Misión de Fowers en California, Newport Beach : The Most Important Work

Queridos Amigos y Familia,

JANETH'S COURAGE: Every now and then we get to witness moments of courage and faith. We have been working with Janeth for several months. She had a very traumatic childhood and has survived a couple of abusive marriages, so she struggles with panic attacks. She has been isolated in her home for more than a year, but after helping her get some counseling and lots of loving encouragement, she attended church today for both hours! It really came down to opening her heart to the spirit and that gave her the courage to come. We are so very happy for her.

Hermana Fowers and Janeth

JULIO CESAR:

One Sunday morning a couple of months back we drove to the La Mesa building to attend the Buena Vista Spanish ward. As we were walking in, I observed a young man standing alone under a street lamp dirty old clothes and a backpack. He looked lost and scared. I approached him and asked if I could help. He barely replied saying someone had dropped him off here. As I questioned him further, I found out he was a member and wanted to find a church to attend. He had just crossed the border a couple of day previous having experienced a very traumatic journey from his hometown thousands of miles away in Chipas Mexico. I have learned not to ask the how and why questions. I just shook his trembling hand and escorted him into the warmth of our congregation. I sat him down in the back row by the Elder's quorum president who immediately embraced him. I knew nothing more about this young man until we visited again yesterday. Julio Cezar now has a big smile and shows confidence as he was ordained with the priesthood and a contributing member in his new ward. I think that answers the "How" and the "Why" of the work we do.

Newest Priest, Julio Cesar and Elder Fowers

FSY HIGH: Our young men returned from FSY and they were flying high. Each boy came back changed, with a renewed testimony of Christ and the goodness of his gospel in their lives. The young men that we prayed for all week, who were never thought would be likely to go at, all were beaming and filled with the light of that experience. Clarke sent me this picture during my R.S. class of 12 boys sitting in white shirts and ties, attentive and engaged. I immediately teared up. Happy tears.

FSY Impact!

ELLIE'S TEMPLE ENDOWMENT: Several weeks ago, our grand daughter, Ellie Lewis called and invited us to join her in the temple be with her when she received her temple endowment in the San Diego Temple. We were so excited to be living so close. Even though she is still quite young, only 18, she felt like she was ready to take her next step on the Covenant Path. What a sacred experience! We were blessed to be there with her.

Ellie's special night in the San Diego Temple

Proud Papa!

HOT, HARD WORK. Giving service, in the form of yard work, counts double when doing it under the heat of SoCal's summer sun. Our District of missionaries spent four hours one morning trying to clean up Hermana Victoria's jungle of weeds in order to prepare her home for sale. It was hot, dirty work but they didn't flinch. We were right there with them, but we aren't quite so resilient as they are. Luci's was sick for the rest of the day with heat exhaustion.

Hermana Victoria with Elders cooling of over Lunch.

24th of JULY~MEXICAN STYLE: When we celebrate the 24th of July in Utah, we feel a strong sense of connect to that history because we have ancestors that were key players in that experience, but for our saints who have immigrated from Mexico and other Latino countries the connection is rather vague. When our ward was asked to do a booth at our Vista Stake's celebration, there were not dutch ovens. Rather they did what they do best...homemade corn tortillas smothered in refried beans. Delicious! Everyone knows that should have been a staple of the pioneers as they crossed the plains.

Pioneer food at its best! Corn Tortillas and Beans

50TH ANNIVERSARY FAMILY REUNION: Two years ago we started planning a family reunion for the summer of 2023 to celebrate our 50th Anniversary. Even though our actual anniversary is not until August 16, the family joined us here in Vista for a four day reunion at the beautiful Marin Mansion which is located in our ward. We had a bedroom for all the couples and the kids crashed all over the floor. We played a full day at the WAVE Water Park, held our traditional 5K run/race, enjoyed a full evening of the Fowers Family Follies Talent Show, and cherished a sweet tribute from the kids about our lives together, and of course, endless food. Amy contributed hats for all with the Fowers Brothers brand. A glorious time was had by all with a bit of a walk down memory lane to celebrate the journey of our lives together.