Thoughts and stories, by Pal

Church Changes Recommendation Process for Missionaries to Allow More to Serve, More Flexibility by Newsroom  | Nov. 16, 2018 From the Church Makes You Think Mormon Life The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced changes to the recommendation process for young missionary candidates. These expanded opportunities will allow more young people to serve as missionaries in various capacities that meet their personal needs or circumstances. A  letter  was sent to Church leaders on November 16 to share these changes. Beginning January 2, 2019, all young men and women in the United States and Canada — including those who may not be able to serve a proselyting mission due to health reasons — will use the same online recommendation process. They will complete recommendation forms, participate in interviews with their local Church leaders and undergo evaluations by medical professionals. Candidates will then receive ...

This is inspired, so missionaries can stay in Russia! LDS Church missionaries in Russia now to be known as 'volunteers' By  Sam Penrod ,  Deseret News Published: Monday, July 18 2016 7:35 p.m. MDT Elder Tanner Camp, right, and other missionaries take Russian language lessons at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, in 2008. George Frey, Associated Press Enlarge photo» Summary Missionaries serving for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Russia are to be called "volunteers," following a recent law there that focuses on anti-terrorism measures but also restricts religious organizations in the country. More Coverage Mormon missionaries to remain in Russia despite new law restricting missionary work Russia passes law affecting missionary work A change is coming to the designation for missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are serving in Russia, with elders and sisters ...

We told some about our couple Senior Mission to Sweden  in blog #51 which I posted on December 27, 2013, early in my blog writing.  You can go back to that entry, and read more about Senior Missions.  I said then we would put more about our Senior mission in later blogs, and I just realized I haven't done that!  So today I'm including part of a letter I just sent to our grandson who will return from his mission in 3 days, -- our last e mail to him on his mission! Our grandson Ben Lieske, a few years ago. Elder Ben Lieske, taken when he first got to Taiwan.  He may have changed some when we will see him in just 3 days, returning from his mission in Taiwan. This is the e mail I sent to him.  It tells the story I want to tell, about our ride home on the airplane from Sweden, in 1996. ----------------------- 3 days from this moment, will be 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22nd, and you will be scheduled to come in to the St. George Airport in less t...

We've heard the missionaries have been taken out of Burundi because of civil unrest.  I read there are about 500 members in 3 congregations there.  We need to keep them in our prayers. I found this in www.ldsmissionaries.com.  It is really interesting! 2 Inspiring LDS Stories from Burundi Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve pronounced a blessing upon the country of Burundi in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa. (Image via www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com) Burundi is in the news right now because of the political unrest. The reports and pictures are disturbing, and many members of the LDS Church may know very little about the country except that it’s in Africa, and the missionaries have been evacuated. Here at LDS Missionaries we believe in the spirit of optimism, especially when it comes to missionary work. When we report on missionaries who have been evacuated for any reason, our hope is that the news will inspire prayers and hop...