Adversity

Dear Family,
You are not going to get a long e-mail from me this week. I used my computer time to teach the man next to me. He was taught by missionaries three months ago, but because he was on probation, he could not get baptized. Since he stopped going to church, he has been involved in worldly affairs--drugs, gang, etc. Hopefully he will act on the invitation I gave him to come back to the church and allow the Lord to straighten out his life.

I only have time for one story here it is:  This week Elder Pack and I had an experience with anti. We found a lady named Farah on Monday evening and while we were teaching her, we noticed a 16 passenger van pull onto the street. The van unloaded the individuals who had been riding and ALL 16 people would go up to one door and attempt to "witness" to those inside. It was very distracting as we taught Farah. Half way through the lesson, the group had visited every house on the street other than the one that we were standing in front of. They sat on the other side of the street and watched with hungry eyes as they waited to pounce on this seeker of truth. No sooner did we finish the closing prayer that the group surrounded Farah. The sheer number of people was intimidating and they proceeded to undo all the truth that we taught Farah. The so-called "bishop" appeared from the inner midst of the mob and began to question us, as the rest of the group focused on Farah. We calmly answered his questions and read from the Book of Mormon. Elder Pack bore a strong witness. After Elder Pack's testimony the preacher could not contend with him any further and retreated back into the crowd. It was very interesting. Anyways, long story short, we have not gotten back in contact with Farah. I feel bad for her, but honestly I feel worse for those individuals who temporarily damned her eternal progression. The scripture comes to mind in Matthew chapter 7 where Christ warns of false prophets, "wolves in sheep's clothing." I know this is not an original statement, but it applies to Florence at the moment: Florence is "adver-city." Even with the challenges that lie ahead, I am confident in the Lord's promises especially found in the Standard of Truth.

"The Standard of Truth has been erected
No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing
Persecution may rage, mobs may combine, and calumny may assemble,
but the truth of God will go forth boldly nobly and independent
till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say:
The work is done"
-Joseph Smith Jr.

I know that the Lord has great things in store this upcoming week, for why else would the adversary try so hard to hinder our progress?

Update on other investigators: Gloria dropped us and Dante has not been keeping his commitments and Darlene Selph is still smoking. I feel bad updating you with all these negative things, but don't worry I am very excited for this next week. Come what may and LOVE IT!

I love each of you, and I am so proud of your efforts to follow our Savior, Jesus Christ. Each of you are an example to me and I am very thankful for you prayers and continuous support.

Love,
Elder Cowan