DiscussMormonism.com

Missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are being moved out of Madagascar following an outbreak of the plague in the Indian Ocean island nation, Church leaders announced Thursday, Oct. 19.

"Due to the emerging outbreak of plague in Madagascar, as a precautionary measure, the missionaries serving on the island of Madagascar are in the process of being transferred out of this area or temporarily reassigned to other missions," according to a Church statement released on Mormon Newsroom.

Plague cases have been rising in Madagascar. First detected in late August, the outbreak has reportedly infected about 800 people. To date, the outbreak has killed at least 74 people, according to The Guardian.

A total of 69 missionaries are being relocated or reassigned. An additional ten missionaries who are nearing the end of their mission service will return home. Missionaries from the Madagascar Antananarivo Mission who are serving on the islands of Mauritius and Reunion will remain.

"Ensuring the health and safety of our missionaries is our top priority. In recent weeks measures have been taken to reduce risk to missionaries, including providing them with prescription medication to help prevent plague and asking them to remain in their apartments," said Church leaders in the statement. "There are no reports of illness among the missionaries. Families are being notified as the missionaries are temporarily reassigned.

"This is a very challenging situation for the missionaries, members and citizens of these countries, and we are taking every practical step to reduce risk and praying for their health and safety."

Missionaries from the Madagascar Antananarivo Mission who are serving on the islands of Mauritius and Reunion will remain.

Philo Sofee wrote:I would think with the priesthood, missionaries would be sent there to heal that area, not flee from it.

SuperDell wrote:How about missionaries from other churches? Are they leaving as well or are they staying and ministering to those in need? From past experience I have seen missionaries of many faiths stay in areas to help the sick and afflicted even when they are not specifically medical missionaries. They trust diety to help and if they do get sick they may be evacuated, or treated as those they are helping.

LDS missionaries and leaders don't seem to trust The Lord to protect them.

SuperDell wrote:How about missionaries from other churches? Are they leaving as well or are they staying and ministering to those in need? From past experience I have seen missionaries of many faiths stay in areas to help the sick and afflicted even when they are not specifically medical missionaries. They trust diety to help and if they do get sick they may be evacuated, or treated as those they are helping.

LDS missionaries and leaders don't seem to trust The Lord to protect them.

Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Mormon Jesus, moved with disgust, instead of stretching out His hand and touching and healing him, said to him, “I am scared you will infect me; get away from me, you loathsome creature--you're on your own. If you had been wise, you would have been born at a time and in a place when prescription medications were available.” As soon as He had spoken, Mormon Jesus arose and scurried away from the leper as quickly as possible being careful not to touch him for fear of being infected Himself."