Elder Trevor Cowan's Mission

"Miraculous Miracle"

2011-03-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Mother,

What an amazing past couple of weeks. I apologize for not writing because of other matters that needed to be taken care of. I am so thankful for the miracles that have taken place throughout my mission! Even now when there is 'little time remaining" the Lord continues to permit me to fulfill my purpose!

I think I have mentioned Mark Minium before. We have had a really hard time getting in touch with him, since he has been spending all his time trying to find a more suitable job. He has been working at a car rental shop near the airport. The problems with his job are:

1. He works evenings, which gives him little to no time with his son, Chris.

2. With his wife leaving him due to a drug addiction, he no longer has a second income and he can not provide with his income.

Like I said, Mark has been really busy. We occasionally would talk to him on the phone, but we had not been able to sit down and talk to him for about two weeks. All of his searching began to pay off on Wednesday (16th of March). Mark had a job evaluation with Waffle House to see if he was fit to be the store manager. On Thursday 17th of March, as Mark walked into his work, his boss pulled him into his office and told him that he was fired. Mark was surprised by this, but he told us the first thing that came to his mind was, "I now have the 19th off. The Elders had spoken to me about some 'special baptismal service' on that day." The second thought was, "The Lord has closed one door and is about to open another door at Waffle House." As Mark was driving home after being fired, he received a phone call from Wendy's. Mark had previously applied for a position, but they did not hire him because they did not have an opening. As he spoke to the representative from Wendy's they explained that a manager position opened up at Wendy's and they asked him to come and apply for the position. This really excited mark that things were looking up even though he had just lost his job.

Thursday night Mark called us to share the miracle that occurred with God closing one door, but then opening two other doors. We shared in his excitement and then he asked us about the "special baptismal service" that was supposed to be occurring the following day. Unknown to him, it was the baptismal date we had invited him to prepare for when we first met with him about a month ago. We asked him if we could stop by and explain everything the following day. I called up Elder Seamons, our faithful zone leaders, and explained the situation and he asked "Elder, How's your faith?" I replied I knew that God could perform a miracle. He said I need you to find me a ride from Seneca so you and I can go teach Mark. I accepted and went to bed.

Friday morning I started calling members trying to see if someone would be willing to drive me to Seneca to pick up Elder Seamons. We got in contact with Brother Grant. He said he would be willing to drive me. We went and picked up Elder Seamons and then Elder Seamons and I went to Mark's house. The Spirit was so strong as we taught Mark. Elder Seamons explained that the "special baptismal service" was for him and that he could still make it, since he has been to church twice. Mark accepted and we proceeded to teach him ALL of the lessons in one sitting. :) It reminded me of Ft. Jackson Military Post. After teaching him, Elder Seamons interviewed him and he passed his baptismal interview! After teaching him, we called up the Bishop explained everything and then called Brother Porter, our ward mission leader. They were both stunned, but they said we could proceed with the baptism! As we spoke to Mark, he explained that he would not be able to attend church this on Sunday, the 20th, since he had his second day of the job evaluation for Waffle House. He explained that if he got the job, he would have to work the following Sunday, but then after that he would be able to set his own schedule. We spoke to President McConkie and since he now has the keys to confirmation, he felt it was the less of two evils to confirm Mark a member of the church at the water side instead of having him wait another two weeks before he could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!

Saturday, March 19th, was an exciting day as we prepared everything for the baptism. Mark arrived all dressed in his Sunday best and we had Tai Guam, an Elder of the church who is about to leave on his mission, perform the baptism. I was honored to confirm him a member of the church! It was a miraculous miracle. We started the week thinking we would not have a baptism, but the Lord provided the way that I was able to bring one more soul unto Christ on my last weekend as a full-time missionary!

I love this work! It never ends. I know Christ can heal all wounds. Witnessing the change of Mark has been great. Here was a man who was depressed and discouraged, with no hope when his wife left him, who is now a man of honor committed to following the Savior and willing to help others receive the restored truth like he has. I know the Gospel has been restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know God loves us and answers prayers. He answered Joseph Smith's as he searched for truth. He answered mine as I sought to know of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, and He has and will continue to answer those who humbly come to him with a sincere desire to know if the Gospel has been Restored. I love you all! I will see you soon enough, until then, there is still much to be done!

Love ya!

Elder Cowan

Brief Update

2011-03-07T13:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

This week has been great! I would love to tell you about it, but I am out of time! Pray for Melissa. She has made huge progress. We got back in touch with Zack! He wants to be baptized; he almost has quit smoking!

I am serving in a three-some. Elder Hahn has joined the ranks. This allows them to continue to work after I leave!

I love you all! The church is true. I will try and write a hand written letter!

Love,

Elder Cowan

P.S. Daniel Langley, the man I wrote about two weeks ago got baptized! The day before the baptism, I went over to speak with him, and he wanted to back out of the baptism. I reassured him that he was prepared, he had repented from his sins by giving up cigarette and crew. As I spoke to him it encouraged him, and he realized the miracle that had already occurred in his life, and that he would trust in the Lord to continue to lead him throughout his life.

Alex Stancell's Baptism

2011-02-28T20:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

What a great week! With the new transfer started, I switched planners. I always use my planner to look back at the week and review all the events that have occurred. Without the planner, I may lose some details so bare with me!

Zach has been very flaky with us. He knows what he must do, but he currently lacks the faith that he can accomplish what the Lord asks of him. He did not come to church this week; he decided to go to his uncle's church instead. (His uncle is very anti.) I texted Zach this morning and he told us that he's not sure if he wants to visit with us anymore. Whatever happens, I know he felt the spirit bare witness to his soul of the truthfulness of the restored gospel. He will remember the feelings he's felt and he will return to them when everything else fails.

Mark Minium. We met with Mark this week with Elder Seamons (Zone Leader) and Elder Taylor (Assistant). They helped us teach Mark concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mark is a really good guy. He wants the best for his son. He makes sacrifices every day to make sure they have a roof over their head. We pray for him that all will work out. He currently has four job interviews this week. I just hope and pray that he gets employment with someone who will honor his request to have Sunday's off.

Friday morning Elder Fisher and I were walking down a trailer park that we had knocked before, but we felt like going anyways. We knocked down the street, with nobody answering (which is really strange for trailers). We finally walked down to the last trailer on the right. We knocked on the door and we heard some noise inside, but nobody was coming to the door. We continued to wait and then Tiesha answered the door. We asked her if she would let us in and teach her about the Restoration of the Gospel, and at first she was not super interested. The door then opened wider and Lovy was standing next to Tiesha wanting to know who was at the door. Tiesha is 29 years old with a 7 year old Son. Lovy is 23 and she is pregnant with her first child, which is due in September.

We asked them which church they go to and Lovy told us that she attends the Baptist church, while Tiesha attends the Jehovah's Witnesses. They then explained to us how different their churches were and asked, "What do you think happens to us when we die?" We began to answer when they invited us into their home. We answered their question and then Lovy said, "How can I know what the truth is? I am so sick of all the confusion, I just want God to tell me a clear cut answer." Also, "How am I supposed to know when God is talking to me? Maybe he's been answering my questions this whole time and I just don't know how he will answer." We then went into the Joseph Smith story about Joseph's similar questions. The spirit was really strong. It's amazing how the spirit always comes when we bare testimony of the restoration. Without it, we would just be any other church created by man, but I know that God is at the head of this church, this is why the spirit comes so strongly when we bare testimony of the restoration.

After we taught of the restoration, we taught them about the Holy Ghost, and how we can recognize the answers God sends us. We explained the still small voice and Tiesha began to cry. She explained, "I wasn't going to let you in, but the voice in my head said 'open the door' I now know that it was the Spirit telling me to let you in." Tiesha and Lovy asked us (before we could invite them) to come to church. We told them we wanted to give them a church tour. We asked if we could do it the following day, but they were busy all day Saturday. Tiesha asked, "Can we do it later today?" I was shocked that she would want to meet with us a second time within the same day. We set up a time for that evening to give them a church tour. Tiesha and Lovy showed up 15 minutes early for the tour and we had a member with us and had a great experience. Unfortunately, Tiesha & Lovy did not attend church. We will stop by today to see what happened.

Friday night we received a phone call from Brother Porter, asking us if we were sure the baptism was taking place on Saturday. He said he was calling the members to invite them and many of them said, "They decided to post-pone the baptism for another two weeks." I was shocked by this information because nobody had told me. I tried calling Allison, but she would not answer. We drove over to her house and knocked on the door and no answer. I went to bed Friday night stressed that we may not have a baptism the following day.

Saturday morning, we receive a text asking, can we post-pone the baptism? I replied saying we had it all organized and ready for today. Allison then told us that we could go forward with the baptism and they asked if Elder Fisher would perform the baptism! :D It was such a great surprise! 5:00 Saturday evening, Elder Fisher baptized Alex Stancell.

Sunday, Mark came to church, but Alex was not there! I was sitting in the pew trying to stay calm as we sang the opening hymn, but at the end of the hymn, Allison, and Alex walked into the chapel. Alex was confirmed by her grandfather. It was a great experience.

Life is going good! I love being a missionary. We received transfer information. Elder Fisher and I are going to be in a three-some with another missionary for the next four weeks. We will be picking him up tomorrow. I don't know who it will be! We shall see!

Life is great I love being a missionary, I will always be a missionary!

Love,
Elder Cowan

I Love the Work!

2011-02-21T20:23:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

We are not able to write very long because of the holiday. We are doing great! I love the work! I wish it could never end! I am so excited! Alex is getting baptized this weekend. Zack came to church again this week! Zack is such a good kid! He does have a major trial to overcome before he can be baptized. He smokes tobacco and weed. :( He is willing to give it up! Pray for Zack. He will make a huge sacrifice to come unto Christ. He has to not only overcome the anti he is receiving from his role-model, but he has to overcome the physical addiction.

We are also working with a man named Mark Minium. His wife left him after 16 years of marriage. Mark came to church. We will continue to work with these individuals. Well, I need to go. I think we are overstaying our visit with the members. I love you all!

Love,
Elder Cowan

The Lord Provides!

2011-02-14T20:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

What a wonderful week. Things did not go as planned (go figure :) But just as Elder Calton stated in his homecoming talk, we must trust in the Lord and he will provide, and boy did He provide this week!

Tuesday we had a church tour set with Melissa. Melissa has been investigating the church for three and a half months. We continue to work with her for she desires to learn and grow. We had Sister Leckie come with us. We had a great lesson with her in which we shared Joseph Smith's experience with her and the spirit was really strong. I don't know what it is, but whenever we teach Melissa I always have to fight back tears. :P Melissa feels Joseph Smith is a prophet, but she will not be baptized for she "does not feel ready." We continue to love her and encourage her so that one day she can let go of the regret and hostility she has for others and allow the Savior to heal her wounded soul.

Tuesday night we were able to go with the Easley Elders to Daniel Langley's home. Daniel is the nephew of a recent convert who lives in my area. Daniel came to church with Brenda and we all assumed he lived in our area, so Elder Fisher and I stayed with him throughout the meetings, but we found out later he actually lives in the Easley Elder's area. We decided that it would be best for the first lesson to have Elder Fisher and I present since Daniel was comfortable with us, and then we would be able to transfer the teaching over to Elder Keller and Elder Geslison for the rest of the lessons.

We went over to Daniel's house and everyone was quiet, (it's a little awkward having four missionaries teaching). I just began to ask Daniel some questions about church and the thought came, "Invite him to be baptized." I thought that was a little silly, since we had not taught him much and we had just arrived at his house, but the thought came again, "Invite him to be baptized." So I did. :) Daniel accepted very quickly and continued, "I have been wondering what I needed to do to join your church." The other missionaries were shocked. First, by my invitation at the beginning of our meeting and also by his sincere desire to be baptized. It was a testimony to me of the power of the Spirit. Ultimately, we are here simply to invite. The Spirit will do the teaching. It's not by our eloquence or the way we speak, but by the "still small voice" which inviteth all to come unto Christ. Daniel has given up his chewing tobacco and cigarettes in preparation for his baptism. :) I can't wait.

Wednesday we were able to meet with James Marrow who recently was baptized. We had a great lesson with him and answered some of his concerns with the Restoration. We then met with another recent convert, Robert Williams. He came with us to teach Ken Madden. Ken really wants to come to church, but with how is radiation treatments are set up, he has no energy on Sundays. He's really close to being done with his treatments, so I feel he will be able to progress much quicker once that is all done.

Wednesday night was scheduled to be Alex Stancell's baptismal interview. We were not able to visit with her because she was sick. :( but it worked out that the zone leaders were able to visit with her the following day to complete the baptismal interview.

Thursday was the major miracle. I am running our of time! I We were walking down a street and a we said, "hello" to a young man as he biked passed us, and then he asked, "Is smoking weed a sin?" We explained that it was and we introduced ourselves. The young man's name is Zack. Zack proceeded to ask some really good questions. We introduced him to the Book of Mormon and he said, "I have that and the Doctrine of Covenants!" We were surprised, but we set up an appointment to teach him that night. We went over and he had so many questions and wanted to learn everything. We invited him to be baptized on the 5th of March. He accepted. We looked at his quad and it actually is from the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We did not have time to explain what the difference was, but we set a return appointment at the church for a church tour. Zack would not accept a ride to the church, but said we should ride bikes. We agreed.

We also received a call from Sister Hill concerning Alex. Alex's grandfather was going to perform the baptism, but at work, he spilled chemicals down his stomach and legs, which resulted in second and third degree burns. He is in no condition to baptize. We asked Alex what she wanted to do and she wanted to wait until her grandpa got better. Her baptism did not happen this weekend, but it will happen on the 26th of February! :)

On Saturday we rode with Zack to the church. What an adventure. My pedal fell off, Zack"s back wheel kept coming loose, and almost came off. I suggested we call a member, but Zack said, "I promise you that if you have faith, we will be able to make it to the church without your pedal falling off again." We also stopped at Walmart to see if they had a crank wrench. While we were there, we ran into a member and Zack introduced himself as, "I'm going to join your church!" :) Walmart did not have the part, but we continued the journey with faith. Zack's prediction came true. We made it to the church. We had Cody Maughn waiting for us there and we gave Zack a church tour. The spirit was really strong. We explained the difference between the RLDS and the LDS churches. He decided he needed to pray and ask God for the guidance. He knelt in prayer and asked a very sincere prayer to know if he should be baptized. As we finished the prayer, he got up and he had received his answer. I love Zack. He has such a sincere desire to do what is right. Zack is 16. Zack has had a rough life, drugs, kicked out of school, but at the end of our lesson, Zack said, "I want to serve a mission after I join the church." He's the greatest!

On Sunday, Zack came to church and felt right at home! It was a great day. In priest quorum, the teacher asked, "Why would the devil come after you as a priesthood holder?" Zack answered the question. He hit it dead on. He spoke about the potential they had to change the lives of those around them. The spirit was really strong. The bishop began to cry from Zack's response to the question. He once again told all the priests that he wants to serve a mission. Before he left the priest quorum, Zack volunteered to fellowship a less-active girl at his school in attempt to get her back into the Lord's church. It just amazes me at the faith this young man has! Zack is on date for the 5th of March, but if he continues at the rate he is now. He will be baptized before February is over.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve a mission. I wish everyone could see my mission from my perspective. The Lord has given me everything in my life. Every experience I have is at the exact moment I need it. I have been praying for a "Mike Cowan" convert. I feel it's my debt I owe for the missionaries who taught Dad. I'm now at the tail end of my mission and this wish is coming true. I know that all blessings are proceeded by obedience. If I were not obedient before my mission, I would not be here in the South. If I were not obedient throughout my mission, I would not be having this experience right now. I love this work. It is true. I love you all!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Miracle in Greenville

2011-02-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

I have a hour session on the computer and the last 45 minutes I have spent writing President McConkie and reading all the emails I've received. :) It's all good. It will be a quick letter today.

I have some mixed feelings at the moment. This week we had a leadership training meeting in Columbia. It was Thursday and Friday. All zone leaders, district Leaders and missionary trainers attended the meeting. It was such a blessing to see all the missionaries. The sad part was that it was the last time I will see some of them. I will especially miss Elder Tran. I have become so close to him. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I had to serve with him for one transfer. Elder Tran plans on being at General Conference, so I will be able to see him again. I only have ten minutes left.

Things are going great here in Greenville. Alex Stancell will be baptized on Saturday. It has been such a blessing to be able to teach her, and also that the Lord would fulfill my selfish "birthday wish" of baptizing and confirming on my birthday. We are continuing to work with our investigators to get more of them to make this sacred covenant with our Father in Heaven.

I have less than ten minutes left, but I will try to share one miracle very quickly. Elder Fisher and I went to see a lead that the sisters had found. When we knocked on his door, he did not answer. We decided to talk to his neighbor and while we were talking to her a man walked behind us. It looked like he walked into the apartment where the lead supposedly lived. After our contact, we walked back to the door and knocked on his door. He came to the door and was shocked to see us. He said, "you will never believe this, but at the moment you knocked on my door, I was trying to call those young ladies who I had met." He continued, "I cannot be more sincere with you, you are an answer to my prayer. I have been pondering on the things the sisters shared with me and I finally decided to stop pondering and start acting. Where is your church located?" We informed in that it was in Barea and he said, "That's it, God, now I know for sure your trying to talk to me." He informed us that he has been wanting to move and the house he has been looking at was right next to our church! This miracle man's name is Ken Madden. Ken asked us if he could be re-baptized. We invited Ken to be baptized on the 27 of February and he responded with, "Will they allow me to be baptized that soon?" He is prepared. He cannot see very well, so he has had his neighbors come over to his house so they can read to him the Book of Mormon. More to come on Ken later. I love the work. The Holy Ghost is in control, all we need to do is listen and be willing to act.
Love ya!

Love,
Elder Cowan

A Great Week in Greenville

2011-01-31T22:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

On Monday, 24 January, Elder Fisher and I had four lessons scheduled in 3 hours after preparation day ended. I was excited to be able to teach and have a productive day even with the limited time afforded to us. As we went form appointment to appointment, nothing was going as planned. Nobody was home. All four of our appointments were "no-shows," but that didn't bother me one bit. I was worried about Elder Fisher, I didn't want him to get discouraged by the way things were going. I asked him how he felt the day was going and he thought it was great! I love serving with Elder Fisher. He always has a positive attitude and is willing to work all the way to the end.

As we were talking while we drove, we decided that God allowed us to miss our appointments so we would be able to meet Cheryl. We drove over to her house and as we knocked on her door, Cheryl's nephew answered the door without even knowing who it was. He recognized us as missionaries from the church so he told us to go into the back and see Cheryl (I don't think he knew Cheryl was a little hurt with the Sisters leaving). As we introduced ourselves to Cheryl, at first she was a little hesitant, but as we continued to get to know her, she realized that we are not all that bad! :) We set an appointment to stop by and see her. Later at the appointment, Cheryl told us that she was not planning to meet with us, but because of her nephew and the Lord allowing us to miss our appointments, she has begun to progress again. She is doing great with trying to quit smoking. She is amazing. Cheryl did catch the flu-bug that has been flying around like crazy out here. As soon as she gets back on her feet, she will be progressing further in the gospel. The difficult part about teaching Cheryl is that we always need to get a member to be with us for appointments since she lives alone. Don't get me wrong, I love members and their testimonies, but I think I act differently when members are a part of the lesson. I'm much too formal. I've recognized my promblem and am going to continue to be personable with or without members around. :)

Tuesday we had a fantastic day. We began with a lesson with Melissa. I don't know if I've told you about her, she is great! She was in the same boat as Cheryl. When it came to "The Elders" in her words, she felt we were going to be "stuffy." She had determined that she would meet with us once to keep her word with the Sisters, (the sisters made her promise to speak to us at least once) but after meeting with us once, she was going to stop taking lessons! We were blessed to have the spirit really strong at our first meeting and since then she has continued to progress greatly. Before we left our apartment Tuesday morning, the thought came to me to grab my talk entitled, "Why we Forgive." I decided to grab it and see what was going to come from it. During the lesson she expressed her concern that she did not feel it possible that she could ever forgive a certain individual for the actions they had made against her. I pulled out the CD and gave it to her. As she read the title of the talk, she began to weep. She said "how did you know? Both the Sisters and you always know what I need." It was a very tender moment.

Afterward we were able to teach a young man named Daequan. He was babysitting his nieces and I think was bored, so he let us into his house. He was very quiet at the beginning, but he told us we could come back by the next day.

We had Sister Leckie come with us to Cheryl's and I was a little nervous how to bring up baptism because this was the first time meeting with her. I did not want to seem pushy, but Cheryl told us at the beginning, "I have made changes in my life,and I'm continuing to try to quit smoking so I can get baptized." It was a great way to begin our lesson. :)

Later that night, we had a really cool experience occur. (Not like we didn't already have some great experiences throughout the day. :P ) Elder Fisher and I prepared a lesson for Carol (the mother--she is in her 50's) and her daughter, Charlotte (daughter in her 30's). Charlotte was taught by the Sisters a couple of times, but this was Carol's first lesson. We had discussed watching the Restoration DVD, but when we began to talk to them, I knew our lesson plan was not what they needed. Instead we read Alma 36. The spirit was really strong as we read from the Book of Mormon and taught. At one point Carol whispered to herself, "I know this story." We stopped and asked her if everything was alright or if she had a comment/question. Carol did not say anything, but I could tell she was searching, trying to remember where she had heard the story before. After we finished the lesson, we told them that next week we wanted to watch the Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration DVD. As I briefly outlined the Joseph Smith history, Carol stated, "He looked everywhere for the truth" then she continued to tell us the Joseph Smith story. I asked her how she knew the story, and she just stared at me "I don't know...."
"Did the Sisters teach you about Joseph Smith?"
"No they did not...I don't know how I know this, but I do."
The spirit was really strong. I'm not sure how she knows it, but she has been prepared. We are teaching Carol and Charlotte tonight.

Wednesday we had our return appointment with Daequan. We started our meeting with two clips from Mormon.org. We watched Paris Thomas. Paris is from Georgia and I thought he would relate well with Daequan. As the movie ended, I felt prompted to watch the clip on Valentino. Valentino is Hispanic and lives in LA. I was not sure how in the world Daequan was going to relate to him, but we watched it anyways. After watching the video, Daequan let everything out. He's in a gang, he's shot at people and been shot, beat up and he's beaten others up and he's been in jail twice. It was crazy, but he told us everything about his life. He has a desire to change, but it's going to take all his effort and the Lord's help to get him out of the gang.

Thursday we had a DDM and worked in the Easley area because the missionaries there have been struggling. That evening we had a lesson with Alex, a 9 year old. She is getting baptized on the 12th of February! She came to church with her family!

Friday was a great day but I don't have time to talk about it!

Saturday was a testimony building day. We did not have as much success as I expected, but we worked throughout the Day. At 8:53 p.m. we met Twon. Twon is elect; he is prepared for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ! It was great to see the blessing of sacrifice. (We could have gone in early because we had not taken dinner that day, but we decided to work through it!)

I need to close. The Church is true. I love you all!

Love,
Elder Cowan

New Area: Greenville New Companion: Elder Fisher

2011-01-24T13:23:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

I am currently serving in the Greenville First Ward. My companion is Elder Fisher. Elder Fisher is from Fallon, NV. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to serve with this kid! I love Elder Fisher. He wants to be a successful missionary and he is willing to put forth the effort to accomplish his goal! I had the privilege this week to pick up Elder Fisher and the other missionaries from his district at the airport. They flew in Monday evening. When we arrived at the mission home, we received some instruction from President McConkie and then they went to bed.

On Tuesday, Elder Taylor and I had the majority of the day to instruct and train the new missionaries. It was so much fun to train with Elder Taylor. We went through the 8 focuses that the MTC will be switching to in July. (Blake this is top of the line stuff! The missionaries in the MTC don't even know about this curriculum yet.) We are blessed to already have some lesson materials in preparation for the change in the MTC. We are becoming efficient now so that when the first batch of missionaries arrive in July/August we will already be proficient in the "Teach More Effectively" Curriculum. Central to the training are eight focuses:
1. The Doctrine of Christ- The missionary purpose.
2. The role of the Holy Ghost in conversion
3. Revelation through prayer
4. Revelation through the Book of Mormon
5. Revelation through church attendance
6. Teach people, not lessons
7. We invite, they commit, we follow up
8. How to begin teaching

Elder Taylor and I trained on these points throughout the day and in the evening we went proselyting with the new missionaries. It was a great experience. Within a couple of hours almost every one of the new missionaries was able to teach a new investigator.

Wednesday was transfers. The last couple of transfer meetings have had some "hick-ups," little things that could have been avoided, but through the mistakes of men, they have caused a head-ache for all involved. Elder Taylor and I were determined to not have it happen this transfer. We checked the logistics over and over to make sure everything was prepared for transfers. The transfer meeting went well. Everything went as planned. It was great to see Elder Fisher's confusion on his face when everyone had been transferred and he was the only one left. He did not know that I was training a new missionary. :) After the transfer meeting, I was making sure that everyone got to where they needed to be and with the correct supplies. I was so worried about everyone else that I did not think about my own supplies. Long story short, when we were 15 minutes from arriving in Greenville, I received a text from Elder Taylor informing me that I had left one of my suit cases in the trailer! :) I had to laugh. It was extreme lucky to find out that it was the luggage that only had my towel and blankets in it. When we arrived at the apartment, I was blessed to find blankets already there. :) Every morning I have been drying myself off with a face towel. :) It's been really fun.

I love the Greenville First Ward. The sisters had everything prepared for us and we were able to hit the ground running. For only working Thursday-Sunday, Elder Fisher and I had a great week. We have been able to meet many of the Sister's investigators and they have warmed up to us. We have so many miracles happening here. I love it! There is one investigator who we have not been able to get a hold of. Her name is Cheryl. Cheryl has been taught everything and is supposed to be baptized this weekend. When Cheryl found out the Sisters were being transferred, she was pretty upset. We will continue to try and see her and have her begin her progression again in the Restored Gospel.

Well, I need to close for now! I love each of you!

Elder Cowan

Snow and Icy Baptism Plus Trips to the Airport

2011-01-15T21:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

Hello from the icy South Carolina! This week has been really busy. I can't believe everything has happened so quickly.

Sunday we woke up extremely early in order for the visa waiting missionaries, the office Elders and Elder Taylor and I to get through the single shower we have in our apartment. We dropped Elder Hinckley and Elder Neighting off at the Windsor Lake building to watch out for our investigators. The three other visa waiting missionaries were dropped off at the Columbia building and Elder Taylor and I went to the BASE! It was the first week for the soldiers being back from Exodus! It was great seeing all the soldiers back on Post. We had a baptism. It was really cold. Ice was forming on our portable font! When the soldier came out of the water, he was blue! In a modern way I felt like the missionaries who had to break the ice at the river to perform baptisms! It was an epic experience. We dropped the visa waiters off in neighborhoods to proselyte and then we wrote soldiers. We then drove home at the end of the night. Sunday night it snowed! We had three to four inches of snow in our apartment complex! We got ready for the day and we drove to the other side of Columbia to pick up the visas in the office and Elders Riggs and Earl. We then had to drive to Cayce to pick up Elder Devitry. The roads were horrible. We were on the freeway and nobody else was on the freeway. At one point our windshield wiper froze, so we stopped our car in the middle of the Interstate (because nobody else was on it, and we did not worry about someone hitting us) so I could jump out and break off the ice. When we arrived at the office there was another email stating that another one of the visa waiters received his visa. This Elder, Elder Richens, was serving in Myrtle Beach! His flight would be on Wednesday.

Random story: We told one of the visa waiters, who was scheduled to fly out on Tuesday, that all flights were canceled (It was a joke) and that President McConkie had prayed to know what to do and that the spirit told him that we needed to do everything in our power to get them to Brazil. Their connection flight was in Dallas TX. We told this missionary that president gave us permission to drive all 8 of the missionaries in the mission van to TX. It was so funny. He was the last missionary we picked up and all the rest of the visa waiters knew about our joke and this Elder was so excited to go on a road trip to TX. It was great when we arrived at the mission home and finally told him that the flights had not been canceled and that he would be leaving in the morning. :)

Tuesday morning while the first visa waiters were getting ready in the morning, one of them read a slip of paper that came with their paper saying that they were allowed one suit case, not exceeding 44 pounds and a small pouch or backpack. This was new news for most of them. 15 minutes before we left for the airport to drop them off for their flights, they frantically got rid of two of the luggage cases and a whole bunch of stuff. Sister McConkie will be shipping it all home to their parents. It was a crazy morning. Luckily we got them all to the airport and they headed off to Brazil. We then dropped off the three remaining visa waiters (who were leaving on Wednesday) in Cayce. Elder Taylor and I drove to Florence where we met Elder Richens and Elder Koch (they are the two visa waiters who were serving in Myrtle Beach.) Even though Elder Koch did not have his visa, we thought it would be smart to bring him in close to Columbia just in case. After picking up the Elders we drove to the office to pick up Elder Richen's Visa. While we were in the office, we received another email. That's right, another VISA! Elder Koch's Visa was received in Salt Lake! :) I'm glad we brought him down to Columbia! That night we stayed at the McConkie's home and the next morning Elder Richens got dropped off at the airport at 4:00 am in the morning! It was early, then at 10:00 am we dropped off three more of the visa waiters. One of them was emotional. He really enjoyed his time in South Carolina. He has been doing missionary work in the Spanish language while he's been here. When I hugged him goodbye. He told me, "Train me how to be an English missionary and I'll stay. I will not get on that plane if I'm allowed to be your companion." It was a great compliment to receive. He will be a great missionary in Brazil. The following day we dropped Elder Koch off at the airport. Long story short, we went to the airport 4 times in 3 days. :) That was the majority of our week. Oh I almost forgot, Leslie Smith, we stopped at his house and we found him unconscious on the floor! We had to call 911. He is out of the hospital now, but that made our week even more hectic.

Transfers are happening on Wednesday. Nobody knows this yet, but I'm transferring up to the Grenville 1st ward. I am replacing sisters. The area they live in is not the best part of town, so I and my new trainee will be there instead! I'm excited to get out in the field and work this new missionary to death. Oh, with that piece of information, I will have my next preparation day not, Monday the 17th, but on the 24th of January. I will talk to you then!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Transfer Planning and District Interviews

2011-01-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

What a crazy week! I have not had time to formulate my thoughts and I need to leave for the temple in 15 minutes, so I will be very quick.

Monday was transfer planning. The inspiration was not flowing at all. We sat all day looking at the transfer board trying to figure out not only this transfer, but the next four transfers to prepare for the new mission president coming in July. You may say we were having a stupor of thought. It was quite frustrating.

Tuesday we started interviews! This year President McConkie wanted interviews to be a little different. The old way was to have the entire zone come in for a meeting, in which the assistants and the zone leaders train the first half of the day while President interviews. Half way through the day Sister McConkie would provide a large lunch for the entire zone. After lunch President would begin his sermon which normally lasted four hours. Needless to say, it would take all day. The new schedule is to have each district come in at different times throughout the day. When each district is done being interviewed, each district leaves as the next district arrives. This relieves President from training and Sister McConkie from making a big meal and our missionaries will spend less time in meetings and more time among the people!

Tuesday we had interviews with the Shilom Zone. Wednesday we had interviews with the Ishmael Zone. Thursday we had interviews with the Nephi Zone. As the interviews were taking place, I received a phone call from the mission secretary Sister Taylor. She called and informed me that five of the missionaries, who have been temporarily assigned to our mission, had received their visas and that they are leaving on Tuesday! That was exciting and also sad for I will miss these elders.

Friday we had interviews with the Shemlon Zone. I received another phone call. Three more visas had arrived. This second group is leaving Wednesday. This throws off our second week of interviews and it has a major effect on transfers. This is why we had such a hard time planning transfers. :) The visa waiting missionaries are all meeting at the temple today to go through a session with President McConkie. We are going to be with all eight of them for the next couple of days until they leave.

I need to go find my white pants so I can make it to the temple on time!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T18:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

I know you want a update, but it's much harder writing as an assistant than as a normal missionary. There's a lot of running around. Not as many people I'm teaching. When I do have an opportunity to teach the gospel, it's normally not to someone in my area. I will do my best to fill you in.

21 December: Elder Taylor and I decided to surprise exchange one of our zone leaders. We drove up to Spartanburg, to find the zone leaders not at home. :) the zone leaders were off doing their job going on exchanges with individuals in their zone. We called them and told them where we were and they asked us to go on an exchange with the Simpsonville 1st Elders. We drove to Simpsonville and went out with the Elders. I had a good day with Elder Anderson. It was great to be in one of my old areas with one of my old companions. At the end of the evening, we drove to Seneca to go on an exchange with the zone leaders for the Greenville Zone.

22 December: It was great to be out among the people of Seneca. Elder Seamons and I visited one of Sister Black's converts. (Sister Black was the senior sister in Seneca when I was a district leader in Anderson.) Memories of the beginning of my mission flooded my memory while I was there. That evening we went to a less-active home and raked up their leaves. :) It was fun. The member showed up and she jumped in the pile of leaves! It was funny watching a grown women jump into a pile of leaves. We followed her example and jumped in the leaves as well! We then had a lesson with her and her unbaptized child. The lesson was great and at the end of the lesson the daughter committed to come to church and the mother accepted the invitation to come back to church. That evening we drove home to Columbia.

23 December: was a driving day. We woke up early that morning and we drove up to Myrtle Beach to go on an exchange with the zone leaders for that zone. (You may notice a little trend, every transfer we are supposed to go on an exchange with each of the zone leaders, but for the past two years, the assistants have not ever done it.) Normally the assistants will just visit the zone leaders in the Columbia area. I decided that I was going to budget my time so I could visit each of the zone leaders. As soon as we got to Myrtle Beach, Elder Taylor got out of the car to work with Elder Lund, while Elder Esplin and I got in the car and drove back the direction I had just come, to go to Florence for a baptismal interview. (The zone leaders were out of miles so Elder Esplin came in our car which has unlimited miles.) The interview went great; she is now a member of the church. After the interview, we drove back to Myrtle Beach. After we arrived in Myrtle Beach, we headed home with a few "stops" on the way. We stopped in Conway and Marion to deliver Christmas packages to the missionaries. I don't know why some parents decide not to send their packages through USPS because any other type cannot be forwarded. There were many missionaries who did not have their Christmas packages on Christmas. :( This is why Elder Taylor and delivered packages. Many of the missionaries were overwhelmed that they received their packages. It was a great evening.

24 December, Christmas Eve: Elder Taylor and I decided we were going to brighten some of our missionaries lives by taking them caroling! We picked up the West Columbia Zone in the large van and we drove them around to their investigators and sang Christmas songs! It was a great evening.

25 December: We decided we enjoyed the caroling so much that we did it again! This time we went with the Columbia Zone. Once again the night was filled with happy hymns celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

26 December: Elder Taylor, Sisters Bukowski and Moore and I taught Leslie Smith. Leslie has some health problems and learns really slowly. We taught him the Word of Wisdom and Law of Chastity. He is a sweet spirit. He accepted both laws. He had to give up tea and smoking (what a surprise--everyone smokes and drinks tea here!)

27 December: Elder Taylor and I were able to proselyte in our own area for a little bit. We saw Anthony Tyler again. He really enjoys the Book of Mormon. He continues to tell us, "This book was written for me." He does a great job applying the stories to his own life.

28 December was Zone Leader Council. It was a great meeting. We focused on the upcoming year. We set some new standards and plans to accomplish them.

29 and 30 of December: I can't remember a single thing I did those two days....

31 December: Yesterday we went on exchanges with the zone leaders in Columbia Zone. It was a great day. Elder Taylor went with Elder Stoneman, and I went with Elder Pack. At the end of the exchange, Elder Pack really shocked me with a comment. He said, "there are two missionaries that have had the greatest impact on my mission." He paused for a moment then continued, "You are one of those missionaries." It was probably the greatest compliment I've received on my mission. I'm not sure I deserve it and I had no idea how to respond. All that came to my head was "what?" I finally gathered my senses and thanked him and gave him some counsel for his zone. After the exchange, we went over to the mission home for President McConkie's birthday! (Bruce R. McConkie never celebrated birthdays, neither do his children, including my mission president.) He had a nice dinner and that's it. He does not enjoy presents or parties. After dinner we sat in his living room and talked. It was a great evening.
Well this has been laborious to write, so I'm going to close for now. I love life. It seems to fly by too quickly, but I'm going to hold on and enjoy the ride!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Companions with Elder Taylor Again!

2010-12-11T21:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

After the long wait, I have the awaited transfer information....My New Companion is ELDER TAYLOR! Yes the same Elder Taylor who I trained in Anderson, Yes, the same Elder Taylor I served with as zone leader companions in Camden, Yes, he is now my companion in the calling as Assistants to the President. :D Life sure is crazy! It made me laugh when President told me. Right after the prayer was given to begin transfer planning, President stood up and said, I know who my next Assistant is going to be. It's Elder Taylor. I couldn't tell if he was joking. I informed him that I would love to serve with him again, but I had already served with him twice. To this he responded "You have? When?" It had completely slipped his mind. On to the week. I am out of time.

Monday, Elder Tran and I were informed that the new missionaries were coming in at 5:00 pm. We were working in the office preparing for the transfers and new missionaries when the office sister, Sister Taylor, informed us that the flight had been delayed and the new missionaries missed their second flight. The new arrival time was 11:50 p.m. :) It really was a blessing in disguise because we had too much stuff we needed to get done before transfers and we were not able to do it the week before because we were traveling the mission. We picked up the new missionaries and they were tired from their flight, but very excited to be here. The new missionaries were really funny. They were afraid to laugh or do anything out of line. I remember coming in the mission home and being very careful to not give President the wrong first impression. They will all be great missionaries. We trained the new missionaries on Tuesday.

Wednesday was transfers. Things were hectic like usual. Elder Tran is now training one of the new missionaries down in Charleston. I can't remember Thursday. :) Friday we were in the office figuring out a new deal with Sprint. We then went to the Windsor Lake Christmas Party. It was great to be there.

Saturday we cleaned the office Elders' apartment. We completed some more work with Sprint, then we went to Ft. Jackson for a social for all the AIT soldiers. It was great. There was food and games for the soldiers.

We are preparing for the the Christmas zone conference. The missionaries are going to perform talents then we are going to play volleyball and do other fun activities. It's going to be fun, but tiring doing it in every zone. I will be tired by the end of the week. I can't believe Christmas is here. I need to apologize to Justin; I have not gotten his birthday letter in the mail. I will do it today.

Tomorrow will be the last day at Basic Training before exodus. They will not be back until the second week of January. Sundays are going to be so different without the base. It will be good though. This will be my last transfer as an assistant. It will prepare me when I train a new missionary my last transfer. I hope all is well. Merry Christmas! I love you all!

Love,
Elder Cowan

"Save the Souls of Man"

2010-12-04T18:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

What an exciting week! Thursday was great with all of the feasts that we were able to go to. In the morning, before we went to President and Sister McConkie's home, we stopped at the office to do some office work. While I was sitting at the computer working away, I received a phone call from a lady who was in search of a bishop. She told me she needed to speak to a bishop about getting some food. As I tried asking her some questions, she became a little defensive and she would not give me her name. I told her I needed to know where she lived in order to know which Bishop she should contact. She didn't even want to tell me where she lived, but finally she told me she was located at Barbara Dr. & Two Notch Road. I told her I needed a minute to look it up on the internet to find her location. This unnamed lady was not very excited with the idea that I would put her on hold. Finally, she agreed and I typed her information into the computer. By the time I found the address and which ward it was in, I tried to talk to her on the phone, but it was too late. She had already hung up. I felt bad I wasn't able to help her more, but from the abruptness and the rude way she spoke, I don't think she was very humble and not really "in need" as she stated. If she were "in need" she would have waited while I looked up the information. Anyway, I will return to this random phone call later.

We went to the McConkie's home and that was the best Thanksgiving food I have ever had! It was sad that it was our first stop of the day. After eating Sister McConkie's food, the other two dinners did not excite me. :) After dinner at the McConkie's home, we went to John Crew's apartment for round number two. We had a fun time visiting with the Crew family and also with the sisters who also serve in the Windsor Lake Ward. After the second dinner, we started to drive back into Columbia. While I was driving, I realized we were on Two Notch Road. I had the thought pop in my head, "look up Barbara Dr. and Two Notch Rd." I followed the prompting and had Elder Tran look it up. When the GPS located our position, we were crossing the intersection of Barbara Dr. and Two Notch Road. It was too late to turn. Also, we had the sisters following us to Sister Drake's house for our third dinner. The thought came in my head, "you need to go back." I tried to brush the thought away, but then it came again, "you need to go back." I then began to rationalize with myself saying "the sisters will get lost if we do not show them the way to Sister Drake's house." I also thought, "we are going to be late to our dinner if I turn back around." I was having this battle in my head when I turned to Elder Tran and I asked him, "Why is it so hard to follow the Spirit? I feel we need to turn around, but I'm not sure if it's just my own thought or the spirit prompting me." Elder Tran looked at me for a moment and said, "turn around." I decided to follow his counsel and we called the sisters and told them to continue ahead of us. We gave them the best directions we could, then turned around. As we began driving back to Barbara Dr. and Two Notch Rd, the thought came to me, "turn left." I decided to test this thought by first asking Elder Tran. I said, "Now the question is, which direction are we going to go when we reach the intersection?" "I feel we need to turn left," he said. "Really? I was actually thinking the same thing." When we reached the intersection, Barbara Dr was on our left and to the right the road had changed names! This boosted my confidence that we were being led by the spirit. As we drove down the street, we noticed a hotel and there were quite a few people standing outside. Elder Tran told me to turn in, so I turned. As we scanned the group, their was a US army soldier in his ACU (uniform). We pulled off to the side and began to talk to the man. He had just finished basic training at Ft. Jackson and we was headed to Georgia for AIT. We were able to teach him briefly about the gospel and he committed to attend church the following Sunday down in Georgia! After speaking to him, Elder Tran and I felt like we had done what the spirit needed us to do, so we drove to our dinner appointment. I will never know what will happen to that soldier, but I know the Lord was behind us meeting him: the phone call in the morning, the Holy Ghost bringing to my remembrance that address right as we were driving passed the intersection, Elder Tran and I serving on the Fort Jackson military post (the only two missionaries in the entire state who even begin to understand what they go through in basic and being able to understand what he had just completed). It was no coincidence. I am continuing to learn how to follow the spirit. Wow, that is a long story and I have not even finished the first day! We had a great dinner with Sister Drake; she is so funny. I hope y'all will be able to meet her someday.

Friday we drove to Charleston for a two day specialized training meeting. The meeting lasted the entire day, then we visited some of Elder Tran's converts in Charleston. That evening we slept on the floor of some Elders' apartment. Saturday was day two with the Charleston Zone. It was great.

Sunday we attended the base. I taught the discussion group. I did not do a very good job. I ran out of time. I was not able to cover everything I wanted. Even with the unfinished lesson, I knew I had to invite the class to be baptized. I was a little nervous, but I invited all to be baptized. One soldier, Brother Soli, shot his hand right up. It was a testimony that the spirit converts--not my teaching skills. It also reaffirmed the need for missionaries to be bold. One cannot fulfill his purpose of bringing souls unto Christ without inviting them to do so. Brother Soli is planning to be baptized tomorrow.

Monday was office work. Tuesday and Wednesday we had the two day specialized zone meeting in Florence. Thursday and Friday we had the same meeting in Greenville. This morning we finished transfer planning, and then had a bunch of random stuff we had to do. One of the things we did was scan a giant pencil drawing into the computer. I am attaching the file so you can see. It's an amazing picture. Elder Tran is going to be transferred. As a last hurrah, we went to a Vietnamese restaurant. I had pho. Elder Tran talks about it all of the time. It was a great experience. I am going to miss Elder Tran. I wish I could tell you who my next companion is. I will tell you next week! I know this work is true. I love my life. Let us all "Save the souls of man."

Love,
Elder Cowan

Amazing and Exhausting Week

2010-11-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

What an amazing week! I will be completely honest, I am exhausted. I've never had such a difficult time staying awake. On Sunday at church, Sister Drake was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was not there to witness it because we were at the Ft. Jackson military post. On post we had another baptism and confirmation, Brother Gee. It was great. I also met a soldier named Brother Brandt. Brother Brandt is amazing. He is so in tune to the spirit. Brother Brandt watched the baptism and confirmation of Brother Gee. Brother Brandt has committed to be baptized next week. :) I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Ft. Jackson Military Post. After the services were over on the military post, all the missionaries gathered together to update each other on what was accomplished during the two hours on post. As we shared who was getting baptized next week, we noticed that there is a potential of 5 baptisms next week. The Lord is truly blessing our efforts on the post. I am so grateful that our Father in Heaven is sending his prepared children to the military post.

When we left the military post, we drove straight over to the Windsor Lake Ward, like usual, and we were able to catch the end of Priesthood. Then we had the baptism of John Crew. Also, Greg Rosado, the young man the sisters have been teaching (they've had Elder Tran and I come and teach quite a bit because Gregg responds better to men) was baptized as well! It was an amazing day. We also had one of our new investigators attend church and the baptismal service. Her name is Barbara. As she attended the baptismal service, she felt the spirit very strongly. I am excited to continue to work with her. John is planning to be confirmed this upcoming Sunday.

Sunday night we had a missionary fireside. We had a recent convert and her missionary come up and they both shared their testimonies concerning the conversion process. It was very sweet. I love listening to recent converts share their testimony. They are so full of the spirit and are willing to do anything for the Church.

Monday I was in the office for the first half of the day and the second half we went to the mission home to do transfer planning. It was a spiritual experience as we prayed and planned together where missionaries should go and who they should serve with. We were led by the spirit and were able to have transfers planned faster than President has ever had before.

Monday night we stayed up late putting together a DVD that would have all of the "I am a Mormon" profiles from Mormon.org. We were at the office until two in the morning. We then had a specialized leadership meeting with the Nephi and Ishmael Zones Tuesday morning starting at 9:00 a.m.. We were up by 6:00 a.m. The meeting was great, it lasted 8 hours, by the end of it Elder Tran and I were very tired. During the meeting, President McConkie stated over the podium that all missionaries would receive a copy of the DVD that we had made for President to show during his training. Tuesday night we were at the office until 12:00 and Elder Tran and I were falling asleep at the computer, so we decided to go home for the evening, and come back the following day.

We woke up at 5:00 and drove to the office. We completed all the DVD's just in time to get to the church at 9:00 for the meeting. Elder Tran and I were so tired. We struggled staying awake throughout the trainings. What was worse, was that all the missionaries could see us as we sat up front. Overall, the meeting was really good. I felt we focused on the 8 points that the missionary department has asked us to work on.

After the meeting, we went to the office to grab a few things and I noticed in my little slot that I had an envelope addressed to me. I grabbed it quickly and tore it open. I was really excited; I knew what it was. It was my father's conversion story. I did not have time right then to read it because President McConkie was having difficulties with his laptop at the mission home. We drove over to the mission home and we fixed the computer (it wasn't even broken, President was just hitting the wrong button :) ) and then we had dinner with President and Sister McConkie. Mother, if you ever want new recipes, ask Sister McConkie. She makes the best food. I am excited to go over to their home in a couple of hours and eat all of their food!

When we arrived home last night I began to read father's conversion story. I was doing well, up until Brother Genet spoke to dad. I could not hold back my tears of gratitude for that man and all of the Mormon students at the school. It was a very spiritual experience. I wrote in my journal my feelings from reading my father's experience. I have an even greater desire to give my all and if it's Heavenly Father's will, to help a young "Mike" who will grow up strong in the gospel and one day have sons who are eternally grateful, like I am, that my Father joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Well, that's the update for now. I am creating DVD's for all of the missionaries as I write this email. Hopefully, I will have them all done for the rest of the meetings we will be having the rest of this week and all of next week! I can't believe how fast time is going! Elder Tran and I realized that today is our 21 month mark! I have been and will continue to give my all until I have accomplished everything the Lord would have me do here in South Carolina.

Love,
Elder Cowan

Lots of Miles and Miracles!

2010-11-20T15:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

Eight Hundred and twelve. This is the number of miles I have traveled in the past six days. :) Life sure is busy. Monday we traveled to Union with President McConkie for a specialized district meeting, Tuesday we drove to Sumter for a specialized district meeting. After the meeting, we went over to President's home and watched a video in Preach My Gospel and discussed it for his meeting he had to go to Wednesday-Saturday.

With President out of town, Elder Tran and I decided we would go on exchanges with all of the zone leaders throughout the mission. :) We were not able to visit all of the zone leaders, but we got pretty close. On Wednesday, I went with Elder Pack in Camden while Elder Tran took Elder Ernst down to our proselyting area in Columbia. Elder Pack and I visited one of my former investigators, Trish Helton, and we had a great lesson with her. The reason I had dropped her while I was in Camden was because we simply lost all contact with her. When we stopped by on Wednesday, Trish explained that she had to move unexpectedly when I was serving in Camden. It was a miracle that she moved back and we came by again to see her. :) At the end of the lesson, both Trish and her daughter, Dasney, committed to come to church and they both want to be baptized on December 11! It was great to see them so excited to meet with the missionaries again.

Wednesday night we met up with Elders Pack and Ernst and Elder Tran and I drove down to Charleston. Thursday morning, Elder Tran went with Elder Peery, while I was planning to serve with Elder Stoneman for the day. Elder Stoneman is a Spanish missionary, so while he was studying Spanish in the morning with his usual companion, Elder Williams and I went proselyting with Elder Peery's normal companion, who's name incidentally is Elder Williams also. I was only with Elder Williams for one hour, but during that hour we found an inactive member who wants to go back to church. It would have been easy for Elder Williams and I to wait in the apartment while the Spanish missionaries were studying, but because we decided to use our time effectively, the Lord blessed us to cross paths with this sister who really needs help at this time. After they finished studies, the two Elder Williams went with each other and I worked with Elder Stoneman. I really enjoy serving with the zone leaders. They are all so focused and committed to fulfilling their responsibilities. Elder Stoneman and I found one young man who wants to be baptized. We also had a miracle, Elder Stoneman has been working with a lady and she recently attended a baptism, and she really wants to get baptized, but the Elders thought she was living with her boyfriend. As we taught her the Plan of Salvation, she told us she was not living with her boyfriend! Because she is living the commandments and she has a sincere desire, we decided to baptize her right then and there in the creek.....ok maybe not, but we moved her baptismal date up two weeks! :) At the end of the evening, Elder Tran and I got back together and drove up through Columbia and kept on driving all the way to Spartanburg. We got there late at night.

Friday, I served with Elder Lund in my old area in Spartanburg. We had a great day. We taught seven lessons and they now have four more investigators with a set baptismal date! We also went to a sister's baptism and I was volunteered to play the piano. :D It was great to be at the baptism. I was able to see the Baker family. I love the Bakers. Sister Baker told me that she reads the blog, so I'm sending out a shout out for the Bakers: I LOVE YOU GUYS! :D

Friday night Elder Tran and I got back together and we drove to Seneca to visit the other zone leaders on the other side of Greenville. We stayed the night with them last night, but Elder Tran and I remembered that we had not interviewed John Crew for baptism. We decided to leave early this morning. As we walked out to the car, both Elder Tran and I pulled out keys to drive the car. As we did this we realized, that I had a pair of keys that did not belong to us! The keys belonged to the Elders in Spartanburg! We drove back to Spartanburg, dropped off the keys, then drove home. :) It's been a crazy week and next week is going to be even more crazy! President just called us during his break at his mission president seminar and he told Elder Tran and I to organize zone conferences all throughout next week so he can quickly visit all of the missionaries and have them immediately apply what he is learning. :) Life is great! John Crew is getting interviewed tonight, Sister Drake is getting confirmed at church tomorrow, and we should have two baptisms on the Ft. Jackson military post. I love my life and I hope you love yours!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Grateful for Plan of Salvation and Eternal Marriage

2010-11-13T12:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,
"Congratulations!" "Have a wonderful life together," "You two should have done this a long time ago," these were the type of remarks I heard all morning. This is because John Crew and Vivian Thomas were married!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D It was very exciting to be present for such a momentous day in both of their lives. It was fun and I am so excited for them to continue to progress in the gospel and be sealed in the temple next year! :) It really hit me when in the ceremony Bishop Strickland stated, "which covenant will last throughout the remained of their mortal lives." It really stuck out to me. I am so grateful that I have been blessed with a knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and know what will take place after the grave. I am also grateful that accompanied by this knowledge we are blessed to live in a time where temples dot the entire earth. All those who have a desire to receive the greatest of all of God's blessings are having the opportunity and access to go the temple.

In preparation for the wedding, we were asked to provide the cake. :) This was quite the experience. Luckily, John and Viv were not interested in a tier cake. All they asked us to make was a fruit pizza. Fruit pizza is made by taking sugar cookie dough and making a big pizza crust, and then you cook it, and then you put cream cheese on top, smother the whole thing with powder sugar, and then top with sliced fruit, and then sprinkle with powder sugar on top! Elder Tran and I decided to make it last night, but our first attempt failed miserably. Both Elder Tran and I forgot about the cookie dough cooking, so we burnt it really bad. :) This morning we ran back to Walmart and grabbed some more cookie dough and this time we decided to form the dough into a giant heart. It worked out perfectly. And it passed the delicious test. Within Five minutes of bringing out the cake, it was all gone! :) Success. John Crew is getting baptized on The 20th of November.

On to the second star for the week! Bo Hyon Drake. Sister Drake is from South Korea. She is the nicest lady in the world. Every time we come over to her house, she makes us food. We always tell her that we do not need the food, but she insists until we submit to her wishes. Sister Drake loves Jesus Christ. Her greatest desire is to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We have been teaching Sister Drake and she accepted the invitation to be baptized! Sister Drake quit smoking and drinking coffee just because we told her it was a commandment. Sister Drake reminds me of the scripture in Alma Chapter 32:16, "Blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is [she] that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe." Yesterday Sister Drake was interviewed by President McConkie and was found worthy to be baptized! Her baptismal service is scheduled for tomorrow right after church, then she will be confirmed next week during sacrament; the same time John will be confirmed! The Lord is truly blessing us. It's because Elder Tran is the coolest missionary ever!

The rest of the week went as follows:
Monday: In the office during the morning. We had a specialized training meeting with the Newberry District in the evening. I've always know President is inspired, but Monday was really cool. A missionary has been struggling and I didn't agree with the way it was being handled, but in the end, President saved the day. It was humbling to see the Spirit of the Lord work through President McConkie.

Tuesday: Elder Tran and I were "volunteered" (more like "volun-told" as they say it in the army) to clean out the storage unit. It was an all day process. It's still is not perfect, but it is 100 times better than it was when we first got there.

Wednesday: During the morning we had Correlation with Brother Edwards. In the afternoon we had a Specialized Training meeting with the Downtown Columbia District. The meeting was really good. After the meeting we drove to Sumter to swap one of the new cars with a car that was sold this week. Sumter was the half way point between Marion (where the old car was and us, with the new car).

Thursday Elder Tran and I had the opportunity to proselyte the entire day! In case any of you wanted my opinion on black lights, I feel they are of the devil. Every time I have met someone who owns one, they always have an evil spirit about them. We met a man who had a very contentious spirit and his entire house was lit by black lights.

Friday : We began the day with a Post Development meeting. We were honored to have two chaplains attend our meeting. They both spoke about their experiences in the army and also gave us background info about basic training. I feel I will be able to relate better to the soldiers now that I have learned more about them. The rest of the day was tracting!

I hope all is well with all of you! I love each of you and keep being examples to those around you!
Love,
Elder Cowan
CPTP

"We are always on the move!"

2010-11-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

I have no idea how or what I should share in this email. Things are just crazy! We are always on the move.

Monday we filled out reports for the mission and then at 3:00 p.m. we began our Zone Leader Council. The meeting was really good. I hope and pray all the zones will succeed in the month of November. We had a very good month of October: 65 baptisms in the mission. I hope and pray we will be able to be consistent in our missionary efforts!

Tuesday we were able to proselyte! :) We were able to visit some of our investigators. I love being able to teach. These people are great! I love sharing the gospel.

Wednesday we had a specialized Training meeting in Florence. As I arrived, I recognized that the majority of the missionaries who were serving in the district are my posterity! Elder Taylor (my son) is the district leader, he is training Elder Carlisle (my grandson) and there is also another companionship Elder Caldwell (my grandson) who is training Elder Hinckley (my great grandson) :) It was great to visit all of them and give them some training on how to improve as a missionary. After the meeting, Elder Tran and I went on an exchange with the district. I went with Elder Taylor Elder Carlisle while Elder Tran went with Caldwell and Hinckley. The lord blessed us to have much success in the short time we were there. Elder Taylor, Elder Carlisle, and I were able to find a man and put him on date. The lesson was really good. Elder Tran was able to help the other companionship firm up two of their investigators. By the end of their lesson, the man who had been smoking crushed his cigarette's and he and his girlfriend poured out their alcohol and set a date to get married!

On Thursday morning Elder Tran and I took a missionary to the airport. After serving for 23 months he is now back home. After that, we traveled to Elgin to complete a similar specialized training meeting with that district. We are finding that missionaries are not role playing very often and it is negatively affecting their ability to teach. The meeting was centered around fixing this problem. Thursday night we traveled to Spartanburg to stay the night there in preparation for the SDM (specialized district meeting) we would be having in Greeenville the following day.

On Friday we had two meetings right after the other. One with the Spanish district and then one with the Boiling Springs District. (Random note--Before the Spanish meeting, I realized that one missionary knows Becca and Tara from BYU-Idaho and another Elder knows Cherry. What a small world--to think that all three of us would be in Greenville South Carolina was so weird!) Yesterday evening we traveled down to Columbia and visited with a lady who just got baptized. The sister had been working with her, but the sisters were having a difficult time trying to get the 14 year old son to progress. They asked if we would come to see if he could relate to an elder better. We taught him and he is a very sharp young man. Before we left, he accepted a baptismal date in two weeks. I love this work and I love each of you!

Love ya!
Elder Cowan

Crazy Adventures of First Few Days as Assistant

2010-10-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,
I forgot to inform you last week that with the new assignment to be President McConkie's Assistant, I have a different preparation day than the rest of the mission! My preparation day is on Saturdays. Thus this is the reason you are receiving a letter from me today! I have no idea where to begin. This has been the craziest adventure! I've enjoyed every moment of it, but I'm on my toes because I am not sure what is going to happen next. There is never a dull moment when assisting in the upkeep of a mission.

It all began on Wednesday. At transfer meeting, President McConkie was up at the stand and he announced at the pulpit that two missionaries would be serving together. The only problem was that one of those missionaries was not informed that he was being transferred, so he was still in Greenville--two hours away. I knew right away that this was going to cause a problem, which I will discuss further later. At the end of the transfer meeting, President announced that Elder Poll was being released as his assistant to train a new missionary and that I would be Elder Tran's new companion. I was shocked by the amount of people in the audience who were so excited by this news. Throughout the transfer meeting everyone is relatively quiet, but when the President announced my new responsibility, there were many who voiced there opinions with "Yes," "Elder Cowan!" and other comments. I was nervous for my new assignment, but it was a relief to hear the sounds of so many missionaries who will support me in this assignment.

After the meeting, all the missionaries left except the departing missionaries and the two companionships who were waiting for the companionship from Greenville to drive down to transfers. We all drove over to the mission office so President McConkie could conduct his departing interviews. Two of the missionaries, while waiting, decided that they were going to send their packages off that they had carelessly "forgotten" to send home on their preparation day. These two missionaries were only supposed to be gone for one hour, but they were gone for three. The rest of the departing missionaries had to leave for the mission home to quickly eat dinner and prepare for the temple. I was left at the mission office to wait for the two missionaries who were mailing packages home. Anyways, the day got all messed up and Elder Tran ended up taking the departing missionaries to the temple, while President and Sister McConkie drove to the airport to pick up a sister missionary who has been serving at the Salt Lake Temple Square mission for the past year. While they were doing their activities, I was left at the mission home with the two missionaries who were supposed to drive back up to Greenville.

Wednesday evening: The departing missionaries came back from the temple and President gave them all some advice about returning home. Then we watched the departure video which is a slide show of pictures from all the missionaries going home. Afterward, the missionaries were all nervous about going home that next day, so they stayed up late and then we finally went to bed. The next morning we drove them to the airport and there was a 12 passenger pileup on the freeway, so the departing missionaries missed their flight. :( This is the first time that departing missionaries have missed their flight. :S They put them on a new flight which was supposed to leave 10 hours later. We watched them go through security and then we left. Elder Tran and I had to gather up a bike for the Salt Lake Temple square missionary and then we went to the office to do some paper work, but then we received a call from President that we needed to pick up the departing missionaries because they missed their second flight as well! We picked them up and stayed another night at the mission home with the departing missionaries. We woke up at 4:00 in the morning yesterday to help the missionaries leave and this time they made it on the plane. :) We then drove the mission van and trailer back to the mission office to pick up our car. During the night, someone broke into our car! :) We had to leave our car there, call the senior couple in the office and tell them to fill out the police report, and Elder Tran and I drove up to Camden with the Fullmers (senior couple who serves at the Ft. Jackson base) for our Post Development Meeting. Following that meeting, we got in the car with President and Sister McConkie and drove to Myrtle Beach where we had a Specialized District Development Meeting. Then we drove to Conway and had another Specialized DDM and then we drove back to Columbia! It was great spending five hours in the car with President and Sister McConkie. I am able to get to know them personally. It's such a great blessing to be around them. They truly are spiritual giants.

Today We woke up and spent all our day working on President computer. It works now and we now have to find an apartment to move into! Life is an adventure! I love the gospel and I love each of you!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Assistant to President McConkie

2010-10-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

What a week. I am not sure what to think. Many things have occurred this past week and I received transfer information, but I will tell everything in sequential order. Last Monday was extremely busy because we had to fill out a sheet from the missionaries in our zone. This report was necessary for our zone interviews which took place on Friday. The forms took up the entire day.

Tuesday and Wednesday were normal work days up until we received a phone call Wednesday night from the assistants. They told us to be down in Irmo the next day with enough room for two missionaries and all their luggage. I was so confused because transfers were happening the next week. Elder Ernst and I discussed the situation and we both felt like the missionaries that would be coming to Camden were brand new missionaries. We discussed how to train them to be the best missionaries. The next morning, Brother Dent brought Elder Ernst and I down to Irmo and there were 12 other missionaries who had no idea why they were there as well. President brought us in and told us that there were 12 missionaries who were called to serve in Brazil who do not have their visas yet, so they have been re-assigned here until their visas arrive. From Thursday afternoon until now, I have been serving with Elder Earl. Elder Earl is from San Diego and he is a great missionary. He and Elder Riggs (Elder Ernst's companion) are having culture shock. They have just spent nine weeks in the MTC learning Portuguese and now they are fighting anti preachers instead of fighting the jungle of Brazil. :)

On Saturday we received transfer calls. Elder Ernst was on the phone and I heard him say, "Oh Elder Cowan is leaving as well?" After that Elder Ernst passed me the phone and it was President McConkie. President asked me about my extension. He said he was going to do everything in his power to help me receive an extension. He then asked me to be his Assistant. I am shocked. President McConkie never calls someone to be an Assistant when they only have three transfers left. I am humbled and very, very nervous. I will do my best to fulfill those serious responsibilities. I need to go. With four missionaries now using the same computer, we run out of time in half the time! Thanks for all the support. I love you all!

Love,

Elder Cowan

Meetings, Exchanges, Teaching

2010-10-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

I don't have time to write. I had to fill out information about the missionaries serving in the Ishmael Zone. I will have to be very brief. Monday was preparation day. Tuesday we attended the Windsor Lake District Development Meeting. President also surprised us and came with the assistants. It was a great meeting. After the meeting, Elder Ernst and I blitzed the Spanish Elders area for the day.

Wednesday, we attended the Elgin District Development Meeting. We had a great meeting and then we went on a mini exchange with the Elgin Elders, Elder Hightower, and Elder Hancock. I went to Elgin and worked with Elder Hightower. It was great to be with him again. It reminded me of Spartanburg.

On Thursday, we had an exchange with the assistants. I went to Columbia with Elder Tran. I helped President and Elder Tran conduct a District Development Meeting similar to the one that I was at on Monday and then we proselyted for the rest of the day. Elder Tran is an amazing teacher. We found many new investigators. One came to church and also attended a baptism this weekend. It was a great experience because the lady was depressed when we first met her and Elder Tran told us today that she wants to be baptized and that she never has felt as happy as she did attending church and the baptism which was immediately afterward.

Friday, we taught a lot of people. Saturday was a little slower day, but we worked all day to get someone to church. At the end of the day, we turned it over to the Lord. We had worked hard. Sunday, Elder Tran and Elder Poll had two baptisms at the Base. I taught the first lesson to the large group who are attending for the first time. I still feel like Dan Jones when I'm up there declaring that the Restoration has occurred. :) Unfortunately, none of the soldiers raised their hands to be baptized at the end. But there was one soldier who came up to me immediately after the meeting and asked for a copy of the Book of Mormon. I wrote him a letter this week; hopefully, he will ponder on the things that I have shared with him and that he will be baptized in the up coming weeks!

When we got to Camden, we did not have any of our investigators to church, but right before the sacrament began, Debra walked into the chapel and sat down in the row in front of us! She really enjoyed it, but she came to our service immediately after her services. She was tired of sitting for so long, so she was not able to attend Sunday School or Relief Society. We will continue to work with her.

There's our week! I hope you all have a great week and that everything will go well with all of the activities! I love you all!
Love,
Elder Cowan

Sister Roper's Baptism

2010-10-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,
Another preparation day! Wahoo! (Not) Time seems to just go and go. I need to find somehow to slow time down. I can't believe we are almost half way through the month of October. Before we know it, it will be Halloween, then Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines Day....Enough with that thought.

This week we had some interesting experiences. One man we met this week told us that he did not want to discuss religion and I made the mistake by asking him, "Why are there so many churches?" This man was crazy! :) He referred to me as "slim" and he told me over and over that I know too much. After following us down the street and repeating the same sentence repeatedly, "Slim over here knows too much," he then proceeded to invite me to join the armed services, go over to Iraq, and when the guns start firing at me, I should not duck and lie down, I should stand there and take it like a man. In his mind he thought I knew everything about the gospel and that I should speed up my death day because this man knew I was going to heaven. It made me laugh, initially, because I had never heard anything like that before, but then the thought made me very sad for that crazy old man for he knows no concept of "enduring to the end." I hope the Lord will enlighten that man's understanding someday.

Another interesting experience was when Elder Ernst and I went to a less-active members home to teach her four unbaptized children. The children are ages 14 (twin girls) and 11 (girl) and 9 (boy). To begin teaching, I asked one of the 14 year old girls "everyone has a different mindset of what and who the missionaries are. When you think of missionaries, what do you think of?" The young lady responded, "You really want an honest answer, when I think of missionaries, I think GO AWAY!" That was the beautiful opening to one of the hardest lessons I have had on my mission. The less-active mother grew up very strong in the church and she assumes her daughters already know everything (when in reality they do not) and then on top of that, it was like pulling teeth to have the children participate. I don't know what is going to come from this, but we are going to go back over and try again. I could really use some help knowing how to get 14 year old girls to open up. I think if we get the oldest kids to open up, then the two younger children will open up as well.

While at the base, a member pulled me aside and said, "I think my friend wants to join the church, but I'm not sure." I walked straight over to his friend and said, "Will you follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized by one holding the priesthood authority of God?" He responded immediately with "YES!" I think I surprised the member. He was in shock that the first words I would say to this soldier would be the invitation to be baptized. That member had an amazing experience, this is his second week at basic and yesterday he had the opportunity of baptizing two of his battle buddies. We are now going to get the three of them to work on the rest of their company! :) Also, Sister Roper, is stuck in Basic because she got injured (you would think you get out of basic sooner if you are injured, but with her they had to do all types of tests to see if she had the problem before she entered basic, or if it was something that happened while she was in basic training which would mean the army would have to pay for the surgery to get it fixed). As Sister Roper was waiting in basic for four months, we have been teaching her the gospel. Yesterday, Sister Roper was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a great privilege to witness that conversion. We had four baptisms at the Ft. Jackson Base.

At church yesterday Sister Connell came up to us and said, "you are coming to our cottage meeting tonight right?" I had completely forgotten about the cottage meeting. Every second Sunday of the month, the Connells open up their home and all members are welcome to bring their friends and neighbors over to have a gospel discussion. It's a great missionary tool that they use and we try to use it as well by getting our investigators over there as well. We did not have any investigators attend church, so after church we were praying and trying to find someone who would come with us to the cottage meeting. Elder Ernst received revelation to go and see a lady we met two and a half weeks ago. (How he remembered that far back, I don't know. I can't even remember what I had for breakfast.:) We stopped twenty minutes before the fireside and she welcomed us right in and we invited her to the fireside. She responded, "well then get out of my house so I can get ready!" We left and tried to invite another individual to the fireside and within 15 minutes this lady had washed her hair, changed her clothes and was all ready to go! She came to the fireside/cottage meeting and she really enjoyed it. The only difficult thing is that she works down in Columbia and it is hard to catch her here in Camden. We will continue to work with her and I know that if we follow the spirit throughout the teaching experience, just like Elder Ernst listened to know that she would come yesterday night, that she will accept the truths of the restored gospel.

Thank you for everything y'all do! I love the gospel and I will close until next week!
Love,
Elder Cowan

Temple Session and General Conference

2010-10-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Wow! This week has been crazy! On Monday we had Zone Leader Council which was great to talk to the other Zone Leaders to plan out this upcoming month and determine what we can do to better help our Zones fulfill their potential. It is interesting now with the new meeting schedule, we no longer have Zone Development meetings. We do not have many opportunities to train our missionaries, so our focus is on the District Leaders. I am relying more and more on my District Leaders to take what I tell them to their districts. I hope I can continue to fulfill my responsibility with full purpose of heart.

Tuesday began the leadership training meeting. It was a great meeting, and at the end of the day, President McConkie informed us that the next morning we would begin our meeting at the South Carolina Columbia Temple! We met at 6:00 in the morning and we as the leaders of the mission were able to attend an endowment session! It was an amazing experience. I learned so much from being in the temple. I went fasting and praying about a specific question that I had and the miracle was that not only was it answered, but I also learned two others truths that I need to apply to follow the example of Jesus Christ in my leadership responsibilities.

We continued to have leadership training meetings throughout the week. We ended Friday night. We had General Conference on Saturday :) and then we went to the Base on Sunday. The Soldiers in basic training are not allowed to leave the base, so they missed out on General Conference (which was amazing.) but they were able to partake of the sacrament. I was blessed to have the best of both worlds. We attended the branch at the post in the morning and, because of the time difference, we were still able to make it up to Camden in time for General Conference. We had four baptisms this week. An extra special event was Sister Roper, who has been struggling her entire time on post, (she actually got injured and has had to stay for four months) was interviewed yesterday and she is getting baptized next week! I am so excited for her. I had the opportunity to interview her. Well, we had General Conference on Sunday, and here we are on Monday! Time keep going by way to quickly. I love this work. I love each of you! I HOPE AND PRAY YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT WEEK!
Love,
Elder Cowan

"This is a Gospel of Second Chances"

2010-09-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

This week's letter is going to be really short. I have a meeting in an hour. I am doing the Lord's work. I may not talk the talk, but I am trying to walk the walk. Life is great. I was a little down because some of our top investigators have fallen off of the path. The thought popped into my head, "This is a gospel of second chances." My immediate thoughts were selfish and self centered. I thought, "maybe I will have a second change to baptize these individuals." My thought was then directed to the Fort Jackson Military Base. I was thinking of the last two soldiers I had the privilege to teach and witness them enter the waters of baptism. I recognized there was one thing in common between these two soldiers. They both at different times in their lives had investigated the church. In their previous investigations, these two men were not ready for the Restored Gospel. I compared my feelings for the two individuals in the Camden area who dropped us, with the missionaries who were dropped by the soldiers in their previous investigations. If only those missionaries could have been in attendance at their baptisms. I know it would strengthen those missionaries to know that their efforts were not in vain. It brought peace to me to know that I will never see the end result of my efforts here in South Carolina. I know that this Gospel is a gospel of second chances, maybe not for me to teach, but for God’s children to receive the Restored Gospel. I have an even greater resolution to work with all that I have for none of it will be wasted. We had three baptisms at the Fort Jackson Post. One of my favorite converts is Brother Watkins. He was baptized three weeks ago, two weeks ago he blessed the sacrament, and just yesterday he had the opportunity to baptize one of his battle buddies! Talk about a quick start! I love you all! Thank you for your continual prayers!

Love,
Elder Cowan

New Companion: Elder Ernst, Five Baptisms at Ft. Jackson Base

2010-09-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

My new companion is Elder Ernst. He is from Spanish Fork Utah and he was called by the prophet to teach the gospel in the Spanish language. It's really fun to be able to do both Spanish and English work. I'm learning how to pray in Spanish.

Life is so busy. We continue to be blessed at the base. We had five baptisms at the Ft. Jackson Base. We are really trying to push ourselves to a new height. We want to increase the average at the base instead of just staying where we are at. I love being a missionary. I hope all is well at home. I love you all! I'm sorry I do not have more time to write!

Love,

Elder Cowan

P.S. At Transfers Elder Taylor received a new missionary to train! My posterity continues to grow! :)

Brother Watkins' Baptism

2010-09-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,
Transfer information is out! After serving in the Camden area for nine months, Elder Taylor is now being transferred. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to serve with Elder Taylor once again and I'm excited to see who is going to come into the area. Elder Poll, one of the Assistants, told us that is was going to be a Spanish speaking missionary. I don't know if he was pulling my leg or if he was telling the truth. We will see on Wednesday! Elder Taylor got a call from President. President McConkie thanked Elder Taylor for his service as a zone leader then President informed him that he would no longer be serving as a zone leader. He is, on the other hand, going to be training a new missionary! That means I get another grandchild. Elder Taylor and I were thinking about it and we wrote out my family line of missionaries. I have trained three times: Elder Taylor, Elder Douglas, and Elder Thayne. When Elder Taylor picks up the new missionary on Wednesday, it will be his second time training. Elder Taylor trained Elder Wood and this new missionary. Elder Douglas has also trained a new missionary. That makes three "grandchildren." Elder Wood has trained twice: Elder Peirre and Elder Mearse. That makes two great grandchildren. :) It is fun to see all the connections within the mission. I know wherever Elder Taylor goes he is going to do great.

This week we had Elder and Sister Sybrowsky tour our mission. It was quite the experience. We had zone leader council with him on Tuesday, and he frankly told us that we have not been fulfilling our purpose (which is true, there has been a slight down trend every month of less and less baptisms within the mission). He trained us on receiving personal revelation and how it is crucial in leadership responsibilities, especially as zone leaders in the Lord's mission. He explained how revelation + leadership skills = miracles in the work. I have also received an assignment from Sister Sybrowsky to ask you to write me the stories of how our family entered the church. Dad, this is an assignment from a member of the quorum of the seventy for you to share your personal experience, and mother you will have to go back through the history books a little. Sister Sybrowsky said, "I don't care how long your family has been in the church, whether it's been over 100 years or if you are a first generation, the stories are going to have one thing in common: full time missionaries. Sister Sybrowsky has promised us that as we read these stories it will motivate us to go out with an even greater desire to share the gospel and to alter a family line just as the missionaries who did it for mine. Thank you for complying with that assignment! :) I am really excited to read them, especially yours dad.

We also had zone conference on Friday in which Elder Sybrowsky told us to stop focusing on the number of new investigators we get and start focusing on baptisms. We get obsessive with getting the numbers and we are losing so many people who could be making and keeping covenants with our Father in Heaven. Elder Taylor and I were commanded by Elder Sybrowsky to move Anna Baker's baptism date up one week. We went over on Saturday and moved it up to this coming weekend, September the 18th. It is going to be a busy week, but I know that an authorized servant of the Lord asked me to do it, so we are going to work everything out for the baptismal service this evening!

Oh by the way, mother, you were dead on. I have been sick the past two weeks. :) I'm not sure how you can know that. I decided not to tell you the past two weeks because I did not want you to worry. I am feeling much better. I promise. You have the mothers intuition, I guess. Thank you for thinking of my physical well being. The members we live with have been great to doctor me up. Sister Dent used to be a nurse. I love the Dents. They are really great. I feel so lucky to be one of the few missionaries in our mission to serve with members.

The base was amazing this week. Brother Watkins was there early and we went through all of the commandments. We went through the baptismal interview and when we finished the interview Brother Watkins stated, "I can't wait to go by the branch back home. The first thing I am going to tell my branch president is, 'I am a new member, I have received the Priesthood, you better start praying to find out what calling the Lord wants me to do, and I need you to tell me what I must do to get a Patriarchal Blessing!'" Brother Watkins was so excited and truly committed to the covenants he was making with Heavenly Father. I had Brother Watkins' battle buddy speak with the branch president, but his battle buddy has not been active and did not feel worthy to perform the baptism, so Brother Watkins asked me to perform the baptism. The only problem was that I did not bring another pair of garments. I wasn't going to let that stop me. I performed the baptism and confirmed Brother Watkins while wearing my garments and then I changed back into my suit. I had wet garments the rest of the day but it just made me happy because the rest of the day I remembered the spirit that was felt as Brother Watkins was baptized. I love this gospel. It was one of the happiest moments as he was baptized. I am so thankful. The branch president conferred the Aaronic priesthood to Brother Watkins and he has been given the assignment for next week to pass the sacrament! It is just great!

I love each of you; I am working hard. I appreciate the support; y'all help to motivate me. I realize how little time I have left and that is a great motivator as well, but my greatest motivation are the covenants I have made with my Father in Heaven. Thank you all! I love you!
Love,
Elder Cowan

Opposition in All Things

2010-09-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,
What a week. I am really tired. I don't know what it is, but I don't seem to have as much energy as I usually do. This week has had very high points and also extremely low points, but that's life. "Opposition in all things" is a true principle. Jerry had a really bad relapse with alcohol. He was doing really good and then one day he slipped, and he slipped farther than he has in a very long time. I don't know what to do with him. He recognizes the need to change, he wants to change but I don't see any improvement. Jerry is not very educated, and his eyes are really bad so he is not able to read the Book of Mormon. I know that if he were to read he would be able to receive power from Heavenly Father to overcome the addictions which hold him bound.

Annette Adair also has experienced another type of opposition this week. ANTI. Annette called me Wednesday night and she was very distraught. She was so worked up. I feel so bad for her. She is very confused at the moment and does not know what to do. Please pray for her. As I spoke to her on Tuesday, I invited her to ask God about anything we had taught her, and that through the Holy Ghost he would reveal the truthfulness unto her. Annette promised me that we could come by the following day and answer her concerns. On our way over to her house on Wednesday, she called us and canceled. She told us that everything was snowballing and that she needed to get away for a time. She left Wednesday night for Charleston. She is to return later this week. I hope the vacation will benefit her. I hope she has taken Moroni's promise and pondered on the things that we have taught her. I know that IF she asks, THEN the Lord will answer.

Enough with the bad on to the good. When Annette canceled on us on Wednesday, it left our evening completely open. We decided to see Sister Ana Baker. Ana Baker has come to church twice but she would never set a return appointment with us at church. We decided to show up at her house and try to see her. Ana Baker lives 45 minutes away. It still amazes me that she drove down to Camden all on her own just because her granddaughter asked her to visit the church. We drove up to her street but we could not find her house number. We knocked on one door and Carolyn Cateo answered the door. Carolyn invited us right in and we found out that she is related to Sister Ana Baker, and that her sister is a member. She told us how much she loved her sister and the example she is. Carolyn has been surrounded by members. She does home health and she watches a lady in Lancaster (which is not in our mission) who is a member. Many times while she sits with this elderly lady, the missionaries from the North Carolina Mission have taught her the gospel. Also, her sister took her down to the Columbia temple and Carolyn was able to meet the temple president. Before we even began to teach her, she knew Joesph Smith was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true. Carolyn accepted a baptismal date for the 25 of September. After visiting Carolyn, she directed us over to Sister Baker's home. We sat with Sister Baker and taught her more about the gospel. Sister Baker came to church this week. Carolyn and her family could not make it because of work. Carolyn is changing her schedule in order to come to church this next week.

The best part about the week was while I was at the Ft. Jackson Military Post. I have been teaching a young man named Watkins and yesterday he finally accepted a baptismal date. This was a result of the two of us kneeling in prayer in the middle of a hallway. There is not much room in the building where the services are held. It's amazing how the Spirit works. Even with noise around us, and people walking right between us, Watkins still felt the spirit. As he arose from his prayer the first words out of his mouth were, "I would like to be baptized!" I am so excited for him! Also, to make the service even better, Brother Schuetter who I had the blessing of teaching the gospel to two weeks ago, passed the sacrament for his first time. Also, another one of my converts on the post bore his testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was a real treat to witness these two soldiers continuing in the faith. Well, that's the update for this week. I don't know why it took me so long to write this letter. I need to get better. I just have a difficult time writing. I don't want to come off the wrong way. I love the Lord. I am so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Thank you for all your prayers.

I love you all!
Love,
Elder Cowan

Lord Continues to Pour Out Blessings

2010-08-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Thank you for all your prayers. The Lord continues to pour out blessings upon the Camden area and the Ft. Jackson Military Post.

This week I need to update you on Jerry Favor. Elder Taylor and I found Jerry as we were trying to find an old media referral. He was sitting on his porch and he let us begin teaching him as soon as we said we were servants of Jesus Christ. As we taught Jerry about the Restored Gospel, he stopped us right in the middle of a sentence and said, "I have never felt this way before. I feel uplifted." We then were able to bear testimony of the Holy Ghost and how he confirms the truth of the Gospel. We had him kneel down and ask God if what we had taught was true and he received an immediate answer. He has set a baptismal date of September 18th. On Tuesday of this week, I was on an exchange with Elder Hancock and we arrived at Jerry's house for our return appointment. We had planned to followup by reading the introduction of the Book of Mormon, and the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, but as we began to talk, I asked him the baptismal interview questions that correspond with what we were going to teach him.
"Do you believe that God is the Eternal Heavenly Father?"
"Yes"
"Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the World?"
"yes"
"Do you believe the church and gospel of Jesus Christ have been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith?
"yes"
As Jerry answered all of these without hesitation, I did not feel it appropriate to teach him something he already believes. I jumped right into the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we taught him about repentance, he really enjoyed it. He expressed that earlier that same day he was wondering what he needed to change in his life to come closer to God. It was a great lesson. Jerry was excited to begin to repent of his past transgressions.

We taught Jerry again on Friday. We taught him the law of chastity and the Word of Wisdom. Actually he sorta taught us. As we began to teach he already knew the things he needed to do. Jerry needs to get a divorce from his first wife in order to marry his girlfriend who he has been living with for the past 16 years. Jerry also accepted the invitation to come to church. He was so excited to come to church. On Sunday morning we got a call from Jerry and he apologized that he would not make it to church. His sister is in the hospital in Columbia and he was leaving to go and see her. We have an appointment with Jerry this week. I love teaching Jerry because of his humble heart and his excitement for the Gospel.

Update on Annette. Annette had to cancel our appointment on Wednesday because her sink burst and she had to get some repairs done. She rescheduled for Friday at the same time that we were supposed to have dinner with one of the active members who lives down the street. We asked the members if we could invite Annette over and they agreed. On Friday evening we taught Annette the Plan of Salvation in the Parrot's home. It was a great lesson. Even know as I think of it--the environment, the lesson, the testimonies were perfect. We invited Annette to be baptized on the 25th of September. She accepted!! Annette attended church yesterday and Sister Dent, who helped us teach last week, took Annette under her wing and introduced her to everyone! After Church, Annette asked to see the baptismal font. It was a great church experience.

The Lord also poured out another blessing. A lady named Ana Baker came to church. Ana Baker is the grandmother of a young lady who joined the church in the military. Her granddaughter told her she needed to check out the church and so she came on her own! This was actually her second time coming and she loved it! She even stated that she is interested in joining the church!

Last update. The Military Post. I interviewed Walker before sacrament meeting. His battle buddy, BROTHER Allred performed the baptism. I performed the confirmation. I interviewed Brother Schuetter for baptism, but I was not able to witness the baptism because Brother Watkins wanted to visit with me. Brother Watkins feels that the church is true, but his parents have asked him to hold off. I invited him to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost but he is still hesitant. I hope and pray that the Lord will resolve his concerns this next week. Also, two sisters were baptized on the base. :) What an exciting time to be a missionary!

I love you all!
Love,
Elder Cowan

Another Great Week!

2010-08-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Another great week! This week we had a baptism on the post, Brother Hart. I was not able to witness the baptism because I was in charge of teaching the gospel principles class. After the sacrament meeting, all of the non-members and their battle buddies gather at the front of the room and last week we had about 20 members and 40 nonmembers. I was assigned by the assistants to teach the class. The interesting part is that while the investigator class is being taught at the front of the chapel, priesthood meeting is taking place at the back of the room. Two people are speaking at the exact same time. I gathered all of those who were to be attending the investigator class at the front of the room. As I began the class, I realized that I would not be able to have much participation from the class because if I asked anyone to read or to answer a question, the rest of the class would not be able to hear with everything else that was taking place in the chapel. So, instead of a normal discussion, I decided to preach. :) It probably was really entertaining to watch me in front of this large group. I decided that I would teach about AGENGY. I decided to use the examples of Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith. Christ used his agency to: 1) be baptized and 2) complete the atonement. Both of these were fulfilling the will of the Father. I then transitioned to Joseph Smith seeking to do the will of the Father, but not knowing what that was. At the end of the class, I invited all to be baptized. I did a horrible job. I was planning to say, "Raise your hand if you are ready to take the next step by following the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized by one holding the priesthood authority of God." As I got to the "next step" three soldiers shot their hands right up! I was expecting the invitation to be fully extended and then it wouldn't have surprised me if a second or two went by before someone would have raised their hand, but when they started to raise their hands before the commitment was fully extended, I was completely shocked!!! :) I then invited all those who wanted to learn more about the church to raise their hands. There was only a few who did not raise their hands to the second commitment. It was overwhelming to see all of these individuals searching for more truth in their lives. At one point in my preaching, I thought of Dan Jones. :D I know I am not him, but standing above the class beneath me and crying repentance to all was quite the experience. I have written letters to all those who are preparing to be baptized next week and hopefully they will all show up!

Another really cool experience was when a soldier, who I had taught the week before, came up to me today and asked if I would personally teach him next week. He said, "I hope you are not teaching the group lesson, I would like to speak to you personally because I feel you can help me out. I'm trying to follow Christ, but I'm just not sure what my next step should be." :) He has very high potential to be baptized two weeks from now.

Another random thing, as I was welcoming the soldiers, a lady stopped and said, "you were in my seminary class two years ago." This completely caught me off guard, but sure enough it was Heather. She was in my seminary class my senior year. It's a small world.

OK on to another great story that took place here in Camden. Two weeks ago the ward had a fish fry. After the fish fry, they had a softball game. We had some investigators at the fish fry, but none of them stayed for the softball game. The ward really wanted us to stay, even play in the softball game, but because we did not have anyone there we decided to leave. As we were out tracting, we met a lady and introduced her to the Book of Mormon. The lady responded, "I already know about that book, my neighbor across the street gave it to me." This really puzzled Elder Taylor and me because we have no record of a member living on that street. We knocked on the door, but nobody answered. We decided to go back this past Monday and we met Annette. Anette told us that she used to be affiliated with the Mormon church and she wanted us to come back by. Elder Taylor went back by with Elder Garcia while on exchange. While there, Elder Taylor found out that Anette is not a member. Anette asked why we had decided to park in front of her house and knock on her door on Monday. They told her about the neighbor, but the funny thing is that Anette had given her neighbor a Jehovah Witness book that she didn't want anymore!!! The Lord has his hand in all things. Because we did not waste our time and just watch a softball game, through a chain of events we met Anette. Anette is at such a point that she is ready for the gospel. She has been reading the Book of Mormon and loves it. She is so excited to come to church on Sunday. We are going back by on Wednesday to teach the Plan of Salvation.

I hope all is well back at home. I love each of you!

Love,

Elder Cowan

5 Baptisms on Base!!! Plus 1 in Hopkins Ward--Total of 6 Baptisms for Columbia Stake!

2010-08-16T22:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

I know it is not fair, but as life gets busier and busier, there is always something that does not get all the attention it needs. And like always, it seems like my weekly letter home always gets the short end of the stick. I do love my new area. We did not have 7 baptisms, we had 5!!!!! plus one outside the base (in the Hopkins ward) so a total of 6 baptisms for the Columbia Stake! The base was so busy! The soldiers only have two hours that they are allowed to be at church or else they get chewed out by their drill sergeants. So within two hours, we had to give all the soldiers the sacrament, AND interview the five men for baptism, AND have them all change into white clothing (in an extremely small bathroom), AND baptize them in our portable font, AND confirm them members of the church, AND have each of them meet with the Branch President to receive the Aaronic Priesthood! Boy, if you want to see an amusing sight, watch the four of us missionaries run around in all different directions throughout the church service. It was quite the adventure. I don't know how I found time, but I also met a soldier who was there for his first time and I taught him the gospel. He has a ton of potential. He is very spiritual, and I would not be surprised if he was baptized in the next three weeks. Elder Taylor also taught a group the first discussion and at the end of his teaching two soldiers raised their hands to indicate they wanted to be baptized!

It's always interesting going back to the family ward in Camden after being on the base. Everything feels like it's in slow motion. :) I'm once again learning all the members in the Camden Ward and knowing how missionary work goes, and as soon as I learn the area, they will move me to another city! :D I love the excitement of missionary work!

Well, I need to close for now. We have permission to write emails to the soldiers on base and I feel that it will help those I met have a desire to come back next week, and I want to congratulate those who were baptized. Therefore, I need to stop writing this letter. I love you all and I hope you have a wonderful week!

Love,
Elder Cowan

"I love serving at the base!"

2010-08-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,
What an exciting week! I informed you last week that I knew I was going to be working with the Assistants to the President on Sundays and throughout the week I would be working in a town called Camden. I was a little nervous who my companion would be because I knew that Elder Taylor (the missionary I trained back in Anderson) had been serving as a Zone Leader in Camden for 71/2 months. His companion, Elder Seamons, had only been there for one transfer and I was worried to work with Elder Seamons because we go about missionary work in different ways. He is a great missionary, but I was nervous for the change.

When I got to transfer meeting, for the 40 minutes I was sitting and waiting for the meeting to start, I was harassed by many missionaries coming up to me and making remarks about me going assistant. Oh how grateful I am that they were wrong! The meeting started and as they went through the power point presentation, Elder Seamons was transferred to Greenville! I was certain I was going to be serving with him, but the Lord had other plans. I continued to watch earnestly to see who I was going to be serving with. President announced the next slide before it came up on the screen. "Staying in the Camden area is Elder TAYLOR and transferring in is Elder Cowan!!!!! I was so excited to serve with Elder Taylor for a second time! What a great blessing it is that I am able to serve a "second round" with one of my favorite companions! And I may have to call this my favorite area!

Thursday, Elder Taylor and I stopped by a less-active who originally is from AZ! The less-active, Tyler Miller, was not home, but we taught his aunt, Trish Helton. Trish is an amazing lady. She recognizes the joy that the gospel brings into Tyler's life and it has opened her up to want to know more about the church. We had a great lesson with her and we will continue to work with her. We had a Zone Leader Council on Friday and then Saturday, while trying to see Trish, we ran into a former investigator, taught him, and he too was really receptive, but then on our way home, we got our car stuck in a sandy road! It was quite the adventure as we tried to no avail to dig our little car out of the sand. The Assistants drove up with a local member to save us, but two minutes before they got to us (unknown to us) a neighbor, who we had previously asked for help, called her son and this good Samaritan pulled us out of the sand pit. It was really funny.

Sunday was an amazing day. Elder Taylor, the two Assistants, (Elder Tran and Elder Poll) work at the Ft. Jackson military post. It is so sweet! Church is only two hours long. We weave through the congregation and half of the people who attend the branch are non-members! I ran into a problem I have never had before--I had to determine which of all the non-members there were worth my time. I came across one young man and began to teach him, but he was not going anywhere, so I stopped teaching him. A member, Brother Day, introduced me to his "battle buddy" Bro. Harper. At the same time another member, Brother Bradberry introduced me to his "battle buddy" Bro. Poulos. I taught both Bro. Poulos and Bro. Harper and they have been prepared! I taught them about the Restoration and they both committed to be baptized! The thing is about the base, after they come to church next Sunday, the baptismal service is right after sacrament meeting, and then they have water side confirmations, and then they are given the priesthood immediately after that! I am excited to see both of these two enter the waters of baptism. They are not the only two who are getting baptized either. This was also Elder Tran's first time on base and he has three people for next week and Elder Poll has two individuals as well! We had two baptisms yesterday and it looks like we are going to have 7 next week! What a great outpouring from the Lord. I love serving at the base!

I need to close for now. I have a meeting with President in Columbia in an hour. I love you and keep up the great work!
Love,
Elder Cowan

Transferring to Columbia East Zone

2010-08-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOTHER!

I knew your birthday was this past week, but with our crazy schedule I did not go shopping last preparation day, let alone go anywhere where I could buy you a card. This week has been really interesting because Elder Fitzgerald and I have been living on leftovers and anything we can find in the cupboards. Well its hard to believe, but we received a transfer call on Saturday and I am being transferred. President called me today and told me where I am going. I am going to be the Zone Leader of the Columbia East Zone and I am going to work with those on the military base. I will be working right along side the Assistants to the President. It is going to be interesting, but "I'll go where you want me to go dear Lord." I am sad to leave the people here in Florence. I don't know how many more times I am going to be transferred. . .I am trying to make the most of each day. I appreciate your prayers in my behalf. I hope everyone is doing well and ready to start a new school year! I love you!

Love,
Elder Cowan

P.S. I know this is short, but it will have to do.

Time Seems to Slip Right Out of My Fingers

2010-07-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,
This week, no...this month, no...this year has just been a blur. Time seems to slip right out of my fingers. I am trying to make the most of it, but it just disappears. Last Monday was crazy because I was preparing things for our zone interviews. I make a report on all the missionaries in the zone, and it's a big deal because President's opinion on missionaries is highly dependent on what we right. And as you know, I am not the greatest at expressing my thoughts or writing. It takes me quite a long time writing the evaluations because I don't want to give the mission president the wrong impression about the elders and sisters in the Lemuel Zone.

Tuesday was interviews, and it was quite interesting, because the assistants called us up Monday night at 10:10 p.m. and asked us to give a training the following day. :P Talk about short notice. We prepared our training, but what was even funnier, I not only gave the 30 minute training with Elder Fitzgerald, but I had to give an impromptu training! There was a gap in between the fleet coordinators words and the time that the assistants came back into the room, so I gave another training to keep the meeting going. :) The scriptures are great.

On to the important stuff. The people of Florence! We taught a great lesson to Sister Selph. The spirit was really strong and she now realizes that it is us, not the bishop, who determines when she gets baptized. Normally we wouldn't teach an investigator about stewardship, but because her husband is also trying to be re-baptized, we had to clarify that the bishop has stewardship over Brother Selph and we have stewardship for her. She is trying really hard to quit smoking. I have never seen someone so miserable. She hates to smoke; it doesn't taste good to her; its nasty, and she feels horrible whenever she smokes. Even with her dislike, she is addicted. We are not just trying to break a habit, but an addiction. I pray for her constantly that she will be able to overcome the addiction.

Samantha was out of town the same time we were down in Columbia, but even while being at Myrtle Beach, she read from the Book of Mormon. She was not going to make it back to Florence till late Sunday night, so she asked us if we could get the address for the Myrtle Beach Ward so she could attend our service while at the Beach (Sunday the 18th). After church we called the missionaries to see if she came and she did not. :( That evening at 10:00 p.m. she called to apologize for missing church. Sunday (18th) morning she was rushed to the emergency room to have an abscess removed. She was drugged up and sounded like death, but she still called us to say she was sorry! She is a very caring girl. We saw her once this week. We reviewed what she learned while she was at basic training for National Guard, and then we watched the Restoration DVD. Afterward, we invited her to be baptized, and she accepted! :D She wants to be baptized as soon as possible! Unfortunately, she was not able to attend church yesterday. We are trying to set up an appointment for Samantha to have dinner over at the Stoddard's house.

I love being a missionary and life is great! I love each of you and I hope to hear from EACH OF YOU (Blake & Justin). I love you!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Elder Fitzgerald's Letter

2010-07-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

I am sorry I am not able to write today. I also do not know when I am ever going to have time to write a snail mail letter. I guess I need to budget my time a little better. I love each of you. The leadership meeting was fun, President McConkie's brother came to the leadership meeting. Coincidentally his brother is a stake president so he too is a President McConkie! :) The meetings were great. Samantha is progressing and we have a new family to work with! Their name is Jackson. I will fill you in later!

Love,

Elder Cowan

Elder Fitzgerald's letter:

Hey everyone,

This week was a pretty crazy one since we had all of those leadership meetings up in Columbia. So I spent the whole last week at meetings in the day and proselyting their area at night then sleeping on my new air mattress. Haha All I have to say is at least I didn’t have to sleep on the straight ground the whole week we got those air mattresses because we now have those meetings every other month and we still have to do all of our normal other exchanges so they will come in handy quiet a bit. The meetings went really well. We really didn’t learn anything new, we just learned everything we sort of already know and how to do it better. We are all trying to move toward exactly how Preach My Gospel says to do everything. It's crazy we have this great tool and we haven’t been using it to its full capacity. Man Preach My Gospel is the bomb and it truly was inspired. It really has everything that we need; we just need to use it how it was intended to be used.

Another great thing happened this weekend we got to go with Elder Smart to do a baptismal interview for one of his investigators and we actually got to stay and to see her baptism on Saturday. It was really cool. Then after the baptism their ward mission leader, who is a really funny old guy, took us out to eat at a really good steak and seafood restaurant. Haha He is hilarious. He wants us to come up again soon and come and visit him.

We are also teaching some really cool people. We weren't able to get a hold of the girl that came to church with her friend last week; she has been down in Myrtle Beach for the week. She has been reading the Book of Mormon, though, and says that she feels good when she reads and prays. She was going to go to church down at the beach but she had an emergency happen and she ended up having to go to the hospital, but she is doing ok. We are really praying that everything is going well. She called us like apologizing she couldn’t go to church and we were like no its fine don’t worry about it, are you ok??? But I think everything will be fine. We are just looking forward to being able to check up on her and teach her and her family. We also met another really cool 18 year old girl who just moved here from Alabama and she is also going through a lot of medical problems, but she is really interested and cool. We are looking forward to working with her. We have also been able to teach Sis. Selph this week. She has had some trouble stopping smoking, but we had a really great lesson with her on Saturday and we were all getting a little emotional and she committed to not smoke at all for the next seven days and so it went well. She is doing good so far. She was at church yesterday. That’s pretty much it for this last week we have interviews tomorrow so that should go pretty well. Elder Cowan and I should be giving some good trainings.

Love,

ElderFitzgerald

Miracles Happen

2010-07-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,
What a wonderful week! I need to start by telling you the miracle which has taken several months to develop. My very last week in Spartanburg, Elder Thayne and I were blessed to find many new investigators. It was Sunday evening, and we came across a man who was sitting on a porch and we taught him the restoration. It was a nice lesson, but when we left, his mother came out and she was not very excited to see us. Anyways, I had forgotten all about this incident until this last week. Elder Thayne, who was transferred into my zone the same day as Elder Fitzgerald, called me up and asked me if I had looked at the weekly mission report, I told him I had glanced at it, but nothing really stood out. Elder Thayne reminded me that in Spartanburg, a man had been baptized. Elder Thayne went on to explain that it was the very man we had met my third to last day in Spartanburg! What an amazing miracle! I am so happy that that man decided to enter the waters of baptism and make that sacred covenant with our Heavenly Father. The funny part is that I honestly don't even remember his name! I will have to ask Elder Thayne later.

The other miracle that we experienced this week was that after working really hard and not having any real results from it, the Lord saw fit to place someone in our path that we will have the opportunity to teach. On Sunday, Elaine, a local member, brought her friend Samantha to Church. Samantha went to basic training for national guard and while she was there she had attended the LDS services. Samantha really enjoyed attending, so when she came home and told her friend Elaine about this interesting church she had attended Elaine explained that she was a member. Elaine invited her to attend the local church in Florence. Samantha came and loved it. The ward was great at reaching out and welcoming her and inviting her to come back next week. We have an appointment with her this evening and Elaine is going to be there as well!

This week has been interesting because last Monday the assistants told us that were going to have a surprise zone conference. It really shocked me. So on Wednesday morning Elder Fitzgerald and I had a zone development meeting at 8:00 in the morning and at 9:00 we then have a zone conference. At the end of the zone conference, I jumped in the car with the Elders that work Sumter to go on an exchange and when we just pulled into Sumter, I received a phone call from Elder Fitzgerald informing me that we were supposed to meet with the stake president in a half hour and Elder Fitzgerald was a little nervous because he had never attended a stake correlation meeting before. I felt horrible that I had completely spaced the meeting, but I turned the car around and headed back up to Florence. I literally sprinted into the meeting. It was quite disorganized, (which was completely my fault for forgetting, but it turned out all right,and everything that we needed to get across was communicated and assignments were made to help the work progress here in the Florence Stake.) (Oh by the way Dad, I would love to attend one of your stake correlation meetings when I get done with my extension! :)

That's the update for right now. The entire church is redoing the mission process, from the way the MTC is run, to all the missions around the world. To start this change, I have to be at a leadership meeting in Columbia starting tomorrow and it will last for four days! I don't know how we are going to help our investigators progress in the gospel with only tonight, Saturday and Sunday to actually be here, but the Lord will provide a way (1 Nephi 3:7).

I love each of you and I appreciate the continual prayers in behalf of my companion and I, and our investigators.

Love,
Elder Cowan

New Map and Lots of Work To Do in Florence!

2010-07-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,
It was quite interesting as I was shopping yesterday, I noticed that the Walmart is beginning to put supplies out for the next school year. It was quite a shock when I realized that I am not going to spend this entire school year here in South Carolina! :O I need to put the pedal to the medal and make sure I use every moment effectively to fulfill the calling and purpose that I have as a missionary.

This week I am pleased to announce that the Florence area now has a map! It was interesting trying to plan on a map that was so old and had streets that no longer existed and was missing so many new developments. Last week we spent our time buying a new map and laminating it. Yesterday, our district leader, Elder Williams, and his companion, Elder Bangeter, came over and helped find where members live and placed them on our map. This ward is HUGE! There are enoungh members in the ward list to make a stake! It's quite sad that there are only 140-160 active members, while there are 800-900 less-active members. We are going to try and help re-kindle the flame that these members once had, while also teaching their friends and families. We are following President Monson's program "Rescue Effort." We also have been blessed with 600 media offers. These are individuals who either saw a commercial or went to Mormon.org and ordered free materials from the church. We deliver the items and also invite them to learn of the restored gospel. I sometimes wonder how in the world I am supposed to be in charge of bringing the gospel to so many different people. I have complete confidence that as I listen to the promptings of the still small voice, I will know where to begin with these huge lists.

Tanzania, felt the spirit, acted. . .and made the wrong decision. She was truthful when she said she wanted to get back into church, but unfortunately she chose to go back to her family church and does not want us coming back by.

This week we had a return appointment with Annette Brown. She had read the introduction and was very curious about the entire timeline of the Book of Mormon. We explained everything to her, letting her know who was the father of who, and she is so interested in family history! We are going over to teach her the Plan of Salvation today. I am very excited to see how she continues to progress in the gospel.

On Sunday, we found a sweet man named Lashawn. We taught him a powerful straight forward lesson, which I think only lasted about 10 minutes, but by the end Lashawn knew the importance of Priesthood power in performing ordinances in the gospel, and he really wanted to know if Joseph Smith received that authority from Jesus Christ. We have a return appointment with LaShawn today as well. Sister Selph is as sweet as always. I love her to death. She is still working on her addiction to cigarettes. She is going to begin attending the addiction recovery class which is held at the church every Tuesday evening. I know that as she completes the class, she will be smoke free and ready for baptism. The work continues to progress and I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with Elder Fitzgerald and the people in the Florence area.

I love each of you, and I love the gospel too!

Love,
Elder Cowan

P.S. Note for future missionaries (Justin, Blake, and Kevin):
Keep your area book current! Updating an area book is like repentance, it can be done, but it's a difficult process. The longer you wait the harder it is. If you update your area book everyday (just like repentance), it's easy, but when missionaries for the past year and a half have not kept good records, then it becomes a difficult process. :)

New Companion: Elder Fitzgerald

2010-06-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

What an exciting week for all members of the Cowan Family! With those who were on the vacation, I'm glad to hear everyone had an enjoyable, safe time, minus your spill mom :) and for myself here in South Carolina, I had the privilege of seeing the Lord's hand in His work. On Wednesday, we had transfer meeting and my new companion is Elder Fitzgerald. I am so excited to continue to work with the driven missionary. Thursday we drove to Lake City to proselyte there. We had zone conference in Marion on Friday. Elder Fitzgerald and I drove down to Columbia for zone leader council on Saturday and had church on Sunday.

We have been traveling quite a bit this past week, but even with all the activities that we are required to accomplish with our callings, I enjoyed the wise words of mother reminding me to listen for the promptings of the Holy Ghost. I wish I had time to tell you the wonderful experiences that we had this week because the Lord has truly blessed us. Because of transfers, I had to create a new sheet for accountability purposes and I only have 5 minutes left on the computer and I have not written President McConkie either. :) On Wednesday as we were driving down the street, I noticed some houses on our left and it was not part of our plans, but I told Elder Fitzgerald that I felt we should stop. We met Tanzania, who is looking for a church, and I told her the spirit told us to stop and she recognized that we are truly servants of the Lord. When we went to Lake City we met Annette. She is searching for truth and she accepted a baptismal date of the 17th of July. Yesterday we met Chrishelle who broke down into tears because of the trials that the Lord has placed in her path to humble her and allow her to listen to the restored gospel. Not only are we being blessed but the rest of the zone is as well. We are excited to continue to work in this calling we have received to be full time missionaries. I love each of you. Keep the commandments, they keep us free and we feel the Lord's love as we do!

Love,
Elder Cowan

I am getting a new companion!

2010-06-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

What an exciting week! Transfers are this Wednesday and I am getting a new companion. Elder Pack is leaving me and heading up to my part of the state. He's going to be a zone leader in Greenville! I am excited for him. I am also curious to see who my new companion will be. This week has flown by. We currently are not working with any progressing investigators, but we found quite a few new investigators on Saturday and Sunday. I am excited to be a part of their conversion process. I hope the Lord will bless us and give us the opportunity to see these, our brothers and sisters, progress in the gospel. We have two families: the Timmons family and the Anderson Family. I am out of time on the computer! I love each of you. I pray for you and I hope you enjoy your vacation!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Adversity

2010-06-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

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

Reward for Diligence--Gloria Brown

2010-06-07T21:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

This week was great. We worked really hard all week trying to see medias, but nothing was resulting from any of the effort that we were putting in, then at 8:00 pm Saturday night, while riding our bikes to a media's house, we rode past a woman putting together a BBQ grill. As we drove by, the lady stopped what she was doing to wave at us as we drove by. I decided to turn back around and see if there was anything we could do to help her. The lady introduced herself as Gloria Brown and she gladly allowed us to put her BBQ together. As we worked, we began to teach her the gospel. We finished the BBQ and then went into the experience Joseph Smith had as he was searching for more truth. The spirit was very strong and the spirit bore witness to me that she knew that what we were teaching her was true. I followed the instruction we received at zone interviews and I told her that I knew that she knew that these things were true. Gloria accepted a baptismal date and really wanted to come to church. As we rode home after the lesson, we simultaneously called everyone from the ward to see if someone could give her a ride. Our efforts did not produce the desired result and we were not able to find anyone on Saturday night to give her a ride to church. On Sunday morning, while conducting the correlation meeting, the Relief Society president volunteered to pick her up. Fifteen minutes before the meeting was to begin, Sister Dew (RS Pres.) left the church to go pick up our investigator. Right as the first verse of the sacrament hymn was being sung, Sister Dew and Gloria Brown entered the chapel. The meeting was great. I love testimony meetings. As soon as the meeting ended, Sister Dew approached Elder Pack and me and told us that she had taught Gloria Brown's children in school! We saw Gloria arise from her pew and then she walked up to another one of the members of our ward and gave her a big hug. To our surprise, she knew several members of the congregation. She loved the rest of the meeting. We have an appointment with her tonight and she is coming to Book of Mormon study on Wednesday, and then on Thursday she is attending enrichment night. I am so excited to see her further progress in the gospel. The goal for this next week is to have Gloria Brown living WOW and LOC in order to add her to accountability. It was a sweet way to end the week after spending so many hours with the medias with no success. I am thankful for the Lord's help in giving me the strength to continue to work and be diligent. I love you!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Media Referrals

2010-05-31T15:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

I fooled you! You would have been right about me emailing tomorrow if I was not a zone leader and had to send in reports to the mission president. Also, tomorrow is zone leader council. This week has been quite interesting. President McConkie pulled me aside at zone conference and told me that a local member was going to be joining Elder Pack and me for a week to help him prepare for his mission. On Monday evening Elder Brown from the Myrtle Beach Ward arrived in Florence. On top of the week long member exchange, we received a letter in the mail from the mission office in which they gave us a list 16 pages long of media referrals that had never been contacted in the past. The media's were all from 2007. I think the Lord knew this list was coming because, for some reason, we had a ton of miles left for the month. The past four days we have been driving out in the country to random houses to deliver books, DVD's, and most importantly to give people the opportunity to learn of the restored gospel. We met a lady in Greeleyville which is an hour and a half away, but she is so cool! She told us that she used to drive to Columbia for church, which is two hours away from where she lives, so an hour and a half is no big deal for her to drive to Florence. This lady's name is Laura. Laura was not able to make it to church this week because she had family in town because her nephew was graduating from college. We have an appointment with her on Tuesday.

Bill Smith dropped us. He did not want to change his life to agree with the standards of the church (coffee). Sister Selph has been really busy this week and we did not have the opportunity to see her. She is still smoking, but she has not given up. We are continuing to pray for her.

Another funny story, while in Lake City, we stopped at the McDonalds, and while we were eating, one of the workers came up to us and told us that missionaries had visited her 7 years ago and they helped her quit smoking. She then moved to Florida and lost contact with the church. She recently moved back to Lake City. Her name is Patricia. Patricia really wanted to come to church, but she got called in. :( I am thankful for whoever it was that taught her before because she has the highest respect for the church because of what those missionaries did for her. She is still smoke free to this day.

Dante is a stud. He came to the Book of Mormon class we hold on Wednesday nights. We read from chapters 3 & 4 of 2 Nephi. As we read through, we had a question of "who was Joseph Smith's spokesman?" We were all discussing it and as missionaries we could not agree who it was talking about and then Dante answers, "It was Sidney Rigdon. He was mighty in word and he wrote down what Joseph Smith translated." It blew us all away. This investigator answered the question that us full-time missionaries could not agree on. Dante came to church this Sunday and really enjoyed it. I feel so bad for his situation. He knows the church is true and he wants to join, but his girlfriend does not want to get married. He knows he needs to move out, but he has no money. Business has been slow at the barber shop. He also does not want to abandon his kids by moving out. He is trying to be the best dad he can be. We are praying that we can teach his girlfriend and somehow get her excited in the gospel like he is. Well, I need to go, I've been on the computer way too long. I had a quite a few reports I had to send to President and the stake president. I love you all! Have a great summer!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Moving/Cleaning Apartments

2010-05-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,
Don't be shocked, but I am actually sending pictures! :D what is the world coming to? ;) What a crazy week. Monday was move day. We moved out of our apartment and moved into an older apartment to save the mission some money. We had to carry everything down three flights of stairs, load it into the mission trailer, and then we had to carry all our material up a flight of stairs to the apartment we are staying at now. The new apartment was gross. The place was a mess and it smelled bad. Elder Pack and I have attacked the apartment with Clorox bleach and we feel we have killed everything. It has been quite the adventure moving into this apartment. Our dishwasher is broken; it flooded the the entire kitchen. We told the apartment management about the problem and they said they fixed it, so we started our dishwasher before we left to work on Thursday. When we got home that evening, the kitchen was flooded once again. We told the apartment management AGAIN, and they said they would fix it. The management told us they found the problem and removed the clog. We started our dishwasher again today and guess what happened? You got it! It flooded again. :) Monday and Tuesday were completely taken up by the move/cleaning of both apartments.

On to this weeks proselyting activities. We had someone call both of our phones on Thursday and I gave a call back and the person on the line denied that he had called me. I didn't think much of it until the same phone number called us back eight hours later. Elder Pack answered the phone and it was a man by the name of Bill Smith. Bill was a member in Myrtle Beach 20 years ago and he was "antied" really bad so asked to have his name removed from the records of the church. After 20 years, he has recognized all his so called "friends" who "antied" him were all wrong about the church. Bill wants to come back to the church. Bill asked to meet with us on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Bill was all set to come to church, then Saturday night he left a message on our phone saying he was not going to make it. I hope he is alright. We met with Dante. He said he would come to church, but he did not make it. I am out of time. I love you all! Sis. Selph quit smoking!

I love you,
Elder Cowan

New Area: Florence

2010-05-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

The long awaited time has come, the anticipation has past! It is now time to reveal my new area! I am currently serving in the FLORENCE WARD! I serve in the Florence county and parts of the surrounding counties! I think this ward geographically is the same size as the last stake I served in (Greenville East Stake). I am serving with Elder Pack and Elder Earl. Yes, you got it! I'm serving in a three-some. Elder Earl is actually only going to be here for a week finishing his mission. He didn't fly home at transfers because he had a surgery earlier in his mission which threw everything out of whack.

Transfers are always an interesting experience: a new companion, new area, new investigators, and a new apartment. We are actually moving apartments later today. This gives me the great opportunity to deep clean an apartment that I have not even used yet. :) The area map needs quite a lot of work put into it. Along with moving to a new apartment, I will have the opportunity of creating a map of our area, AND creating an area book, so the next missionary who moves into the area can open up the book, read the information about the investigators and then hit the ground running. As soon as I finish these three projects, I'll probably move to a new area! That's how transfers work!

We are currently working with Dante and Brother and Sister Selph. Sister Selph is one of the sweetest ladies and she is currently taking the discussions. The Selphs have been living the Word of Wisdom for the past three weeks. As soon as Brother Selph gets baptized, Sister Selph will be baptized with him! Dante is a man that the previous Elders knocked into. Dante has a testimony of the gospel and has a strong desire to be baptized. His hold up is that he lives with his girlfriend and she has no desire to get married. Dante is conflicted with the idea of moving out because 1) He has nowhere else to go; he works at a barber shop and business has been non-existent, and 2) He and his girlfriend have a two year old son. I feel bad for his situation. We continue to encourage him and pray that he will be able to work things out in order to be baptized.

On Friday we had a zone development meeting in which I had the opportunity to meet all the missionaries in our zone. I know none of them! I feel like I've been transferred into a new mission! All the missionaries I've served with have all served in the up-state. All the missionaries here have served their entire missions in the low country. It's going to be great to work with each of them and to lead the Lemuel Zone (name of the Florence Zone) and help them to reach their full potential.

Random story, last night the Bishop gave us ice-cream Oreo pie and I was really hungry the whole ride home from the bishops. When we got to the apartment I "tried" to offer the prayer over the pie we were going to eat, but I failed miserably. :) I started the prayer "Dear Heavenly pie." It was a complete accident. I felt so embarrassed, but at the same time I could not stop laughing at the situation, actually all three of us could not stop laughing. I know I need to be better when I communicate with my Father in Heaven, but after a long day I was pretty tired. My "flesh" was weak. Anyways, I need to get back to the apartment to continue to clean it so we can pass inspection, then move everything down three flights of stairs, drive across town, and then take it up one flight of stairs. :) What an adventure that awaits! I love you all! I pray for you! Look for missionary experiences. (Especially you Dad, with the speech you have to make, you may not be able to say much during the speech, but afterward, when people come up to congratulate you, you can invite them to learn more! I love missionary work and I know you do too!)

Love,

Elder Cowan

Quick Update

2010-05-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Wow. I need Justin's email. I need to email him and see how his adventure is going! What an exciting time. I will admit I only have 10 minutes left on this computer. This week was great. Update on the Sullivan's. We taught Doreen. She still has not asked Heavenly Father if these things are true. We went over "one true church" while we were there. She said that some time during this next week she will ask Heavenly Father if these things are true. I hope she follows through with that commitment.

Just kidding. I only have five minutes left. We stopped by Cynthia's house (a recent convert of Elder Bowles when he served here). We read 1 Nephi 8 and committed her to reach out to her family and invite them to hold to the rod. When church started, none of our investigators were there and Cynthia was not there either. After Sacrament meeting, when they opened up the doors, Cynthia walked in with her daughter Natasha and Natasha's children: Maureen (15 yrs old) and Sean (9 yrs old). They enjoyed church and they are planning to come to church again. Natasha smokes weed, so I'm not sure if she has a desire to stop, but the children will learn quickly and have the opportunity to be baptized if they choose! It was great to see this recent convert doing missionary work. I hope you have success Dad in getting the members more involved in finding people to teach.

I love you all! Hope you have a great week!

Love,

Elder Cowan

P.S. Congratulations James on receiving your mission call. Suggestion: GO TO THE TEMPLE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE! Once you enter the mission field, you will not have the opportunity to go to the temple. :( Also, memorize Preach My Gospel. :D

Exciting Week!

2010-04-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

What an exciting week! I have a short amount of time. I will try to hit the highlights. Elder Tran and I, along with President Buffington and Brother Bright (Stake High Councilor over missionary work) organized a training meeting. The meeting consisted of a proper correlation meeting and then a proper PEC meeting. We emphasized the importance for the full-time missionaries to fulfill their responsibility by adequately filling out our progress record. Then we taught the ward mission leaders the importance of an agenda for correlation meeting and the importance to make assignments. I hope I remember the life lessons I am learning on my mission.

On Sunday Doreen, Regan, and Charleston came to church. Becky stayed at home because the children's father was coming up to Spartanburg and she did not know what time he would arrive, so she decided to wait at home for him. I don't think I ever told you their last name. Their last name is Sullivan. This week was exciting. The Sullivans came over to the Bakers for dinner. The Bakers are a family focused on missionary work. The meal was a success. Regan met Kayla Baker and now she has a friend at church. Regan was the driving force that made them come to church. We taught them Saturday night to get them to church and a drunk man came into the lesson from outside and he started to aggressively argue about Joseph Smith. The great thing about it was that Becky was the one that was defending the church!

On Friday night we got a phone call from President telling us that our zone needed to be in Columbia the next morning at 8:00. We frantically organized rides for everyone and we went down to Columbia. We had a special conference with Elder Neil L. Anderson. This is now the 3rd apostle I've met on my mission! We had a great meeting with him which lasted about an hour. At the end of the meeting, we drove back to Columbia and worked the rest of the day.

I wish I could write more, but I need to go. I love you all!

Elder Cowan

Another Great Week to be a Missionary!

2010-04-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

What another great week to be a missionary. I first should start with thanking you for the package a couple of weeks ago. I appreciate the goodies. I also forgot to inform you that a package should be on its way to you at the moment. I sent it this last week, so it should probably make it sometime this week. The package is full of board games and and other random things. The games were found in our apartment. We have decided as a mission to remove all distractions in our lives. The movement came from General Conference with the story about herding the cows. The speaker said, "A distraction does not have to be evil to be affective, it may be as simple as shade." We also are pulling from President Packers famous talk on "Good Better Best." The board games and other things we had in our apartments are not bad, but there are certainly better things to do with our time--especially during this short period of time on our missions. We calculated it out and 1/2 of your mission is already gone the moment you step off the airplane. With time spent in meetings, sleeping, and other activities, a 24 hour day, dwindles down to only 7 hours of proselyting. Elder Thayne and I have decided to remove dinner time out of our day. We work all day and then eat a quick dinner at 9:00 pm as we plan out our activities for the next day. :) I really am working Elder Thayne REALLY hard. The great thing is he doesn't know how hard he is working. He assumes everyone in the mission does the same thing we do. I hope he will be able to see the fruits of our labors so that when we separate he may continue to work hard throughout his entire time here in South Carolina.

On to this week's events. On Tuesday we had a zone development meeting. Elder Tran and I decided that we would have a different type of meeting. Instead of the normal sit and listen and take notes meeting, we decided we would teach through activities. We had three activities. 1. Physical challenge. As missionaries we have to work physically hard. The challenge was to push a car around the church parking lot. 2. Presentation Challenge. As missionaries we have to present the message in the proper manner ie (smile, have a personality) the activity was charades. 3. Spiritual. We had a testimony meeting. We divided the zone into the three districts and rotated them through the activities. We then came together at the end and did a activity for the whole zone to increase unity. The meeting was a success. The missionaries were pumped to go out and work hard. As a zone we found 90 new investigators this week. :D

On Wednesday we had zone leader council in Columbia. We had a great meeting in which I personally felt a greater desire to see success in the zone. In order to expect that from others, I need to improve my myself as well.

Elder Thayne and I saw a lady Elder Douglas and I found before he left and she let us right in. We taught her a great first lesson and she accepted the invitation to be baptized. Her date in May 8th. Her name is Shina. The very next day we took over a member and we taught her the doctrine of baptism. We are excited to work with her.

We had a lesson with the entire Becky/Doreen family. We started by watching Finding Faith in Christ, and then we talked about faith as a seed. (Mom, we were on the same wave length). We then gave each member a pot and a seed and told them that just like that seed is going to need water to grow, in order for our faith to grow we must read from the Book of Mormon. Every time the family reads from the Book of Mormon they can water their plants. They committed strongly to come to church. They did not come. They over-slept. :( Becky is beginning to lose desire to quit smoking. She wants to do it in her way. I told her she would not be able to overcome except it be through the Lord's way and with His help. We will see if we can excite them once again for the gospel. I love all yall! Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Cowan

Another Week of Missionary Work

2010-04-12T18:19:00.001-07:00

Dear Family,

What a great week. It is quite fun serving with Elder Thayne. He has great intentions, but he has a difficulty staying awake sometimes. :) Every day he does a little better than the day before. He is slowly becoming acclimated to missionary work.

I don't have too much to update. Becky and Doreen were out of town for a funeral this week. Elder Thayne taught Charles while I was on an exchange in Simpsonville. Charles had to work this weekend. Douglas has mental health problems. He stresses out if he does not keep a commitment that he has promised. He breaks down into shakes and depression if he recognizes that he does not do something he has promised to do. Because of this illness, he finds it easier to not promise anyone anything. He said he would come to church "some Sunday." We told him we are not going to be able to continue to come around and wait for "someday" to come. He knows where the church is and we committed him to continue to read and pray. We may stop by one more time before we drop him.

Becky did have a baptism date for the beginning of April, but she did not quit smoking. They have been really difficult to catch recently. I hate waiting, but I am trying to love it, because I know there is only so much I can do. We really want to teach Becky's children: Regan Corey and Charleston. We are going to teach them about faith and give each of them a pot with a seed in it. Every time they do something good, they can water their individual plant. When the family reads the Book of Mormon together, everyone will be able to water their plants. Hopefully this visual will help them to recognize that just as the seed requires action on our part to grow, we also need to put forth effort in order for our faith to grow (reading, praying, going to church). It should be a good lesson. I want to thank you Mom and Dad for being great parents. I see so many families where the children do not have restrictions, rules or any sense of order. I thank Heavenly Father that I have "been born of goodly parents." I hope and pray for your physical and spiritual safety and welfare. I hope you have a great week!

Love,
Elder Cowan

New Companion: Elder Thayne

2010-04-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,
What an exciting week! Transfers took place on Wednesday and I am now training Elder Thayne. Elder Thayne is from West Jordan UT. He is tall and lanky (like myself) and his favorite color is orange (like myself). I've tried extra hard this week to work as hard as possible so Elder Thayne learns good work ethic early on in his mission experience. At times I'm afraid he is going to hate me because of how much I push him, but he keeps a good attitude and wants to see success. Elder Thayne is the youngest in his family.

I loved General Conference. I wish I could have experienced it with more of my investigators. All of our investigators were doing things with their families during the Easter weekend. Becky and Doreen were really sorry that they could not make it. Doreen told us, "Don't stop coming by just because we have not been able to make it to church the past couple of weeks. We really enjoy you coming by. I've learned a lot from you." When Elder Bednar was speaking and he shared the quote, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day, teach a man how to fish, and you feed a man for a lifetime." I have thought about that and I've decided that I need to do a better job at explaining to my investigators that I am not here to give them just enough spiritual food to survive until the next time we come by; I am trying to help them develop habits in which they can drink from the well of living water throughout the remainder of their lives. I really enjoyed Carlson's talk about the three reasons why one does not obey and Elder Bednars talk about teaching little children. Even though he was speaking to parents it directs well to missionaries trying to teach investigators whose testimonies are small like a child's.

The only person who came was not one of our investigators. A member, Brother Jackson, brought his friend to conference. (I'll accept a tender mercy from the Lord anytime!) His friend's name is Charles. Charles really enjoyed conference. Elder Thayne invited him to be baptized, but he recently joined a church and he does not want to abandon it. We are going to teach him on Thursday at Brother Jackson's home. I wish more members did missionary work. It would be great to fulfill our purpose to teach and baptize. Unfortunately, we spend all our time finding instead of teaching. We are going to have a training meeting with all the leaders in the stake. Hopefully we can help the members remember their covenant they made at baptism. I love you and I pray that all will go well with the stake conference coming up soon! I love you! I will tell you more later!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Staying in Spartanburg!

2010-03-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

What an exciting week. First off, I am not being transfered. I am staying in Spartanburg! It was really funny because the rest of the Elders that I live with were certain I was going to be transfered as an Assistant to the President, but to their surprise, they are all being transfered and I'm the only one staying in Spartanburg! :) I am excited to see where they are all going. On to the events of the week. We found a cool investigator on Monday evening. His name is Douglas. We set up another appointment later during the week, but then he called us and had to cancel on us because he had to go out of town. It's really cool having an investigator who lives close to the church because the church is in a very awkward spot behind houses, but with Douglas living in the neighborhood, he knows right where the church is.

On Tuesday we had a district leader development meeting and a zone development meeting afterwards. The meeting was really great. After the meeting, I went to Greer on an exchange with Elder Puew. We had a great time together. It was really interesting because he was really nervous to be on an exchange with the "zone leaders" and it reminded me of when Elder Merrill came on an exchange with me my first week with Elder Taylor in Anderson. We were able to teach one of their investigators and I am excited to see what happens with him.

While I was on the exchange, Elder Douglas and Elder Hightower went over to Becky's house to teach the Word of Wisdom. On Wednesday when I got back from the exchange, we went over with Sister Baker and set Becky up on the non-smoking packet. Becky was excited to start and to prepare herself for baptism.

On Friday Elder Merrill (our district leader, different Elder Merrill than the one previously mentioned) came and shoulder-angled Becky with Elder Douglas. I thought it would give him a boost to see someone progressing in the gospel since he and his companion do not have much going on in their area. They read from 1 Nephi 3-4 and compared Becky to Nephi and just like Nephi, Becky has been given a commandment. After reading, she was really excited to quit smoking and also to continue to read from the Book of Mormon---two birds with one stone. I can't wait to see her smoke free and reading the scriptures daily. It will be such a great blessing for her and her family for the rest of their lives.

Saturday we had a crazy storm! We came outside after an appointment, and the clouds were moving south really fast. We jumped on our bikes, and as we traveling to our next appointment, I notice the clouds were moving rapidly to the East. I got off my bike to realize that all the clouds in the sky why circling together. Lightning began to abruptly, and then I saw the sky flash green like I had never seen before. I called up the Assistants to see what to do, when I was struck in the back of my calf by a flying object. The sting of the blow startled me and I turned around to see who had thrown something. I could not see anyone within site, when suddenly hail the size of golf balls hurtled toward the earth. Elder Douglas freaked out and ran for shelter. I not being able to do to things at ounce, continued to get hit by the hail as I finished my conversation with the Assistants. When I was done, I ran to shelter. :) As we were sitting on someone's porch waiting for the storm to settle, the tornado alarm started to ring throughout the city. We received a phone call from President Buffington from the mission presidency, and he counseled that all missionaries in the Zone should return to their apartments. It was quite the storm!

Saturday morning I received a phone call from President and he informed me that Elder Douglas would be leaving and that Elders Quakenbush and Hightower would be leaving me as well. He also told me who the new Zone Leader is going to be. It is Elder Tran! It is going to be weird to be serving with an Elder who was in the MTC with me! I've never served around him. I've been in the upstate and he has been in the Charleston area his entire mission. We will both be training new missionaries.

Becky and her family invited us over to dinner on Sunday, but they did not come to church :( We found out after church that they were driving home from North Carolina and they hit a deer. They are still stuck in North Carolina. I hope Becky is still strong with the non-smoking. Thank you for all the prayers in my behalf, my companion and our investigators. I love y'all!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Becky Commits to be Baptized

2010-03-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Once again I'm sitting at a computer screen asking myself where did the time go? I did not accomplish all that I wanted, but hopefully the Lord will continue to help me to accomplish my goals. I first want to thank you, Mom, for sending the large print triple. It was quite the surprise when I received it. I enjoyed opening that package more then any other package.

Next, if you buy a new piano, please don't get rid of the other piano. I really enjoy playing the piano. (Even though I get WAY stressed when President McConkie is around when I play.) I know there are a ton of things I have forgotten, but I would like to continue to learn piano after my mission (and this next comment is not focused on missionary work or completing my purpose as a missionary) and I would like to borrow your piano when I move out. Ok I said it, now I can go back to focusing on my investigators.

Tuesday morning we had a District Development Meeting. I was asked to train on gaining a testimony vs. becoming converted. I was only suppose to train for 15 minutes and I ended up training for 40 minutes. :) A summary of my training: "True Conversion, comes through Continual Repentance." After the meeting, our District Leader, Elder Merrill and his companion, Elder Dupaix, came with us to Becky's house to drop off a present for her daughter's birthday. We came in and sang "Happy Birthday" to Regan and then gave her a present (it was a "Finding Faith in Christ" DVD). They really enjoyed us coming over.

On Thursday we taught Becky about the concept that there can only be one true church. We explained that Christ taught specific and clear doctrines and then after Christ, man changed those doctrines. When they were changed, they were no longer Christ's doctrines, but man's. We then testified of the Restoration, how Christ appeared to Joseph Smith, brought those truths back to the earth and restored His gospel. We also brought to Becky's memory the experience we had had previously--when she prayed and asked Heavenly Father if Joseph Smith was a prophet and the spirit bore strong testimony. As we taught, Becky turned to Elder Douglas and said, "It's funny how you can literally see a change in Elder Cowan's face as he feels the spirit. It looks like his face is glowing, as if there is a light coming from within him." She not only saw the spirit through me, but she felt it within her and she accepted a baptism date of April 3rd! Right before we left, Doreen asked, "Does that mean she needs to give up coffee, tea and cigarettes?" I wish we could have answered that through discussing the Word of Wisdom, but we told her she would need to quit and then we read 1 Nephi 3:7 helping her remember that the Lord is going to help her to overcome those addictions. Also random note, but while we were at Becky's house we found out that Regan's boyfriend "tried to become 'fresh' with her." Regan ended up breaking up with her boyfriend. Now she has no strings holding her toward the other church! We hope and pray she will be able to grasp hold of the gospel as well!

I received the large print triple on Thursday evening (once again thanks!) and then on Friday, Elder Quakenbush and I went to Union to blitz. We had a great day with Elder Warburton and Elder Bjarnson. We were able to meet a less-active member who has a 9 yr old unbaptized child and we found two new investigators. The less-active member came to church and the 9 yr old should be baptized in the upcoming weeks!

On Saturday we brought over the large print triple and read Moroni 10:3-5. Becky and Doreen committed to read it. I hope that the Book of Mormon will help Doreen progress quicker than she has. She has not caught hold of the gospel as quickly as Becky. Becky and Doreen committed to come to church, but then on Sunday they did not show up. We think they overslept. They are night owls, not early birds. We are going to teach the Word of Wisdom on Tuesday, and then later this week we are going to start Becky on the non-smoking packet so she can become smoke free!

Besides Becky and family (I really need to get a last name), we have not had much going on.We spent most of our time tracting, which has not been very fruitful. We continue to search for more families who will accept the gospel and receive the blessings Heavenly Father has in store for them! I love being a missionary. Every time I write President a letter, or see him, I always ask him to extend me. He has tried in the past, but has been shut-down, but he continues to try to find an exception by which I could stay. :) (That's exactly what you wanted to hear...not!)

This Saturday I will receive transfer calls. I no longer care what happens to me. All I want is Becky and her family to get baptized. If the Lord sees fit that I will be the instrument by which He works, or another missionary, I do not care. It's not about the missionary. It's about the family that comes into the gospel. Thank you for the prayers in my behalf, and more importantly, those we teach. I love y'all! Until next time. Peace!

Love,

Elder Cowan

"The Lord has blessed us greatly."

2010-03-15T23:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

What an exciting week! I will not wait until the end to tell you the bad news, I'll let you know up front. Elder Douglas and I are not working with John Perry anymore. He knows our purpose and he is not willing to come unto Christ (at the moment), so we dropped him so we can spend more time with those who have the same purpose as ours of coming closer to Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel, through faith repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end (Kevin, Chapter 1 of PMG is all about "My Purpose"). Now to tell you the events that led up to dropping John.

On Monday evening we taught him the law of chastity. John recognized the significance of the law and has already been living it and committed to continue to live it.

On Wednesday we had a wonderful opportunity to have one of the assistants to come work with us: Elder Bowles! It was so exciting to be able to work along side my trainer once again. We had a great day. We taught John Perry lesson three (The Gospel of Jesus Christ) and the light finally clicked when we were talking about baptism and the authority that is necessary in order to officiate in that sacred ordinance with God. John said, "So you are telling me that I am going to hell because I have not been baptized by a Mormon Elder?" We answered his question and he really enjoyed the lesson. He committed to us that he would have an answer by Friday of whether or not he should be baptized. We also were able to teach Doreen and Becky with Elder Bowles. It was a great first lesson. We had taught different principles in the first lesson, but this was the first time we were able to teach them the entire lesson. We committed Becky to pray and ask God if Joseph Smith was a prophet, and she said an honest, truth seeking prayer. After she prayed, she broke into tears as she was describing how she felt. It was a very spiritual lesson. Doreen had a similar question to what John had asked earlier that same day, "What happens to all the people that were on the earth in between the death of the apostles and when Joseph Smith was chosen to be a prophet?" We promised her we would answer that question the next time we came by.

On Thursday we had zone interviews. I love being able to talk to President McConkie one on one. He has so much understanding and he follows the spirit in all that he does. The trainings by the assistants were great. We were trained on properly preparing our investigators for the baptismal interview; dropping "eternal" investigators; becoming "mission"aries, not "wish"onaries; and applying the atonement to our lives and changing so that our investigators will change their lives as well. I was spiritually uplifted and ready to work. After the meeting was finished, Elder Bowles and I had a return appointment with John Perry. He still was confused about the "one true church" doctrine, but he committed to pray to receive an answer.

On Friday Elder Douglas and I had our return appointment with Doreen and Becky. We taught them the Plan of Salvation. It was another spirit led lesson. I know it was not my own words, but the Lord who spoke. To be completely honest, I'm afraid of teaching the Plan of Salvation. I always get stuck in the Fall. The people of the south have been told their entire life that Adam and Eve screwed everything up. That if they would have obeyed, we would all have been in the garden "chillin' with God." As we taught the Fall, I had a prayer in my heart that they would comprehend. After we finished explaining the Fall, Becky said, "I feel like this is déjà vu that I've argued with you about this subject, but this time, I believe exactly what you said." It was truly a miracle. Doreen really comprehended the spirit world, and how EVERYONE gets a chance to receive the gospel, either here in this life or after. Right before we taught about the kingdoms of heaven, Doreen asked, "Can family relations continue after we die?" I asked her what she felt the answer was and she responded, "I hope so, I don't think God would put us together for just a short period of time." It was so great to be able to teach the truth that their family can be sealed together and that they can all live with Heavenly Father.

Sunday, Doreen, Becky, and two of Becky's children came to church. They had a great time and we are going over on Tuesday and Thursday. :) The Lord has blessed us greatly. I'm so excited to see them progress in the gospel. The only hold up is that they cannot read the small print and I called distribution and large print Book of Mormon's are on back order until JUNE! I ordered one anyways, but I want them to begin reading now, so I think I'm going to buy them a magnifying glass. :)

I love the gospel and the great opportunity to be here upon the earth to learn and grow. I love being on a mission. There have been so many things I've learned and I'm continuing to learn each and every day. I love you all!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Spring is Right Around the Corner!

2010-03-08T17:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

Spring is right around the corner! This a special time of year and I can't wait to see the flowers and the growth (especially the kudzoo) envelop everything. I know you do not have to deal with it in AZ, but when is day-light savings? I know it used to be at conference, but with the changes they made recently I have no idea. My calendar says that it is happening next week, but I'm not sure if I can trust it because it was only a dollar.

This week has been filled with bittersweet feelings. John Perry did not come to church again this week. It's the saddest thing in the world to see someone begin to change their life and apply the atonement in their life, but then to fall short by not completing the cleansing ordinance of baptism. He has come so far! He has given up tea, alcohol, and tobacco! This past week we stopped by with Brother Chapman and Brother Chapman was very bold with John telling him that he needs to be baptized. He finally told us that his concern was that he could not understand how he could receive an answer about a book he does not understand (The Book of Mormon). We explained to him that even though he did not understand, Heavenly Father knows all things, especially what is contained in the Book of Mormon. John committed to pray and ask Heavenly Father if the book was true and we set up a return appointment for the following day. The next morning, John called us and told us to not come by because he was sick. We decided that we would not teach him, but that evening we stopped by to give him a can of soup and to remind him that we are here if there is anything he needs. We had an appointment with John on Saturday, but at the last minute he canceled on us. We talked to him after church and we set up an appointment for tonight. We want to explain very clearly tonight that we will not come by anymore if he does not have the same purpose as us, which is to help him come unto Christ by helping him receive the Restored Gospel through repentance and baptism.

On Wednesday we had an appointment with Doreen and Becky. I'm not sure if I told you about these two. Doreen and Becky were taught a year ago in Boiling Springs and recently they moved to Spartanburg. When we arrived for our appointment on Wednesday, Doreen pulled out a book she got from the library which was written to "let the world know the TRUTH about the Mormons." The book had no references, or any information for where they supposably obtained their research. It was a very interesting lesson in which we taught about truth, and how the devil is going to do everything possible to diminish and slander the truth at all cost in order to keep Heavenly Father's children from finding the path that leads to eternal life. By the end of the lesson, Becky made the comment, "I have no desire to read that book (meaning the book from the library) I am going to continue to read from the Book of Mormon." They are doing really well minus the fact that both Doreen and Becky cannot see the book. If you could find the number to call distribution, I would greatly appreciate it, so I can order a large print Book of Mormon.

On Thursday, Elder Quakenbush and I went to Columbia for zone leader council. I always love having the opportunity to stand accountable to the assistants and President because I always leave with a greater desire to fulfill my calling as a zone leader. There is always so much more I can do! It was also sad to have to inform the mission president about a missionary in the zone who has continued to disobey mission rules, and on top of that, he is not fulfilling his responsibility as a district leader. Today his entire district is being emergency transfered so each missionary can be paired up with someone who can hopefully teach and correct the attitudes and actions rather than allowing the companionship to continue to destroy one another through their disobedience.

There is not much more to report on this week. I did find out that a young lady who has been attending off and on the entire time I've been here is not a member. Her member friend who attends Converse (a local college) has been bringing her. We are going to try and meet with her to see if there is any interest in joining the church.

I know this is a boring letter, but I need to fill out a report for every missionary in the zone, so President McConkie will know what direction he should take on our zone interviews this Thursday. I love each of you. I pray for your safety. Keep the faith.

Love,
Elder Cowan

Time Flies

2010-03-01T19:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

Time sure does fly by. I can't believe it's been another week. It feels like I just got to Spartanburg, but as I check the calendar, I've been here for 3 1/2 months! Holy smokes! Before I forget, I would love the piano music. It would be great to have some arrangements to play. This week there were quite a few funny situations Elder Douglas and I found ourselves in.

On Tuesday, I brought Elder Merrill to work in my area. (Elder Merrill is a new district leader and I wanted to give him some training along with giving me the opportunity to build our relationship). We visited some recent converts of Elder Redston to encourage and strengthen, and then we went out tracting. We met one man who was walking down the street and he actually called us over to him and told us that we should come by and see him. This man's name is Monrow. We took down Monrow's information and continued working throughout the neighborhood. He lives on 530 Peronneau street. As we were walking, we actually came across Peronneau street and we decided to go down it. As we walked down the street, we came across a house that had three people sitting outside. I always feel weird yelling at a group and inviting them to hear the restored gospel. I did it anyways, and as I invited them to learn more, the two men just walked away without commenting, leaving an old lady sitting on the porch. We approached her and began to talk to her. Ella White, the lady, told us that she used to live in New York and she used to attend our church. I told her I did not think it was an accident that we met. She then continued to tell us that she is looking for a church. We invited her to come to church but she told us she was going back to the hospital for a surgery on her arm. We said a prayer with her and prayed that all would be well with the doctors. When we received her address to come back by, it was 530 Peronneau St. I recognized the number from early that morning and it turns out that Monrow lives with Ella, and at two different times in their lives they have been taught by the missionaries. Now they are living together (without being married, but we can work on that) and want the gospel in their lives. It was pretty cool that we met both of them on the same day!

We also had great lessons with Ervan and John Perry. Ervan loves the Book of Mormon, and is continuing to read. John made the comment, "you've hooked me on this book" as he held up the Book of Mormon. I hope and pray they continue to read from the Book of Mormon, so the Spirit may enter their lives and teach them the things that they must do.

On Wednesday, Elder Douglas and I had an interesting appointment with one of our investigators, John Davis (different man than John Perry). We were teaching him about the Book of Mormon and he once again had not read, so we were about to drop him when out of nowhere, he tells us he has struggled with a problem his entire life. He explained that he is gay and needs help. I was not sure what to do, but I opened up the scriptures and began to teach. I first let him know that Heavenly Father loves him, but in order to return and live with Him we must follow what he asks. Throughout, John kept saying, "I just don't know why I was made this way." I then explained the difference between weakness and sin. We all have our weaknesses that the devil will use to tempt us. I used myself as an example. I always have lazy thoughts of procrastinating and just relaxing, but just because I have those thoughts does not mean I am lazy. The sin is when I act upon those thoughts that enter my mind. It was really weird. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I had never dealt with this concern before and yet the Lord just kept using me--He would flip my scriptures to the scriptures he needed to hear. The Spirit was so strong. I know he has a rough journey ahead of him, but I hope and pray he will apply the atonement in his life so he can receive relief from the weight of sin that has been on his shoulders.

On Friday Elder Douglas and I met Tate. Tate is very intimidating when you first see him. Tate is 6'6'' and 250 lbs and he has a golden grill for teeth. We talked to him on the door and he invited us into his house. Even though he has a rough appearance, Tate is confused and has almost lost hope in religion all together. He expressed that he was not sure if he believed in Jesus anymore because of all the horrible Christians in the world and how churches are all about money these days. We shared with him the first vision and when we explained that Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet and was given the priesthood, we forgot to say that he was commanded by God to reorganize His church. Without this knowledge, Tate responded, "I wish Joseph Smith would have made a church . . .no, that wouldn't be good because then the wicked people would have killed him just as they killed the apostles." It was the coolest comment! He truly recognized that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Tate was not able to come to church because his family came in town.

Update on John Perry. John is still not sure about Joseph Smith and if the Book of Mormon is scripture. He loves to read the stories, but he has not received a witness from the spirit that these things are true. Because he has not received a witness, he is continuing to search elsewhere aka the Jehovah Witnesses. I have fasted and prayed that he would receive spiritual guidance and discernment, and we also reminded him that he his literally in Joseph Smith's shoes, trying to decide which church to join. He promised he would continue to pray and he committed to come to church. Unfortunately, he did not keep his commitment. John did not attend church. We tried calling him and when I introduced myself over the phone, he hung up on me. I'm worried about him. We are going to stop by his house this evening. I know that's not a good story to end with, but that's how our week ended. Nobody came to church.

Another week has begun, and we continue to work hard. I know the gospel has been restored to this earth by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They did appear to the young boy and revealed truths that had been lost. I am so thankful I grew up knowing these truths. I am even more thankful that I have the opportunity to share the truth with my brothers and sisters here in Spartanburg. I hope and pray you have a great week!

Love,

Elder Cowan

New Zone Leader Companion--Elder Quakenbush

2010-02-22T19:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

I will do my best to make this email exciting and in depth, but I have already been on the computer for a hour and a half filling out stake reports and accountability sheets for the assistants, and I'm ready to get off the computer. :) But on we go!

Tuesday we did not have a lesson with Dede. She was sick and she has been sick the rest of this week. We have not been able to teach her because of her sickness. When we have stopped by, she told us that she has not read.

This transfer I've decided that things would be a little bit different. When Elder Redston and I were here last transfer, we did not have set areas because we both wanted to continue to work with the Conklin family. Now with a new zone leader coming in, I thought it would be appropriate to change it back to the way it was supposed to be when Elder Redston and I received our trainees (Elder Douglas and Elder Hightower). Elder Douglas and I are permanently on bikes while Elder Hightower and Elder Quakenbush are in the car. (Elder Quakenbush served in Anderson my second transfer. He was on a bike then and I was in a car. Now the tides have turned.) Elder Douglas and I cover downtown Spartanburg and they cover the surrounding areas and county. This week has been exciting as I have watched my "son" (trainee) acclimate to being on a bike all day.

The highlight of this week is John Perry. We visited with John on Thursday and we taught him the Word of Wisdom. It was a great lesson. Normally WOW is not the most spiritual lesson, but the spirit was felt very strong as we taught him. At the end of the lesson, he committed to live the Word of Wisdom which includes him giving up coffee, tea, and cigarettes. Before we left his house, he went to his fridge and took out his pitcher of tea and poured it down the drain! We also told him about our quit smoking program and we set up an appointment to come by on Saturday to set him up on the program. We went back on Saturday with Brother Snider, who gave up smoking before he joined the church, and we went over the quit smoking program. He committed to it and as far as I know, (we have not gotten ahold of him today) he has been smoke free since our lesson! And to make the story even more exciting, he came to church this Sunday! John really enjoyed the sacrament meeting, but by the time it was done he had to go home because his sugar was low. He told us that he will stay for all three hours next Sunday. Our next appointment with John is on Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday we we were down a street and Elder Douglas stopped and asked if we could go back and knock on a house that was in the other direction. We decided to go knock on the door and we met Debra. We taught her about the Book of Mormon and when I asked her if she had any questions about what we shared she asked, "Where can I get one of those books? Can I get that at the Christian book store?" :) We informed her that we would give her a free copy. She was so pleased to receive it. We then went back by on Thursday and she had read the first four chapters. I honestly did not think she was very interested, but I'm glad Elder Douglas was in tune with the spirit to turn around and knock on her door. We have another appointment with her on Wednesday. Brenda is very attached to another church, but I have confidence that if she continues to read the Book of Mormon she will know that it is true.

Friday we had zone conference. It was really good. I learned that one out of every four missionaries in our mission, the South Carolina Columbia Mission, has been on their mission for less that three months! The mission is very young. More missionaries have been coming out than are going home. This is a good thing that there is a larger number of missionaries, but its also scary to think that I have the responsibility to train them to become the future leaders of the mission.

I hope and pray all is well! I know this is a lame letter. I do apologize. I told Elder Douglas that I am just shooting myself in the leg every time I write a longer letter the week before, then you will continue to expect my letter to be longer and longer. I love being a missionary. The work is great. Time flies too fast. Too fast. I know a certain event occurs on this Thursday (Feb. 25th) but I would really appreciate it if we just don't talk about it. I like to think that I am still a young missionary.

Love,
Elder Cowan

Birthday and Snow Fun

2010-02-16T19:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

What an exciting week! So much has happened that I don't know if I will be able to remember everything, let alone write it in the email. To start off, Elder Redston and I planned on having a zone development meeting on Friday, but half way through the week, we received a call from the assistants that we were going to have a zone leader council on Friday. With this news, we changed our ZDM from Friday to Thursday. I love giving trainings. For this meeting I told Elder Redston to give training on physical aspects of missionary work (policies and procedures, role plays and evaluations, filling out paper work, etc.) and I would give the spiritual training. I was not sure what I was really going to train on. I had two or three different ideas, but I wanted to rely on the promise in D&C where the Lord promises that if we are prepared spiritually, the words we need to say shall be given at the specific moment they are needed. I said a quiet prayer as I stood before everyone and then I began. My training ended up being on prayer, "more earnest prayers." It was great to be taught by the Spirit as I was standing before the Zone. I think I learned more as I was standing there than the Zone learned from me. It was a great experience.

After the ZDM, Elder Douglas and I went forward with our plans. We had tried to see John Perry. John was not home. I had not seen him at all this week and he didn't come to church on February 7th because the battery on his car died. Since he was not home, we started talking to some of the people in the neighborhood. As we went through our day, I noticed at 3:00 pm I had an appointment written down for a Jeff on 211 Georgia St. I could not remember who this person was. I asked Elder Douglas if he remembered who this "Jeff" was but he did not have the appointment written down. We had joked about it, saying that the Lord must have written the appointment into my planner. When it was 3:00 pm, we headed to Georgia St. As we walked down the street, there was no number 211, but we did find a 112. We decided to knock on the door (because I tend to have dyslexia quite a bit) and when we knocked on the door, we met Dede. We invited Dede to hear our message and at first she replied with, "I'm Lutheran," but as we continued to talk and present to her the Book of Mormon, you could literally see the "spark" within her eyes as we shared with her the truth that God has given us another book of scripture. She then asked, "How do I get one of those books?" :) Boy is that a good statement to hear! We gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon, and we shared with her a couple of scriptures including Moroni 10:3-5. As we read and explained the importance of asking God, Dede was so excited to read the Book of Mormon. We did not ever have to ask her if we could come back, she beat us to it by asking us when we could come back by. We are planning to see her today at four. Elder Douglas and I have made some exciting plans for our lesson today.

So on Thursday night, we received a message from the assistants that all zone leaders will not only be attending our zone leader council, but that we would attend Columbia zone conference as well AND that there was going to be some special guests: Elder Posey (local area authority) and Elder Gonzalez (President of the Seventy). We were trained by them for the first half of the day and then the second half was our zone leader council. After the zone leader council, it was snowing in Columbia. President McConkie made the decision that it was better to be safe than sorry, so the zone leaders who did not live in Columbia stayed the night at the mission home. We arrived at the mission home at 5:00 in the evening. And the rest of the night we practiced teaching one another, scripture cases, and also President gave us additional training on what we received from Elder Gonzalez. It snowed constantly the entire time we were up there. I think there was anywhere from 4-6 inches of snow in Columbia (I know that is not a lot compared to other areas of the world, but it was a big thing here). Because the trees are not used to the weight of the snow here, there were trees everywhere that were snapping. I really had a fun time. I was there with other missionaries who actually enjoy missionary work. We just had a blast.

The next morning, was Saturday! Elder Redston's AND my BIRTHDAY! We received a birthday breakfast from President and Sister McConkie. After breakfast President trained us even more. :) I love sitting around his living room and talking about the gospel. President McConkie has a vast amount on knowledge and a firm testimony. It is amazing to hear stories of him being taught by his father. After the training we had a snowball fight! :) It was such a fun trip-sporadic and not planned at all. Just the way I like it!

The sun came out and the roads were well enough to drive home. I'm glad we stayed in Columbia because as we drove back to Greenville, we saw so many cars that had driven into the embankment and in ditches. When we got back, we picked up Elder Douglas and Elder Hightower and we drove to Greer, where we were blessed to witness Kim and Corrie Coggins get baptized. They have a beautiful conversion story. It's also quite long. The Coggins have been investigating the church for the past year, and since I've spent most of my mission here in the upstate, I have heard about them, talked with them and worked with them. With all the hard work from so many different missionaries and members, they got baptized.

After the baptism, we went out to eat: PF Changs. :) I spent all of my funds, but it was well worth it. The food was delicious. Overall, I had an amazing birthday. It was not what we had planned, but I would not have wanted it in any other way.

Saturday we received transfer calls. Elder Redston is leaving. :( I am sad to see him go, but I know he is going to do great wherever he goes.

On Sunday evening Elder Douglas and I made it out to Clark Cir. We visited with Felicia (the one I told you about who has food storage and watches KBYU) and her mother Dot. We are seeing them again on Friday.

Yesterday we finally got ahold of John Perry. He has had so many problems with his life. A growth appeared on his foot and he had to have surgery to have it removed. As he was getting ready for church, he dropped a can on his foot. He told us he was in so much pain that he cried. It's sad to see that something always comes up, but he keeps a positive attitude. John is also continuing to read the Book of Mormon. We are seeing him again on Thursday.

I hope and pray all is well with everyone! Jesus is the Christ, this is His Church.

Love,
Elder Cowan

P.S. I love this quote:
The Lord sends boys foreign to become men,
The Lord sends men stateside to become leaders
The Lord sends leaders to the south to become scholars.
:) Oh yeah!

Conklins Baptism

2010-02-08T21:23:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

I am so excited! the new email address is through gmail! This is the coolest thing ever! I highly doubt I will have problems anymore. :) I am so ecstatic! The Lord answers prayers. Many times I have joked with my companions about having our emails through google, but now it is no longer a joke, it's for real! This just made my day!

Well, on to the weekly update. Monday morning was quite fun. For companionship study, we had "round table" with Elder Hightower and Elder Redston. Elder Redston introduced the topic of "calling and election made sure"/"second comforter" to our trainees. They were in awe. I was surprised that neither of them had heard anything about it before they came on their mission. Anyways, it was a fun morning to start off this amazing week!

Tuesday, Elder Redston and I went on an exchange with the Elders in Boiling Springs. We had a great time in Boiling Springs. The Elders there, Elder Larson and Elder Jones are great missionaries. They are both young and inexperienced, but it was great to see their desire to have success and their willingness to accept advice and tips to help them become even more productive. They have a couple of investigators who are progressing along and I am excited to see them enter the waters of baptism.

On Wednesday, as an apartment, we decided to go together to see the Conklins. On our way out there, we took the back roads and stopped at a random little street with only two or three houses on it. We ended up at a small little street called Clark Circle. As we talked to the people, the first thing we found out was that everyone was related. We then found out that they are all the descendants of a member of our church! At one time Brother Clark owned a ton of land between Spartanburg and Pacolet, now its been divided up between children, grandchildren, etc. So all of the people we talked to knew something about the church, but none of them are members! One lady we talked to said that her favorite T.V. channel is KBYU! She also has a year's supply of food! What a marvelous find! And the best part, Clark Circle comes off the road "Goldmine Road" :) It certainly was a goldmine of great people!

Thursday was interviews. It was a great day filled with the spirit and great training by our leaders.

On Friday, Elder Douglas and I were out "door teaching" (it's no longer called contacting) and we came across a street that I've been to before, but Elder Douglas wanted to go, so I went without telling him that I had already been there. We walked down the street and he saw a house and said, "we need to go there." I knew who lived in the house, but I know Elder Douglas is entitled to just as much inspiration about the area as I am. We talked to the lady and as we bore our testimonies, she accepted the invitation of reading the Book of Mormon! We are going back to see Betty (that's her name) tonight. It was a cool experience to know that Heavenly Father is always working and preparing his children to hear the truth.

On to the big day! SATURDAY=Baptism day! Spartanburg 2nd ward had a baptism for Lisa Vang (who is Mong) and the Conklins wanted to attend that baptism and hear the baptismal prayer in Mong language. They really enjoyed it and it prepared them for their baptisms which followed right afterwards. Oh, I played the piano at both baptisms. Not my most favorite thing to do in the world, but for a baptism, I will do anything. :) Elder Redston baptized Jakob, Elder Douglas baptized Cheyanne, and Elder Hightower baptized Tracy. Tracy is so strong. She reminds me of Edna, they both have a sincere desire to learn and grow closer to our Heavenly Father. Tracy is in 3 Nephi 14. She is haulin' through the Book of Mormon. I received a letter from Edna saying that she has re-read the Book of Mormon. I love this gospel! On Saturday evening, Elder Douglas and I were led to Lydia Tyler. She is a less active member (or so we think). Her parents were sealed in the temple and at the age of 12 her parents stopped going to church. Lydia never knew why they stopped. She loved going to church and when they stopped going, she felt the void in her life. Now that she is living on her own, she desperately wants to come back to church. She moved to Spartanburg two weeks ago. And has been thinking about the church and then we knocked on her door! She is such a cool person! Saturday was just a great day from beginning to end.

Sunday the Conklins were confirmed. I confirmed Tracy, Elder Hightower confirmed Jakob, and Elder Douglas, confirmed Cheyanne. It was great to see their beaming faces. I literally could see their countenance change. Lydia also came to church. It was a spiritual testimony meeting. It seemed like everyone who bore their testimony talked about the peace that they received when they moved to Sparatanburg because they had a family, a ward family. It really touched Lydia. We introduced Lydia to Lyndsey Webster, who is a RM, and she too recently moved here. They became instant friends. It was such a great privilege to participate in the Conklins baptsims as they entered the gate to begin their journey back to our Heavenly Father. And what a treat it was to see Lydia come back into the fold after being away from the church for 15 years. I love the gospel. I love it, I love it, I love it! I hope and pray all is well with everyone! Remember, no matter where you are, you can do missionary work! Bring others this truth!

I love you all!
Elder Cowan

Leadership Training and Investigator Updates

2010-02-01T22:11:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

Email session is now stressful being a zone leader. :S We always have something that takes up our time. This week we had to fill out an evaluation sheet for all the the missionaries in our zone so the mission president can know what to do, and what to say in his interviews with the missionaries next week.

This week has been crazy! I don't know where to begin. First off, the baptisms did not happen because of weather. We received snow Friday night and Saturday morning. The roads were dangerous and so the baptism is set for next Saturday. Besides the weather problem, the Conklins are doing great. Tracy's husband's name is Keith and Keith's sister is Donna.

Going back through the week. On Wednesday we had a leadership training in Columbia. All of the District Leaders and Zone Leaders within the mission met in Columbia to be trained. Our meeting started at 7:30 in the morning, so we decided to go down the night before. On Tuesday evening, all of the District Leaders in our Zone, (Elder Austin, Elder Thayn, and Elder Corona) met us in Spartanburg. I drove down to Columbia and we stayed the night in the Assistant's apartment. The meeting was good, I thought a little long, it lasted 10 hours. I then drove back home. The trip wiped me out!

John Perry is doing great. We continue to teach him. This Sunday was Stake Conference. He, unfortunately, was not able to make it. When he went to his truck, the truck would not start. He is going to buy a new battery today. Because he was not able to make it to church, he will not be able to be baptized on my birthday. :( That's just the Lord's way of making sure my desire is pure, to make sure I want him to be baptized not for me, but to come unto Christ. We taught him the Plan of Salvation this week, and he is very confused about the fall. He doesn't understand why God was so harsh to kick Adam and Eve out of the Garden for making a mistake while they were in such an innocent state. He is going through a rough time right now, so it's hard for him to see how beautiful it is that we are able to be here on the earth. He recently lost his job, he couldn't pay for his house, lost his house, and now he is living in a beat up old house. To top it off, his wife left him because she said she would not live in such a crummy looking house. I know God has sent us to help him see the light. I wish I could write more but I must go. I hope you are feeling better mom.

Love,
Elder Cowan

District Leader Zone Leader Conference

2010-01-27T22:31:00.000-08:00

Crazy Computer

2010-01-25T13:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

God has a sense of humor. I got emails this week thanking me for sending lengthy emails, and not just one or two lines, so this week God plays a little joke on me and makes it so I can't send anything. I've been working for the past hour trying to get an email out. Everything is great here. We are working with a man named John Perry. He is really cool. He came with us to the baptism which took place in the other Spartanburg ward. He really enjoyed it. Tracy, Cheyanne, and Jakob are getting baptized this Saturday. Tracy's husband is now interested in the gospel and his sister, Dona. Keep them in your prayers. I love you all, and I hope this sends!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Elect Find Us

2010-01-19T13:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

Life is an adventure. Monday (11th) we went to Woodruff to see the families we have been working with. Unfortunately our dinner appointment lasted longer than expected, and we were only able to see the Stewarts. I am not a fan of member meals. Most of the time they are in a different area than we are working, so they take away our miles, and it takes up our time. I know there are some benefits, but more and more, I am beginning to feel that they are a burden. Oh well! I am working on a new dinner schedule, instead of a calendar being passed around Relief Society (and consequently, only the active members feed us). I hope and pray the ward will call a ward missionary, whose responsibility will be to individually call less-active, and part members, and invite them to feed the full time missionaries. Then we will be entering the homes of families who need an extra boost, and it also presents a teaching opportunity for the missionaries. Anyways, enough about food--on to more important things.

After working Monday night, I received a phone call from Elder Bowles (the new assistant to the president) and he asked me to give a training at zone conference the following day. So I was trying to prepare for that, and on Monday nights, we also have a conference call with the District Leaders of our zone. It was crazy trying to do both things at once. :)

Zone Conference was really good. President McConkie presented a mission wide plan of action for the 2010 year. I am excited to see all of the things that will occur. We will be focusing on one chapter of PMG every month. It will be great to learn more from PMG. Tuesday night Elder Douglas and I met James, we sat down, and Elder Douglas was so excited that he had memorized the fist vision so he sat down and began to share it. :) Normally we wait until the end to share it, but you know me, I go with the flow. We had a great lesson with him, we unfortunately have not been able to see him again because he has been sick.

Later that evening, we were walking along a dark street, and we were jumped by five guys, they slapped Elder Douglas....ok not really, none of that happened, but I'm just checking to see if you're paying attention. Anyways we were walking down the street, and a lady stopped and asked if we needed help, we told we were fine, and then I began to contact her. She recognized who we were, because she had been taught by missionaries before. I love it when the elect find us, instead of us trying to find the elect. We are going to be seeing Renee later this week.

Wednesday we went to Cowpens, not much to report. Thursday Morning, Elder Redston was really sick, every 15-20 minutes he would have to use the bathroom. Elder Redston stayed in and I went out with his companion, Elder Hightower, during the day to visit his appointments, and then in the evening, I picked up Elder Douglas for our appointments. While I was with Elder Hightower, we came across some apartments, and I asked him which apartment building we should go to. Elder Hightower felt we should go to building 126. As we were walking up, I had my doubts, because there were no cars in front but we knocked on the door and we met Sheree and Antionette. We taught them a powerful first lesson, and right when I was going to commit them to be baptized, Sheree's mother came inside. I was worried what her mother would feel about us being there, but I invited them anyways. To my shock Sheree's mother made the comment, "Girl, you need to be baptized." The mother was actually a support not a hindrance. Before we left I asked if they knew of anyone else who needed to hear our message, and Antionette asked us to go visit her mother, who lives in the same apartment complex. We went and visited her, and she invited us in. She was so excited to see us. She said we had been an answer to her prayers. Sonya, Sheree and Antionette are all preparing for baptism on the 13th of February! :D
I don't mean to be a sour sport, but The Fortner family that Elder Douglas and I found in Woodruff, dropped us. Well, actually, the father dropped us. The family is still great and really cool, but the husband/father is lame and told us to never visit his family again. I feel sorry for him, because he will be accountable for damning his family's progress in the Gospel.

One last good story. Last night Elder Douglas and I were in one part of town and we thought Elder Redston and Elder Hightower would be able to pick us up at the end of the evening, but their investigator called and asked them to come and see them, so we were 5 miles away from our house, and we were supposed to be home in 30 minutes. We were walking really fast and as we were walking on the major road, a smaller street connects, and right were the street connects, I almost ran into man. I started talking to him, and before I could explain where we were from, he said "your Mormon" and we told him we were, and he told us he attended the church with his girlfriend and they both enjoyed it, but then things went down and he had to go to prison. Well he's out now, and he wants to start attending the church again. Once again Heavenly Father brought His children into our path. It's great. I love you all. Hope everything is going well.

Elder Cowan

First Week with Trainee

2010-01-11T14:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

Life sure is crazy trying to take care of a zone and my new missionary. You asked me how I do it, and honestly, I have no idea. I know I am supposed to get to bed my 10:30 every night, but with planning with my "newborn son" it takes a little longer. Then I have the opportunity to talk to two of the four district leaders in our zone to give them encouragement and have them stand accountable for the activities they performed throughout the day. Anyways, after all that, and trying to grab some dinner and my nightly prayer, I have no time and I get to bed much later than 10:30. My son's name is Elder Douglas. He is from Cotton Wood Heights Utah. I think he lives close to LaDonne, I'm not sure he lives at 7155S Treasure Ridge Circle (1495 East) I have no idea.  I told him I don't know where my family lives, but I know how to get there. :) I do it all by sight. Mother, I'm glad you were able to talk to Edna. You should continue to keep her excited about going to the temple in May. Edna was my first "actual" baptism, actually my only baptism, all the rest I have either had a member or my companion baptize. Elder Bowles became an assistant to the President at transfers and Elder Taylor became a Zone Leader in the Columbia West Zone. It's so exciting to see what they will accomplish. I learned so much from serving with both of them.

On to the news of the week. Wednesday morning we drove our car to Roebuck and then Brother Jordan gave us a ride to transfers. When we got back to Roebuck, we decided to leave the luggage at Brother Jordan's house and work Woodruff. We had a great time. Elder Douglas and I found two families. One, the Bennett's, is a mother (Kortorsha) and her Son (Coran). They are really cool and we will be seeing them again on Saturday. We also found the Fortner family. Sister Fortner has four children and we had a great lesson with them. We are seeing them later today. We also found a couple, the Davis', and they are looking for a church. They have visited temple square and loved it. We are seeing the Davis' on Wednesday, well Elder Douglas is, I am going on an exchange to Greer. It is way hectic trying to teach Elder Douglas and going on exchanges with the district leaders in our zone. What an exciting time. Oh, I didn't finish my story from the first day. After going to Woodruff, on our way back to Roebuck we got a flat tire, and at the same time, Elder Seamons (one of our district leaders) called us and needed us to do a baptismal interview that evening. So we put on the donut tire and, in order to not kill the spare tire, we drove to Greenville going 25 mph. After doing the baptismal interview, it was too late to go home, so on their first day on the mission, Elder Douglas and Elder Hightower slept on couches in the Greer apartment. They did not even have their luggage, it was still at Brother Jordan's house. :) What a crazy introduction to mission life. Well I have to send a ton of emails to the assistants so I must go. I love you!

Elder Cowan

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T13:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

Happy New Year! My session is going to end in 15 minutes because I was doing weekly reports for the Assistants. This week has flown by. I can not even begin to understand where the time seems to go, but where ever it's going, I want it to come back. I would love some oranges. It you are offering me any type of food, I am going to accept. I forgot to tell you but Elder Redston and I have been sacrificing our dinners. We skip it because it's the most productive time to be out among the people because families are together eating dinner. We just finished another transfer. It seems like I just got here! We received the phone call from the assistants to give us the information for our zone, and every companionship is being affected in the zone except Elder Redston and me. There are going to be three white washes in our zone. It's going to be very exciting. Lots of new faces in the zone. I was really excited to know that I am going to be in an area longer than one transfer. That phone call came on Saturday. This morning we received a phone call from President. Elder Redston and I are going to be training new missionaries AND be Zone Leaders!!!!!!!! The amount of weight on my shoulders becomes a little heavier every transfer. I'm a little stressed because it's going to be difficult trying to train a missionary and take care of 16 other missionaries at the same time. Elder Redston and I decided that it is in preparation of marriage. We each are bringing a new child in the world who is going to need a ton of attention, but we can't forget about our other children either. :) My time is up. I love you. I feel very selfish to use my time to write about me and not my investigators.

Love,
Elder Cowan

Farewell to 2009

2009-12-28T20:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

I know you want an update, but last week is no longer in my memory, so I will do my best. Monday evening I went on an exchange with Elder Stocks. I went to Union and Elder Corona came and worked with Elder Redston in Spartanburg. We both had good days. I was able to interview Trumain Morman for baptism, and as of Sunday he is now a Mormon. :) All day Tuesday I was in Union. We had a very successful day. We found six new investigators and two of them were really cool. I'm glad we were able to find some people because the previous week they had only found one new investigator all week. Elder Corona and Elder Redston had a great day as well. They were working Woodruff (the town on the farthest tip of our area). They found five new investigators. They were able to see the Stewarts and they had a great lesson with them. Elder Redston and I went by to see them last night and Brother Stewart was sleeping, but we talked to his wife and daughter. They are such a humble family. Brother Stewart was asleep because he had been in pain all day (he's disabled).

Wednesday morning was an unplanned, combined (with Greenville West Zone) Zone Development meeting. The assistants called the day before and told us that we were going to have the meeting and that President and the assistants were going to be attending. Elder Redston and I threw together a training on the preparation it takes in order to find people to teach. I already gave you an update on Dawn Tucker; we had a great lesson about the spirit world. Unfortunately, she did not come to church this week. We are going to continue to work with her, but it may be time to use some tough love. Tracy and her children are doing great. They have a baptismal date of January the 9th.

Well I think I'm done. I'm fighting a cold. I'm going to take a nap today...the first one in a couple of months. :) Keep the faith, follow the spirit.

Love,
Elder Cowan

Week of Travel (No P-day)

2009-12-21T17:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

Hello! You were right mother. We changed our preparation day to Friday so we don't waste two days. I don't have time to write much, but this week flew by. Wednesday I was in Columbia, Thursday in Woodruff, Friday in Simpsonville, Saturday in Woodruff and Pacolet, Sunday church and then we went to Greenville and Greer. We are really trying to not only have success in our respective area, but for the entire zone to have success! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Adam (23), Christmas Eve(24), and I can't wait to talk to you on Christmas! I will be calling around 5:30 South Carolina time. I can't remember how many hours behind you are. 3? 2? I need to send my weekly email to the assistants to keep them updated on the zone! I love you!

Love,
Elder Cowan

PS I just realized I will be at my 10th month mark on Christmas! AHHHH! It is going by too quickly!!!!

Trevor at Zone Conference at Ft. Jackson

2009-12-21T17:10:00.000-08:00

Blessings from Listening to the Spirit

2009-12-14T22:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

Wow. I can't believe how fast time goes by! I'm already half way through my first transfer in Spartanburg! There is always so much to do and no time to do it! To start off, I want to thank you for including me in your 12 days of Christmas. It has been quite fun for the first two days. I don't have too much time to write because I have to do some paper work on the computer for our meeting with the Stake President this week. I will only have time for the highlights. The biggest thing--India Johnson was baptized! I had the opportunity to confirm her a member of the church yesterday during sacrament meeting. I am so excited for India. It is great to see the fire burning in recent converts. I hope I never become complacent with my testimony, but that I will always have a desire to spread the gospel.

This week Elder Redston and I planned to knock an apartment complex, and while we were walking and talking, we both stopped and the same time--Elder Redston was in the middle of his sentence--we looked at the apartment building at the top of the hill. We both shared with one another that we thought we should go up there, so we did. And.....we met Monica. We had such a great lesson with her. The spirit was so strong and she cried from the time we shared the first vision up until we left. What is even more exciting is that she is the same age as India and they are exactly alike. India is coming with us to teach Monica on Tuesday night. Monica has been reading the Book of Mormon and she has accepted a baptismal date of January 2nd. I am excited to continue to work with her.

Elder Redston and I continue to work with Dawn Tucker. Her countenance has completely changed from the first day we met her. Dawn is no longer depressed and she is always so excited to see us. Dawn has not come to church. Elder Redston and I have planned a "do or drop lesson." I know the spirit will testify to her of the importance of church, and it will be so strong she will not be able to deny it!

Another cool story. Thursday night as we arose from our knees to begin our planning for the following day, Elder Redston pointed at the map and said, "We need to go to this street." Elder Redston was pointing at Quinn Street in Pacolet. He then went on to say, we need to go there between these two times. So we planned it in, and when we got to Quinn Street we met a mother who had been praying for some help to get back into church. She has been struggling with depression and I am so thankful that Elder Redston was in tune with the spirit so that we could be an instrument in Heavenly Fathers hands by being an answer to this sweet sister's prayers. More to come on that story this next week. :) 

One last story. Last night Elder Redston and I had been out contacting and we ran out of plans. I turned on my GPS and I looked at the area. I felt prompted to knock a street, and I told Elder Redston. He said he had already been there with Elder Bowles, but he said we could go try it again. As we pulled onto Grant Cir, he told me there were only four houses on it, but I kept on driving. At the end of the street, it turned into a townhouse community. Elder Redston had never seen it before. We parked the car and we knocked on Lamont Glen's door. We taught Lamont about the Restoration and he told us that he has been searching for a church. He has committed to come to church this week and we are seeing him again on Tuesday. :) I feel so blessed to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost. It is one of the greatest blessings. I know I could not do this work on my own. I also feel so blessed to have been given the responsibility to offer others the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Priesthood is real, always live worthy to use it at a moment's notice.

Love,

Elder Cowan

Happy Birthday Justin!

2009-12-07T13:33:00.001-08:00

Dear Family,

I can not think of anything that I need for Christmas. I hope I don't get the package too soon, I got a package from Becca this past week, and in big letters is reads "Don't open until Christmas" and it's been a struggle to not open it.  :)  I decided to put it under my bed in order to remove the temptation from my sight.

To start off, I first need to wish Happy Birthday to Justin. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Next, an update on the zone. For the first week of December Spartenburg East Zone (nicknamed Shemlon Zone) had two baptisms. This next week, our zone is looking at 2 or 3 baptisms. The goal for the month is 16 baptisms. It's quite the hefty goal, but with the Lord's help, it will be accomplished.

On Tuesday Elder Redston and I met with Aleishe (Recent convert) and her aunt Tracy (came to church last week) this was the first time we taught her. Tracy and her daughter Cheyanne loved church. Tracy had already read the introduction and the first chapter of the Book of Mormon. We taught about the Restoration, and we invited her to be baptized on the 26th of December (Happy Quanza) :D Tracy is very excited. Tracy also told us that she has two sons, Jesse (14), and Jakob (12). I am very excited to continue to teach this family. They were not able to come to church because they were sick. Tracy has read through 1 Nephi 8.

On Wednesday we went on a mini exchange with the biking elders in Spartenburg. Elder Jones came with me to work my area while Elder Redston worked with Elder Otoole. The very first door we knocked on, we met Dawn Tucker. Dawn let us right in and we talked with her and she was very depressed. Dawn did not understand why we went through hard times in our lives. She also had two children die before they were baptized, so she has gone through her life hearing that her children are in hell. We read a part of Moroni 8 with her and it was amazing to see the spirit testify to her of the truthfulness of what we were teaching, and the burden and remorse of the death of her children was lifted. By the time we left she was smiling and happy. I am so blessed to see the gospel bless the lives of those we teach. We taught her again this past week. We taught her the plan of salvation. I love the plan of salvation, but I always get in trouble. I talk too much. Our lessons are supposed to be 45 minutes long, but when I taught the plan of salvation it took us two hours. :S

Last week we met a man named Russ. He met with the missionaries awhile ago, and he said that he has never felt the spirit stronger than when he read the Book of Mormon. His wife is very anti. Russ invited us to come to a Christian luncheon. The luncheon was at the library on Thursday. That was quite the experience. We met a bunch of pastors and a lot of old men.  :)  I felt a little out of place but the food was good, and we met a man named Dennis who may be interested in the gospel.

Friday was zone interviews. It was interesting to have a longer interview with President. We talked about the strengths and weaknesses of the zone. It was very weird to have president apologize for the zone we have. We have quite a few missionaries who are near the end of their missions and are loosing, or have lost their desire to work. I hope my desire never leaves. The assistants asked us to train for a total of 30 minutes, but when we started the training, the assistants told us that we had an hour. The training lasted for an hour and ten minutes.  :) 

India is doing great. We taught her the gospel of Jesus Christ, the law of the fast and we told her about testimony meeting. India also attended the Christmas devotional. She is excited for her baptism which is happening this Saturday. Life is busy. Life is great. I hope and pray all is well with you! I'm glad to hear the nativities are all out. I think of Elder Uchtdorf's talk. We all must recognize Christ as the Messiah and we must also recognize this time of year is to celebrate his birth. I love ya'll and I hope you have a wonderful week!

Love,
Elder Cowan

New Area: Spartanburg

2009-11-30T13:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

What a crazy week. I am serving in the Spartanburg 1st ward with Elder Redston, Elder Bowles' last companion. Speaking of Elder Bowles I saw him & Elder Taylor at the Transfer meeting. They are both training new missionaries! With Elder Taylor training, that makes me a "grandpa!" :) I am excited to be serving with Elder Redston bescause he wants to fulfill his purpose (to bring souls unto Christ) and not just fulfill his time. :) Things have been quite hectic. With the influx of incoming missionaries, the Spartanburg 1st ward now has two companionships. With four of us living together, we needed a bigger apartment, so this week we have been moving and cleaning.

Elder Redston and Elder Bowles recently found a young women named India. India is great. We taught her on on Saturday and the spirit was really strong. We committed her to be baptized and she accepted! :D India's baptism is set for the 12th of December. We also had a tender mercy from the Lord. We received a phone call from Elder Redston's and Elder Bowles' recent convert, Cynthia. Cynthia told us that her aunt noticed how her life had changed when she joined the church, and her aunt, Tracie wants to receive the blessings as well. We called up Tracie and she told us she was coming to church and she also asked us if we could come out and visit her to explain what she has to do to join our church! She came to church and she also brought her 9 year old daughter, Cheyanne. They both loved church and we are seeing them on Tuesday! The zone is doing great. We are really pushing for each companionship to baptize this transfer (next 5 weeks). I know it is an attainable goal and I can't wait to go out on exchanges with the members of the Shemlon Zone! I love the gospel and I love each of you!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Zone Leader

2009-11-23T13:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

First off, today is not preparation day. We moved our preparation day to Thursday so we will not go out and work that day. I will be able to write you a longer letter on Thursday...wait the library is going to be closed. That is why I am writing today.  :) Because today is a work day and not a preparation day, I am only allowed to write during my lunch break--thirty minutes. I, unfortunately, do not have time to talk about our investigators, but I received a phone call from the zone leaders on Saturday. I am being transferred. That's how the Lord works. This past Sunday Brandon and Jeff both came to church and they were telling all of the members about their baptism date of December the 5th. They truly are excited. "Like a fire is burning," comes to mind when I look at both of them. I know I am needed elsewhere. "I'll go where you want me to go."

On Sunday I received a phone call from President McConkie. When I looked on the caller-id, I thought to myself, "with 18 new missionaries coming into the mission, there are going to be quite a few trainers." I answered the call expecting him to inform me that I was training, but boy was I wrong. President has asked me to be a Zone Leader. :O Wow. I know I don't know how it feels to be called as a stake president (like Dad), but the thought that I am going to be accountable for 20-25 teenage missionaries is frightening. I go forward in faith and pray that the Lord may be with me as I accept this new assignment. I love you all, and I wish I could share more of my experiences with you, but my lunch hour is over.

With Love,

Elder Cowan

Another fun filled busy week as a missionary!

2009-11-16T21:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

Another fun filled busy week as a missionary! I can't believe this is the fifth week I have been in Lexington! This coming Saturday we will receive a phone call from the Assistants in which we will be told if we are staying or going. I feel I will stay in the area, but after being transferred out of Simpsonville after six weeks I have no idea what will happen. There is going to be a big change in the mission this next transfer. There are five missionaries going home and there are 18 missionaries coming in from the MTC! As time goes on, it is very strange to realize that all of the missionaries that I look up to, are going home. Hopefully I can fill their shoes and be a good example to the younger missionaries.

Tuesday: Elder Andersen and I tried to visit a lead that we had met last week. She told us to come by on Tuesday at 2:00. When we arrived, she was not there, (strike one) so we decided to give her a call and leave her a message. Kaneetha called us back and she apologized for not being there and she wanted us to come by the next day at the same time. We went by on Wednesday and Kaneetha was home, but she was the only one home so we could not go in (strike two). We set another appointment for Friday and this time we decided to bring a sister from our ward to come with us. We took Sister De Rosa with us and Kaneetha was home and we had a great lesson. Sister De Rosa had to be home at a particluar time to pick up her kids and right before she had to leave, Kaneetha's boyfriend arrived, so we were able to keep teaching her after Sister De Rosa had to go home. We have an appointment with Kaneetha and Freddie this evening.

Last Sunday we met Melissa while knocking doors and she told us to come back when her husband was home on Wednesday. As missionaries we get that comment quite a bit, and when we return for the appointment the husband runs us off. I didn't think much about it, but we stopped by on Tuesday and we met Melissa's husband, Jeff. Jeff grew up around members (the bishop's wife of the Gilbert ward tutored him when he was in high school). He loves all the members he has ever met, so we sat down with him and taught him the first lesson. When we finished, he told us that he had heard bits and pieces of what we believed, but he had never heard the whole thing. Jeff became very excited to read the Book of Mormon and to come to church, but he works two jobs and one of them is on the weekends. :( We set a return appointment for Friday and when we came back, Jeff was standing at the door waiting for us. :) He invited us in and he told us that since we came by on Tuesday he has just been in a happy mood. He was so excited for us to come back by and teach him. We followed up on the commitment we had extended, and he had not read but he had begun to pray. We taught him the importance of reading the scriptures and especially the Book of Mormon. We also gave him the Restoration DVD. He committed to read the Book of Mormon and to watch the DVD, and he wanted us to come by after work on Sunday. We went by yesterday and he had read the introduction, the testimonies of the three witnesses, the eight witnesses, Joseph Smith's testimony and the first chapter of the Book of Mormon. He also had watched the Restoration DVD and when it finished, his comment was, "that was it? I want to learn more!" So he decided to watch it again! We are seeing him again this evening. He is on fire. He wants to learn everything so we are going to give it to him. :D Elder Andersen and I are trying to get his wife to become more excited. She used to be married to an inactive member that was addicted to drugs. We are trying to find a good fellowshipper from the ward that she can become friends with. It's going to be difficult to try and find someone to come out with us on a Monday night but we are going to find a single person to come with us.

To start this next story, I need to give some background information. A couple of weeks ago, Elder McMurray (another missionary in my District) came to Lexington on an exchange. When we were working, we knocked half of a street. This past week Elder Andersen and I went back to that street and started working from the other end. As we came near the middle, I knew we were getting really close to where Elder McMurray and I stopped a couple of weeks before, but I was not sure. We knocked on a door and a man answered who I had talked to when I was with Elder McMurray. I was worried that he was going to get upset that we came back after he told us he was not interested, but I let Elder Andersen contact him. To my surprise, he told us that he was busy, but wanted us to come back! We went by on Wednesday and we taught Mr. and Mrs. Hall. We had a great lesson with them. They have a seven year old daughter and another child on the way. They were not able to come to church this weekend because he had to go out of town for work and she visited her mother down in Charleston. We have a return appointment with them this evening as well.

On Wednesday we were able to meet with Brandon again at the Connor's home. We had another great lesson with him, but he is having a difficult time with his girlfriend up in Union, SC. the only time he can visit her is on the weekends, so he has still not come to church. I am trying to get his girlfriend's address so I can get ahold of the missionaries in Union and together we will tag team him.

Thursday I had the opportunity to interview a baptismal candidate. I love holding interviews. It is great to see the fire in the investigators eyes and the excitement they have for the gospel. The young man I interviewed is qun (sounds like quwin) he has been meeting with the missionaries for 8 months now and he got baptized and confirmed this past Saturday and Sunday. Before the missionaries knocked on his door, he did not believe in a God, so he has come a long way, and now that he is baptized, he will continue to progress and learn. He is supposed to receive the priesthood next Sunday. I love the gospel.

The Zone Leaders asked me to train again at the Zone Development Meeting on Friday the 13th. I was asked to give a training on the power of the Holy Ghost. I was excited because that is the same topic I was asked to speak on in the Gilbert ward. The training and talk went well.

Stephanie moved to New York. The man who tried to kill her earlier in her life is getting out of prison and for her safety she left. Hopefully she will continue to learn up there. She promised she would call the missionaries once she got up there.

I love each of you and I love hearing about your lives! Keep being great examples to those around you! I am so pleased with your determination to serve the Lord! I heard a poem this week called:

When You Don't Understand Why This Happens to Me
My life is but a weaving between my God and me.
I do not choose the colors, he worketh steadily
Oft times he weaveth sorrow and I in foolish pride,
Forget he sees the upper and I the underside.
Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful in the skillful Weaver's hands
As the threads of gold and silver in the patterns he has planned.

I am so thankful for the testimony I have received of the restored gospel. I know Heavenly Father has a plan for us and as we follow his guidance we can pass through this "second act" where we pass through temptations, tribulations and trials, then we will reach "act three" where the happily ever after occurs.

Love,
Elder Cowan

Pray for Missionary Experiences

2009-11-09T20:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,

I can't believe Careena is having a child! Do you know what gender it is? I can't believe Cherry and James are at BYU! I am so involved in the work that I forget every one's lives continue even when I'm not there. :) When does James turn 19? I still think of him as being in high school! Yes, the flu is bad here. Last week 7 of our investigators had the flu. This past week one family that we are teaching had their five month old twin die from the swine flu. Elder Andersen and I are trying to be as precautious as possible by using hand sanitizer multiple times throughout the day.

I am sorry Blake was injured while he was running. Daniel Throckmorton injured his knee while he was running in a cross country race. I received your package and the memory card. I really appreciate the talks. If this is a short letter, I apologize. The computer shut down on me! :)

On to this weeks activities. Yes we are still working with Stephanie and Vonda. We are not working with Melissa Rhodes. "The seed was eaten by the flows of the air before it could take root." She decided that she is going to go to the church down the street from her instead of driving 45-55 minutes to our church. Stephanie had a bad experience with some of her previous friends. They came over to her house drunk and making a mess everywhere. The experience strengthened her testimony of the gospel and how important it is that we associate with those who have high standards. We had an appointment with Vonda on Wednesday in which we brought Brother Newburger with us. Vonda was really busy so we a had a quick lesson/follow up on the commitment we had extended to her. Vonda has not read from the Book of Mormon or the pamphlet we left her, but her children have. :) The children are excited to learn more about the gospel. We now need to have Vonda get excited.

The highlight of this week was Brandon. The first week here Elder Andersen and I ate dinner with the Conners. We promised them that there was one person they knew who was ready for the gospel and that in order to know who that one individual is, they needed to pray and ask Heavenly Father. Sister Conner took our invitation and she prayed for missionary experiences and also she prayed that the Lord would present a situation in which she could invite her former student Brandon to receive the missionary discussions. This last week we received a phone call from sister Conner and she explained that she had been praying every day since our visit, and on Tuesday night Brandon called up Sister Conner and asked if she would teach him more about religion and Jesus Christ! We taught Brandon at the Conner's house and the spirit was so strong. Brandon was crying for the majority of the lesson. He accepted a baptismal date of December the 5th. (I can't believe we are almost into December!!!) His biggest difficulty is that he has a girlfriend in North Carolina and he visits her on the weekends. I wish I had more time to explain more of what happened this week but I must go. I love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and I am eternally indebted to him. I love each of you!

Elder Cowan

Really Cool Experience

2009-11-02T10:33:00.001-08:00

Dear Family,
I first want to thank you for the package. I really appreciate it. It did make it here in time for Halloween. The muffins are always great. They stay moist and soft. The brownies were good as well. They seemed extra spongy different than what I remembered, but extremely delicious. Thank you again.

So I have a lot to update. On Friday the 23rd we had a District development meeting. It was great to join with the other companionship in the District and to give and receive wonderful trainings. After the DDM, the Zone Leaders came and blitzed our area for three hours. I worked with Elder Kailiponi while Elder Andersen worked with Elder Quakenbush. The exchange was great. Elder Kailiponi and I found a lady named Stephanie. Stephanie has recently come to know that Jesus Christ is her Savior. She began to go to a non-denominational church and when we taught her about the Book of Mormon, she became really excited and said, "This goes way beyond what they teach me at this other church. All they use is the Bible. You use both. That's deep." It was a great lesson. Stephanie committed to come to church. On Sunday Stephanie did not come, but a woman we met while knocking doors came. We were not able to teach her because she was the only one home, but on her door step we invited her to come to church, and she came! Her name is Najha. She is from Trinidad. She really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, she is moving out of our area so we will not be able to continue to work with her. After church we stopped by Stephanie's house to check on her and see why she did not make it. As we talked with her she explained that while she was getting ready for church the preacher on TV was preaching against the MORMONS. This scared her so she did not come, but then when we showed up after church, she was really touched to know that we truly did miss her.

On Monday we had a really cool experience. We were working on one side of town and I had the impression that we needed to see a former investigator on the other side of town. We were on the bikes so I was hesitant to ride my bike across town, but the Spirit persisted so off we went. We ended up biking for 45 minutes straight to get to this former's house. We walked up to the door and Kenny came out and we invited him to hear our message, and he was nowhere even close to being interested. I thought it was strange that Heavenly Father told me to bike across town just to have a man tell us that he was not interested. We then knocked on the door next to Kenny, and we met Vonda, and her daughter Taylor (age 12) and her son Tyrun (age 9). We taught a wonderful first lesson about the Restoration and they just ate it all up. Before we left, Vonda thanked us for coming over. She said that she was standing at the sink doing dishes, and the thought came to her that she needed to get back into church, and as she thought about it, we knocked on her door. I love being a missionary! It was such a blessing to see the Spirit direct me to her door by impressing upon my mind the need to see the former investigator. We are teaching Vonda and her family again on Wednesday.

Had interviews on Wednesday the 28th. I worked with Elder McMurry on Thursday. Saturday was Halloween. Stephanie came to church on Sunday. Sunday night we set her up on a quit smoking program. She is progressing toward her baptismal date of November the 14th. I continue to receive letters from my recent converts back in Anderson. Edna Bentley is still strong in the gospel. She just finished the Book of Mormon. Kent and Holly are doing great. I have been so blessed, and I continue to be blessed with the opportunity to watch the Spirit change peoples lives. I love you all back in AZ, but I never want to go home. It was scary when I reached my 8 month mark. I feel like I just got here. It's hard to grasp the idea that 1/3 of my mission is over. I am more determined than ever to make the most of every minute and to rely completely on the Spirit as I am a Representative of my Savior Jesus Christ. The atonement is real. I am so thankful for my opportunity to apply it in my life every week as I take of the sacrament. I pray for each of you and especially for Dad during this busy time. I love you.

Love,
Elder Cowan

Life is great as a missionary!

2009-10-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

So this is going to be a short email since it has not been a full week, and we spent the day volunteering at the State Fair, so I don't have much time to write anyways. The highlight of this week has been teaching Melissa Rhodes. Melissa ordered a free Bible from Mormon.org. We called her up last week and we set up an appointment for October 20th at 5:00 at the church. When we were at church this last week we looked for a member to be at the church so we can first, be obedient and not be alone with a single women, and second, have someone to begin to fellowship her. We met Sister Fastnaught and she was excited to come help us out (especially since she forgot to feed us last week, and this was a way she could repay us :) We met at the church and gave Melissa a tour of the building. When we entered the chapel, Melissa noticed that Elder Andersen has hearing aids. She was very interested and curious to see what type of hearing aids he uses, because she is hard of hearing as well. So that was exciting that she was able to relate to Elder Andersen. Then as we were asking more questions about her, she told us she was a CNA, and this excited Sister Fastnaught because she is going to school to be a CNA. As we walked around the building, Sister Fastnaught and Melissa became best of friends as they talked medical talk. :) After giving a tour of the building, we entered a room and shared the message of the Restoration. The spirit was very strong. We invited her to be baptized, and she said she would pray about it. I need to become a better teacher and help people recognize on their own that they have already begun to relieve an answer by the way they feel. When we were setting up a return appointment, Sister Fastnaught invited Melissa to be taught in her own home! Melissa accepted and we are going over next week! The sad thing is that she has to work the next two Sundays!  :(  Boo. I can't wait until she is able to come. I know she will enjoy it. That's about it.

Oh quick update on Jessica and Anthony. We went by for our return appointment and Jessica informed us that her mother had ear surgery, so they were going out to go stay with her for a week to try and help her recover. It's sad that they will probably not be able to make it to church this week either.

Life is great as a missionary. From now until the end of the month, Elder Andersen and I are going to be on the bikes since the previous Elders in the area used most of our allotted miles. :) I love to bike. Thank you for all your prayers and support! I love all y'all! Do one random act of kindness for someone today, you never know, it may end up being a perfect opportunity to share the gospel! :)

Love Elder Cowan

Exciting Week! New Area Lexington

2009-10-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Wow! I am shocked to hear that Dad was called to be the Stake President. What an exciting week for all of us! Stake Conference back home, and transfers for me! As I sat in the transfer meeting, I was excited and also nervous for the change. As I saw my face on the screen, I immediately looked to see who my companion was. My companion is Elder Andersen (The son of a member of the 70. You may remember the talk from April Conference in which the story was told of a young man who used the only Spanish he knew "Tu iglesia hoy!" to activate the teachers quorum), yeah that's my companion! :D) Mom and Dad, you may even know his parents. He graduated from Westwood. He took the Crandall girl to prom  :)  What a small world. Anyways, after I noticed who my companion was I noticed that above his picture, it had the same words as above my picture: "Transfering In." I then noticed where we were going: Lexington. Elder Anderson and I were "whitewashed" into the Lexington Area. :) I found out later, that the other companionship in my district (Elder McMurrey and Elder Adams), was also "whitewashed." Our entire District is new. None of us know the area but this first week has been a blast!

After transfer meeting was completed, and we were swapping our luggage from one car to the next, one of the Assistants, Elder Hepworth, pulled me aside and told me he wanted to talk to me about the area. Elder Hepworth started by telling me that the area in which I have been transferred, was the highest baptizing area one year ago. Since that time, there have been some disobedient missionaries that were sent there, and that the area has not baptized in the past 6 months. He then proceeded to let me know that the President has great faith that we will baptize while here. I was not sure how to respond, but I do know and I told Elder Hepworth that there are people everywhere who are being prepared for the gospel, and if I am living right, the Lord will use me to accomplish his great and marvelous work.

I have not even begun to talk about my week and my time on the computer is almost up! :) Elder Andersen is great. I cannot believe I never met him before the mission. We know all the same people! Elder Andersen has only been out on his mission for a couple of months and he still has the "fire." We have set a baptismal goal of four baptisms this transfer. Oh I know this email is way random and my thoughts are scattered, but in this area, Elder Andersen and I cover two wards: Lexington Ward and Gilbert Ward. This is my first time covering two wards and it is quite the experience. Church is interesting. We jump back and forth between the two wards.

This week has been a blur. Elder Andersen and I have a lot of work to get done. The previous missionaries left the apartment in a mess, we need to update our map, and we are still trying to hunt down the investigators the previous missionaries were working with. The previous Elders did not keep any records!! But among all of the crazy projects we are working on, I have already seen so many miracles occurring here in Lexington. The biggest one of all was meeting Jessica and Anthony. We were walking down a street yesterday and as we walked up to a house, a car pulled up at the same time. Inside the car was Anthony, his wife Jessica, and their three children ages 7, 3, and 1. We told them we were servants of Jesus Christ and they welcomed us right into their home. As we sat down on the couch, before we had even said anything, Jessica asks, "My husband and I are searching for a church. We want to get baptized, but how are we to know which church is right?" :D!!!!!! We then taught the Restoration, and the importance of prayer to find the truth. We are seeing them again on Wednesday. I love this work! I am so blessed to witness the Holy Ghost bare testimony to the people we teach. I know this gospel is true. I know Jesus is the Christ, and he called Joseph Smith to be a prophet through whom he restored the Gospel. I love you all!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Surprise Transfer

2009-10-13T13:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

What a week! The zone leaders blitzed our area, Elder Snow from the seventy is touring our mission and he trained us at our zone conference this week, and we received transfer information! On Saturday evening I received a phone call from the zone leaders and Elder Stephans is leaving the district and......I'm leaving as well. :( I just got here. Six weeks is not long enough to get to know the members, and build up a teaching pool. I am packing up my stuff today and tomorrow morning I have to be in Irmo, SC for the transfer meeting. In the meeting I will learn who my companion is, and where I will be serving. Life sure comes at you fast! I was not expecting this. Oh well! I know wherever I go, it will be the Lord's will and there will be people there that I am to teach and bring this gospel to.

Yes, I have talked to the Dr. about the rash. We still do not know what I am allergic to, but I have not had the rash for the past two weeks. If you are going to send a package, please send me talks. :) I could care less about music, I love talks. I can't think of who did it, but there was one speaker who did a set of talks in which he went through the lives of all the modern day prophets. I also have heard a talk by Bruce R. McConkie entitled "Joseph Smith: The Revealer of Christ." I would not mind having that. Also, "The Mortal Christ" By Christenson (I think). I also know you have all of John Bytheway's talks at home. If you could make me a copy of each of those, I would really appreciate it! Anyways, I would appreciate any and all talks about gospel subjects. :) I also need the information for our new stake president when that changes. How long has Bishop Smith been Bishop? Well that's enough about that. I am going log back onto the computer and give an update on this week's events.

Love,
Elder Cowan

Dear Family,

I am starting my letter with Wednesday. Wednesday Elder Bjarnson and I were walking down one street and everyone one was home sitting on their porches. This excited me. I knew that out of all these people, we would find someone to teach. We walked down the entire street, and it was the exact opposite of what I thought was going to happen. Everyone told us to leave and no one would even listen to see what we were even doing on their doorstep. When we reached the end of the road, I told Elder Bjarnson how shocked I was that nobody would talk to us. We decided to walk back to where our bikes were locked at the top of the hill, and while we were walking, a man called us over and he was interested in hearing why we were out walking the streets in our suits. We were able to briefly teach about the Book of Mormon, and set up a return appointment before he had to leave. That was the first tender mercy from the Lord that day. After Elder Bjarnson and I had tried to talk to everyone on the street and when I thought we were defeated, Tavarus calls us to him and we are able to teach him. We walked up to the bikes and I hopped on mine and began to ride down the hill. When I got to the bottom, I turned around and could not see Elder Bjarnson anywhere. I waited for a second to have him catch up, but no one came. I started to go up the hill and Elder Bjarnson turned the corner riding down. I asked him what took so long, and he showed me the back of his bike. A piece of his bike frame snapped. :) He could still sit on the bike and ride down the hill but other than that, he was down and out. It was impossible to peddle the bike. We decided to continue on with our plans, but in order to do this, I had to hold my handle bars with one hand, while using my other hand to push Elder Bjarnson's back while he sat on his broken bike. There was one particular hill in which I was pushing him, and I was really tired and I saw a man walking on the side of the road. I decided to steer Elder Bjarnson toward him so he could contact him while I caught my breath. The man's name is Sterling. He is cool. We taught him a brief first lesson on the side of the road and set up a return appointment for the following day. This was the second tender mercy of the day. If Elder Bjarnson's bike had not broken, I most likely would have ridden my bike right past Sterling on my way to our destination.  :) The last miracle of the day was when we went to see Betty Stoddard. When we arrived at her house, she told us that she had been under the weather the past couple of days. The previous night she was hurting really bad and she had a ton on her mind. While she was thinking of all the difficulties she has in her life, she began to cry, but then the image of two young men in suits came to her memory and all of her pain and trouble disappeared. When she was telling us the story she told us that this experience was a message from God telling her that she needed to be baptized. She has a baptismal date of October 31-Halloween.

Thursday Elder Bowles and Elder Redston blitzed our area. Elder Bjarnson worked with Elder Redston while I had the opportunity to work with my trainer for a day. Elder Bjarnson and Redston were able to see Sterling who told them at the beginning of the lesson that he was supposed to be picked up any minute, but they decided to teach him anyway. They were able to teach the entire lesson and Sterling accepted his baptismal date of November the 7th. When Elder Bjarnson and Redston left, Sterling made the comment, "I believe it was God's will that my ride was late so I could hear this message." Elder Redston and Elder Bjarnson also saw Brandon that evening and he accepted a baptismal date of October the 31st. Elder Bowles and I were able to see one of our media referrals named Vernesa. Vernesa had ordered a DVD back in December, but for some reason the missionaries never delivered it to her. We taught her a first lesson and the spirit was really strong. Vernesa has also accepted a baptismal date of November the 7th. Before we left, Vernesa turned to me and said, "I now know why I had to wait so long to get my DVD. I had to wait until you got here." I love this work!!! Simpsonville should change its name to Miracleville. :D

Friday was zone conference, with a guest speaker, Elder Snow of the Seventy. It was amazing to listen to him. He had not prepared a talk, but he had prepared spiritually. For three hours he just followed the spirit as he trained us. It was such a neat experience to literally see the Spirit work through the apostle.
I love this work I am sad that I am being transferred with so many things beginning to happen in this area, but I know I am needed elsewhere. I pray for each of you every night. Keep the commandments, follow the spirit, and everything else just falls into place. :) I read Omni 1:26 this past week, "offer up your whole soul unto Christ." I am striving to do that more and more everyday. Keep it real!

Love,
Elder Cowan

I Love Conference!

2009-10-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,
Hi y'all! How y'all doin? :) Life here is great. I thought I would start with an update of the "rashes and raincoats." Dr. Hamilton ordered me a prescription of an oral steroid which I was to take for six days, each day lowering the amount I take. The steroid was to suppress the reaction and hopefully give me enough time to figure out what I was allergic to. I had assumed it was my rain coat, but then on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m., while I was still on the medication, the rash came back. I called Dr. Hamilton (mission doctor) and he was highly confused. He was really shocked because he has never had someone have a reaction while taking the medication. With the reaction still occurring, it makes it very unlikely that I am allergic to my raincoat. The investigation is still on. Besides calling the doctor, I also called the zone leaders (Elder Bowles and Elder Redsten) and asked them to send a message out to the zone and have everyone pray that the rash/hives would go away and that I would be able to focus on the work. It was not that it caused any pain, but it was difficult to focus on the work when I itched all over. ;) I also asked Elder Bjarnson to give me a priesthood blessing. As soon as he finished the blessing, I could instantly see a change in my skin. After 15 minutes, the rash had completely disappeared and I didn't have any more problems for the rest of the day. I am so thankful for the priesthood and for the opportunity to be a missionary and to have another worthy priesthood holder with me at all times. This experience has strengthened my testimony of prayer and the power of the priesthood. On Wednesday, at the same time, 11:30 a.m., the rash came back. And then within an hour it was gone again. We still don't know what caused the problem, but I've finished the medication and I have not had a problem since. I have no idea. Enough about my medical adventure/investigation. Someday I will figure out what has been causing the reaction.

Now it's time for the more important things! The people we are working with! At the top of the list are Brandon and Jessica. They have been the focus this week. We went to see them on Tuesday evening with a perspective elder, Jonathan Gawrych. I am so thankful for the support that we receive from this ward. When we arrived at their appointment, Brandon was not there. His car had broken down and he was out walking somewhere, but because we had a member with us, we were able to go into the apartment and teach Jessica. Because Jessica was not there the first time we had taught Brandon, we went over the Restoration and right when we were going to commit her to be baptized, Brandon showed up and we missed the opportunity. :(  Jessica had had a difficult time at work and it was amazing to see her attitude change as she listened, asked questions and got involved in the lesson.

Wednesday was the last day of the month which means bike day. Elder Bjarnson and I biked all day Wednesday. We have to be obedient. Staying within the mileage limitations the Lord has given us equals an increase in Heavenly Father's trust for us; therefore, entrusting us with the opportunity and responsibility to teach more of His children!

On Thursday, Elder Bjarnson and I received the list of medias that we were to see. I noticed on our list that there were two names from the same address that had ordered materials from the church. One had ordered a Bible, and the other had ordered a "Joy to the World" DVD LAST WINTER! It had been 8 months from the time she had ordered the video. I call the number immediately to try and get ahold of someone. I talked to Vernesa who was the one who had ordered the "Joy to the World" DVD. When I told her who I was, where I was from, and the nature of the call, she told me, "Forget it! It's all just a hoax! I ordered material 8 months ago. You must be giving my information out to a solicitor!" I explained that I was sorry she had not received her materials, but that I had just arrived in the area and I was not sure why the materials had not been delivered. I asked her to give me one chance. She told me to come immediately to her house and if I did not come today it was over. Luckily Elder Bjarnson and I were near her house so we drove straight there. We gave her the video, and the Bible for her sister, and then I told her I wanted to give her another gift, The Book of Mormon. She accepted the gift and I explained what it was. When I finished explaining, she asked, "Do believe there are prophets today?" :) Oh yeah! We explained about General Conference, the opportunity to hear a prophet of the Lord speak today and she became very excited....which leads into the highlight of the week GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!!

On Friday we had a District Development Meeting. My training was on helping the members realize that the "the field is white." So many members are willing to help us teach our investigators, but we need to encourage them to seek Heavenly Father's direction is finding out which of their friends or acquaintances are ready for the gospel today. I feel it went fairly well. After the meeting, I went on an exchange with Elder Stephens, while Elder Stocks worked my area with Elder Bjarnson. It is always a neat experience to work with other missionaries and to learn and grow from their strengths. We finished the exchange by meeting at the church building to watch conference. I love conference. The spirit definitely was working on me and I truly felt the urge to become a better example of the Savior and to be a better leader, especially with the members of my zone. I am so thankful for the insights I received and for the opportunity to hear the direction and counsel from the prophet, apostles and other leaders. Brandon came to the Saturday morning session of conference. On Sunday, Brandon and Jessica came to the morning session and then Brandon came back for the afternoon session. We also had our investigator, Hoover, come to the Sunday afternoon session.

I love you all and I hope you have a great week!
Love,
Elder Cowan

Finding a family, Brandon and Hives!

2009-09-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

I am sorry I was not able to write a letter last week. This week we are emailing from the office at our apartment and there is no time limit so I think all will be well this week. Last week I was praying for the opportunity to teach a family that lives in our area. We worked hard all week but nothing was coming from it. It was Sunday and we still had not found a family. When we came in for dinner Sunday evening, I was a little bummed because I had not reached my goal. Elder Bjarnson took a nap during dinner, but I was determined to put all my efforts into finding a family. I decided to check the former investigators and read the information that was left from previous missionaries to try and find one that may have potential. I picked out two names that I wanted to go and see, and then we went out to work. We had planned to see a media that evening (who bailed on us) and so I was curious to find out where the former investigators lived. One of the former investigators lived fairly close to where we were at. The former investigator's name is Stuart and he lives with his grandmother who is a less active member. We reached their house and talked to the grandmother and she was interested in having us come back by and she was interested in coming back to church. We were not able to teach them right then because it was getting dark and they were going to bed. As we walked down the street, I noticed a man sitting out on his porch, and the thought came to my mind "don't talk to that man." When I recognized what I was thinking, I knew the thought was not coming from God, so I was determined to talk to the man. We walked up to the door and introduced ourselves, and he let us into his house. We met Jimmy and Tikesha who are a couple with four kids. Tikesha's sister, Hope, also lives with them. We taught them about the Book of Mormon, and committed them to be baptized. They told us they were not living right to be baptized, but that they are trying to straighten out their lives. We told them that as missionaries our purpose is to help people come unto Christ. They are interested in having us come by and help them keep the commandments and follow the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. At 7:45 Sunday evening, I had reached my goal. Elder Bjarnson and I found a family. :) That was last week's highlight. On to this week.

This week Elder Bjarnson and I were on the bikes. :) The highlight for this week was Brandon. We were out tracting on Thursday and we knocked on a door and a grumpy old lady came to the door and told us to leave. We politely excused ourselves and started to walk toward our bikes. As we were walking away, a man came out of the house and yelled at us to stop. The man introduced himself as Brandon. He is the caretaker of the old lady. He was interested in hearing our message. He told us, "I want to know why you are so excited." We set up an appointment for the following day. Friday we taught Brandon a first lesson and he soaked everything up. He fell away from church because of his "scientific mind," but he recently realized that all things "denotes there is a God" and he loved the idea of another prophet on the earth today. We set up a return appointment for the following day. Saturday we brought Jackson, a member from the ward, with us to the appointment. We arrived and a lady answered the door. She told us that Brandon was on his way home, and she invited us in. We talked with Jessica and when Brandon came home, we invited her to join us in our discussion, but she said she was not interested. We began to teach the Plan of Salvation. As we were talking about our pre-earth life, Jessica piped in, "so you are telling us that God knew me before I was born?" :) We had her. We told her that she was a daughter of God, and that He knows her personally and cares for her. This caught her attention and she joined us for the rest of the discussion. We have a return appointment with Jessica and Brandon on Tuesday. Those are two miracles I had the past two weeks.

Oh one last story. On Saturday it was raining really bad so Elder Bjarnson and I wore our rain coats. When we came in for lunch, I had hives on my arms and neck. By the end of lunch they had disappeared, so we went back out to work. By the end of the night, I had hives all over my body. :) The mission doctor called a pharmacy and ordered me a prescription. I am allergic to the polyester material that my rain coat is made out of. :) It has not bothered me in the past because I normally wear the fleece lining within my coat. The temperature was not very cold so I took the fleece out! :) It was quite a funny experience. Well I need to go. I love you all and I hope this email will suffice!

Love,
Elder Cowan

The Joys of Whitewashing

2009-09-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

I hope this email reaches you. Today has been the worst I have ever seen myldsmail.net. It has taken me an entire hour to open and read your emails. :) To answer Dad's question: "whitewashed" means that Elder Bjarnson and I are both new to the area. Neither of us knew who was being taught, any of the members, or the location. It also did not help that everyone was out of town Labor Day weekend so our first week was "in the dark." Now things are beginning to pick up. I wish you could see our proselyting area. It is the weirdest shape. We only cover the east side of Simpsonville, a piece of Greenville, Five Forks, Greer, Taylors, (Erin if you read this I do cover a small sliver of your home town. :) and Fountain Inn. I don't know if you can find a map of the Simpsonville 1st Ward, but if you could, you would see that our area looks like a fish. :) I can't remember if I told you or not, but this area is the smallest area in the Greenville East Stake, and 1/5 of the size of the Anderson Ward. Because of its small boundaries, Elder Bjarnson and I have had a difficult time trying to find people who live in our area. Every night when I call the zone leaders, not only do I stand accountable for my district, but I also give them the information for those whom we have found because none of the investigators live in our area, so the zone leaders then give that information to whichever set of Elders in which they live in. We found 3 FAMILIES this week and they all live outside our area. :) Elder Bjarnson and I only found one investigator this week who lives in our area. I know I don't believe in karma, but with all the investigators we give away to other elders, it would be nice to have some investigators given to us. :D I wish I had more to write about. The quote from PMG is true, "nothing happens in missionary work until you find someone to teach." Elder Bjarnson and I are trying to make things happen. In this area, I believe we are going to have to rely on the members more to give us referrals and people to teach. Speaking of members, I met a member and his name is....ugh I can't think of it! Anyways Dad and Mom will know the name. This man served with Dad in the Elders Quorum presidency while at BYU! I think his last name is Barlow. It was really funny. When I went up to introduce myself, he looked at my name tag, and the first thing he said was "Mike Cowan." It really surprised me because I'm 2000 miles away from home. He even remembered Amy Dennis. :) Anyway, I gave him the ma_cowan@cox.net email address. I could not remember Dad's other email addresses. Well this has been a very strange email. I love you all. I love my Savior Jesus Christ and the opportunity that I have to represent Him and be a part of the greatest work on the earth! I hope all is well.

Love Elder Cowan

Hello Simpsonville

2009-09-08T08:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

Thank you for your letter. I have been transferred. I have to get a new library card. Without a library card I can only be on the internet for five minutes. This is going to be a very short email. I am now serving in Simpsonville area. The area is much different from my last area. Simpsonville is about 1/5 the geographical size of Anderson, and the average income in MUCH higher. I am serving with Elder Bjarnson (the young man we met at distribution before my mission). Elder Bjarnson was in the same MTC district as me. My time is out. I love you!

Elder Cowan

Hello! I jumped on the Elder Stephen's computer. He finished emailing early. It's really interesting being white washed into the area. Elder Bjarnson and I are still trying to meet everyone and get everything all figured out. The funny part is that this last Sunday, the Bishop, Ward Mission Leader, and the gospel essentials teacher were all out of town for the Labor Day weekend. So the three people we work with were not there to give us any information on the area.

In the one week that I've been here, Elder Bjarnson and I have been kicked out of four neighborhoods for "soliciting." (We are not solicitors because we are not selling anything.) :) We have not had any success finding anyone our first week. It's sad that those who have a lot of money feel that they don't need religion and they don't feel two teenage boys can teach them anything. Oh well. We just go on to the next house and keep searching for "those who will receive you" and I also remember the scripture which says, "let no man despise thy youth." I know I am young, but I have been called of God. When someone slams the door in my face or kicks me out of a neighborhood, it's not me they are rejecting, they are rejecting the message I bring and they reject Jesus Christ. Some day they will be humble and ready to receive the message of the Restoration. I have also been asked to be the district leader. The other companionship in our district is Elder Stephens and Elder Stocks. They serve in the Greer area and they are on bikes. We are going to have a great transfer and work our hearts out. I love you all and yes as dad said in his letter: Born in the upstate, Serve in the upstate! :D

Love,
Elder Cowan

First Transfer

2009-08-31T09:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

I did receive the package. I also received a phone call Saturday night telling me to pack my bags and I'm going to the Transfer meeting on Wednesday down in Columbia. I do not know where I am going or who I am serving with. It's a surprise! This is going to be a very short email this week because I have to pack my suit case today. I had no idea Liesel was pregnant. When is she due? I had a great week here in Anderson. I can only give some highlights from the week.

Elder Taylor and I went over to Kent and Holly's and we had a great family home evening. We got all of their children involved which was a miracle in and of itself because their kids are CRAZY! :) One of their children had never even spoken to Elder Taylor or me before our visit this week. Our family home evening was centered around a "gospel version" of "Don't Eat Pete." Instead of having cartoon pictures on the board, we put: Salt Lake temple, Book of Mormon, Bible, missionaries, Jesus, families, Joseph Smith, prayer, and baptism. Every time they picked up the candy on the square, the kids had to say what the picture was, and why it is important. Example: Temple. The children had to remember that it is "the house of God". Anyways the kids really enjoyed it, and at the end of the lesson Sabrina, the 6 year old daughter wanted to say the closing prayer. We also had Carey Burriss (blind man) come to church this Sunday. He really enjoyed it. I wish I could stay to continue to watch him progress, but like Dad said, "Come what may and love it!" I Love this work. I love the opportunity to invite others to come unto Jesus Christ. I hope and pray all is well and I will talk to you next week from a new location! :) 

Love,
Elder Cowan

6 Months

2009-08-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

I never know how to begin a letter. :) I'm glad you received my letter last week. The computers at the library have a time limit, and once the time runs out, the computer logs off and any work that is on the computer is lost. Last week I finished my email with 50 seconds left before the computer was going to log off. I hit the send button, and I watched the little bar at the bottom of the screen, and by the time the 50 seconds were up, only two of the squares were filled in. The combination of these stone age computers with myldsmail.net makes for an adventure every week while trying to email. :) Last Monday (17th) Elder Merrell and Elder Johnson (the zone leaders) came down to Anderson to blitz our area. I am so thankful for the zone leaders. They sacrifice so much to help the zone progress, not just the investigators in their own area. With our three baptisms last week, Elder Taylor and I were in need of some help finding some new investigators who will progress. Anyways, I'm just rambling, but the zone leaders came down Monday night then worked with us Tuesday. Since I worked with Elder Merrell last time, I went with Elder Johnson. We had a very good day. We picked up a lead named Darrel as an investigator and taught a very good lesson. At the end, Darrel knelt down and asked Heavenly Father if Joseph Smith was a prophet. Darrel really wants to get involved. Timing is such an important part of missionary work. Darrel told us that when we met him on the street a month ago (when we picked him up as a lead) he had no interest in hearing our message, but he decided to give us his house address anyways. When Elder Johnson and I went by, he told us that the night before he was talking to his sister and during the conversation he decided that he needed to start coming back to church. We are not in charge. Every day there is a miracle. I just love it!

Tuesday night we went on an exchange with Brother Lively, and we went and taught Kent and Holly. They are loving the gospel. Their lives are far from perfect, and they still have some major hills to overcome in the near future, but they have the faith and recognize that they can get through everything with the Lord. After teaching Kent and Holly, we went on a wild goose hunt trying to deliver a media. :) We finally found the house and the lady was nowhere interested. Wednesday we taught Carey Burriss who is a blind man and on a previous visit we delivered the first binder of Book of Mormon in Braille. When we went over on Wednesday he had read through 1 Nephi 6. He was really enjoying the story but he has not asked God if it is more scripture. :S we will have to see what happens in the future. Anyways, when we left his house we noticed that there was a car in front of Alisa's house (former investigator who wanted us to come over every day, loved everything we taught and wanted her son to be baptized with her) anyways she had just disappeared. We had lost all communication with her, and when we walked over to the house, she popped out of the car. She had gone to Columbia two months ago, but while she was down there, her car died, and she was stuck in Columbia, and then her phone ran out of minutes, anyways long story but she had just got back in this Tuesday. Alisa still has a desire to be baptized so we are going to continue where we left off. Thursday was a blur...Friday was Zone Conference. The assistants talked on improving our prayers and becoming more humble. The training lasted a little longer than planned, so when President stood up to train us the first thing he said was, "I am going to teach you everything I know about the Atonement in the next 15 minutes." We FLEW through so much information, but it was really good. Everyday I realize more and more how stunning and amazing the Atonement really is. The gospel is true. I am so thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ.

I love each of you and I am so thankful for the truths that I know and have an opportunity to share with others. Transfers are coming up this next week. I'm a little scared. I love Anderson. I have come to love the members and we continue to find so many people who are ready for the gospel. Whatever happens "the Lord is in it" (Hyrum tells Joseph that in the movie Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration). I am so thankful that the Lord has once again, in love, reached out to mankind and has given us the opportunity to hold the Priesthood and receive revelation for those under our stewardship. My time is out so I must go!

Love,
Elder Cowan

Two week update

2009-08-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

Dear family,

I am sorry the email did not get to you. I'm not sure why it did not work. For the time being, I am going to blame myldsmail.net. :) Last week update: It came, it went and I loved every second of it. I don't have much to report from last week so I'm going to spend my time with this week.

Tuesday: On an exchange with Brother Rodger, I visited William Bradberry. William is not doing well. William has diabetes and he does not watch what he eats. He eats anything and everything. His diabetes is attacking his entire body but when we went by this last week I recognized how much it has affected his brain/memory. It was really sad to watch, but then at the same time I am truly grateful that Elder Bowles and I had the opportunity to teach him. It was truly a miracle that for the two and a half weeks that we taught him, William did not have any health problem. I know the Lord restored his health for the short amount of time we worked with him up until his baptism. I know the Lord is in charge.

Wednesday: Elder Merrell (ZL) and Elder Cooney (AP)came to Anderson to do the baptismal interviews for Laura Draper, Kent Byrum, and Holly Byrum. I was a little nervous because these are the first three baptisms that Elder Taylor and I have taught completely on our own. All three passed the interview and then the fun began. We started checking on everything to make sure the baptism would run smoothly. Last Sunday we invited Sister Mortensen to give the talk at the baptism because she has really become good friends with Laura, but on Friday (the day before the baptism) Sister Mortensen called and told us that she was coming to the baptism but she was not going to give the talk. :) Elder Taylor and I luckily found a replacement speaker. Elder Taylor and I also had to find clothes for everyone. This was quite the adventure. We could not find pants that fit Kent. The dress that we borrowed from Sister Black did not fit Holly. What a mess. We did not get the clothes situation figured out until 30 minutes before the baptism. :) Brother Macdonald was in charge of finding a pianist, but she didn't show up, so I had the opportunity to play the piano at the baptism. Brother Trotter baptized Kent and Holly, which was another fiasco because we found out while Holly was in the water that she is afraid of water and Brother Trotter had forgotten the baptismal prayer. :) Holly had to be baptized three times before she went under completely. Elder Taylor baptized Laura. Overall, Elder Taylor and I were at the church for five hours on Saturday. Boy was that tiring. When we finally got back to our apartment I got a killer headache. I felt like death. It was pretty bad. I had Elder Taylor give me a blessing and even with the headache, I decided I was going to go out and work. Sitting in the apartment does not promote baptisms. :P While we drove to the area where we were going to be knocking, my head still throbbed, but once we got out of the car and started knocking on doors, my headache vanished. We worked the rest of the night with no problems. Then when we got back to the apartment, my headache returned. :)  I know the Lord was preserving me as I went about doing His will. I love it. Miracles happen everyday. I just hope I am humble enough to recognize the miracles for what they really are.

On Sunday I confirmed Laura. It's way sad, Kent and Holly were all ready for church a half an hour before, but then the cable man showed up at their house as they were getting ready to go. They told the cable man that they were leaving but he said that this was the only time he was going to be down their direction. He also told them that it would only take a couple of minutes, but because of the cable man, Kent and Holly and their three kids were late to Sacrament meeting. :(  They were not confirmed. I'm not worried about Kent and Holly. I know they will be confirmed, but I just wish it was over so I could finally breathe. It will get done this week.
Okay that's enough about the baptisms for now.

Elder Taylor and I met a man named Eddie and we taught a really good first lesson. Eddie recognizes the corruption in so many churches and everything was great until the First Vision. After we recounted Joseph Smith's experience, Eddie said, "Hold on! You believe Jesus is not God?" I thought is was going to go down hill from there, but when we explained that we do not believe in the Trinity, Eddie responded: "Hallelujah!" Eddie does not believe in the Trinity, which is VERY rare. We have a return appointment with him this following week. We will see what happens. I love this work. I truly appreciate all the prayers and everything you do for me. I am certain I do not want pictures of the family but I would like a picture of Jenny and Kyle.

Love yall!
Elder Cowan

P.S. We had a shot gun pulled on us this week! :)  Got to love the mission! Don't worry mom. Everything is all right.

Slower Week

2009-08-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

This week was a slower week. I've decided the Lord is helping me learn patience. :) Two of our investigators were sick, and three of them were out of town. It seems we spent quite a lot of time looking for new investigators, but our efforts were not very fruitful. Tuesday night Elder Taylor and I went out with a member to deliver medias that people have ordered through the church web site and we stopped by one house that is near Kelli's house. Elder Taylor and I were working with Kelli and her sister Sallie two months ago, but then Sallie lost interest, and so Elder Taylor and I stopped working with both of them. While we were in the neighborhood we stopped by Kelli's house and she was very excited to see us! She had wondered why we had not been by in so long, and she set up an appointment that following day for us to come and visit her. We went back by on Wednesday. Between the two sisters and their four kids jumping around in previous visits, Elder Taylor and I decided that we were going to start over and go from the beginning. We had taught a complete first lesson to the two sisters, but neither one had heard the entire thing. We proceeded to share our message and it actually took us two hours to tie everything together (Heavenly Father, His Begotten Son Jesus Christ, His prophet Joseph Smith, His teachings in the Bible and the Book of Mormon)! I do not think I have ever had an appointment that long before, but it was fun watching Kelli as we taught because everything was finally coming together for her. :) She kept saying, "Another light bulb, another light bulb!" every time she caught hold of what we were saying. We will have to see what the future has in store for her.

Friday was Zone Interviews. Since our car had over 50,000 miles on it, we got a new car. :) A 2009 Toyota Corolla! It's way nice. Elder Taylor and I both decided this is probably going to be the only car we will ever drive in the same year that it came out. :) The trainings were great. Elder Cooney trained on being humble and Elder Solomon trained on contacting like Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff.

I know the Lord has prepared people for the message I bring. I hope and pray that I may continually improve my relationship with my Father in Heaven. I love this work and I hope and pray all is well with all yall!

Love Elder Cowan

Every minute counts!

2009-07-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

You probably get bored of me saying this, but I can't believe it's preparation day again! The weeks just seem to fly by! This is going to have to be a short email because myldsmail has been giving me some difficulties.  :(  Oh well life goes on and we work through it!

Tuesday: Elder Taylor and I went on an exchange with Brandon Dial. We planned to go see a media referral that was way south in our area near Lake Secession. It took us 35 minutes to drive down to the area and find the road, but then we could not find the house. We drove around on the road on which she lives for about twenty minutes trying to find her address. Elder Taylor and I finally jumped out of the car and started knocking on doors with the intent to ask the neighbors if they knew where this lady lived. The first door we knocked on was the house we were looking for!  :)  We came in and taught a lesson, the lady was not very interested, but her son-in-law, Mark was very interested. We turned our teaching focus from her to him, and we taught a really good lesson. I'm excited to have another investigator, but it is going to be difficult to get down that far south to see him. I guess this is the Lord's way of making me stretch and grow and make me use the members more.  :) 

Wednesday morning Elder Taylor and I were out knocking doors and we met Colleen. When we introduced ourselves to her, she told us the reason she was talking to us was because she was so curious what we believed because all growing up whenever the "Mormons" came knocking on the door, her parents would close the door and blinds and tell everyone to be quiet until the missionaries left. This extreme reaction made her want to listen to our message. As we taught, she opened up more and more, and by the end of our lesson Colleen realized that our church teaches what she feels to be the truth (God loves us--not the belief that some preachers believe that God is a jealous God and if we do anything wrong he is going to thrust us down to hell.) When we asked for a return appointment, she asked us to come back that night to teach her husband Roy. We came back and taught another lesson, Roy is not as excited about the church, he feels its just another group of people worshiping God, but we will fix that....well I guess the Spirit will fix that as he comes to church. They have three daughters ages 12, 9, and 7. It is exciting to have a family to teach.

Laura is still doing great and progressing along very smoothly. She came to church yesterday so I think we may move her baptismal date from the 15th to the 8th. I'll have to see how what she says when we bring that up.

Thursday we went on an exchange with another member and after we saw everyone that we had planned, we were dropped off at the apartment at 8:50. The rule is that we have to be in at 9:00 unless we are teaching a lesson. We had ten minutes. There is not a lot of things one can do with ten minutes, but Elder Taylor and I decided to knock our apartment complex, and the first door we knocked on we met Brian. We taught a really good lesson. Brian has strong ties to another church so we will see what will happen there, but when we left he told us that he really needed to hear our message. I did not reply so he stopped us as we were walking away from his apartment and he said, "no, you don't understand, I REALLY needed to hear that. I know God sent you tonight." It was a great experience, and if Elder Taylor and I had decided to end our day ten minutes early (which I have never done and never will do), we would have missed out on that wonderful experience. It also taught me the importance of every minute. I love this work. I'm out of time. Have a great week!

Elder Cowan