Elder Ashton Garcia (Hodge Park Ward) recently returned from the California Riverside Mission after serving for two years. 

Elder Garcia shared a story about how their day was not going to plan, and they were feeling discouraged, with lots of obstacles in his and his companion’s way. Then something incredible happened. They were at the right place and the right time to find someone looking for the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

“Wow, it was crazy. If we didn’t have all that other stuff, we wouldn’t have met him at the perfect time when he was delivering this package at this house,” Elder Garcia said. “And so it’s just a little testament to me that, you know, God’s in every detail. It’s a lot easier to accept the hardships and the bad times because you know that it’s all happening for a purpose and you’re just part of you’re just a small little part of their process.”

One gospel principle Elder Garcia learned on his mission was obedience..

“I’ve been able to find that through Jesus Christ, we can not only turn away from our sins and flaws, but we can also turn towards God,” Elder Garcia said. “He will not only forgive us and save us, but he will change us, help us become a better person. He’s been able to change me into a better person and to someone who he wants me to be.”

During a particular transfer, Elder Garcia and his companion made a goal that they wanted to be as obedient as possible. 

“We just started making sure we kept up on the little things because we felt like we were gonna have a baptism that transfer. And it was a really cool miracle to see our efforts pay off, and that we were there to help bring a soul unto Christ.” 

Elder Garcia also recognized that daily prayers, scripture study and attending church are the “basic answers” but they are important and will help the rising generation prepare for a mission.

“The basic things are so key to helping the youth. That, and if you are not worthy, now is the time to repent. Your bishop is there to help you. Get right with the Lord before your mission so you can be unstoppable.”

Elder Garcia ended with his/her testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

“I know that Jesus Christ lives, that he is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. And he did it for for every single one of us. If it was only for one of us, he would still do it. And you know, God’s love can reach everybody. I just know that he lives in this church is true. The Book of Mormon has impacted me so much and helped me learn more about Jesus Christ. Now I know exactly what he did, what he went through for me.

Elder Garcia plans to study chemistry at BYU in Provo Utah in the fall.