Hi, I'm Clint

I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a 25 year-old college student finishing up a European Studies degree with minors in Music and German. I served a mission in German-speaking Switzerland and developed a love for Europe. I recently returned from a study abroad program in Europe where I studied modern German literature and culture. I plan on attending graduate school. I am a bassoonist who loves good music of all genres. I enjoy being in nature and love to spend time in Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park in Southwestern Utah.

Why I am a Mormon

I was raised in the church and trusted what my parents told me. However, when I was 12, my father passed away tragically in a car accident near my home. My heart was broken and I remember feeling dispaired. I really needed to know for myself if families were eternal, if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had the God-santioned authority to perform eternal marriages, if God really loved me and my family members, if he had a plan for me, and if the resurrection was real.

As a result of my trial, I started reading the Book of Mormon differently. I began searching for answers to my questions. I actually began to converse with my Heavenly Father in my prayers instead. These spiritual experiences are the basis of my conversion. I continued and continue to build upon these experiences.

How I live my faith

I try to attend church services regularly, pray, read my scriptures, and keep my promises which I made with my Heavenly Father. This includes serving others in my church congregation what we call a ward and in the community. I volunteer frequently in the community and have served as an AmeriCorps volunteer in my hometown. Within the church I visit other members on a monthly basis and volunteer at the church's welfare orchard and cannery.

Above all, I try to be kind to Heavenly Father's other children. I will admit, that it is often difficult. However, I know that Jesus Christ died for others just as much as he died for me.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Clint answered...

No. However, all worthy priesthood holders are strongly encouraged to serve. Simply put, the blessings of serving others, learning the scriptures, and dedicating one's life to God can help prepare young men to become better husbands, fathers, community members, and church leaders.
Taylor answered...

Quite simply, no. The young men of the church have been strongly encouraged to serve a mission at age 19, and the sisters are able to serve at age 21, but no one is required to serve. We do it because we want to! Who in their right mind would give up two years and pay that's right, missionaries pay their own way to go somewhere they had never been and do all that they do? We serve missions becuase we know that Jesus is the Christ, and we want the happiness that knowledge bring to be available to everyone! So no, Mormons are not required to serve a mission. It's a personal choice to share the happiness and joy they've received from the Gospel.

Why do you have 12 Apostles? They were just meant to be around for the time of Jesus Christ, not to be replaced with new apostles.

Becky answered...

Our church is the same church that Christ instituted while he was here on the earth. It is Christ's church and is called after him. Just as he had 12 Apostles, we have 12 Apostles and, as Peter was President of the Church after Christ ascended into heaven following His ressurection, we have a living prophet. Christ is the head of the church, but the prophet and apostles act for him and in his name. They have the same Priesthood power that Christ gave to Peter and the other apostles at that time. The prophet and apostles today are also called as seers, revelators, and special witnesses of Jesus Christ. Theirs as in the time of Christ is the duty to handle the affairs of the Church, to travel to different countries and bear testimony of and administer in the name of Jesus Christ. We have the opportunity every 6 months in a General Conference of the Church, broadcast over television, radio, and internet all over the world, to hear them speak about Christ, and to teach us how to become more like Him. They are important in their ministry as well as in the organization of our large, worldwide church membership.