Hi, I'm Chad

I'm a husband, father, sales professional, musician and a Mormon!

About Me

My childhood was spent growing up in the beautiful central valley of CA. When I turned 19 I had the great opportunity of serving as a full-time missionary for the church in Ft. Lauderdale Florida (Spanish speaking mission). I married my best friend and we were sealed for time and all eternity in the Fresno, Ca temple. We currently live in CA with our 2 beautiful children.

Why I am a Mormon

I was raised in a home that taught me the gospel from a young age. There was a time however that I had to know for myself if it was true; if it was worth the hassle of living the commandments and going to church. When I was a teenager I read the Book of Mormon for myself, I prayed to know if it was true and I felt a peace. I have since had many more deep and meaningful experiences that time and time again have strengthend my conviction and testimony. Through study and prayer I know that the Bible and Book of Mormon are the word of God. I know that Joseph Smith was called as a prophet to restore Christ's Church upon the earth today and I know that Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ have a plan for each of us. I know that through that plan I can be saved with my family in his kingdom. That's the great thing about what the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches, you can know for yourself that these things are true. God does hear and answer our sincere prayers, we are not here alone. Ask and ye shall recieve, knock and it shall be opened unto you. LUKE 11:9

Personal Stories

Which of the Savior’s teachings have influenced you in your life?

One of the teachings that has had the most influence on me lately is what he said in John 13:34-35; A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. We can say that we are Christian all we want but until we show love toward one another we are not truly following the Savior and what he taught. This is something that has influenced me and I am working on loving my fellow man.

What has helped develop greater harmony in your home?

The church teaches us to have a family night once a week , so my wife and I began a weekly time together on Monday nights. We turn the TV off and sing a hymn. We read scriptures and have fun lessons for the kids about Jesus and the scriptures. Sometimes we play some games and say prayers. It's not always perfect but we make sure to be consistent. Even though our kids are young they really enjoy that time together and I've noticed a peace in our home because of it.

Can you think of a specific challenge in your family that Gospel Principles helped overcome?

Our first son was diagnosed with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) at 21 weeks. This condition effects about 1 in every 2,000 pregnancies. 50% of these children die in the womb and of those that survive the birthing process 50% do not survive the operation after birth and other complicatoins that come with CDH. We felt a comfort and drew strength from the gospel principle that families can be together forever. We knew that if we lost our son that we would one day be with him. Fortunately when he was born many miracles occured. Our son was given preisthood blessings to be made well and whole. Through the numerous surgeries and work done by the trained physicians & nurses, special prayers by family and church members, preisthood blessings and our faith in God we were pleased when our son was able to come home after 3 months of intensive care in the hospital. Today our little miracle runs circles around us playing trains, cars and baseball from sun up to sun down. Through this experience my wife and I learned that trials make us stronger if we put our faith in God.

How I live my faith

I try to be an example of what I believe in by watching what I say and do. I try to do what Christ taught and hope that others can see that effort. I know that I'm not perfect, but I have a hope in Christ that one day I can be. Through the church I have many opportunities to serve. Currently I serve in my local congregation as a Ward Mission Leader. Through this service I get to work directly with missionaries, people who are new to the church or just learning about it. I find that teaching people about the gospel of Jesus Christ enriches my life in a way that nothing else does. I also have many opportunities to help the elderly, give community service and other extra curricular activities through the church.

Can a husband and wife be together forever? Do Mormons believe that families will live together in heaven?

Chad answered...

Yes we believe that the family as instituted by God can be together forever. That is one of my favorite aspects of the gospel, I think that anyone who enjoys the loving relationships of family and friends in this life would want those relationships to continue. I love my wife and children so much, it would be sad if this was it. I know that this life is not the end and I will be with my loved ones again. Through the church we learn about our eternal nature, why we are here and where we're going. This perspective has blessed my life.
Daniel answered...

When married by earthly power and the authority of man, our vows are "Until death do you part."

We believe that families can be together forever as part of our Heavenly Father's Great Plan of Happiness. His Work and His Glory is to bring to pass the exaltation and eternal life of man. He wants us to be even as He is and to return home to live with Him again.

Through the ordinances of his Holy Temples, God's son's and daughter's are able to make covenants. Through the power of His Holy Priesthood, be sealed together for all of time and eternity as Husband and Wife, parents and children.

Families were designed and instituted by God with the intent that they be forever. The love we feel in this life does not need to be cut off when we die. Those who have already died are not lost us forever. God has mercifully made a way by which all who would accept these saving ordinances can do so, living or dead.

We perform these ordinances for those who have in the past died so that they may have the opportunity of accepting them on the other side if they so choose to do so.

Why did your church previously practice plural marriage (polygamy)?

Shannon answered...

Because the Lord commanded it for a period of time. It wasn't easy for those who practiced it. Many, even Brigham Young (the second prophet after the death of Joseph Smith) had difficulty accepting the revelation. It took a great deal of soul searching and personal submission and communion with God for many of those individuals to reconcile themselves to the practice of plural marriage.

Even in ancient times, when the practice was culturally accepted, plural marriage was difficult. Moses, Abraham, and many others who practiced plural marriage because of God's commandment all experienced personal challenges arising from their family situation. But sometimes life is such: God requires difficult things. The difficulties never seem appealing to us, but if we are faithful, we will find that God had reasons for the challenges He gave us.