August 3, 2013

Korea Busan Mission
Dongnae P.O. Box 73
Busan, Korea 607-600

3 August 2013

Brother Craig Scott Stapley
Sister Jennifer Ruth Stapley

Dear Brother and Sister Stapley,

Recently Sister Gilbert and I had the choice opportunity of meeting your son at the airport and welcoming him to Busan.  Even though his flight had been lengthy and he had little chance to sleep, he was still cheerful and smiling.

We have been anticipating his arrival and it was wonderful to finally meet him.  We spent two days together and had an opportunity to visit privately together in the Mission Home.  We also enjoyed a very spiritual training period where Elder Stapley expressed his desire to serve the Savior and the Korean people.

Elder Stapley was also able to meet his new companion who is an outstanding missionary and an excellent trainer.  We know that they will grow together in service and love as they teach investigators and members in their new area.

Missionary work in the Busan Mission is new and exciting, and  our missionaries find great rewards in serving the Lord here.  Elder Stapley will learn much about himself, our Savior Jesus Christ and His gospel as he serves with all his heart, might, mind  and strength in the Lord's work.  He will come to understand his role as a disciple of Christ. (3Ne. 5:13)

We are grateful for his willingness and his worthiness to serve.  We thank you for preparing him and for sharing him with the Korea Busan Mission.  We know that his devoted efforts will richly bless the lives of your family.

We thank you for your support and ask you to write regular encouraging letters and send faith promoting experiences to him .  (Please use this address -- Dongnae P.O. Box 73, Busan 607-600.  While serving in other areas, mail to this address may be quickly forwarded without additional cost.)  We know that as Elder Stapley works with all his heart, might, mind and strength he will have a most amazing missionary experience.  We know  you will experience the miracle that is missionary work through your son's fine diligent efforts.

Packages from home are always welcome and most products will arrive safely and not incur any customs fees.  Please do not send beef jerky, it would be confiscated, and it is available here for purchase at Costco.  We have also found that sending packages by international mail is generally preferable to using international courier services such as FedEx or DHL.  Courier packages come to the street address of the mission home and there are times when no one is available to sign for them.  Courier packages are also much more likely to be subjected to greater customs scrutiny, delay, storage fees, etc.  US International Priority Mail is fast and provides several fixed-price boxes that do not have specific weight restrictions.  We check with our post office every day, so if you use the PO Box address above, your package will be picked up immediately and delivered quickly and safely.

Please feel free to call or write at any time if you have questions or concerns.  Sister Gilbert and I are honored to stand beside these tremendous young men and women in this sacred calling.

Thank you again for your sacrifice and service.  We pray that the Lord will continue to bless you and your family and keep you ever in His watchful care.

Faithfully yours,
Lynn A. Gilbert
Korea Busan Mission President