| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Elder Daniel Amako is the first full-time missionary called from The Gambia by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has been called to serve in the Congo Brazzaville Mission in Africa.
"Growing up and watching my father, who is a member of the Church, I could see he has always desired for me and my brothers to serve a mission. Seeing him and watching how he lives was the greatest example in my life." Elder Amako continued, "My home in the Gambia is mostly a Muslim community. My friends are faithful Muslims and many of my school studies were centered in the Muslim faith. But I knew I wanted to go on a mission. I have always wanted to go." Elder Amako’s father, Samuel Amako is the Branch President of the Gambia.
Elder Amako observed, "Coming to the MTC has been a life changing experience for me. In The Gambia we have 22 members of the Church. I never had a full sense or scale of the gospel. Now I am with so many members here at the MTC I can see what the gospel can really do. It is very uplifting." Elder Eden Cutler has been Elder Amako's companion through this MTC experience. Although they are going to different missions in the next few days, they have formed a strong bond of friendship.
Elder D. Todd Christoffersen visited the Gambia in February 2022 to dedicate the country for the preaching of the gospel. During that visit Elder Daniel Amako and his family were able to meet Elder and Sister Christoffersen. "It was a very spiritual experience. I got to see how a prophet sees other people. I could see his love and that he really cared about us."
During an interview with the Missionary Training Center (MTC), President Paul Craig stated that he remembers the moment he saw Elder Amako for the first time. "He appeared a little overwhelmed, but still humble and obedient and ready to serve."
President Paul Craig spoke about the experience for all missionaries in the MTC, "this is a place of miracles. We see the Savior work miracles here. The missionaries enter the MTC often nervous and humble with a great desire to become true disciples of Jesus Christ. Many of the missionaries here at the MTC are truly great pioneers of the Church in their homes and communities. Preach My Gospel is who they become at the MTC."