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Weeks 14 and 15. Protests in Zimbabwe

Dear Parents:  We wanted to let you know that your son/daughter will not be emailing today.  Zimbabwe is having economic problems that have escalated this weekend to the point of people initiating protests in major cities.  These protests are against rising fuel costs that went into effect Sunday.  President Okot felt it would be safer to have all missionaries stay in their flat today to avoid any confrontation.  As far as we can tell, this may be a one-day protest.  If things look better tomorrow, they will be allowed to use Tuesday as their P-Day and they will email you then. 

Please do not worry!!  Pres. Okot is taking every precaution to keep the missionaries safe.  This is our number one concern.  The Zone Leaders are in contact with each companionship and will report any concerns.  The people of Zimbabwe are a peaceful people, and are only protesting to let the government know that they cannot continue to raise these prices on commodities that are essential, such as fuel. 

We will keep you updated as soon as any other information is available, but know that your missionary is safe and being cared for.

Sister Nelson
Office Secretary
Zimbabwe Bulawayo Mission
Corner 18th Ave and Matopos Rd
Famona, Bulawayo


Dear family members of missionaries serving in the Zimbabwe Bulawayo and Harare missions,
You likely have become aware that ongoing financial issues in Zimbabwe have escalated into widespread protests which began on Monday and are planned through Wednesday. Recent reports even suggest the protests may continue through Friday. As a result, banks, and most shopping centers have been closed.  In addition, the government has shut down the internet.  Normally you would be provided updates on the status of the missionaries and the current events unfolding from the respective mission presidents.  Because the mission presidents are unable to do so, we are sending you this communication to let you know that all missionaries in both missions have been directed to stay indoors until future notice. The mission presidents have been in communication with every companionship and report that all are safe and in good spirits.  The presidents have purchased food stuffs in bulk and have delivered sufficient for each missionary’s weekly needs. Mission presidents are in daily contact monitoring the safety and ongoing needs of each missionary and responding as necessary.
We do not know how long missionaries will need to remain indoors, however, with an abundance of caution, we will keep them indoors until we are certain it is safe for them to resume normal missionary activities.  We are hopeful the internet service will resume soon and therefore allow direct communication from your sons and daughters, as well as their mission presidents.  Until then we will attempt to communicate updates directly to you.
We love these young men and women and are doing everything we can to ensure their safety and meet their temporal needs. Thank you for your love and support of these wonderful missionaries.

Sincerely,
Africa South East Area Presidency,
Mark O Lords, Missionary Department Infield Representative contact

Dear family members of missionaries serving in the Zimbabwe Bulawayo and Harare missions,
Today was much calmer in Bulawayo and Harare and we are hopeful things will be back to normal soon.  We are being very precautionary and therefore are still keeping the missionaries indoors.  The mission presidents have been in touch with each missionary again today and every missionary is safe and there is food available for every companionship.  As you might guess the internet is still down so I am sending this update to let you know everyone is safe and doing fine.
We are grateful for your faith and prayers.  It has been wonderful to see the Lords’ hand in blessing the missionaries.

Warm regards,
Elder Mark O Lords
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Missionary Department:  In-Field Representative
Africa Southeast Area and Africa West Area

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