All Is Well

Dear family and friends of the missionaries serving in the Texas Dallas West Mission:

Given the unique circumstances in which we find ourselves, we want to provide updates to you periodically about the missionaries and the work.  I recently finished another round of interviews where I had the opportunity to meet with each missionary.  What a wonderful royal army of consecrated young men and women!  I am so impressed by all the good that they are doing.

There have been a few storms hitting the Gulf Coast recently, but no unusual weather has made it to our mission.  We constantly monitor potentially dangerous weather and social conditions and want you to know that we will take every precaution possible to protect your missionary.  We have emergency plans in place that can be activated on a moment's notice to assure the safety of the missionaries.  Should we have the need to activate that system or move missionaries out of harm's way for any reason, we will advise you of those issues as soon as we are able to do so.  This would include communications before, during (if possible), and after any disruption of the normal day to day functioning of the mission.

We continue to be limited in the things that we are able to do, but are amazed by how the Lord is in the details of the gathering here.  I am witness to the fact that He is making this work move forward by laboring side by side with your sons and daughters.  The work is challenging, as it always has been, but there is no power or influence on earth that can stop its progress.

Under the direction of the North America Southwest Area Presidency, we are still in Phase 1 Covid-19 Missionary Activity Restrictions.  This requires that we observe all appropriate precautionary measures including social distancing and masks.  Most missionaries are now able to attend church regularly in their own area as allowed by the local Church leadership and in accordance with guidelines.  Missionaries serving in wards and branches that do not regularly meet, can now attend other wards and branches, in order to partake of the sacrament weekly.  For gatherings outside the church, we are instructed to avoid groups greater than ten.  We do not actively proselyte, but we do talk to people who are comfortable approaching us.  As such, missionaries are instructed to be outside as much as possible where they can be seen and interact appropriately with the public.  We do not meet with high risk individuals or visit places where high risk individuals might congregate. Exercise is also limited to non-contact sports and where social distancing can be maintained.  We continue to do community service where allowed, again while abiding by appropriate social distancing.

Missionary work in the time of Covid-19 looks different than the traditional work to which we have become accustomed, but it is no less effective.  In fact, much of what we do is significantly more effective than the work done in the past.  While the physical rigors may be less, the emotional and mental exertion required can be very taxing.  For that reason, the missionaries often take small breaks during the day or plan to do many different kinds of finding and teaching throughout the day.

We have found that the most successful and happy missionaries are those who remain missionary purpose driven (see page one, paragraph one of Preach My Gospel), embrace the Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ, and focus on the things that they can do instead of dwelling on those things that they cannot do.  For that reason, we invite you to encourage and help your missionary to do just that... be purpose driven, embrace Missionary Standards, and focus on the things they can do and not so much on the things that they cannot.

Thank you for your sacrifice, love and support.  It is an honor for me and Sister Farley to be here serving along side your missionary.  We pray for you and know that both you and your missionary will be blessed for their consecrated service.

Much love,
Duane and Kristi Farley
Mission Leaders, Texas Dallas West Mission