the direction of the South America Northwest Area Presidency. They informed us that all missionaries worldwide will be sent home in the coming days and weeks, with the exception of those who are currently serving a full-time mission in their own home country, they will remain in the mission field.
Of those returning home Elders who have 6 months or less and Sisters with 3 months or less remaining will be honorably released immediately. The remaining missionaries will return home for a period of at least 14 days of “self-isolation” and then will be re-assigned to a mission within their own country.
Peru is still under quarantine for another week and there are rumors that it could be extended. However, the US embassy will be helping us to obtain limited flights for missionaries returning to the United States even during the quarantine period.
Those missionaries from other countries are yet to be determined, some of our missionaries’ native countries are also currently under quarantine restrictions.
This is obviously an unprecedented global crisis and things change quickly, so please be patient. The exact time of their departures are still unknown but we anticipate it will be sometime over the next few weeks, we have no other details at this time. You will be notified immediately when we have secured a flight for your son or daughter. Missionaries will be instructed to be ready to leave with short notice.
Please be prepared to support and encourage your missionary spiritually, emotionally and physically when they return home. They will need some extra love and attention in processing the abrupt change in their missionary service. We love them as our own children, and will miss them more than words can express. We are so grateful for their honorable and consecrated service and for the privilege we have had to serve with each one of them!
In the meantime, please know that your missionaries are all healthy, happy and hopeful! As a mission family we trust in the Lord and in His prophet and we know there is a wise purpose in all of this. May the Lord bless you and all of your family with health, faith and tremendous peace amidst this passing storm.
With sincere love and appreciation,
President and Sister Strong
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