An important step along the covenant path for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is attending the temple endowment ceremony for the first time. This can happen after the member is 18 years old and graduated from high school. Typically, it is shortly before serving a mission, as was the case for Elder Porter.  Preparing to receive your endowment includes following the teachings of Jesus Christ and keeping covenants made at baptism. Members then have the opportunity to meet with their bishop and stake president for a temple recommend. During those interviews they are invited to share their testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, His living prophets, and His restored Church as well as confirm that they are striving to keep God's commandments.  During the temple ceremony, members receive an endowment or "gift" from God promising greater knowledge and power by entering into sacred covenants. The endowment will provide support and strength to Elder Port...

In the Church today, worthy male members may receive the Aaronic Priesthood beginning at age 12. These young men, typically ages 12–17, receive many opportunities to participate in sacred priesthood ordinances and give service. As they worthily fulfill their duties, they act in the name of the Lord to help others receive the blessings of the gospel. Upon reaching the age of 18, the higher priesthood, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is conferred upon faithful male members of the Church.  The Melchizedek Priesthood holder may administer in higher ordinances such as bestowing the gift of the Holy Ghost to newly baptized members, healing the sick, and naming and blessing children. Elder Porter's father, Micah Porter, conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordained him to the office of Elder by the laying on of hands with other Melchizedek Priesthood holders on May 22, 2022.  This line of authority dates back to Jesus Christ. Grandpa Jeff McMullin, Grandpa Steve Kimball, and Uncl...

  As of March 2022, The Oregon Eugene Mission encompasses the southwest area of Oregon from the coast to the Cascade mountains. It also includes parts of California and Nevada.  President Bret and Sister Angela Weekes have been called as Mission Leaders from July 2020-July 2023. Elder Porter will have a new mission president for the last year of his mission.  Oregon has 2 operating temples in Portland and Medford. The Willamette Valley Temple was announced in 2021 located near Eugene.  The weather is moderate. Rarely dropping below freezing nor rising above 80 degrees. Depending on what area Elder Porter is in, he can expect anywhere from 30-200 inches of rain annually. Everyone tells him to “waterproof everything”. The University of Oregon in Eugene is the birthplace of Nike. Oregon has no sales tax. Except for certain hours of the day, attendants are required to pump your gas.  Oregon has the only 2 sided flag in the US. Apparently, EVERYONE has either lived ...

When a young man or woman decides to go on a mission, he or she must first be found spiritually, physically, and mentally worthy to do so.    The Savior taught, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19).  Church members consider it a privilege to show their love for other people and the Lord by sharing the gospel. Missionaries generally begin serving when they are from 18 to 21 years old. Many retired seniors, men, women, and married couples also serve missions. Missionaries serve from 18 months to 2 years. Missions are voluntary, and missionaries are not paid for their service.  Missionaries come from around the world, and they serve wherever the Church calls them. While serving full-time, missionaries are official representatives of the Church. As is done with every single perspective missionary, Elder Porter first had to fill out his paperwork stating his desire to serve with recommendations from his ecclesiastical leaders of his worthiness in orde...