Release date

Dear Bro. & Sis. Anderson,

In just a few short months, Elder Miles Anderson will be completing his service in the Taiwan Taichung Mission and returning home. Presently, Elder Anderson is scheduled to depart from Taiwan on 16 Aug 2017. You will be advised of his precise travel itinerary and arrival time as soon as this information becomes available. During his term as a missionary, he has had numerous experiences that he will undoubtedly be excited to share with you. His mission has been a time of growth and development. We trust that it has been a positive experience for you and your family as well. In anticipation of your son's return, we would like to ask your assistance with the following two items:

First: Further education is very important for your missionary. Most universities require that students submit entrance applications many months prior to the start of school; therefore, please make plans now to determine university entrance application deadlines and ensure you apply for your missionary to attend a university after his mission (if desired). The most effective application method is for you to apply on your missionary’s behalf so he will not be burdened with paperwork while still serving his mission.

Second: The last few months of a mission are the most productive time for missionaries. They have the maturity, language ability and teaching skills to be most effective in doing missionary work. However, sometimes missionaries can become distracted and lose focus as they contemplate returning home. Accordingly, I would like to suggest that your correspondence during the last few months of  Elder Anderson's mission center on making the most of his remaining time as a missionary rather than on homecoming plans. Please address only the necessary issues of his return, then focus on encouraging him to finish strong in his missionary work. These last few months are very valuable and we thank you for your assistance in helping your missionary leave his vineyard of service without regret.

As a reminder, the church does not encourage parents to pick up their respective missionary.

We are aware of the feelings of anticipation and excitement that parents have for returning missionaries. You can be proud of your son's accomplishments in the mission field. He has blessed the lives of many people here in Taiwan. Thank you for helping to make these last few months of his mission a productive, rewarding experience.

Sincerely, 

President Michael John U. Teh
Taiwan Taichung Mission

Atten:  Please let us know the closest major airport for your missionary to arrive