"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