Missionaries in Peru are eager to continue their work of successfully sharing the gospel with Peruvians, despite a recent incident in which two missionaries were killed, according to Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Council of the Twelve.

Elder Ballard was in Peru from Aug. 27-31, following the shooting deaths of two missionaries. He visited three cities where he met with most of Peru's missionaries and stake presidents.A member of the Missionary Executive Council, Elder Ballard was accompanied by Elder Angel Abrea of the Missionary Department, and Elder Charles Didier and Elder Hartman Rector Jr. of the South America North Area presidency.

"We feel the missionaries can continue their service safely under security guidelines as they are doing in Bolivia and in other parts of Latin America," said Elder Ballard.

"Both the North American and Peruvian missionaries want to continue the work," said Elder Abrea. "They really have a testimony that the Lord will be with them, and they will keep on working."

In the meetings, Elder Ballard assured missionaries and members of the love and prayers of the Brethren and the Church, and issued directives for the best possible security for missionaries serving in that country. Videos of the meetings were sent to all missionaries who could not attend the meetings because of distance.

During the visit, the General Authorities met with the families of Elders Christian Andreani Ugarte and Manuel Antonio Hidalgo who died at the hands of gunmen on Aug. 22.

"We extended the love of the First Presidency, the Council of the Twelve, all the General Authorities, and the membership of the Church," said Elder Ballard.

He noted that the Ugarte and Hidalgo families attended the missionary meetings. Elder Ugarte's father, Justo Tito Ugarte, spoke at one meeting and said that the Lord has brought peace to his family. "He said he knew his son is doing the work of the Lord on the other side. He encouraged other missionaries not to fear, and not to give up because of this unfortunate incident in the quest to take the gospel to the honest in heart in Peru."

Elder Ballard added that a son and daughter of the Ugarte family are preparing to serve missions in the near future.

The parents of Elder Hidalgo, who have been members just a few months, expressed a similar feeling. In a letter to President Ezra Taft Benson, Brother Hidalgo wrote:

"With profound sadness we received word of the death of our son, Manuco, as he was called when he was at home. We know that this separation is temporary and that we will soon be reunited with him for all eternity, since we have set a goal to go to the Lima Peru Temple to be sealed as a family this January.

"Our Father in Heaven wanted to have him at His side to continue as a missionary preaching His gospel in the spirit world, and we understand that, and feel joy and gladness that he is continuing his work.

"Moreover, nothing or no one can stop my wife and I - when the time comes - from being ready for a call from the Lord to follow our son's example in going forward to preach the gospel and save souls."

At the missionary meetings, which were held in Lima, Trujillo and Arequipa, Elder Ballard and the other leaders outlined again missionary security procedures and guidelines and "refreshed their memories on those security guidelines that were given earlier."

Every missionary proselyting area was carefully reviewed by the area presidency, the mission president and the stake president to be certain it was a safe location, he said.

"We encouraged the stake presidents to be sure that the bishops and ward mission leaders know where their missionaries are, and that they give support and help, and watch over and shepherd the missionaries," said Elder Ballard.

"We are doing and will continue to do all within our power to reduce any risks that could harm the missionaries. However, in today's world of violence, the Church cannot eliminate all risk nor guarantee absolutely that a missionary never will be ill, or injured, or harmed.

"We're trying the best we know how to ensure the safety of all missionaries wherever they are laboring. We are as concerned for the welfare and protection of the Latin missionaries as we are the North American missionaries. We have the same concerns all over the world. Today, Satan is stirring in the hearts of wicked men and women all over the world."

He said the missionaries "love and care deeply about the people they are serving, and want to continue in the service of the Lord. These dedicated missionaries illustrate so powerfully to the rest of us that "there is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear." (1 John. 4:18.)

Elder Ballard compared the missionary force of 43,000 to a city of the same size, which would have far more problems on a daily basis.

"It's obvious that the Lord has His arms around His Church, and His arms around His missionaries and He's watching out for them. But we still can't assure that someone won't get hurt."

Elder Abrea said that stake presidents told him that "we know that this is a very difficult time we are living in, but to have Elder Ballard here and to know that the First Presidency is praying for us reassures us about the Church and our testimonies."

The Church leaders also said that an emergency fund has been established for the stake presidents in Peru to assist families who are having economic difficulties. Stake presidents expressed their gratitude to the faithful saints that pay fast offering for this help.

A national austerity plan imposed Aug. 10 by the Peruvian government to halt steep inflation brought sharp increases in prices.