Hi, I'm Dan

I grew up in Missouri. I love my family, being a dad, baseball, good movies, and the Philippines. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. I currently reside in Utah. I have been married to my beautiful wife for the last 7 years. We have 2 beautiful little girls ages 3 and 1. Both my wife and I served missions in the Quezon City Philippines mission, which is where we met. I have a degree in Construction Management with a minor in Business. I enjoy spending time with my family, construction, computers, good movies, Cardinals baseball, and learning new things.

Why I am a Mormon

My parents taught me well. I didn't always agree or want to follow their counsel, but when I was a teenager I realized that what they taught me and what the church teaches is true. I decided to read the Book of Mormon and learn for myself if it was true. I decided to test the teachings of the church in my own life and have found that it is true. Jesus Christ really is my savior and he really did sacrifice so that I could return to Father in Heaven. I know that without him, my situation would be hopeless.

Personal Stories

How has attending Church services helped you?

Going to church each Sunday helps me greatly. Each week, I learn something new or am reminded of ways that I can improve myself, my family, my relationship with God, and my relationships with my wife and children. I am always blessed with a greater desire to do more with my life through my church attendance.

How I live my faith

Every Sunday, I teach a Sunday school class of ten young men and women ages 12 and 13. In this class, we learn about the plan of salvation and different things that we can do to improve our lives and prepare to return to our Father in Heaven.

I also visit 2 different families in our area once a month to share the gospel with them and also see how they are doing spiritually as well as physically.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Dan answered...

No. Members are encouraged to serve a mission when they are ready and willing, but it is not a requirement. To serve a mission, young men need to be at least 19 years old and young women at least 21 years old. Senior couples are also encouraged to serve missions when their children are grown. No one is ever forced to serve a mission. Typically, there are more blessings received from serving a mission than one can ever imagine if they had not served one. I would recommend missionary service to anyone.
Austin. answered...

No. Every worthy young man is expected to serve a mission, though there is no punishment for not doing so. Also, not every young man is physically or mentally capable, so there are circumstances where a young man may be excused from service. Young women may also serve missions, but are not expected to do so.

Serving a mission means a full-time commitment, leaving family and friends to preach the gospel in a place assigned by the Church.

I served my mission in Los Angeles, California.

What is being a Mormon like?

Michael answered...

The shortest answer that I could give is that it's AWESOME.
But really, it's great! The standards of the Church help me live and love a more clean life, and help me enjoy what I do every day.
Sometimes it's hard, but I try to think about WHY I do it all. It's like working out- I don't always enjoy it, but I keep thinking about the finish line and why I'm working out.
Like Captain Moroni wrote on the ensign banner he called the "Title of Liberty" to rally the country to understand why they were doing what they were:
"In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children."
Being a Mormon makes me love life more. And I sure live a lot of it!