What a joy it is to have you here as part of the Philippines Urdaneta Mission!

Richard O. Espinosa, President, Philippines Urdaneta Mission, Elder McDonald, and Sister Espinosa

 Elder McDonald with his first companion/trainer Elder Weaver

                                             9 October 2018

                                                                                                                                                           

Elder Kyle Matthew McDonald 

Mapandan A Area

Mangaldan Zone

Dear Elder McDonald,

What a joy it is to have you here as part of the Philippines Urdaneta Mission!  We are grateful for your safe arrival and hope that by now you are settled into your new area and are successfully adjusting to missionary life.

To assure your success, there are several things you will want to be sure to do:

·         Follow your companion in all righteous actions.  You may have some thoughts about ways that things should perhaps be done that are different from the ideas of your companion.  Certainly you should feel free to discuss your ideas with your companion.  However it is generally best to learn and follow all that your companion is able to teach you.  Then after you have mastered the procedure we use in the mission, you may want to suggest other approaches as they are consistent with mission rules and practices.

·         Study Preach My Gospel and The Book of Mormon every day. Make Preach My Gospel a focus of your learning efforts. Commit to be a Preach My Gospel Elder.

• Be sensitive always to cultural differences in the area in which you serve.  The Philippines is a country of great cultural diversity, and you will find that there will be cultural differences even between one area and another in which you may be assigned.
• Keep your focus on the Lord and His desire and hope for the Salvation of God’s sons and daughters. We invite all to come to Him.

Concentrate your thoughts and effort on the work, your contacts, and on the Savior rather than on thoughts of home.  Losing yourself in the work is the best way to reduce homesickness and will assure your happiness and success. The Lord will take care of things at home; read D&C 31 for that assurance.

It was a great privilege having you with us at the Mission Home.  We love you and are grateful to have you here.

 

Sincerely,

Richard O. Espinosa

President, Philippines Urdaneta Mission