Deseret News | LDS missionary suffers broken jaw

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LDS missionary suffers broken jaw

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lyndsey | 12:54 a.m. May 4, 2008

Your in our thoughts and prayers Elder Bowen.

Laurie | 6:57 a.m. May 4, 2008

I think the important thing here is just to remember to keep all the Missionaries out in the field in our prayers at all times as well as our Military. Things can happen anytime to anybody. It seems as though people on these comments can be just as harsh as the media and really we should all be acting in Christ like manner, not backbiting on each other. I wish a speedy recovery to the Elder and his companion who had to witness the attack. I also keep all the Missionaries in my thoughts and prayers at all times.

Greg | 8:09 a.m. May 4, 2008

Even here in Happy Valley (SL and Utah counties) missionaries are harassed quite often. Some of them have had cars swerve to try and hit them.

Pretty pathetic for society to have such bigoted individuals breathing the air around us.

Comments continue below

carol dycke | 9:14 a.m. May 4, 2008

I really feel for the injured missionary and all who are injured out there but we have awsome missionaries in our ward. I just got married a few months ago to a man from chile. Not a member of our church and the missionaries have come over and are awsome with him also the spanish missionares visit as well. we worry bout them all the time as sometimes they are out later than they should be. My husband spent 700.00 to outfit a missionary for his mission.Sometimes my husband drives them home if they stay later than they are allowed. We pray for them always and we love them to death.Sure it's a dangerous place but what would we do without them. I love these missionaries and its fun to listen to them talk to my husband in spanish. Awsome. We do everything we can to see that they get home safely.We want them to keep coming back . Carol in canada.

Ken | 10:06 a.m. May 4, 2008

Reading the many responses, the first thing comes to mind is the lack of compassion people have. How do you know if the guy's jaw was smashed or not? I am sure that you are tougher than this Elder or had worse happen to you. Are you jealous that a story wasn't written about you? Are any of you his medical doctor? Sometimes the blind loyalty people show for their church/religion is one reason why religion gets some much criticism. Instead of attacking the Elder/Parents for their concerns about their child, maybe you all should practice some of what your church teaches. Its called compassion.

Deb | 10:09 a.m. May 4, 2008

Elder Bowen, I wish you a very speedy recovery and pray that you will be back on the mission field field. It is guys like you that make the world a better place:-) I have so much respect for our missionairies and believe they are a fine representation of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.
Thanks to the parents of the missionaries who have released their young mean into the world to do such a fine work. May Heavenly Father continue to bless you and keep you in his care.

Deb | 10:13 a.m. May 4, 2008

correction-back on the mission field soon*

Jill | 1:51 p.m. May 4, 2008

There were some comments made about the church looking after the missionaries better.... I served a mission, and I know it is not the church that looks out for the missionaries. The Lord looks out for his missionaries. Yes there are some that get hurt, but if you know anything about what the missionaries teach, that is all part of the greater plan. We don't understand now why those things happen. But I know The Lord looks out for his missionaries. He did for me when me and three other missionaries should have died.

Non-believer | 2:22 p.m. May 4, 2008

Always good to hear from "anonymous." He/she is always good for a nasty comment about the church, missionaries, etc.

shecky | 5:57 p.m. May 4, 2008

Newsworthy or not, aren't there better ways of expressing one's distaste than smashing a person's face?

Bruce Lee | 6:18 p.m. May 4, 2008

Ive been attacked before on my mission in el salvador by a gangster in the street in broad daylight and i left him sleeping in the middle of the street,it only took one punch,a left hook to the side of the head and the local villagers actually clapped their hands and cheered for me.

Hard head | 7:29 p.m. May 4, 2008

In Russia gang attacks on missionaries is common. My son was had his skull cracked with a brick. We never heard a word from him or the church. Had we not seen the bloody photos from a returning missionary we would have never known.

Don't believe a word | 8:00 p.m. May 4, 2008

This is obviously a coverup. If someone assaulted this elder, the police should be notified and an investigation carried out. The culprit should be prosecuted and imprisoned according to the law.

Everybody makes this out as if some "mysterious assailant" attacked this elder. Nonsense.

I would be willing to bet a large amount of money that this Elder brought this on himself and accuses a "mystery assailant" because he doesn't want an investigation to reveal that he was stirring up trouble and brought on a fight! I have seen it several times, and the missionaries and their companions cover for each other. Most missionaries fabricate stories of being attacked by "gangs" and such to cover their inappropriate behavior.

bilbo...don't believe | 9:55 p.m. May 4, 2008

I, too, don't believe a word you are saying in regards to ...."Most missionaries fabricate stories of being attacked by "gangs" and such to cover their inappropriate behavior..."
I don;t believe you even know very many missionaries.
I believe you are troll who is out to cause trouble.
I don't believe you.

Sister Phillips | 11:02 p.m. May 4, 2008

Elder Bowen: You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. May your recovery be swift. Thank you for being diligent and faithful in your service to the Lord and the people of your mission area.
I have had three children (one daughter to the Philippines and two sons-one to Scotland and one to North Carolina) serve faithful missions despite being in difficult circumstances. My daughter-in-law served a mission in Arentina after the death of my son. (She was robbed at gunpoint.) Each had wonderful experiences to share when they returned. I missed them but was able to speak to them twice yearly, read their wonderful letters and e-mails. When one of my children was in the hospital I spoke with the Mission President. My husband served in Texas and was shot by a sniper. Each of them served honorable missions and returned so much more mature and ready to live life. There were several missionaries that died on one of my son's missions. When I asked my daughter about her feelings of a missionary dying in "the field" she stated, "What better place to die, when you are sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and living life righteously".

a mother | 11:02 p.m. May 4, 2008

Ken, I am with you- I am fascinated that so many people are picking this apart. I truly hope this is not a normal cross section of our membership.

Good ol Richmond Mission | 12:28 a.m. May 5, 2008

I was in the Virginia Richmond mission and we were saved from disaster a lot. There are quite a few dangerous areas there. We had people come to the door with guns a couple times and gangsters follow us around. One of the Elders I knew well had his bike taken at gunpoint.
There are some pretty sketchy areas but I have NO doubt that the Lord watches out for his guys. And the people in those crazy areas need the gospel just as bad as anyone. The truth is that Very very few missionaries actually lose their lives on a mission. I think more succom to disease than violence.
To Sister Phillips- Your husband was shot by a sniper in Texas? . . . WHAT?

Missouri Mormon | 7:32 a.m. May 5, 2008

Whoa and Geewiz...some of you folks are harsh. Some of the comments are so hurtful and hateful. Remember the last time you hurt or a loved one hurt, severe or minor. IT hurts if not physically, emotionally. We may want to keep charity in our hearts and our mouths closed. Parents are parents and kids are kids even if we dress them up in suits and call them Elders. I am so grateful for the young men that baptized my parents in the early 1950s during a time with hostilites toward Mormons were such that a law in MO allowed you to "do away" with them. I am sorry for the injuries that Elders suffer during their Missions and my love goes out to their wonderful parents. Parents, (BTW) who raised righteous youth who are worthy and willing to serve the lord. The souls that have been touched by them are so ever grateful and thankful for their sacrifices and those of the family members who worry about them every minute of the day.

Glen | 7:57 a.m. May 5, 2008

Elder, it is time to come home.

attacked by a grandma | 8:07 a.m. May 5, 2008

One time we knocked on a door. No answer so we knocked again. No answer so we knocked again. Finally an old grandma answered. She was probably 80. But she was holding a golf club and suddenly started swinging. We got the heck out of there, back pedaling down the sidewalk. But she kept coming, golf club a swinging. Saw my life flash before my eyes. Also got me thinking about going home and hitting the links but that's a different story.

Missions are tough. We all get assaulted in some way. Thankfully the grandma let us go. The next ones may not be so lucky.

Protective | 8:33 a.m. May 5, 2008

I have to admit that my first thought was of retaliation. Then I remembered the scripture that states turn the other cheek. I also remembered that one scripture when asking God how many times should I forgive my brother, and he asked 7 times? The lord replied not 7 times not 70 times not 700 times but every time, that he asks for forgiveness. So, I have to wonder was the perp. caught or arrested and if so did he ask for forgiveness. It may sound strange but I do in fact believe that everything happens for the good. I will bet that something really good comes out of this. I will pray for that. I am sorry that the Elder had to pay the high, painful price of a shattered jaw. May Hevenly Father Bless him all of his days to come. What a testamonie he will have one day. I am sorry for him.

RISH | 9:55 a.m. May 5, 2008

In nearly every book, every movie, every play, there seems to be the Good verses Bad . . . or GOOD verses EVIL. But the truth is, there IS INDEED a battle being fought. Satan hates goodness and the Spirit of truth. And, to fight it, he influences whom he---and his numerous hosts---can. Those whose minds are far from truth and who will follow his lead. The wonderful part is that, in the end, Heavenly Father and His hosts will win; the Gospel IS VICTORY . . . and all those who hold fast to it will know of a joy uncomprehended in this life. I have a daugher who has fallen from the truth . . . I would that she were on a mission. Many fall due to the numerous lurings of the world. But, many will never fall. Hold fast to the ROD. Peace and Joy are there. Good Job Elder . . . you are an example of what can happen in this battle. I give thanks to Heavenly Father that you are alive and will be well soon. I pray for your family and can understand how traumatic it must be for them. God Bless.

Josh | 10:53 a.m. May 5, 2008

I do hope the Elder has a fast recovery. The Lord will bless him, and help him. One thing we all need to remember is not to blame the church. It was his choice to go and serve; he knew the terms, abligations, and risks. I don't think the Savior got angry with all of us; his brothers' and sisters' when he Atoned for the sins of the world. The Lord went through everything, and suffered all. The only thing we should do is show our support; and forgive the people who attacked this Elder.

Maybw | 12:57 p.m. May 5, 2008

the guy go mad when the "elder" wouldn't go away and leave him alone. You know, not all people are into the LDS make it up as you go religion

A concerned father... | 1:17 p.m. May 5, 2008

I hope the young missionary will soon be doing after his unfortunate experience. I have a son working on his papers getting ready to turn them to go on a mission. May God bless everyone of the missionaries while they are proclaiming the Gospel. I do believe those those who causes harm to the missionaries will answer to God himself.

Anonymous | 2:52 p.m. May 5, 2008

richmond va be a very dangerous place for anyone. hope you have a speedy recovery. i'm not lds, however my wife is. preaching the word of jesus christ is rewarding , tiring at times and sometimes just plain dangerous. for anyone to suggest a "he had it coming to him" attitude is sad.

wallyworld | 5:05 p.m. May 5, 2008

I believe assaults on Missionaires happen more than we know. I'm know a guy in my Ward and while he was on his mission last year his missionary companion did some terrible things to him, like pushing him around and hitting him. His companoin even tried to sexually assault him and it did not make the Deseret News or any news. His companion was sent home and excommunicated. And this poor guy could not finish his mission because he was so freaked out about what happen to him and parents did not seek to sue the Church.

wallyworld | 9:22 a.m. May 6, 2008

I keep reading why does the Deseret News sometimes publish stories of Missionaires being attacked?? And Mormon this and Mormon that?? The LDS Church owns the paper so they can choose which stories to run and which ones not too. If you do not like reading some of the Mormon related stories here, then why stay, go read the Trib or some other newspaper.

Sister Tunnell | 2:11 p.m. May 6, 2008

Some of these comments are inappropriate. It is not a good thing that anyone is assaulted....many have been killed in the line of doing the Lord's work. Many have suffered abuse. This is not a non story...nor is it any less because the missionary didn't die. The Lord is in controll of all things and our trust should be in Him. We should love one another and support one another...even our enemies as Christ said to do.

John Lambert | 9:06 a.m. May 7, 2008

To Lewis,
This was an actual injury, very different than being robbed. I am sure if your son had been shot on his mission they would have told you.

elder | 6:15 p.m. May 7, 2008

HEs the man

BLAME LEADERS | 10:57 p.m. May 8, 2008

I had two sisters visit me in Groves, Tx. before being moved to Beaumont. There housing location was not a very good location. While they were there, two blocks down the street an attempted murder. Also in the next block were two sex offenders. I called there President to complain about the location and his answer was that they thought it was safe. Of course the sisters were gone from 9:00 am till 9:00 pm, and they were from Az.& Id. My wife and I drove 200 miles to meet with President Lake and gave him 2 working cell phones that could be used to call "911" and he didn't want to take them. His answer was if they got in trouble (asalted), then they were in the wrong place! Duaaa This probley want get printed because it crital of the church. I have sent other things before and they didn't get printed. Oh well.

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