Mission Update

Dear parents, leaders, and families of missionaries,
 
I have a few updates for you from the Nebraska Omaha Mission. One is that each missionary has received funding for the purchase of extra food and items that may be stored for future use, should the need arise. Second is that we have not been given any indication the the missionaries will need to stay inside their apartments. They are out doing missionary work but have been instructed to not be knocking on doors of people through out neighborhoods. They have been encouraged to look up referrals, less active members of the church, part member families, prospective elders, new move ins, people who have been taught before and others who have expressed interest in learning more about the Church. They have also been encouraged to become more adept at using their phones to reach out to people and teaching them thru electronics. Third, we continue to stress following the protective hygiene that have been published as guidelines to help prevent the COVID-19 virus from spreading. Forth, most of the missionaries seem to be dealing well with these changes. Today, like all of you, was the first Sunday without any formal meetings at the Church. I will get a report soon from each missionary about their experience with meeting in homes with members and investigators for Sacrament meeting. Fifth, so far we have a few missionaries with cold like symptoms but no associated fever or other concerning symptoms. All missionaries have been instructed that they need to contact our mission health advisors, Elder and Sister Fawson, if they develop any cold or flu symptoms. To my knowledge, all of the missionaries have been following these instructions.
When and if anything changes, I will continue to send weekly emails or more often if needed. Please know that we are very concerned that each missionary be protected and cared for. I have been sending almost daily emails to them and keeping them informed and encouraged. The method of proselyting is changing but we have been encouraging these types of changes for months now, moving away from door to door tracking to working more closely with members and their friends and participating more with electronic meetings. Thanks for all of your prayers and support. We love your sons and daughters and are so blessed to be associating with them as full time missionaries.
 
 
James N. Ence
President, Nebraska Omaha Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Cell:  402-980-4365
jimence@churchofjesuschrist.org