FINISHING STRONG

A DAY IN THE NEWPORT BEACH TEMPLE: One of the wonderful tradition we have in the Newport Beach Mission is for all departing missionaries to attend the temple the President and Sister Carter.  We attended a 9:15 temple session on Dec. 8 with a very animated group of young missionaries who where on their way home.  It is hard to believe that a year has nearly past and we will be come home in a few short weeks.  What a joy is has been to serve with these remarkable people!  After the session, we joined the group for lunch and everyone was bubbling with happiness.  Once they all departed, we remained in Newport Beach and in the evening returned to the temple and met our friend Maria. After a long road of making many changes in her life Maria joined us at the temple for the first time in many years! It was so awesome to accompany her as she was baptized for her antepasados (ancestors), while Elder Fowers joined her in the font and did the baptizing.

Rejoicing with the Armies of Helaman. (On the very back row, left!)

As few days later we had our departing interview with President Carter. He walked us through the highlights of our service in the Vista Ward.  It was humbling to consider how guided and blessed we had been in the work.  He gave us the parting scripture of D&C 126:1-3 in which it tells us that our work has been acceptable to the Lord and that we are to now take "especial care of your family, from this time forth".  It was a tender mercy to feel His love through the words of our mission President.

TIJUANA TEMPLE WITH FIDELA:  The very next day we attended the Tijuana Temple and met Fidela there.  She came with her ward from Ensenada who rented a bus for the two hour journey. This was her first time in the temple since her baptism just three weeks ago.  The good ward members helped her prepare the names of her mother, father and grandfather for baptisims and confirmations. She was in awe with beautiful edifice and the feeling of peace and beauty within.  Elder Fowers Journal Entry~Dec. 8:  Fidela was excited as we entered the holy structure.  Her knees were working very well today and she did not have to use her cane much. We descended into the baptistry at the recommend desk and I pointed out the paintings and their meanings. In the baptistry I explained the symbolism of the twelve oxen.  She was overwhelmed with everything.  Luci kept near as she received her clothing and entered the changing room.  I did the same, changing into the white temple jumpsuits.  There were other youth present from the Hidalgo ward. We sat and watched the baptisms and I explained in detail the process, principles and importance of this vicarious work.  Fidela was taking it all in.  Finally it was our turn.  I entered the water first and was baptized for her father and her deceased husband.  Then I stayed in and Fidela entered the font.  I escorted her down the stairs caring for her fragile knees.  She felt comfortable with me in that just three weeks ago I had baptized her.  The spirit was strong as I baptized her for her mother and an aunt.  She felt the importance of the work and I know this will deepen her testimony of the work.  After changing we did the confirmations.  Again we all felt something special.  I told her that she is no longer the only member of her family and that her parents were pleased with the work she did for them that day."

ELDER STEVENSON YSA FIRESIDE:  After two very long days of driving between temples in NewPort Beach and Tijuana, We were exhausted.  We endured a four hour border wait returning to the USA. However with "one more strain of praise" we decided to attend the Gary Stevenson's YSA fireside on Sunday evening.  It isn't often that we have the privilege of hearing an apostle of the Lord, live! When we arrived in Escondido, all the older people were asked to sit in the back of the long Cultural hall/Gym, joining many other senior couples from the adjacent San Diego mission. His remarks were inspiring and directed to the YSA specifically.  Social media is both good and bad.  Elder Stevenson admonished everyone to set aside virtual reality and view reality like read the scriptures, listen to modern prophets. He asked everyone to love, share and invite during this Christmas season. He talked about the billboard presentation of Christ and the Nativity on Times Square in New York City. It was posted on YouTube and has been viewed by 180 million people.  This shows how the church is using the media in a good way to spread the message of Christ. As Elder Stevenson spoke the spirit grew and grew as he told meaningful stories. There were more than a 1000 YSAs there. When he concluded his talk, no one wanted to leave and lose the profound feeling of the spirit.  I am so grateful that I went and took the opportunity fill my vessel.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION:  We helped Elder Prater celebrate his birthday at the Texas Road House.  He didn't hold back when they offered to let him ride their sawhorse saddle. Such great friends.  We will miss them terribly!

WARD CHRISTMAS PARTY: One area where the Spanish ward needs no help from us is putting together a party and this year the Vista Spanish Ward Christmas party was no exception. As with all holiday parties the serve, pazole, tamales, pan dulce, flan and more.  They asked Sister Fowers to make a manger to display at the party.  So I found an abandon wooden pallet so we took it apart and in two hours Luci produced a beautiful little manger.  We placed it on the stage with palm boughs and lights.   As with all parties it just was getting started an hour late.  Fidela came early with her son and we had some time to talk about the church with him.  He is very positive and supportive of his mother's baptism and has become our friend.  This is a good first step as Fidela desperately wants her family to embrace Christ as she has recently done.  Other friends, joined us at our table including Victoria and Maria.  Luci had English on one side and Spanish on the other. She held her own with little help from me.  The programs was the sharing of tradition from other countries such as Tonga, Ecuador, Mexico, Argentina, etc.   I was then asked to represent traditions in the USA.  I started off by telling how we hung stocking by the fireplace waiting for Santa to come down the chimney.  However in Spanish instead of saying Santa Claus I slipped said "Santanas" which means Satan is coming down the chimney. That slip of the tongue drew a roar of laughter.  I tried to repair the damage but with little success.  All in all the attendance was more than 120 members and friends, which I think that is a good measure for the momentum the ward is finally realizing.

Pallet Manger

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Beautiful Manger Display

Gathered with Friends

Never too Old for Santa.

BOAT PARADE: Every year the Newport Beach senior missionaries attend the Christmas Lights Boat Parade at the NewPort harbor.  It isn't so much about watching the boats as it is about having time to sit and visit with our friends. Of the hundreds of boats we viewed only one had any representation of the nativity or the Christ child in the manger, and that was the boat sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Good times was had by all.

Senior Missionary Friends

The church boat's message:  Wise Men Still Seek Him

At the very end of our evening together, President and Sister Carter presented us with a commemorative pillow as a token of gratitude for our service.  We will treasure the memories associated with this gift forever.

Sweet Gift!

SERVICE...THE HEART OF OUR MISSION

Querido Amigos y Familia,

DONATIONS TO THE HOMELESS:  In response to my request to other senior couples and family members we were able make a generous donation of Christmas gifts and children's toys to "Solutions for Change", a campus which houses and educates homeless families in North San Diego County.  There are major homeless encampments every where you turn in our area.  We had the opportunity to take of a tour of their facility and get an in-depth look at their program. We were given a tour by Karina, the mother of four who spent 5 years living in a tent in the river bottom.  We were so impressed by her transformation made possible through her participation in "Solutions for Change".  She is now a contributing citizen and has custody of her kids again.  We did a toy drive...and everyone was so generous!  Thank you all for making a difference.  The Spencer's joined us when we delivered the toys to their campus.

Donations contributed by Senior Missionaries

Fowers and Spencers donating TOYS to local homeless kids.

FAMILY HISTORY:  I remember the last day at the MTC in Provo.  We had a very good couple teach us how to use Family Search on our missions. I kept the presentation in the back of my mind thinking it could have possibilities.   Once we arrived in our field of labor we found ourselves tripping over the younger missionaries trying to visit the ward members.  With us there were 8 missionaries vying for visits to 125 members in the Vista ward.  It was near the same situation in our other Carlsbad ward, Buena Vista.  So we started offering to do Family Search with everyone we visited.  Slowly it grew.  We begun to find many unknown ancestors in a Mexico and El Salvador which thrilled the members.  This lended itself to return visits to find even more.  Most of the homes we visited initially they did not have FamilySearch accounts or had lost their passwords.  I made so many call to the password recovery center in Salt Lake that the operators had me on a first name basis.  We have helped several new members prepare and take names to the temple of their deceased ancestors.  This FamilySearch experience has deepened their testimonies and has brought them of the temple with the Spirit of Elijah .  Presently I have a spreadsheet of 31 FamilySearch accounts of all the people we have helped.

Elder Fowers and Bro. Gutierrez doing Family Search

FENDER BENDER:  When we first arrived in the mission we mentioned to each other, that SoCal traffic it would be a miracle if we made it through the mission without an accident. Well, we almost made it. Last week  Elder Fowers backed into a car that was in his blind spot.  The impact did quite a number on our left rear fender!  Luckily we connected with the Mexican underground body guys and will get it fixed for less than a hundred bucks. Incidentally, we did not have to look very far, there are large portions of Vista that are virtually 100% Mexican/Latino. It like living in a foreign country.

Whoops!

JULIO'S IS WALKING:  I has been 4 months since Julio got into that nasty accident and his recovery has been quite miraculous.  His is now able to negotiate stairs and walk with just the help of a cane.  He testifies all the time how God preserved his life.  He is back to church, and also starting back and some simple mechanic jobs.  He has a long list of people who have waited for him to repairs their cars.  He invited me over to his room that he shares with Cirilo and Roseno, his two brother-in-laws who are not members. Over the period of Julio's recovery I have developed a friendship with both of them as we have shared transportation responsibilities to therapy and doctor visits. Julio told me that Cirilo had been asking questions about the church and specifically wanted to know where in the Bible it mentions the Book of Mormon.  So tonight I took advantage of the captive bedroom audience and asked Cirilo if he would like his questions answered.  He consented, so sitting on the edge of the bed we began with a prayer and I started to teach.  After pointing out scriptures in Ezekiel and John that reference the Book of Mormon, I told then briefly the story starting with Lehi through to Moroni. "This book is about your people and it has been brought forth in the last days specifically for you to read, understand and grow closer to God and Jesus Christ."  I challenged them to read and find out for themselves.  They received the teaching well and even asked a few questions. A seed was planted.  We will follow up.

Julio with just his cane.  Such a miracle.

THANKSGIVING WITH BRAD'S FAMILY: We snuck away from our missionary duties to share Thanksgiving with Brad and family.  It was a quiet, happy day full of fun traditions, coloring contest, games, puzzles, cooking, eating, and catching up.  It is days like this that brings such a deep sense of blessed gratitude. 

Coloring Contest

Thanks Becky for the perfect Thanksgiving Feast!

TANYA'S TRAILER MAKE OVER: We have spoken about our friend Tanya in a previous blog post.  She lives in the trailer park where we do community service quite frequently.  Last post we shared how we fixed her broken water line restoring indoor water to her trailer for the first time in many years. But that was just the beginning. We have since gone inside the trailer and done the following: replaced two broken toilets, replaced bathroom and kitchen sinks, repaired two bath and shower faucets, replaced washer, dryer and stove range hood, and finally sealed a leaking window frame to keep out the rain.  A big thanks to Elder Prater who gave us valuable guidance. Before serving this senior mission, he was a 40 year journeyman plumber.  Actually I can not comprehend how this humble 65 year old lady from Thailand lived for so many years in this trailer without these basic necessities that we take for granted everyday.  She was so thankful and over joyed from our simple service.

Bro. Prater, our plumber hero during Tanya's trailer makeover.

A toilet that actually flushes!

Elders Prater, Spencer and Fowers installing washer and dryer.

Tanya and Sister Fowers

P-DAY ADVENTURE: Luci has been struggling with some kind of fever for several days, so thinking she is likely contagious, we stayed in our apartment. Finally after 5 straight days we decided to break out and take the local Sprinter train to Oceanside.  We wandered around for a bit and found an empty little fish house for lunch.  It was nice to be out in the warm sunshine. As we wandered about, we came upon the Tom Cruise house made famous by the first "Top Gun" movie.

 The"Top Gun" House, Oceanside

MYSTERY FOOD DELIVERY:  We had the weirdest thing happen a couple of days ago.  Elder Fowers was out teaching a lesson and I was home alone when the doorbell rang.  I went to answer the door and there was no one there, but there were 7 bags of groceries that had been dropped off at our door.  Elder Fowers came home just at that moment. Who would send us groceries? This was way too much for us to eat! Who would have sent them?  We began to think that maybe it was intended to be a donation for the homeless center we have been working with.  So about 10 minutes into our debate about what to do with the food, we heard another knock on the door.  It was a young couple from our complex that lived in the adjacent building. "Hey, did you have some groceries delivered to your door?  A...they are ours." After a rather awkward apology we helped them carry everything to their  home,  Apparently, the grocery delivery guys dropped them at the wrong door. Mystery solved!

Mystery food.

SCROOGE: We returned just last night from our first Christmas event.  All the girls in Brad's family were in a modified version of the Scrooge, put on by their local theatre group.  Becky played Christmas Present, Mallory was Agnes, Leah was Teddy the dog and Penny was Tiny Tim.  It was a great production and they are all so very talented.  This will likely be the last show we will see for a while.  We were able to enjoy four different productions during this past year.  It has been a wonderful blessing of our mission.  After the matinee, we went back to Brad's house to give a little service, to help build out the closet in their new bedroom addition.

Take a bow, Becky as Christmas Present

Mallory in her element.

A Family Affair

Theatre... A Family Affair

Closet Install

MARIA'S RETURN: Over the period of the last four months, I have been chatting with this beautiful lady during her journey back to Jesus Christ.  We have had many hours of conversation about the power of the atonement and the purifying process of repentance.  She has made so much progress and is fully committed to change. She invited me to join her during her appointment with the Stake President to be able to get her temple recommend renewed and return to the temple after many years. Clearly, this picture is evidence of the joy she felt with recommend in hand.

Con Mucho Amor,

Los Fowers

ENORMOUS EXPERIENCES

Querido Familia y Amigos, 

TRAILER PARK SERVICE:  Table Rebuild and Pipe Repair

A coupe of weeks ago, Gui, the manager of the Estrella de Oro Trailer Park, whom we have been working with for some time, asked if I could possibly help her rebuild her dining room table.  She was planning to host her family for Thanksgiving but her table was too small. She asked that I expand it by a couple of feet.  After a trip to Home Depot to buy some maple plywood, having had it cut at the store we proceeded to put it together in her garage.  Such a simple build but to her is seemed monumental! We took a couple of hours to trim the edges, sand and stain to create a beautiful table. We love Gui and have truly developed a kind working relationship with her. It is one element of our mission that we are very proud of...the ability to push into the community to give service. 

Table rebuild for our friend Gui

Finished Product

Clarke's Journal Nov. 13: This morning we took Elder Prater, who is an expert plumber, with us to Tanya’s trailer  #36 in Estrella de Oro. We had been asked by the park manager to help her fix the water problem in this old trailer or the county health department would condemn it and she would be homeless.  Tanya is a beautiful older lady from Thailand who speaks little English.  To get water, she goes outside, turns on the main water valve, then fills buckets and tubs with water in her bathtub.  She then returns to shut the water valve off. There is a major water leak somewhere and Elder Prater finally discovered it under the water heater.  So we hammered out several cinder blocks in the foundation to obtain access. We cleared away the broken cement pieces making a hole big enough for me to crawl through.  The only problem was the main gas pipe.  I laid on my back crawling head first, squeezing under the gas pipe, on the wet cement pad with cobwebs brushing my face. About three feet underneath the trailer I cut a hole in the ancient insulation and found the broken “T” water line...  

Luci's Journal, Nov. 14: Today we witnessed a bit of a miracle.  After 7 years of having no running water in her home, Tanya now has running water! Elder Prater and Elder Fowers put their heads together and discovered a major leak.  With a $15 part and a muddy, dirty effort of climbing under the trailer, they fixed the leak.  I was standing next to Tanya in the kitchen when we heard the water turn on.   I reached out and turn on the faucet and she welled up with tears in her eyes.  It truly was a sacred moment.  An evident of truly religion-caring for the widows and fatherless.  

Going in...

A very tight fit!

JULIO  BACK to WORK:  Elder Spencer had asked Julio if he felt good enough to change out the rear brakes on his Ford SUV.  He agreed and I volunteered to be his helper.  Julio still uses a walker but is getting more flexibility in his bad leg.  We loaded up his tools and met Elder Spence and his vehicle in front of his apartment. I unloaded the jack and tools while Julio positioned himself on the asphalt near the rear wheel.   Julio pushed around with great agility as we extracted the wheels, disks, and pads. Within one hour we had both wheels off and headed to NAPA for the parts. In another hour we completed the job and I told Julio that we should go into the mechanic business together.  Elder Spencer gave him $100, which he reluctantly accepted wanting to give me half.  I told him it was his to help his family.  Julio is always so appreciative and willing to do anything even with his temporary disability. He is an inspiration.

Changing Elder Spencer's Brakes

DINNER WITH PRESIDENT/SISTER PRATER'S BIRTHDAY: President and Sister Carter come to Vista once a transfer to interview the missionaries so I invited them to join us for dinner.  It is such a delight to spend a bit of time with them.  I also invited the Praters and the Spencers to join us.  The last minute Sister Carter bowed out due to a nasty cold she had been fighting, but President joined us.  We also had the blessing of helping Sister Prater celebrate her Birthday.  Lots of laughter and lively conversation circled the table.  We are so very blessed to be here at this time, with these good people.

Blessed to know these folks.

Happy Birthday to Sister Prater

JOY'S DANCE CONCERT: We were able to take a few hours to attend Joy's Dance Concert at Helix High School.  Joy is on the competitive Jazz troop.  She danced a bit in middle school but she joined the danced team as a freshman.  She has developed as a dancer in so many ways and it was fun to watch her.  We had a crazy, busy missionary day so we barely made it on time.

Joy in Motion...beautiful.

Joy with team...(difficult to take photos while on stage.)

DONATIONS TO "SOLUTIONS FOR CHANGE": We recently had the opportunity to tour a local, non-profit facility operated by Solutions for Change. Their primary purpose is to lift families out of homelessness. We were beyond impressed by its mission and vision.  It is based on principles of self-reliance and servant leadership.  We invited the Newport Beach Senior Missionaries and our family to join in a little service project by donating unwrapped toys to the center.  Here is a photo of their very generous response.  Thanks to everyone who donated.  You will make a child who has struggled with homelessness very happy.

Donated Gifts for the Homeless

FIDELA'S BAPTISM: Luci's Journal , Nov. 17:  The day had finally arrived, after 8 months of teaching and nurturing, back and forth between Vista and Ensenada.  We had planned out every detail. When Fidela arrived I led her into the restroom to get changed.   Peeked into help her get changed and I found her praying.  So tender.  I will keep that image in my mind forever!  The service we beautiful and I even gave a talk on the Holy Ghost in Spanish. I was literally buzzing with joy.  As Elder Fowers baptized her, I could feel his his emotion...the spirit was so powerful. She courageously bore a sweet testimony, expressing her love for the Savior.  This is a sacred day that I will ponder in my heart forever.

Elder Fowers Journal, Nov. 17:  Yes, today is the day for Fidela to be baptized. I instructed the missionaries to fill the font 6 inches lower than normal because Fidela is very short.  People arrived bringing  treats for the after celebration. Fidela came with her son and cousin’s wife.  I gave them a short tour around the building and chapel.  They were very attentive . Brother Mariano conducted and his wife gave the first talk on baptism.  Then I entered the font and led Fidela down the stairs.  I briefly instructed her and then performed the baptism.  I felt the authority of the priesthood fill me as I spoke the words of the prayer in Spanish.  She was easily baptized and I remember the look on her face as she came out of the water.  It was as if she were surprised and happy.  Joy filled us both.   As requested by her, I confirmed her and pronounced the Holy Ghost upon her.  The bishop and Relief Society leaders welcomed her to the ward and then Fidela stood and bore a sweet and soft testimony thanking all who helped her come unto Christ. Luci and I were filled with quiet and peaceful joy to have been in the path to help this choice sister step onto the covenant path.

Baptism Check List

Rejoicing with Fidela and her family.

Anabel and Cesar Mariano, long time friends of Fidela

SENIOR OUTING TO VISIT TROLLS: What a wonderful day!  We joined the other seniors missionaries for an outing to see Thomas Dambo Troll sculptures at a local botanical garden.  They were really quite amazing!  Fun was had by all.

JEFFREY'S ORDINATION: We continue to work with the young men in the Vista Spanish Ward.  Today I was able to stand in the circle as Jeffrey Sanchez was conferred the Melchizedek by his father.  Jeffrey is the first to prepare for a mission and we hope our other young men will follow his example. 

Jeffrey Sanchez Ordained an Elder Fowers

Con Mucho Amor,

Los Fowers