Attached are a few pictures taken last week at the Houston Temple and other events. Also, please find President Pingree's weekly email to the missionaries regarding standards for preparation day.
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| Klein Zone |
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| College Station Zone |
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| A few members of Houston West Zone 1 |
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| Houston West Zone II |
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| Elders visit with President Pingree at mission home |
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| Sisters load gear at mission home |
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| Sister Wessendorf |
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| Kate with Sister Byron |
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| Sisters Hara and Byron |
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| President Pingree with Waller Ward Elders |
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| Waller Spanish Branch Sisters |
Dear Sisters and
Elders –
The PURPOSE of p-day is "to prepare so that you can give full attention to proselyting during the rest of the week" (MH, p. 19). It is not a personal day, play day, or vacation day from missionary responsibilities. A local bishop recently wrote, “Missionaries should always act in the role of a missionary. We understand that they have a p-day and that they have a full-time calling that is very challenging, but if members see them out of place or out of character, it casts doubts about their dedication.” With that said, we must remember to act like men and women of God at all times. This is HIS time, not ours.
The PURPOSE of p-day is "to prepare so that you can give full attention to proselyting during the rest of the week" (MH, p. 19). It is not a personal day, play day, or vacation day from missionary responsibilities. A local bishop recently wrote, “Missionaries should always act in the role of a missionary. We understand that they have a p-day and that they have a full-time calling that is very challenging, but if members see them out of place or out of character, it casts doubts about their dedication.” With that said, we must remember to act like men and women of God at all times. This is HIS time, not ours.
Please follow the standards below, as well as all others explained in the Missionary Handbook:
·
"Arise at 6:30 AM, and follow the regular
study schedule" (MH, p. 19).
·
"Use preparation day to take care of
personal needs, such as writing to your family, washing clothes, getting a
haircut, cleaning your apartment, shopping, and washing your car" (MH p.
19). These activities should NOT be done
Tuesday through Sunday.
·
"On preparation day, wear missionary
clothes in public…Look for opportunities during the day to find people to teach"
(MH, p. 19).
·
"Use only MyLDSMail.net... Do NOT use any other e-mail service or any
other internet service or site that has not been authorized" (MH, p.
20). Accessing Facebook, YouTube, ESPN,
or any other non-Church websites detracts from the Spirit and goes against the
Church's standards for full-time missionaries.
·
“While using computers, always stay next to your
companion so that you can see each other’s monitors” (MH, p. 20).
·
"Stay with your companion during all
activities" (MH, p. 21).
·
"Stay in your area unless you receive
permission to leave it" (MH, p.
21).
·
"Preparation day ends by 6:00 PM. Proselyte from 6:00 PM to the end of the
evening" (MH, p. 19). Any meal appointments should be completed
before 6:00 PM, unless a non-member is present.
I urge you to
follow these standards every preparation day.
If you do, I promise that you will feel a greater sense of purpose, a
stronger Spirit, and more opportunities to share the gospel. If we follow these standards collectively as
a mission, we will be able to hasten the work of the Lord more effectively.
Thank you for
your thoughtful consideration of this message.
Please take the time to review it with your companion and make necessary
changes. Thank you for your efforts to represent the Lord effectively at ALL times and in ALL places.
Love,
President Pingree