Hi, I'm Dan

I grew up in small-town Idaho, I'm a Missionary, I speak Tagalog, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I love living my life! I was blessed to be born into a family with high moral values and a close family. I'm not saying that we were invincible or immune to difficulties or conflicts that we may encounter. We weren't perfect but, we loved each other not matter how annoyed we became.
Family has become a very important part of who I am now more than ever. Being separated from them for a while tends to do that. I am currently serving a mission in the New York Rochester Mission. I have left my family for two years to tell others how to be with their families forever. This is what brings happiness to me; to be able to help others eternally...not just temporarily.

I enjoy being outside. I worked on a farm for several years before I became a missionary. I loved hunting, fishing, hiking, and everything else! Sports i played were: basketball (of course), cross country, long distance track.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born into the church so I have been raised in the church my whole life. But this is not why I am a Mormon. I am a Mormon because I have read the Book of Mormon and I have pondered the message that it contains and then I asked God, who is the source of all truth, if the Book of Mormon is true. I received my answer which has become something more to me than just a sweet memory...It's my life!
I love my family so much and I can't wait for the day that I can have a family of my own. I know that my family will be with me forever--not just for this life but after! That is what the Gospel can do because of Jesus Christ and the Priesthood.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

I am on a mission because I know the joy and happiness that has come into my life because of the gospel and I want others to be able to feel that same joy. Imagine that you found the cure for cancer. Wouldn't you tell everyone about it? Imagine all the good that your discovery could do. It could help so many people and improve the quality of their lives in unimaginable ways.
All I have to say is: same basic principle.

How I live my faith

I live my faith by "...being an example of the believers." Christ set the example of how we are to live our faith and we need to emulate that example. Developing Christ-like attributes such as: patience, obedience, knowledge, virtue, humility, and other attributes have brought blessings into my life.
I also think that part of the Gospel is applying the doctrines to our everyday life. We can say that we are going to do something until we are blue in the face, but we won't see the importance and value of a doctrine until it is applied in our life. That is where the true happiness is.
The thing that has brought me the most happiness is living the teachings of the Gospel. I am healthy and strong because I follow the Word of Wisdom. I know that I will be with my family because I know about the Plan of Salvation. Living the standards and morals of the church have helped me a lot in my life and I know that they will continue to bless me and my family.
I am currently a missionary and I share the message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ everyday. This is how I live my faith and I have never been so happy.

What is the Book of Mormon?

Dan answered...

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It is not meant to replace the Bible or take away from it. Rather, it reaffirms the teachings of the Bible and helps us to know the way to life eternal.
The only way to know that the Book of Mormon is true is by reading, pondering, and praying about the Book of Mormon with a sincere heart and real intent. I know that it will bless your life.
Ben answered...

We believe in a loving Father in Heaven who desires all of his children to have His precious word. "Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?" (2 Nephi 29:7).

Of course, with any thing concerning God, it is important to find out, personally, if the work is true. What better source can we trust than God Himself? Through prayer we can know, independently of anyone else, where the truth lies concerning any matter.

In the introduction to the Book of Mormon we read: "We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost." I testify that this pattern of revelation is true. If we take the time to study it out in our minds, ponder upon the truth and ask God, in faith with desire to act upon our answer, that we will receive. He has answered me, and He will answer you when you ask in faith.

What is the difference between attending church and the temple?

Kimberly. answered...

We go to church weekly to worship and take the sacrament, which is like communion. Everyone, no matter their faith, is welcome to come to church services and learn more about the Gospel.

The temple is a special place where members make further promises to Heavenly Father that they will keep his commandments. It is also where we are married, or sealed together, and where we can be baptized and sealed for our family members who have died before having those opportunities in life.

To go to the temple you need a card called a temple reccomend from your church leaders that confirms that you are currently doing your best to follow Christ and His Gospel as a member of the Church.