Daniel Peacock (18), a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bangor, Northern Ireland, recently received a call to serve a two year full-time mission for the Church in Hong Kong. A talented youngster, Daniel has also been recognised locally for his outstanding achievements in golf, and just prior to his mission call was asked to join the Ulster squad to represent his country for the 2014 season. A call up he declined for a different 'call'.
- Elder Daniel Peacock, serving a full-time mission in Hong Kong
- Daniel Peacock from Bangor, Northern Ireland
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At the age of 14 Daniel discovered his passion for golf, and it soon became obvious he had the talent to match when he was noticed for his natural ability by Michael Bannon who, as Rory MIlroy's coach, knows a good golfer. During just his first season Daniel improved his handicap to 13 and was recommended to the Ulster Coaching Panel. The following season his handicap improved to just 5 and he went on to convincingly win the Ulster School Boy's event, with province wide recognition for his achievements. In addition to leading his local youth team to victory, Daniel represented the men's senior team at his local club, aged 15. In the season prior to his mission call Daniel was the only member of his team to remain undefeated, with his handicap reduced to just 2.
To Daniel's delight, his long term goal to play for his country was then realised when he received a letter at the end of last year informing him of his selection to represent Ulster in the upcoming 2014 season squad.
However, Daniel was clearly focused on his life long desire to serve a mission for the Church and made what to many would be an unthinkable decision by declining his place in the squad. Daniel stated, 'as important as golf is to me, serving The Lord is far more important. I feel excited, overwhelmed and honoured to have been called to serve in Hong Kong, China'. Although anxious at the prospect of learning to speak Cantonese, Daniel's strong faith provides him with the assurance he will receive help from above. Daniel's parents expressed how 'proud' they are of Daniel and further shared the 'joy they feel in the decision he has personally made to serve the Saviour of the world'.
Daniel has spent two months in training in Utah, USA with other missionaries, learning to speak Cantonese and developing abilities as a missionary, before entering the 'mission field' in Hong Kong on 15 April 2014, where he will seek to follow Jesus' call in the New Testament to 'Proclaim the Gospel', as 'Elder Peacock'.