Bishop (Name),
I don’t know if you were aware, but Elder (Name) has returned early from his mission to South Africa for some serious infractions of the mission rules. He was released this afternoon.
Fortunately, the infractions were not serious that disciplinary action will be required. In fact, there is every indication he will be allowed to return to the mission field after completing the repentance process. No time frame has been given yet by the Missionary Department.
Upon his return I also learned (not surprisingly, it’s often one of the root causes when missionaries struggle with the rules) there was a delayed confession that needs to be addressed with you, too.
(Name) is not distraught and wants to repent. I’m hopeful he’ll want to return and finish his 10 months remaining in his commitment to serve the Lord full-time. Time will tell.
Will you please meet with (Name) regularly and and help him along the repentance path? He will be attending the family ward; not the YSA Branch for now. That could change, but for now please retain his records in your ward.
Some terms that we discussed:
1. He’s not to partake of the sacrament right now. You and he are to make the determination of when he can partake of the sacrament; I recommend soon after stake conference, if he’s faithfully walking the repentance path.
2. He’s not to give a public report (speak) about his mission, either in sacrament meeting or High Council, in hopes he’ll finish his mission later. And then we’ll have him give his “homecoming” report.
3. Do not call or sustain him to a calling until he’s partaking again of the sacrament. But I told him I would recommend to his bishop that he be invited to help with the YM in the ward and accept assignments to help encourage them on how to prepare to serve missions.
4. (Name) is to attend Institute consistently and help his brother, and others, to attend missionary preparation.
5. He is to serve. While he is not worthy to be offered to finish his mission as a service missionary, he is to find ways to serve, including:
a) Make visits with the missionaries to help fellowship (please notify Todd S);
b) Fulfill every assignment and more at home, including chores, actively participate in family prayers and scripture study, help in the kitchen, get up with the family (i.e. not sleep in) and help everyone get out the door, etc.
c) Consistently have personal scripture study and personal prayer;
d) Serve a LOT in the community such the Bishops Storehouse, DI, Catholic Charities, his ffather's school (where (Name) serves each day), etc.
e) Respond to every service assignment from his EQ presidency. (Will you please alert the EQ presidency that he’s available?)
Once his temple recommend is restored, hopefully he’ll be able to serve in the temple, too. That may be a couple of months yet. We’ll see how he’s doing and how you and I feel.
While it’s appropriate for him to get into college, I encouraged (Name) and his parents to focus on helping (Name) serve in the community and prepare to return to the mission field (I am hopeful the Missionary Dept will allow him to return in 6 months).
Thank you again for helping this great young man regain his footing on the covenant path and for helping him gain enthusiasm to finish his mission,
Thx
PrL
I don’t know if you were aware, but Elder (Name) has returned early from his mission to South Africa for some serious infractions of the mission rules. He was released this afternoon.
Fortunately, the infractions were not serious that disciplinary action will be required. In fact, there is every indication he will be allowed to return to the mission field after completing the repentance process. No time frame has been given yet by the Missionary Department.
Upon his return I also learned (not surprisingly, it’s often one of the root causes when missionaries struggle with the rules) there was a delayed confession that needs to be addressed with you, too.
(Name) is not distraught and wants to repent. I’m hopeful he’ll want to return and finish his 10 months remaining in his commitment to serve the Lord full-time. Time will tell.
Will you please meet with (Name) regularly and and help him along the repentance path? He will be attending the family ward; not the YSA Branch for now. That could change, but for now please retain his records in your ward.
Some terms that we discussed:
1. He’s not to partake of the sacrament right now. You and he are to make the determination of when he can partake of the sacrament; I recommend soon after stake conference, if he’s faithfully walking the repentance path.
2. He’s not to give a public report (speak) about his mission, either in sacrament meeting or High Council, in hopes he’ll finish his mission later. And then we’ll have him give his “homecoming” report.
3. Do not call or sustain him to a calling until he’s partaking again of the sacrament. But I told him I would recommend to his bishop that he be invited to help with the YM in the ward and accept assignments to help encourage them on how to prepare to serve missions.
4. (Name) is to attend Institute consistently and help his brother, and others, to attend missionary preparation.
5. He is to serve. While he is not worthy to be offered to finish his mission as a service missionary, he is to find ways to serve, including:
a) Make visits with the missionaries to help fellowship (please notify Todd S);
b) Fulfill every assignment and more at home, including chores, actively participate in family prayers and scripture study, help in the kitchen, get up with the family (i.e. not sleep in) and help everyone get out the door, etc.
c) Consistently have personal scripture study and personal prayer;
d) Serve a LOT in the community such the Bishops Storehouse, DI, Catholic Charities, his ffather's school (where (Name) serves each day), etc.
e) Respond to every service assignment from his EQ presidency. (Will you please alert the EQ presidency that he’s available?)
Once his temple recommend is restored, hopefully he’ll be able to serve in the temple, too. That may be a couple of months yet. We’ll see how he’s doing and how you and I feel.
While it’s appropriate for him to get into college, I encouraged (Name) and his parents to focus on helping (Name) serve in the community and prepare to return to the mission field (I am hopeful the Missionary Dept will allow him to return in 6 months).
Thank you again for helping this great young man regain his footing on the covenant path and for helping him gain enthusiasm to finish his mission,
Thx
PrL
