Missionary stable after being shot

A missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was in serious but stable condition late Tuesday after he was shot in the head during an attempted robbery Saturday in Brazil.

Tyler Harding, from the Stewart Ward of Mesa, Ariz., his Brazilian companion and another church member were returning home from a full day of service in the Brazil Joao Pessoa Mission. They were approached by a young man with a gun who demanded their belongings, according to Maricopa Stake President Jerry Lewis in Mesa.

"They gave the man their backpacks and after going through them, he turned around and shot Elder Harding in the head," Lewis said.

Harding was shot above his right eye and reportedly lost a great deal of blood from the wound. He was taken to a public hospital in the city of Paraiba, where doctors removed bone and bullet fragments from his head. Since Saturday night, doctors and nurses have reported significant improvement in his condition.

"It's been a miraculous recovery," Lewis said. "His neurological scores are wonderful and have improved to normal."

Lewis said Harding has full use of his body and was able to sit up and eat breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday. He said church officials have been more than accommodating to the family. Harding's parents are leaving the United States early today to be with him.

"Saturday night seemed like the end of the world for us," Eldon Harding, Tyler's father, told the Deseret Morning News in a telephone interview.

He said it was a tough night for the whole family, but a lot of worries were relieved Sunday when the good reports were received.

"There have been well over one million people fasting and praying for him," Harding said. "Word travels fast."

He said Tyler's mother would like him to come home, but doctors have said he will need to be monitored closely for at least three weeks. Ultimately, Harding said, it is up to Tyler whether he wants to complete his two-year missionary service, of which he has only two months remaining.

Tyler is one of four children in the Harding family and the second missionary. Lewis said he is a hard worker and very diligent.

"He doesn't have an enemy in the world," Lewis said.

Lewis said many acts of kindness have helped the family get through a very difficult time.

"There have been many services performed, but most important are the prayers and fasting," he said.

A statement from the church said Brazilian police have arrested a suspect.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com