Hi, I'm Richard

I grew up in England, became a Mormon at 21, and have now been married for over 30 years.

About Me

I was born In England and lived there until I was 28. I emigrated to the United States where I married and raised five children. I work as a Software Engineer and live in Northern Utah. I enjoy family, photography, blogging, and reading. I've started a garden this year and and hope to grow tomatoes, corn, onions, radish, and other vegetables.

Why I am a Mormon

In 1974 I received a pamphlet about Joseph Smith that was my first exposure to the Church. I glanced through the pages, reading very quickly and not paying much attention. I put them down to sleep. However, I could not rest, and I picked up and read “Joseph Smith’s Testimony” in its entirety.

I remember a part that stood out was about how the obscure boy of fourteen was bitterly persecuted and reviled. I was also impressed that Joseph would admit to “foolish errors”. To me, someone telling a lie would not say this so openly.

I now know that being impressed by these things was the Spirit acting upon me. After over thirty seven years the deep convincing that I felt is still with me.

This spiritual witness made it easy to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I learned many things that helped me become a much better person and a good citizen. I am especially grateful to have learned to be a better father, husband, and provider.

Personal Stories

In what ways have your prayers been answered?

In 1986 I was laid off from my employment in early December. I had bought a home two months before and my wife stayed home with our three children. In early January I was still out of work. I did not have much savings so getting a job was becoming critical. Our family was eating out of our food storage to help conserve money.

After reading the Book of Mormon in just a few days I knelt down and prayed to Heavenly Father. I told Him that it was time for me to go to work. I asked Him with as much concentrated faith as I could to please help me find employment by the end of the month. I rose from my knees with the most absolute surety that I have ever had that my prayer would be answered.

A few days later a friend who was laid off at the same time as I was called me and said there were jobs for engineers with a large local employer. I applied and interviewed for the last vacancy. Two days later I was hired with my start date set at February 2nd.

I was overjoyed that my prayer was answered but wondered why I was starting work in February. In my prayer I had asked Heavenly Father if I could have work by the end of January. I did not ponder this for long as I was happy to be able to go to work again.

Three days later the personnel department of my new employer called me and asked if I would be willing to start on a Friday rather than on Monday morning. They were having some layoffs on Monday and didn't want new hires being processed in at the same time.

Looking at the calendar I realized that my new start date was January 30th.

How I live my faith

I became a member of the Church in England at age 21. I was the only one among all my relatives in England to join the Church. Currently I contribute by running my ward's web page; serving on a jobs committee, and helping members use the Internet safely as a Ward Internet Safety Specialist.

For a number of years I was a Ward Clerk and I have also taught Gospel Doctrine. Before I joined the Church I was shy but over the years I have learned to teach and speak to large congregations.

By holding Family Home Evening consistently over the years and always attending my meetings, my children have grown up in the faith and my four boys all served missions.

How can I know Mormonism is true?

Richard answered...

I would say that for some people this would be difficult. It is not supposed to be. For me it was simple. I read Joseph Smith's own testimony and I believed his words. I had a spiritual witness. Nothing dramatic, just a confident surety of truth.

For those that find it difficult to know the truth I would ask that you would first pray. You don't have to pray about the Church at first. Just make sure you kneel (this helps me to be humble) and converse with your Heavenly Father. Next you could obtain some literature or a video from a member, the missionaries, or the Church. Study a little, with an open mind.

You could also try being around Mormons, ask them questions, attend socials and church with them.

Remember though, it is by faith you will be walking, don't expect all your questions to be answered all at once. Just go one step and a time, enjoy the journey, and before you leave your room this morning, don't forget to pray.
Evelyn answered...

One of the best things in life is that we can freely communicate with God; our Heavenly Father. Because He loves us so much, He has blessed us with the precious gift of prayer. Through prayer we are able to counsel with Him and whatever we ask sincerely, He will make it known unto us. The scriptures can give you a surety of this. In Matthew 7:7 it says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Another example is in the book of James 1:5-6, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

If you would like to know that what you have heard is true after learning or taking the discussions from the missionaries or any member that has shared a message with you, go to Heavenly Father in prayer and ask Him. I know that He will send His spirit to testify the truth of it unto you. His spirit will give you feelings of peace, hope, comfort and happiness.

Sometimes we do not get answers to our prayers as soon as we may want them to come but never should we lose hope nor get discouraged; as you continue to earnestly study and search for the truth and exercise patience, the truth will gradually be unfolded unto you. I have a testimony of this, for my answer came as I earnestly and patiently continued to investigate the church.

What is the Church’s position on abortion?

Charis answered...

The Church recognizes some circumstances that may justify an abortion, such as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, when the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy, or when the fetus is known to have severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth.

Human life is a sacred gift from God. Elective abortion for personal or social convenience is contrary to the will and the commandments of God.