Letter from Mission President

Yesterday, Mason received a wonderful letter from his mission president, Leon A. Holmes. The letter is postmarked 24 June 2015 - maybe the last batch of letters sent out by President Holmes as his three years was up at the end of June, being replaced by Michael Cosgrave.  I've included a picture of President Holmes and his wife at the end of the post. It reads:

Dear Elder Walch,

We are excited that you will soon be joining us to serve as a missionary in the Ghana Kumasi Mission.

Our mission covers the northern half of Ghana. Ghana has a stable democracy and is a safe and pleasant place. It is one of the areas where the African people learned of and accepted the Gospel even before missionaries were sent to teach them. The people here are friendly and open to learning about the restoration of the Gospel. Missionary work in our mission is very productive. This is a wonderful and exciting place to serve.

The best preparation you can make is to become grounded in your testimony of the Book of Mormon through study, pondering and prayer. Put away the things of the world and focus on learning to feel the Spirit. Befor eyou can help others feel the influence of the Holy Ghost you must feel it yourself. Become familiar with Preach My Gospel, especially chapter 3, which contains the lessons you will be teaching. Begin praying now for the success of the work in this mission so you will feel connected with us. Also, pray for opportunites to be a missionary where you are, so  your testimony of this great work will increase.

The Brethren has strongly encouraged that you receive your Patriarchal Blessing before you arrive in the mission field. Your Patriarchal Blessing can be a wonderful source of personal inspiration and revelation. If you hae not yet received your own, seek to do so before you arrive and bring a copy of it with you.

We know your mission will be a wonderful experience in  your life if you give your whole heart to it. We encourage you to prepare well and arrive ready to serve.

Sincerely,

Leon A. Holmes

President