Pink Washed

Dearest family and friends,

This has been a very eventful week. Probably one of the craziest weeks
ever. This week was transfer week and usually what happens is my
companion, who has been in Crevillente for 4 transfers, would leave
and I would stay for another transfer with a different companion. But
because is has been 30 years since Hermanas have served in Crevillente
they White Washed our area or Pink Washed(because they are sisters).
So we are both leaving!! Elder Wagner is going to Jerez on the other
side of the country and is the district leader. I on the hand am going
to Molina de Segura 30 minutes away just above Murcia!! I will still
be driving(thank goodness) and my companion is the zone leader and his
name is Elder Cowley! I get to meet him on Wednesday.

Also this week we had a Tri-Zone conference in Murcia with the
opportunity to hear Elder Leimer of the 70. It was a truly an amazing experience. The whole meeting I
witnessed a feeling of the spirit I have never felt before. The whole
time I just wanted to get out of my seat, go outside, go climb on a
big rock and preach the gospel to whoever would listen. It was
confirmed to me that he is truly a man called of God. He talked about
not "softening the blow of the gospel". It is so true, sometime we feel
the need to get in the way of the spirit. But how wrong we are.

This fast Sunday we had the opportunity to share our testimonies with
our ward and say our goodbyes. I never thought it would be hard to say
goodbye to a bunch of Spaniards that I have only known for 10 weeks
and didn't even know what they were saying for the first 5 weeks. But
it sure was... I love the people on this side of the world more than I
thought I ever would. I can't even imagine how hard it will be to
leave in 2 years.

I am currently studying in the New Testament and The Savior tells us
the need to be "Born again" to be able to live again with our father
in heaven. I testify to you that, what He says is very true. We need
to change our lives and it happens little by little, grace by grace.
We as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints NEED
to work, every day, to be "Born again" it's not solely making covenants
but living them and wanting to live them. Please, it is the last days
and we need to work harder than we ever have.

I love you all
Elder Owens


P.S. The greatest missionary in the Malaga Spain mission, the one and
only, AP......Elder Ward is going home this week after serving the
Lord for 2 years. Look out ladies... He is back! I also testify that
he is one of the greatest humans I have ever met. My hat goes off to
you Elder Ward.