Deseret News | Reader comments: LDS missionary suffers broken jaw

Reader comments
LDS missionary suffers broken jaw

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Birdman | 6:15 a.m. May 2, 2008

Hang in there, Elder. I know exactly what you're going through.

Minor Confrontation | 7:33 a.m. May 2, 2008

Shattered Jaw???

Gretzky | 7:34 a.m. May 2, 2008

Richmond, Virginia is a very bad city. gangs galore there. bee careful!

Comments continue below

Argentina | 8:11 a.m. May 2, 2008

My son is actually one of those, "Parent of current LDS Missionary", who has been assaulted in Argentina. The Mission President and other leadership have been very kind, concerned and thorough in their response. They have also taken steps to ensure the safety of the missionaries on an ongoing basis. By the way, he is fine.

Staying inside for particulates? High particulate counts are the least of anyone's concerns anywhere in the world. I am certain your son is learning to have a little faith and not to panic at everything that happens, either on his mission or in life.

Just breathe deep....It will be okay.

Glado | 8:16 a.m. May 2, 2008

We had an Elder in our mission that was accosted 4 times. He provoked all 4 attacks by smart alleck remarks to teenagers about what they were wearing, smoking, or acting etc.
I hope this wasn't a similar situation.
I agree with "Parent". The Church as a responsibility to look after the Elders on a greater scale than they do. I know my second son wasn't in Minnesota. As much faith as one can have doesn't protect us from stupidity or ignorance.

bilbo | 8:18 a.m. May 2, 2008

PARENT OF... said:"Recently when the capitol of Argentina, Buenous Aires was choked with smoke from agricultural fires, he was out working in it, breathing it in rather than being instructed to stay inside where the particulates were safer."
Well, if a missionary (or parents of said missionary) has concerns about working in this type smoke, then I say DON'T GO!
really, do you expect to be babied so much that you wont even be around agricultural burning?... even forest burning?
how about all the hundreds of thousands (maybe more) grassland and forestland firefighters we have in our country doing a paid job and you're worried about this type smoke>
come on...don't go.

relative of victim | 8:20 a.m. May 2, 2008

As a relative of the victim, I can tell you that it was no minor incident. His jaw was shattered on one side and fractured on the other. He had surgery the same day to repair the damage. His face is swollen and discolored and his jaw will be wired shut for the next 6-8 weeks. He has been released from the hospital, but is certainly not actively working, rather he is getting a blender and other items that will allow him to eat through a straw.

AFomfscoug | 8:23 a.m. May 2, 2008

I treat broken jaws every week. I have a few problems with this article. The word Shattered? This sounds more like a fracture. It is hard to get your jaw "Shattered" in an assault unless someone is using a baseball bat. Jaws are fractured everyday. 90% plus are treated with outpatient surgery or by wiring the jaws shut or both. In my experience patients are doing pretty well within a few days... the recovery is individual. My brother in law is in Argentina also and they had a mission mandate to stay in the apartment for 2 days while the smoke cleared for saftey reasons. Missions can be dangerous. I do think the church tries to limit that danger the best they can. Part of the problem is that these are young men (statistically in the most dangerous time of their life) and they are in potentially dangerous places trying to reach out to people. I treat many young men who are at college binge drinking, fighting, acting irresponsibly etcetera or riding ATV's, driving without seat belts etc. I think the mission is a lot safer than comments make it sound. I have no problem sending my four boys!

relative | 8:31 a.m. May 2, 2008

Yes, IT WAS NO MINOR EVENT..

Tom | 8:32 a.m. May 2, 2008

Parent: Yes, missionaries (at least in the U.S.) do receive training ad nauseum regarding pedestrian, bicycle, and driving safety.

Before we get on the "the church does this wrong and that wrong" train, please remember that we have so little information right now regarding this incident that it is extremely hasty to start assuming the extent of the missionaries injuries, and the nature of the work he's doing right now. For all we know they've got him cataloging rent receipts in the mission office between doctor's appointments while he finishes healing from a minor fracture.

A mission always has certain inherent risks associated with it. Did you think your son would be chasing butterflies through fields of clover all day in Buenos Aires? Try to remember what a mission is really about at it's core: Reaching people. Sometimes that means being exposed to conditions that aren't reflective of life in a typical Utah suburb. Your son chose to serve his mission, I assume. Let him serve.

Relative | 8:36 a.m. May 2, 2008

It was much worse than this article makes it sound, the family has been devestated

Philippines RM | 8:39 a.m. May 2, 2008

I feel for this Elder and his companion. When I was in the Philippines, I had a mentally unstable companion try and kill me both while I was sleeping and once in front of two other missionaries, each time by almost stabbing me. He was never sent home, just transferred. LDS Church legal got involved, asked if I wanted to press chanrges, but I just wanted him sent home. He also tried to attack another American missionary (He had something against Americans) after transferring. i was so pleased when President Hinckley "raised the bar". it eliminates alot of this.
Attacks on missionaries got so bad at one point that our mission president conducted a zone conference where he discussed self defense. He said as disciples of Christ we do not start or provoke fights, but he wasn't going to let us be victims. Soon after that a couple of missionaries were attacked and fought back before fleeing. Attacks stopped after that. You may be a missionary, and yes, we are representatives of Christ, but you have the right to defend yourself when attacked.
I hope this Elder heals up soon. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

mymy | 8:41 a.m. May 2, 2008

I think the relative is choosing to be devestated. Bring him home and let him live sour-grapes toward the church the rest of his life or let him grow up and be a man.

Cowboy Up! | 8:41 a.m. May 2, 2008

To Parent:

Blame the Church! Global Warming! Sun spots!

I too am a returned Missionary with a son who will be going on a mission soon. I also had a close friend die on his mission from an accidental electricution. And no, he didn't get any formal "electrical training" from the Church.

Your comments baffel me. Unless he's like you, I'm sure that your son is more concerned with the work he is doing than the "particulates" in the air that his cry baby, complaining, hypertensive parent is concerned about.

I think we should pull all the missionaries off the streets of the SL valley everytime there is a red burn day.

Street violence training? Bicycle and pedestrian training? My 6 year old daughter has gotten the "how to cross the road" training years ago. Oh, if you see violent things happening.... turn around and go the other way.

When you're out pounding the pavement 12hrs a day, you'll inherantly run across some unavoidable crazy situations and people.

Why didn't you just write, "I didn't have a good mission experience, I want my son home ASAP, and I blame the Church for a lot of things in my life."

Relative? | 8:42 a.m. May 2, 2008

Dear Relative:

Identify yourself and your relation to the victim please, because I think you're bluffing. I really don't think you're a relative at all.

Jack | 8:45 a.m. May 2, 2008

If this is God's church then it is God's responsibility to make sure His missionaries are safe. Sometimes, trials and tribulations teaches us to be humble and trust Him at all times even when the going gets tough. The missionaries are all over the world in different environments and situation. They are the Lord's Army out there declaring to the people His word. It is a dangerous place out there. The question is to everyone: WHAT IS THE CHURCH you are refering to to keep these missionaries safe? The CHURCH is you and me, we are the LDS church. Safety is everyone's responsibility including the missionaries out there. May the good Lord take care of the injured missionary and comfort the families. Also comfort the families of the missionaries died on line of duty.

Why is it? | 9:06 a.m. May 2, 2008

Why is it that so many comments posted actually have little to do with the article itself? I agree that if his jaw was actually shattered, that is not a minor incident. So something is off. But more importantly... We hope your recovery is swift and complete, Elder!!!

old timer.. | 9:18 a.m. May 2, 2008

I served in a northern European mission.. Many elders had at least one incident that could be considered an "assault", whether that was just someone throwing food at them, spitting on them, or as happend to me.. having a drunk physically attack.

In my instance, I suffered a black eye and my companion had his nose broken. Sometimes violence is visited upon missionaries, but many times good comes from it. It's not up to us to judge the people assaulting the elders, God will take care of that. Our job is to try to forgive, and to constantly follow precautions to avoid any altercations.

Broken Jaw | 9:19 a.m. May 2, 2008

Around 1969-70 We were gaurding airplanes in the jungles of Thailand close to Laos when we heard that missionaries were going to come through our area to go into Laos,many years later through military websites,I read where several Catholic nuns were killed by the VC in Laos just for being Christian; broken jaw!

Wondering | 9:26 a.m. May 2, 2008

I wonder if the Elders are getting confused for the FLDS?

Franz | 9:34 a.m. May 2, 2008

I am a returned missionary, and I have a son on a mission now. The world is a dangerous place; some places more than others, but overall I think being on a mission is safer than not being on a mission.
As far as the parent who was worried about his/her son breathing too much pollution, let us cut a parent some slack for being concerned about their child. I worry about my son, but I also trust his judgment.

SFC RET DENNIS | 9:36 a.m. May 2, 2008

MyMy: It is you that needs to grow up, if you cant respect a persons right to believe in God In his own way.

Jack: You must remember that God gave everyone free will, there fore he will not interfere with our God give right of free will. If we are lessening God will warning us of danger.

To all of you who wish to blame the Church, get a life and grow up. The church dos not force anyone to do anything they don't won't to do. It is recommenced or encouraged but you have free will to except or reject. If you have a screwed up life blame your self and not the church our anyone ells. Take a good look in the mirror.

I recommends everyone read co dependent no more.
This book will change your hole life, I am not a drinker nor on drugs but it is an amazing book and I truly hope you will read this book. Like I said it will change you life for the better. AT onetime I blamed others for my problems on others and God for my dyslexia, after reading I was content, and happy.

Marc | 9:42 a.m. May 2, 2008

Why is this news? I was laid up in a Korean hospital for 3 weeks with dysentery. I almost died and nobody wrote an article about me. Get over yourselves. This stuff happens all of the time to missionaries.

Think about it | 9:43 a.m. May 2, 2008

Shattered? It does seem that a shattered jaw would be a little more serious. But think of the source. It was this Elder's little brother. How old? The media is so concerned about getting a story out that they will hound anyone for information. Either way, I hope he recovers soon.

Travis | 9:55 a.m. May 2, 2008

I've served my time as a missionary, and I have done dumb things...Like laughing at the guy who pulled a gun on me. I assumed he was joking since I had not done anything to provoke a 'gun-pulling.'

Yes, we have some dumb ones like myself and they might do stupid things that cause them to be injured, but we have bigger things to worry about.

There are a lot of Deseret News readers who have a lot against the church (why they are reading deseret news, I don't know...maybe just can't let go). To those who criticize the church, I'd like to say that there are causes in this world worth pursuing even if it means that we receive physical harm or risk of death...The church as a whole knows that and we are willing to give some very important things up.

I choose my path, and if I had died on my mission, my responsible parents would not have blamed the church.

pl humphrey | 10:16 a.m. May 2, 2008

The Church is TRUE.
The work goes forward.
The world is cruel.
The weak look backward.

To 'bame' is is a game
The enablers play
When lessons are learned
There's a brighter day

To loose your LIFE
In the service of God
Is to look into
The face of the Lord.

Question? | 10:15 a.m. May 2, 2008

Why does the article say that the family has little information about the incident? That's puzzling and a little disturbing. I'm not LDS so can someone please tell me, is the family allowed contact with the missionary when something like this happens?

Phillips family | 10:41 a.m. May 2, 2008

My son is a good friend of Tyler Bowen's, and I want to say that this kid is no wimp. He showed a lot of mental and physical toughness when he played on a 5A state championship football team. Our best wishes for a speedy recovery!

To Travis | 10:45 a.m. May 2, 2008

Good for you Travis. You have true faith and know what sacrifice means. Good for you.

As for the missionary, I hope he recovers and puts his energy back into his work.

We have had many missionaries injured here in SD, CA and the majority of them get up, brush themselves off and get back to work.

Observer | 10:50 a.m. May 2, 2008

About 2 weeks ago a missionary was killed serving in the field in a hit and run accident, and appropriately mourned. Now an elder gets a significant injury and we talk about it as though it is the end of the world. Every missionary has their challenges, some major, some small. It should be left to them to interpret that experience, and not bloggers

Re: Question | 11:10 a.m. May 2, 2008

"is the family allowed contact with the missionary when something like this happens?" Yes, but it depends on individual circumstances (i.e. mission president, location, available communications). Recently, my brother-in-law had some health problems while serving as an LDS missionary in the eastern United States. He regularly communicated with his parents while undergoing treatment.

CougarKeith | 11:14 a.m. May 2, 2008

What have half of these comments have to do with the price of tea in Texas or the price of oil in China? By the way I am sure he got something for the pain and is out again today a little swollen and is back on the Lord's errand!

Me | 11:42 a.m. May 2, 2008

To the person with the questions.
Missionaries are allowed to e-mail there family and writes letters whenever they have time. They are only supposed to call home to call home on Christmas and motherï¿½s day. If youï¿½re not related to the missionary then youï¿½re not supposed to have any contact with them other then letters. This would explain why the family has little information about the accident because the elder might not have had time to write home all the details yet. I hope that answers your question.
As for blaming the church, it shows a lack of testimony, personal responsibility, faith and knowledge of reality. If you think this is bad try studying some early church history (especially when the saints were in Missouri). We have it way easy.
The church is true and I know that if the missionary and his family will let Heavenly Father Bless them that he will. Heavenly Father loves us.

Re: Question | 11:10 a.m | 11:43 a.m. May 2, 2008

Thank you for your response. I meant no attack on anyone...just curious.

Best wishes for a quick recovery to the Elder.

Re: Observer | 11:46 a.m. May 2, 2008

Who's talking about it like it's the end of the world? Concerened yes, end of the world, no. Get real.

Friend | 11:51 a.m. May 2, 2008

Elder Bowen's parents were able to fly out to VA to help him with his recovery. Parents are always notified immediately when something happens to their child on a mission. He decided to stay out and finish his service. Like the Dr.(AF) commented, its a surgery that heals quickly, which is why its just a minor incident- the injury wasn't life threatening at all. They were our proselyting at night and a bunch of men corned him and his comp in a dark alley. His comp had to watch him- he couldn't do anything to help, and ended up with no injuries. The article was misleading. They knew right away that he was hurt, just didn't know the circumstance.

Re question | 11:57 a.m. May 2, 2008

To: Question? | 10:15 a.m. May 2, 2008
Several of my family members have served missions. I can only answer from personal experience. Weekly contact is normal. During the mission if something like this were to happen the Elder has more frequent contact with his family. The mission President will call the family personally to give updates (especially in the case of a jaw wired shut where phone calls may be difficult for the Elder) and regular letters, phone calls as well as emails are currently encouraged (except the ones where they do not have internet or phone systems) to and from family members in most Missions. My brother was shot at (they missed) and he was told to call his mother. The missionaries are well cared for and serious injuries or death is VERY rare.

Jason Britton | 12:17 p.m. May 2, 2008

Was the missionary who attacked him his companion? Or was it another Elder? This article is vague.

current missionary mom | 12:27 p.m. May 2, 2008

After raising 4 grown sons, I can attest to the fact that just in normal life they are prone to more accidents and misfortune. I think it is amazing that we don't hear of more problems when you think of the sheer volume of missionaries around the world. We are going to hear from time to time of something dangerous happening. Every young man and woman knew that before they left home, and were more than willing to take the chance because they knew they were going to be involved in a work much bigger than themselves. I am proud of each and every one of them, and pray for the worried hearts of family members that have the right to be concerned about their missionary. These are dangerous times, and when we send our kids out on missions we don't always think of what could happen. It is sobering, but for me I wouldn't have my son any other place right now than serving the Lord on his mission. Speedy recovery to Elder Bowen! Glad to hear you are back in the saddle, where I am sure you are happy to be!

Question | 12:31 p.m. May 2, 2008

I appreciate those who responded.

Friend: Thank you. As a parent myself, I am glad to know his parents were able to fly out to be with him.

Re question 11:57: Thank you as well. I did not know how much contact with missionaries is allowed. I am relieved to hear that your brother was not killed or injured in the shooting.

Very Scary!! | 12:35 p.m. May 2, 2008

Glad to hear the elder is ok - although a broken jaw is pretty harsh.The very nature of missionary work tends to take missionaries into some pretty scary parts of the inner cites and I know that there are hundred's of "close calls" that are never reported in the news papers or Church web sites. My son just returned from a mission and since his return we have heard many "eye opening" experiences that he had but never emailed us about because he didn't want his parents to worry. In general, I feel like the church could do alot more to protect missionaries but they would need more than just the mission pres and his wife with that effort.

Free Agent | 12:55 p.m. May 2, 2008

A shattered jaw comes from a "minor" confrontation? I guess it's true what they say...that a "minor" confrontation is any confrontation as long as it didn't happen to me.

Gemma | 12:58 p.m. May 2, 2008

I am from Belfast, Northern Ireland. When I was growing up through the worst of the "troubles" missionary work went on uninterrupted. I was impressed at the faith of missionaries and their families, sending their sons to a place not many people would choose to visit at that time. The majority of missionaries I spoke to were thrilled to have been called to Ireland.
There was an incident where a wonderful missionary was fatally assaulted in a park in Dublin. It was not terrorist related, it was just some idiot high on drugs. Several years later this elder's sister came to the same mission to serve. Now that's faith!
Best wishes to Elder Bowen for a speedy recovery.

Dennis | 1:06 p.m. May 2, 2008

When I was out there a missionary got into a fight when he was out tracting. His attacker was his companion and they had been arguing about some trivial matter. They were down in the mud and were a real mess when they got home.
The funny thing is the one companion is now a general authority.

Britton? | 1:48 p.m. May 2, 2008

It was not an other missionary that attacked Elder Bowen.

friend | 1:49 p.m. May 2, 2008

I know tyler on a very personal basis and he is no wimp or smart allec...he is AMAZING and needs our prayers to help him through this.

Mauri | 1:49 p.m. May 2, 2008

LOL at Dennis's comment. It takes passion to be a missionary.
Parents are always contacted if there is hospitalization.
A speedy recovery is wished for.

Mauri | 1:52 p.m. May 2, 2008

LOL at Dennis's comment. It takes passion and energy to be a missionary.
Parents are contacted when it is serious enough.
A speedy recovery is wished for

To Marc | 3:05 p.m. May 2, 2008

Please consider whether there is a distinction between getting dysentery and being the victim of an intentional assault. It isn't really that surprising that one is more newsworthy than the other, is it?

Karlos | 4:22 p.m. May 2, 2008

Throughout history the willingness to serve as a missionary has required a full committement to God. It is not a two year vacation and there are no guarantees that you will return homw without incident. Paul was shipwrecked three times, Steven was stoned to death, Parley P. Pratt was murdered all while serving as missionaries.
The world is only getting more violent and anyone stepping up to serve a mission has to do so voluntarily with the understanding that there is always a slim possibility that they may be injured or worse.

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