Arrived Safely - From the mission President and his Wife

 Dear Family

Sister Smith and I are happy to have received Elder Caleb Owens to the California San Jose Mission today! He, along with the other new missionaries, had lunch at the Mission Office and then received their new Trainer/Companions. They spent two hours street-contacting where they were able to pass out copies of the Book of Mormon, then they came to the mission home for dinner. He and his companion will return to the Mission Office tomorrow to receive orientation from our Senior Missionary couples regarding vehicles, housing, and MSF cards (debit cards). Following the orientation, they will receive missionary training given by Sister Smith and I, along with the Assistants.

We are grateful for the opportunity of having Elder Owens in our mission.  We assure you the service he renders will bless many lives.  He will be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to teach the Plan of Salvation and to bring many souls unto Christ.

So that our missionaries may remain focused and enthusiastic about this most important work, we ask parents to regularly communicate with their missionary by sending encouraging, uplifting letters and/or a weekly email. Missionaries are allowed to call parents on P-day (Monday). Please be aware of the following instruction given to missionaries found in Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ:

"You (the missionary) should initiate all text message conversations, online messaging, phone calls, and video chats.  If your family needs to contact you, they should contact the mission president first."

Whenever sending mail, please use the first and last name of the missionary.  We encourage that all letters and packages be sent to the Mission Office via First Class or Priority Mail, and they will be delivered to your missionary.  

The Mission Office address is:  1336 Cherry Ave., San Jose, CA  95125

You are invited to join our Facebook group where Sister Smith regularly posts photographs:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/274905436326648

Should you wish to contact me, please feel free to call me by phone at (408) 858-9001 or email at garya.smith@churchofjesuschrist.org.

Thank you for your prayers and support, and for sharing Elder Owens with us here in the wonderful California San Jose Mission.  I know that this mission experience will forever bless his life.

 

Sincerely,

Gary A. Smith
Mission President