Still in Simi

Daniel continues to serve in Simi Valley.  He writes that there are 24 missionaries serving in Simi Valley.  He works in the Simi Valley 3rd ward.  After six plus months, he writes "I am a ward member now and cannot leave they say."

Daniel has worked with three different companions thus far.  He has enjoyed working with everyone of them.  "Everyone you meet has something to offer which I can learn from."

Not long after Daniel arrived in the mission field, he had the opportunity to baptize a sweet lady named Charlotte.  Sister Charlotte had investigated the church for several months.  In teaching Charlotte, Daniels says they reviewed the commandments and made a point of just being a friend.  Charlotte entered the waters of baptism at 77.  She joins a daughter and son-in-law as members of the Church.

Daniel is currently excited about a new investigator he describes as "Golden".   He says,  "I have got to tell you of an awesome miracle.  We had a solid, golden investigator at church.  We made fellowship for her and she had a good time. We taught her the restoration at the door and scheduled a follow-up appointment. . . . .  She liked the lesson on the Plan of salvation and said it makes sense.  I love that about the gospel--it makes sense and when people take the time to listen to us and not put up blocks they will know the truth of the Book of Mormon and the Gospel.  Her name is Dichelle Harris, she is great! She is reading the Book of Mormon believes it is true and wants to be baptized. We will be setting her with a date next time we see her!"

Finally Daniel writes  "I love this mission and the experiences I am having. I want everyone at home to know how much I love and miss them.  Also, I know the Gospel is true and the fullness of the Gospel is found in this Church.  Jesus is the Savior, the Redeemer of the world.  He did the work the Father sent him to do and he continues to labor with us today!"

Off and running in California

Daniel arrived in the California Ventura Mission on September 9, 2013.  His mission president writes, "As we met him at the airport he appeared to be in good health, had a smile upon his face and was eager to begin serving in the California Ventura Mission."  Daniel's first area of service will be in Simi Valley, CA.

Of his plane ride to and arrival in California, Daniel writes:

"Today is day two in the mission field. I can already tell this experience is going to be good.  I am being a good boy -- following the rules.  I must say the weather here is great.  On the plane ride here, I had the opportunity to share the gospel with a young, small family.  The family is Presbyterian, but I shared with him the gospel, the plan of salvation.  I asked him to read and pray about it.  It was an amazing spiritual experience.  I will give the info I got to other missionaries and they can hopefully go and teach him the gospel.  The area here is really pretty.  There are mountains (hills).  There are huge trees!  It is fantastic here!"

The MTC

Well my time in the MTC has already come and gone.  I arrived at the MTC on August 28, 2013 and now just 13 days later I am leaving for the mission field.  I loved my time in the MTC.  I felt the spirit really strong here.  I also have learned a lot about myself.  One thing I have learned is there just are not enough hours in the day to get everything done that I need to.  There is so much to learn. My advice for everyone who wants to share the gospel is to read and know the scriptures!

On the first day at the MTC, we had class and then we had a meeting with the MTC Presidency.  I  was asked to say the prayer for the group of missionaries arriving that day.  So we were all new and I had to say the first prayer for them in this big assembly.  I knew it needed to be really spiritual. I had no idea what to say, so I said a prayer asking God for guidance. I then said the prayer when it was my time, but like with most really powerful prayers I say I can't remember them because they don't come from me, they come from the Spirit. Later that day, one of the Presidents said that it was really good.  He said I have a prayerful ability beyond my years!

Another exciting opportunity I have had in the MTC  is to serve as district leader.  This meant I arranged things for our meetings and picked up everyone's mail a couple of times a day.  My district has been awesome.

I am so excited to get out in my mission field.  I know it's going to be great!!