MAN I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!

Elder Houghton and his trainer, Elder Allred

It's Elder Houghton's first week in the mission field and he is loving it! He said that it's hard work but he's happy to be doing it. He knows this is where the Lord needs him right now in his life and he's ready to work hard and share the gospel. He is currently serving in the Lathrop/Manteca area. It's a rural area and very beautiful this time of year. They experienced some really good rain storms this week.  Even a good rain storm didn't stop these good elders! (Even though it wasn't too fun! Haha!)

Yeah, they got a "little" rain!

He's adjusting to mission life well. They do have to cook their own meals during the week so that's a new experience for him too!

Hot dogs, peanut butter toast and ramen. Hopefully he'll get some vegetables sometime! 

 He has a really nice apartment and is relieved his bike got there. They drive to different areas (because it's farmland and too long of a distance to bike around) then bike around those areas. He said the people are really nice and the members are great. 

We are so happy and excited to hear about his experiences while he is serving the Lord! 

We love you, Elder Houghton!!!!!

Here's the email he sent out on 1/22/19:

Hey everyone! 

MAN OH MAN, I AM ACTUALLY OUT HERE!! I am currently serving in the Manteca Zone which is about 2 hours away from the mission office.. It is awesome out here and I am going to be a first to say that California is actually pretty dang sweet. Well, the country part... and its only beautiful for about 2 months out of the year. 

Well, me and Elder Wells parted ways... How sad but, my new comp is awesome. His name is Elder Allred. He is from Roy, Utah. We are both new to this area so we are both trying to get used to it. He is newish. He has only been out for four months.

MAN I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!! The other night we were walking down the road and Elder Allred and I saw this guy working on motorbike. We had felt biggest prompting to go and talk to him and we went up and started talking to him about the bike. Then we started talking about the gospel.  He doesn't believe in God at all. So we started talking about the Book of Mormon and shared with him some scriptures like Moroni's promise. He was very intrigued by our message. He told us to stop (in a good way) because he kept feeling something warm. The thing he was feeling was the Holy Ghost. Even though he was smoking and drinking in front of us the Holy Ghost was working through us and him.

I can bare my testimony that I know the Holy Ghost is there to guide us through the hard and tough trials in our life. It doesn't matter who we are, the Holy Ghost is there. I am sure you guys have seen or felt it for yourselves. That night was the best night I have had ever! We are excited to teach him!

Remember to always listen to the Holy Ghost's promptings. You never know what someone might be going through and YOU can change their lives. Pray to always be in tune to spiritual promptings.I pray for that every morning. Even if you aren't a full time missionary, you are still a missionary! 

The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Feast upon the words of Christ. I challenge you this week when you go to study your scriptures, pray before and have questions in mind and the book will give you the answers. The Holy Ghost will guide you to the answers.  

Anyway, I love you all. Thanks for the love and support! I am truly happy to be finally out here and serving others. 

Much love,

Elder Houghton

Ps. Everyone has time to read. READ THE SCRIPTURES. NO EXCUSES.