Dear Madagascar Antananarivo Missionaries,
Wow!! The last week is one that we will never forget! I don’t think anyone ever thought the effects of COVID-19 would hit our mission so hard and so fast. We are deeply grateful, however, that we were able to mobilize quickly to get nearly everyone home, before it was too late. I am very proud of the way each of you managed this challenging experience. You were poised, obedient, and courageous. Thank you for enduring your stress-filled mission leaders during the final hours of the main evacuation.
Unfortunately, at this writing, we still have three missionaries (Elder Haami, Sister Tehetia, and Sister Urarii) waiting for flights in La Reunion. Elder Lethezer also remains in Mauritius because his country’s borders and airport are closed to everyone. By the end of the day the three Tahitian missionaries should be on their way home. Elder Lethezer will likely be temporarily reassigned directly to a new mission in the next couple of days. Let’s keep them and each other in our prayers continually as this whole experience moves ahead to the next steps in each of our lives, whatever those may be.
Two and a half years ago (October 2017), Elder Ronald A. Rasband, taught us that: “Our lives are like a chessboard, and the Lord moves us from one place to another – if we are responsive to spiritual promptings. . . We can see such heavenly intervention when Nephi returns to get the plates from Laban. He ‘was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things [that he] should do. (1 Nephi 4:6)’” And ever so importantly, “One day, we will stand as a witness of our whole-souled devotion to works of righteousness. No trial or calamity can derail God’s plan of happiness.” Elder Rasband then quoted Psalm 30:5 which states something important for us all to remember at this difficult time of transition, “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
This incredible event in our lives is likely to bring more than a few tears and a sense of discomfort for a brief period. But we must never forget that Heavenly Father’s unique plan for each of us will not be frustrated. Our task now is to give our “whole-souled” devotion to the very specific plan He will lay before us. As we do, our weeping will surely yield to the joy that “cometh in the morning.” One day we will see in these experiences the great wisdom and love God has for each of us.
We are saddened that our experience together either ended or was interrupted prematurely by this deadly virus. We would have loved to spend so much more time with each of you before your departure. You were pulled from us abruptly, but we pray with all of our heart that you will forever know that our love and embrace has always been fully extended to you. We also pray that you will never forget that “hard is good” on your pathway to Christ-centered discipleship and your efforts to strengthen your testimony of Him is the “most important thing happening of the face of the planet.”
We will love you eternally!
President and Sister Duckworth,
Dear missionaries,
We love you! And we have not stopped thinking about and praying for you.
The last several days were a hustle and bustle as the evacuation from Madagascar, Reunion and Mauritius happened. A few things to remember as we contemplate this event.
Remember that we love each other, and that all of us have expressed that love in many ways. As we sat in zone conferences and shared gospel truths, as we bore our testimonies of the divinity of the Savior and His gospel. We expressed love as we served one other, and lifted one another in companionships. As we sang together, as we ate together, even as we posed for pictures together!
Thank you for these wonderful memories. Thank you for sharing your love with one another, and with all of us. We followed the Savior’s example, in John 13:35: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
We are grateful beyond words for the opportunity to have served alongside each of you in this wonderful Madagascar, Antananarivo mission! Thank you for all that you did to be amazing missionaries!
With love beyond words,
Sister Duckworth
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