Week Five

This week was interesting. I've come to realize that missionary work is just that - work!!! It's been pretty rough for awhile, and I've been struggling emotionally. Yesterday Elder M. sat me down and we ended up talking for nearly an hour. I came to realize how prideful and childish I was and was in tears. It's really been tough giving my all to the Lord and overcoming my shortcomings. But then, after I came to terms with it, and having been humbled by God and kneeling and praying to Him, He blessed us tremendously. 

We went to a dinner appointment right after our talk, and we ended up being there for 3 1/2 hours talking to the non-member who's member girlfriend was feeding us. He poured out his innermost fears and doubts, how he is a broken man inside but hides it. It was interesting to see how just a couple hours before I had a similar experience. He prayed for the first time in 20 years, and accepted a Book of Mormon and promised to read it cover to cover. He's happy to have us come back. It was a huge blessing.

We also found an investigator on Saturday night. We were feeling down, and then we found this guy who asked several questions about the church, almost like he was trying to trap/stump us. But the Spirit was there, and we shared the First Vision and the Restoration with him, and he said we could come back. Another great blessing. 

I've officially reached one month on the mission. :)

Have you seen the new Mormon Message about the man who overcame addiction? It's really good, and we've used it already with a returning member.

It's tough giving my all to God and leaving everything behind. One thing I miss the most is probably my music. That is very tough. I need to realize who I am as a Son of God. One great thing that really stood out to me was when we talked with the non-member last night. He said something that struck me. He said could I play him a C on the violin? I said yeah. He said this work that I do is just playing a C on the violin. I'm learning God's word so I can teach it. I'll know it just like I know a C. It's easy. No need to be afraid. I'm just playing a C on the violin. I really liked that analogy.

Sister Evans caught a little 2 1/2 inch striped gecko the other night. She brought it over to us, and she let me hold it. That helped me cheer up some, because I love lizards. It was so cool! :)

Love you!

Elder Stowell

{The Mormon Message Sam refers to is below. In Sam's Week Three letter, he referred to a talk by Elder Bednar called "The Character of Christ." I found a talk that may or may not be the one he heard, but it's at least similar and it is excellent! (Like seriously, you should read it!) A printable copy can be found here or you can listen to an audio version here.}