Baptism Dates Set! Missionary work is AMAZING!

HOLA MI QUERIDO FAMILIA INCREIBLE Well.....thanks for the great report and to hear that so much good is happening! We also had an amazing week filled with so much success! This was one of the weeks that makes me want to be a full time missionary forever! I LOVE THE MISSION! So I hope that all who are going or preparing to go can grow to love it as well. So on Tuesday we had the last district meeting of the change. I don't think that I told you last week cause I didn't think anything was really going to change. I was right....our entire district is exactly the same. So we will be here for at least another six weeks! I'm excited to see what happens! Then after our district meeting we did an intercambio with the other elders. I worked in my area with Elder Phillips from England. He is also a new missionary but is progressing very well and is learning all he needs to be an excellent missionary. Elder Chumpitaz is also doing well and I see that he prepares himself more and more everyday to give it his all. We placed a couple of baptism dates this week. One with Camila who is the 10 year old girl who rode her bike to church. She is excited to learn and is preparing herself so be baptized on the 10th of November. We gave her a Book of Mormon and is hopefully reading it. We also talked to another girl Silvina that we found last week and came to church. She is 13 years old and also showing lots of excitement to be baptized. They both came to church on Sunday and are progressing very well! We are working hard to teach them all they need to know, to gain a testimony, and to become truly converted. We also found seven new investigators this week! We are anxiously waiting to go back to visit them this week and invite them to come unto Christ and be baptized. We had the conference with Elder Oaks on Saturday! IT WAS AMAZING! We all got to shake his hand and meet him. Just so you know he even said or pronounced our name right. We also heard from Elder Viñas of the seventy and Elder Hallstrom of the presidency of the seventy and you cant forget their wives! We were all edified by the spirit and I learned of my new things I have to improve. He didn't talk about anything complicated but did only as the prophets of old....cried repentance. He talked about how we must be examples of repentance and to help the members and the investigators to do it as well. He said that it mentions the word baptism 980 times in the scriptures and that less then 10 times it mentions it without the word repentance. He talked about how we must change to be converted. That new members have to be called unto repentance, they have to understand that this is a new way of life and they must change to become like the Savior. They have to understand that they must change to be at church every Sunday, that they have to be married to live with someone else, to live the word of wisdom, etc. We are going to teach more with the spirit and apply all that we have learned. It was great to also see some of my buddies from the CCM or MTC that went to the Uruguay west mission! They are all doing great and are closer to finishing then I am! I also had a get together with the Box Elder gang. I sent the photo with Elder (Ryan) Erwin, Elder (Jake) Olsen, and me! I also met Sister Shaw. I didn't know her before but she graduated when I was a sophmore and finishes in February. I think you might have mentioned her before and I am sure that dad knows the family (after all who doesn't dad know?). Elder Erwin is going home this week! I cant believe he is already finished....you should see his photo in the Box Elder News Journal. Things are going very well and I am loving the mission more and more everyday. This only bad thing about that is that when I finish its going to be even more heartbreaking. I don't know what or why but I guess I am changing. One of the members in our ward, actually our ward mission leader said I was different than when I got here and I had changed a lot....I hope that's a good thing. I feel great desires to do good continually and to also help those around accept and live the gospel. I can honestly say that I am a converted disciple of Jesus Christ and am willing to do whatever He requires of me. Our ward here is kind of struggling but we are striving to strengthen them and leave the area stronger than we found it! Our bishop is great and very willing to work so we are going to take advantage of that and help the rest of the members. I know that this church is true and this testimony brings me such great joy! I love being a member of the only true church and enjoying the blessings and happiness that is brings. I am excited for Tallin and Daxton and hope that all goes well for the Chappell family this week. I know that making and keeping covenants is what Heavenly Father want us to do and is what draws us closer to him. I know that He knows and loves us. I know that He sent His son, Jesus Christ to suffer and die so that we could return to His presence. I know that His sacrifice is infinite and eternal and we can be cleansed of whatever mistake we have made by truly repented and applying the atonement. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and is another testament of him. I feel my Saviors love for me through the Holy Ghost as I read it. I know that the gospel is the only path, the only possible way to live in this world and feel secure, full of hope, and true happiness. I know it and I can never deny it. I hope that everyone where ever they may be can obtain this same testimony and know that they can by sincerly praying. I love you all and miss you lots but not enough to be distracted from my purpose as a representative of Christ! Until next week! CON MUCHO AMOR Y UN ABRAZO Elder Bowden

Working hard and continuing to baptize!

HOLA FAMILIA Well.....another week has come and gone and we continue to do well. This week contained a lot of traveling. We went to Durazno for district meeting as normal. The district meeting went very well. We played a game which I created with missionaries and investigators and how to help them progress on the journey to the temple as well as exaltation(the game board was organized that way). Each companionship had to draw cards and each card had a commitment for an investigator and whether they kept it or not. This determined how fast and how many squares they could move. We realized that the invitations we give to people have a lot to do with how well they progress but as we learn from second Nephi they also have their own agency. We watched a video from Preach my Gospel on how to focus on their needs and finished it up with practices. The district is doing well. The elders are working hard despite the opposition they seem to be having. A few of their investigators have decided to wait a while but they will be baptized for sure (and they are probably moving). They are finding news and progressing well, they only thing is right now they are kind of in a slump. The sisters are working as well. They say that they are doing well and excited about the future. They had two in church, the same two with fecha, and the same two progressing. I hope that they continue to push themselves to do better. Then on Friday we had a meeting in Montevideo. It was with all the trainers and their comps. I enjoyed it a lot and learned of more things that I can do better. It was basically to evaluate ourselves and how the new missionaries are doing. We had lunch after and then came back on the bus. We left at about 4:30am and return at about 6:00pm. After that we had a FHE with the Marques family (the family with the little girl,Camila, or the miracle!) the good thing is that is was a successful FHE. The bad thing is she wasn't there, but we found some one else. Her name is Silvina and she is 13 years old. She is a friend of the family and just happen to be over at the same time we came. We watched a video talked about the importance of baptism and she accepted the invitation. She then asked when she could come to church and we told her Sunday. The best part is that she came and liked it! The only thing we have to do now is talk to her parents to place a baptism date. We are excited and pray that she continues to progress. This week we will meet with the same family and talk to the others! We also had another lady show up at church. She is an older lady who my comp was talking to and said ``hey come to church tomorrow at ten.´´ She showed up for the first two hours but then didn't feel so good so she didn't stay for sacrament meeting. We hope to help her as well. We continue to see that the Lord blesses us in so many aspects of the work and mostly because of our diligence and obedience. We found a couple other news this week and are waiting for our return date to invite them to be baptized on a specific date. We are going to do all that we can to take care of these new sons and daughters of God and help them embrace the fullness of the gospel. I am enjoying the work and I have never felt greater love for what I am doing until now. I am also realizing a lot more of the small things and steps I need to take to improve. I hope that I can get all of my personal challenges out of the way so I can focus 100% on our investigators. I have a goal to work my hardest every day. To work as if every day was my last and be able to say to my Father in Heaven at night, that I did all that was in my power to help my brothers and sisters as possible. I know that this is the work of the Lord and He leads us in it. I am so excited to hear from Elder Dallin H Oaks this week! I am waiting anxiously to receive more revelation on how to improve and help our area grow, but real growth! I know that Heavenly Father lives and loves us. I know that He send His Son the rescue us from physical and spiritual death. I know that only through repentance and the atonement can we be forgiven of our sins and sanctified to return to the presence of God. I love and miss you all! The family looks great! Thanks for the pics! I can't believe how grown up everyone is! Tell Michal that I like the hair cut and now I won't be able to call him goldy locks! Thanks for the updates and I cant wait to hear from you next week! CON MUCHO AMOR Y UN ABRAZO Elder Bowden

"You are a Hall of Famer in my Book!"

HOLA FAMILIA WOW! Chris is already home? Anyways....this week went well. It was actually a week that tried our faith but we are excited and looking forward to this coming week. We only found one new investigator named Oscar this week. In the beginning he didn't really want to listen and said he had already listened to the Mormons and that he had read the Book of Mormon. We asked him a few questions and then he began to ask us questions. He wants specific answers to questions that we could have showed him in the Bible but my comp applied what we learned in conference! We explained that God requires us to act with faith....to continue doing what He wants not always knowing what the end result will be. That he could receive all the answers to the scriptures in the Bible but he wouldn't be truly converted. I know this to be true. I know that conversion comes on a personal basis and that no one can truly know on a borrowed light. We found out that he hadn't actually read the Book of Mormon either but only passed through the pages. I know that this Book is the key of our religion and more than religion its the key to knowing our Savior, Jesus Christ. I love the Book of Mormon and I have seen over the course of my mission how this book, how this powerful instrument has changed me as well as my other people. I am eternally grateful for the atonement in my life and the great comfort, strength, and purification is has provided. I know that we are always going to commit mistakes and sin but we must turn ourselves completely over to God and allow Him to heal, edify, and transform us. We didn't have any of our investigators come to church but we did have a miracle show up. A 10 year old girl whose name is Camila. Her grandma is a member and had already arrived at church. Camila rode her bike for quite a distance to be able to come to church. She had never been before cause she lived in Montevideo but is now living at her grandmas house. We have a family home evening planned with them this week and will hopefully be able to give her a baptismal date. We are working hard but not hard enough. I know that I can give a lot more. Some times I feel that I will never reach the point where I can say ´´I gave it my all.´´ There is always something I can do better. I just hope that I can strive to do my best, rely on the Savior, and wait with faith as our Heavenly Father works miracles in our lives and well as those around us. We had an alright attendance, not what we want but we did have very good retention with the recent converts and are waiting for even more as well as less-actives next week! ! Hey not that Im not focused or trunky but I have a few questions? We have a DQ in Perry? When did they build it and where? Payton Manning is the QB for Denver? Mom said that he was off and on but I dont know what she meant? And last but not least.....could you send me the dates that we were sealed in the temple? As well as the date for Chappel fam? I want to get you some souvenirs but I need these dates....and maybe some cash? If you cant I guess Ill see what I can do. Thanks! Oh....for you mom! We are in the fourth quarter and down by a touchdown and two point conversion! Don't give up or lose hope cause you can easily make the points.....even easier with the help of the Savior. Rely on Him. Everyday strive to do what He wants. Dad I know that you're not too much of a football guy but the analogy is for you too. Endurance! and before you know it your will be Superbowl champs! I love you and I am so grateful for your examples in my life. They are not my words but those from the movie Remember the Titans......´´You are Hall of Fame in my book!´´ I know that the gospel is the only way to true and lasting happiness. Some people just don't see it and cant understand it but it is true. I know it because I have experienced both. I know that only through the Savior and His atoning sacrifice we can be cleansed from sin and i

mperfections and become what our Heavenly Father desires us to be. I know that life (or the mission) is never easy and was never meant to be other wise it wouldn't be worth anything. I know that Gods love for us is infinite and we can feel it and we strive to follow Him and put our lives in order with His will. I love my family, each and every member and want whats best for you. I cant force you, mom and dad cant force you, and neither can your Father in Heaven. They only invite and promise you greater happiness, more success, and eternal life as we obey the commandments. Nothing in your life will ever be as great as it could be as long as you choose to disobey but your life can my magnified and multiplied as you keep the commandments and covenants. I know its true because I have seen it in my life. I will never deny it or cease to live it cause God has told me this it what I need to do to live with Him again. Pray with sincere hearts and He will answer and will help you with whatever doubt or problem you may have. I love you all so much! Miss you as well and know that the only thing more important than the family is what I am doing now....the work of the Lord. And even then they are a work that needs to be done together. Until next week! CON AMOR Y UN ABRAZO FUERTE Elder Bowden

General Conference Wrap Up

HOLA FAMILIA WOW! I am totally in agreement with the fact that general conference was absolutely amazing! I received a lot of answers, felt the spirit, and was edified. I was super surprised when I heard that the changed the missionary age. Just two days ago my comp and I were talking about why the ages were 19 and 21 and then they went and changed them! It is exciting news and is only going to help build Gods kingdom here on earth! Last week our interviews with Pres Armstrong went great as well as a zone conference. We learned about seeing things with the eyes of faith and being happy as we work for the Lord. I feel that the main topics of conference were becoming truly converted, being truly happy, and relying on the Savior. I definitely have a lot of things to do better and will strive to make the necessary changes to become more like the Savior. I got my package this week! I still haven't read the letters but I am doing that today and will see if I can respond...its a lot to write! I was super excited and my comp and I are enjoying the content. I also received my ballot to vote! I have filled it out and will send it today or tomorrow! Go Romney! I was doing my newspaper reading this morning and found the article about him...it seems as if though all is going well and his reputation is positive! This week was full of a lot of rain! I believe that it rained 5 of the 7 days. It was fine it just made it a little more difficult for investigators to make it to church. We only had one come to the conference along with a handful of recent converts. I hope that you all enjoyed conference and were inspired to do better just as I am. Tell dad that I don't like his new job cause he never writes anymore....but hey if he doesn't have time Sunday night tell him to write me on Friday-his day off! My comp and I are doing well as we continue to learn lots and help as many people as we can make covenant with their Father in Heaven. We are anxiously waiting for the conference with Elder Oaks on the 27th and hope to have a few baptisms in between. Some times I get frustrated with myself and then feel down but after all that I heard in the conference I know that I have to always be positive and happy as I go about my Fathers work. I know that as we give it our all and do our very best, there is nothing else that can bring greater joy or satisfaction then then living the gospel and sharing it with everyone! I know that this church is true and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. It has helped me to become who I am today and continues to help me to be more like Jesus Christ. I know that Christ lives and he atoned for our sins in the garden and gave His life on the cross. I know that as we gain a greater understanding of the atonement it compels us to make righteous decisions and do act in the way the Savior would act. I know that families can be together forever. I know that Heavenly Father knows and loves us and is guiding us daily. I know that we are happy and without regrets as we live worthy of the spirit and follow His promptings. Thanks for everything! You are all amazing! Until next week....´ CON AMOR Y UN ABRAZO GRANDE Elder Bowden

Lots of Investigators and Deportes (Sports)!

HEY FAMILY! WOW!!!! Another week bites the dust! I can't believe that the weeks pass like days and the days like hours! This week was great.....the only thing we didn't have were investigators in church! We had lots of people say they we coming and then when the morning showed up they confronted opposition. I hope that they will be able to come to the conference next week because it will be an amazing, edifying experience like always! I'm sad to say it, but its my last conference here in the mission! Bueno....this week we found a couple new investigators....their names are Giovanna who is about 25 and has her five year old daughter. Their husband and father left them and they are going through some hard times right now. The best thing is they are willing to follow Jesus Christ and she said if she feels that these things are true (which I believe she already has) then she will be baptized! We invited her to be baptized the 20th of Oct. We also have a youth who is 11 years old and his name is Facundo. All of his family are already members but for some reason or another he was never baptized but I think he is excited to do it now. We are going to do all we can to make sure he knows what he is doing. We also found another women yesterday whose name is Olga. She has been going to another church for 25 years she said but was willing to listen to us. Although we had the charla or lesson outside her door we talked about the restoration for about 30 min and we left her with a Book of Mormon. I know that she will read it and that she will feel the spirit because it is a promise from our Heavenly Father. We also hope that she makes it to the conference. Luckily I will be able to watch it in English like always and I am excited to receive many answers. I will be the only one cause my comp and the hermanas or sisters only speak spanish! My comp is amazing and he is working really hard. I don't know if I told you last week but he loves reading and especially from the scriptures. Some times I feel bad cause he has only been a member for two years but knows so much! On Saturday we had an activity for the World Service Day! It was a great activity where we painted the school! Lots of members from our ward showed up and it was combined with the other ward as well. I feel that our ward unity is increasing and that everyone is catching the spirit of missionary work. We want the strengthen and edify the members in every way possible. It was also the fifth Sunday and everyone was combined. We watched a video from the Area Presidency on how members can participate in missionary work and it went really well. We have made a calender for the members to sign up for one night of the week to do a Noche de Hogar or FHE. We asked them to invite their friends and neighbors who aren't members as well as our investigators and members less active. We feel like this will work really well and the members seem to like the idea. Our district is working very hard as well. I am excited to have interviews also this week! Pres Armstrong as well as his wife are coming to Durazno on Friday! It is going to be a busy, exciting, and full of productive days. We are striving to be more diligent and work more efficiently with Elder Chumpitaz! I love you all and miss you lots. I hope that you all have a great week this week! I know that you are super busy but just remember to make time for the most important things! I am praying for you as I know you are for me and I know that they Lord will bless you. I know that this church is true and it brings me great joy! I love being a member of the church and to also be a full time servant of the Lord to proclaim His gospel! Today we had an activity with our district and we make tacos while playing sports! We played basketball (ya Im a little rusty) and some soccer. My old comp Elder Denny also came and brought two mitts! It was fun to play a little baseball as well. He said it hasn't thrown hard with anyone in a long time cause no one else really ever played. He is the one the is playing college baseball and hopefully makes it pro. Of course he wasn't throwing his hardest! My comp plays soccer alright and I am slowly teaching him the basics of basketball. Anyways....Christ lives and He loves us. He gave His life so that we could be cleansed of sin and free from guilt. I am eternally grateful for His sacrifice. I know that families can be together forever and I cant wait to go back we all of you to the BC temple! I think we will be going here in Nov! I love you all, until next week! UN ABRAZO Y CON MUCHO AMOR Elder Bowden