Misión de Fowers en Barcelona, España: Blessings right in our Path

Querida Familia y Amigos,

We had time on Monday for one last hike with the Molen Family. The girls were not up for too much distance so we wandered down a beautiful path along the river near La Massana. As we ambled along, all I could think about was how blessed we were…not only to have Amy and family with us, but to be walking along in God’s wondrous world in the heart of the Pyrenees listen to the happy chatter. It is so easy to get bogged down in the frustrations and worries of our work, but if we just stop for a just moment and look around, we can see God’s hand in all we do.

One last Hike with the Molens

Exploring a secret waterfall with Grandma

We had been neglecting a few fix-it projects around the farmhouse as of late, so after Amy left we finally found time to fix the “castle doors”, at least that is what we call the huge double swinging doors that enclose our garage. The top latch had broken, so with a little red-neck ingenuity, and an impromptu safety rope Elder Fowers got it fixed!

Red-neck Fix-it Man

We had a lot of visits this week, with individuals in their homes. Below is a “selfie” of Mari and I. She has been a long-time member of the church, and is currently a counselor in the Primary Presidency, but had never given a lesson. She confided in me that no one had ever taught her how, so we spent a couple of hours together preparing her lesson. I was so proud of her today because she came ready and willing to fulfill her calling!

Hermana Fowers and Mari Antezana

Our Young Women’s group continues to flourish under the leadership of Cecilia. They meet again this week and welcomed a new friend, Halua, who is studying with the missionaries with plans to be baptized soon. The meeting just bubbled with friendship and great ideas for future activities. They wrapped their arms and around her and she instantly became one of them!

Great Friends

Several of our Young Women participated in the FSY program that was sponsored by three stakes near Barcelona. Our girls were four of 400 youth and they came home changed by their experiences. President invited them to share a bit of what they learned along with their testimonies in our meeting today. Clearly, the event created an opportunity for them to be taught by the spirit and fortify them to press forward among their peers. We were so proud of them!

Our FSY Speakers with Elders Domingues and Squires

Meet Ricardo, our new “Autosuficiencia” Facilitator. First of all, Elder would like to share a bit his recent journey and the light that has returned to his life. Elder here: I think my motto for this mission is: "I will minister to those who the Lord would put in my path." This has happened several times as I have encountered those who have strayed from the Church. Ricardo is one example. He has a few problems in his life, bad habits, bad friends and trouble with the law. I did not know much about him until one day the Lord put him in my path. It was during the senior missionaries conference last June that Elder Morejon was suddenly hit with an asthma attack from our farmhouse environment. He and I left the gathering to find a pharmacy and get him some relief. After driving around and finding three pharmacies closed (mediodia or siesta time in Spain), we started walking in the old portion of Le Seu taking a back alley. We rounded a corner, I glanced to the left and there was Ricardo setting in a bar having a drink. I motioned to him to come and help us find a pharmacy. He left his drink and took us to nearby pharmacy. I thanked him and then told him we desperately needed him back at church. He replied that he had many sins and it was very complicated. I assured him that it was not complicated, just come back to church, I don't care what your sins are just come back to church and we will work with you. Elder Morejon also bore a strong testimony to him. At that point Ricardo began to tell us how much he believed in the Priesthood and how he remembered the spiritual experiences as he magnified his calling as a ward clerk years ago in the Dominican Republic. He then committed to come back to church. I told him we would be waiting at the front door. To our great astonishment, Ricardo came back to church and with a willing heart and a strong desire to serve. He said he has not touched a drink since that day we pulled him from the bar. He now has a calling in our Self-Reliance class and is looking forward to the temple. I think the Lord just put a Ward Clerk in my path! What a great blessing for us, the branch but most of all Ricardo himself!