Elder Bowen's Mission Blog: When One Door Closes, Another Opens

August 4, 2014

This past week has been great and busy.

We meet with S. on Tuesday. That is when he told us that he is currently on probation. We feel that there has been a misunderstanding about the process for him to be baptized. He told us on Saturday that he is not going to be meeting with us. We have gotten in touch with his father and talked about the situation. When he is ready they will involve us again but until then it is in the Lord's hands and in His timing.

We meet with H. on Tuesday and read in the Book of Mormon with him. He came to church on Sunday! It was a miracle! He stayed for all 3 hours too! At church he was welcomed in a way unseen by most. Multiple families welcomed him, including some who met him at the BBQ. A family in the ward realized that their daughter knows his son and that he had visited with their daughter when he was younger. A ward member even knew his dog, CC and said it was nice to meet him and that they lived in the same neighborhood. After church we asked him how he enjoyed church. He said he felt welcomed and at peace during the meetings but that he didn't want to hurt our feelings or reputation if he didn't join the church.

Later on that evening we were driving through his neighborhood on our way to an appointment and we saw him looking at some furniture on the side of the road. We asked if he needed any help and then got to talk to him more about his feelings of church. He felt the spirit and seemed to be confused because of it all. He is probably wondering how he being Jewish could feel such peace and welcoming love at church. We will be meeting again on Tuesday.

We found T. and B. We meet with them on Thursday and answered many of B.'s questions. He has heard all the common rumors. We were walking the fine line of not bashing and having a intense conversation. Towards the end or it T. asked some really sincere questions. So we have a return appointment. They have 3 young kids. We are hoping and praying that they will be open to accepting the restored gospel.

We also had a 9 o'clock miracle. We knocked on J.'s door in an apartment complex and he was just talking to his wife and family asking why God doesn't answer prayers. What a beautiful opportunity it was to be able to teach of prayer. We also have a return appointment with them.

It just goes to show that when one door closes another path is provided for us. Of course the Lord will still work with S. and all others who have met with us for a time period. He works with all of His children. He guides us to those who are ready to work towards baptism according to His will and timing. It requires patience on our part and continued faith, hope and charity, but in the end we are guided by the Lord's hand and molded by the path He leads us on.

Love y'all! Hope you have a great week and a great trip to Lake Powell! Take pictures and try to have as much fun as a missionary! Good luck with that because this is hard to beat. Love y'all!

Love your missionary,