(1/10/99)

The LDS Church has a new policy for its missionaries: No more e-mail or faxes while they're in the mission field. Church leaders are evidently concerned the convenience of e-mail is distracting some missionaries from their work. News Specialist Pamela Davis asked some missionaries for their reactions to the new rules.

Amber Holt just returned from her mission in Paris, France. And she just heard about the new ban on e-mail and faxes for missionaries. "I'm sure it will be disappointing, especially for missionaries that I served with," she said.

While Holt was in Paris, she was able to e-mail her parents once a week. She says she saved a lot of money on stamps, and the e-mail was especially convenient in an emergency.

"I got my backpack stolen while I was in Paris, and I lost a lot of stuff, like my passport and a lot of money," she said. "It was nice to be able to email my family and tell them that I needed help."

The LDS CHurch has always had rules about communication between missionaries and the folks back home. Most missionaries are allowed to call home only twice a year, on Christmas and Mother's Day. The rules are supposed to keep missionaries focused on their mission work.

Sharla Bailey's boyfriend has been serving his mission in Romania for about nineteen months. They used to write letters, but now they e-mail each other once a week. "After using it for over a year, it's going to be really tough to give up," Bailey said. When asked if email is better, Bailey answered, "A lot better.. because it's not two weeks later, or a month later, when we're responding. It's a day instead of a long time."

Bailey's boyfriend first heard rumblings about the new communication policy about six months ago. He sent her an e-mail, warning her that e-mail might be declared off limits to missionaries. The letter read, in part, "I want you to know how much I have loved all the letters that you wrote, and have enjoyed the chance to communicate this way. it will be hard, but I know if it comes from the President's mouth, it might as well be coming from God."

Bailey starts her mission next month, and says she'll be sorry to give up the convenience of e-mail. But, like the many missionaries who served before e-mail existed, Bailey says she can learn to live without it.