Letter and pictures from the Mission President

6  September 2017

Matthew and Jillene Cox

4502 W Hercules Drive
West Valley City, UT 84120
USA

Dear Parents,

Elder Zachary Matthew Cox arrived safely to this mission 05 Sep 2017.  After prayerful consideration, Elder Rawlings was selected to be his companion.  We make every effort to assign only the very best missionaries to be trainers, as these first few months are critical in the life of a new missionary.  Enclosed are pictures of Elder Cox with his companion, as well as with Sister Haynie and myself.

During the course of his mission he will be transferred from place to place, therefore, we ask that all his mail be sent to:

Elder Zachary Matthew Cox
1591 East Temple Way
California Los Angeles Mission
Los Angeles, CA 90024-5801

We are excited and grateful to have Elder Cox serve in the California Los Angeles Mission.  Our desire is to help him succeed and magnify his calling.  We will do everything possible to see that he remains healthy, actively engaged, challenged, and happy in his missionary labors.  Please be assured that his welfare and happiness are of primary concern to us.  The mission has an Instagram account, "clamgram2016" where you can find pictures and short comments about Mission events.

The enclosed information answers many of the questions frequently asked.  Should you have any questions or concerns during the course of Elder Cox mission, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely yours,

 

Robert M. Haynie

President

California Los Angeles Mission

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR MISSIONARY

The Mission Office address is:

California Los Angeles Mission

1591 East Temple Way

Los Angeles, CA  90024-5801

• Please address all mail to Elder or Sister with their first, middle initial and last name.
• Mail must be in the mission office by Wednesday to be distributed to missionaries each Friday after their District meetings.
• Missionaries may email family and friends on preparation day which is Monday for no more than a total of 90 minutes.
• The Mission Office phone number is (310) 474-2593 and the office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time Monday through Friday.
• Should you need to contact the Mission President he can be reached on his cell phone at (310) 702-8044.  If there is a situation such as a death or divorce that is critical a missionary know, please call the President.  He prefers to deliver such news in person in order to support the missionary.
• Missionaries are not allowed to make or receive phone calls from family members or friends at any time.  They may call home on Christmas and Mother’s Day and talk with their family for no more than one hour.
• The Missionary Handbook states: Visits from family members, friends, and acquaintances are against Church policy. The impact of such visits may extend far beyond the visit itself, both before and after the visit and among other missionaries. It can often take some time for missionaries to refocus on their callings and their work.” We support this policy.
• Missionaries are not allowed to bring any electronic media or headphones on their missions.

The Mission has an Instagram account “clamgram16” where friends and family can find pictures and short comments about Mission events.  

Supporting Your Missionary

The first six weeks of a mission are often difficult because missionaries are living a new lifestyle and learning to be a missionary. Here are some suggestions to help in this transition:

• Instead of saying “I miss you,” encourage them to savor every moment and to stay focused on their work and serving Heavenly Father.
• Pray with them, for them and encourage them to rely on prayer.
• Try not to focus on what their friends are doing; instead ask questions about their investigators, the work and special experiences.
• Send them uplifting letters; include your favorite scripture, and avoid distracting them from the missionary experience with too many letters or packages.
• Most of all, love them, be proud of them and follow their lead.

Pictures:

1. Zach with his Mission President and his wife Brother and Sister Haynie 

2. Zach with his new companion and trainer Elder Rawlings (St. George, UT)