"When opportunity comes, it's too late to prepare"

John Wooden

Hall of Fame UCLA Basketball Coach

Ron and I heard this quote on the radio and it made us think of David and all the years of preparation he put into to be a "ready" missionary. We lost count how many times he read the Book of Mormon, studied Preach My Gospel, and gone on splits with the missionaries from our home ward. David truly went the extra mile in all of his preparations and now it has come to fruition. He 's was ready to take off running the day he step into the mission field. Six months into this incredible journey he truly has found his stride and he's making a difference.

What a blessing to be parents of a missionary!

20 February 2012

Excerpts taken from David's letter to his Father

I have been thinking a lot lately about the way that we act. As it says in the Missionary Handbook, "Always act in such a way that everyone who sees you will recognize you as a representative of Jesus Christ". Sometimes I'm at a loss when we are at a part-members home and you are not sure if you should just jump right into conversation about religion, or their interests or other worldly things. How much of a standard do you give out when trying to be a representative of Jesus Christ? It is hard to explain. But in my opinion if we want others to see that difference in us, every thing about us, including our casual language needs to be divine, refined and dignified. That is something I have been trying to do more and more. I really appreciate the example you set in your language as it has given me a landmark to place myself by. I think about you often and should probably right a few notes down about what I want to tell you on Mondays that happened throughout the week. But just know that I am still learning from you every day.

Eternally, you loving Son Elder Grant

Weekly Report to David's mission President

20 February 2012

I am left only to smile at this week. We have been overwhelmed with the countless miracles that have befallen us. As we have used what the Lord has already set up, ie dinner appointments, potential investigators, former investigators, and gone the extra mile to tract in those areas we have seen the fruit of our labors. I am constantly reminding myself of the many scriptures and instances where pride led others to destruction. I know that nothing is possible without the Lord to impress, guide and touch the hearts of His children. My mind has been led to humility as I have been needing to accept that their is more than one way to do something.

For he does send us two by two to teach His gospel for a reason.

While in Sunday school yesterday the 2nd counselor in the Stake Presidency, showed us in Luke 7 the many different responses Jesus got from the people as He taught the same message. He was described as a Devil, crazy, possesed, a good man, and then others who recognized Him as the Christ and the Messiah, and a Prophet. As I thought about our lives as missionaries I realized that we get the same type of responses. As we have been knocking on many doors, some have respected us by calling us good people, others cast us out with snide remarks and harsh words, then their are some who recognize us as true messengers of Christ and are willing to hear more about the Gospel. One such guy, David, was working on his car. I had many things on my mind and was not feeling the happiest, but as we taught him the gospel and asked if we could come back, he responded yes. I was totally shocked. But responded quickly with the Book of Mormon, and the Restoration pamphlet. We have a return appointment this Thursday.

Another lady answered the door rather bluntly, but as we continued to talk to her we found out that her husband was in the service. We told her that she could be with him forever. That the gospel gives us peace and understanding because we know that we will be with our families forever. She broke down in tears and we left her with a prayer to come back March 10.

Another man we talked to came outside and soon told us that he did not want to lead us on, but wanted to thank us for our time. At the end of the conversation we had a return appointment for next Sunday, gave him a Book of Mormon, and we left him with couple of passages to read to which he directly responded that he would read and looked forward to our next visit.

It is truly amazing at the love that Jesus offers us. I am so happy. The area is just beautiful, so full of life in all areas, from the people to the plants to the animals. I am so grateful to be with Elder Espinoza. He and I have a very similar relationship to a friend of mine at home who played tennis with me often. We are almost exactly alike. We have had so much fun these past few days, and yet it feels like we have been in this area for over six weeks.

I love being on a mission and being a missionary.

I wish I had some scriptural incites to tell you, but I do not. I have learned so much this week in the scriptures but when it comes to gathering all those thoughts, well, let's just say, I'm glad I wrote them in my journal.