Hi, I'm Michele Martin

I'm a Mormon. I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. I was honored as Mother of the Year for the state of Oregon in 2009.

About Me

I am a wife, mother of 5 and grandmother of 14. I am a retired elementary school teacher and was the 2009 Mother of the Year for the state of Oregon. Besides spending time with my family I like to garden, travel, take pictures, scrapbook, read and water color. Currently I am serving a full time mission in Palmyra, NY with my husband. We are away from our home for 18 months working at the sacred historic sites for our church here in New York. Learn more about where we serve at http://hillcumorah.org

Why I am a Mormon

I was born into the Mormon Church. However, my family didn't attend church when I was younger and I didn't even know I was a Mormon. Finally, when my older brother was 10 and my twin brother and I were 9, we were baptized. Then, when I was 12, I went to a summer camp for girls ages 12 - 17 sponsored by the Mormon Church. One night we had a testimony meeting. Girls that desired shared their belief that they belonged to the restored church of Jesus Christ. I was very touched by the strength of the belief these young girls shared. I really wanted to know for myself if this church was true. I spent the next year attending church and living the commandments. I prayed, paid tithing, and did all I could to gain the same knowledge the other young girls had. Gradually I came to know the Mormon Church was true. It wasn't a big single experience, but a sweet, clear understanding of the truth. Since that time I have never doubted. This knowledge of the truthfulness of the Mormon Church and of the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father has sustained my life for the past 48 years, through happy and sad times. I am so thankful for this knowledge.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

I suppose there are a number of reasons Mormons go on missions. We go because we wish to share the happiness we have found with those who are seeking the truth. We want to bring souls unto Jesus Christ. I am personally serving a mission as an attempt in some small way to show our Savior, Jesus Christ, how much I love Him and to show Him how much gratitude I have for His wonderful atoning sacrifice.

What blessings have come through your faith in Jesus Christ?

My father passed away at a relatively young age of 56. It was a difficult time for me because we were close and he loved our children so much. I felt sad that they would grow up without knowing their grandfather. My father was the first Fire Chief at the Nevada Test Site and worked there for over 25 years. He was at "groud zero" for every atomic bomb that was dentonated above ground. He was proud of the work he did and he did it well. Four years ago a new training facility at the Nevada Test Site was named for him. His early death was difficult for me but this life experience has been easier to deal with because of my faith in Jesus Christ. I know Jesus Christ is our Savior. He invites us to come unto him and lay our burdens at his feet. I have felt His love and support as I deal with trials in my life, such as the loss of my father. I am so thankful for this knowledge that makes even the bitter times sweet. I also know I will see my father again after this life. That knowledge also gives me comfort.

How I live my faith

One of the most important ways I live my faith is through service. Our Savior, Jesus Christ has done so much for each of us, I feel the one thing I can do to show my love and gratitude for Him is to serve others. Right now my husband and I are serving a full time mission for our church. That means we have left our home and family for 18 months and are living in Palmyra, New York. We work at the sacred historic sites here, giving free tours to those who come visit. We also fellowship members of the Rochester 2nd Ward, do community service, and work in the Palmyra Temple.

What will the Mormon missionaries talk about when they visit my home?

Michele Martin answered...

The first thing missionaries want to know is where you are on your spiritual journey. Their goal is to help you progress toward an eternal life with our loving Heavenly Father. They will teach you simple truths about God and Jesus Christ, faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. They will give you reading assignments to help you understand their teachings. The missionaires will never try to force you to make changes or join our church because the gift of agency is very important to us. Having missionaries in your home will be a pleasant, spiritual experience for you and your family.
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Max answered...

We will talk about gods love for all of us down here on earth.
we will talk about how you can be with your family and loved ones forever.
we will talk about how the gospel of jesus christ has been restored to the earth and the evidence of this restoration which is found in the book of mormon.
we will talk about how god continues to talk to his children like he did in biblicial times!
we will talk about the steps that you need to take to insure eternal happines!
we will talk about any other questions you may have about god, Jesus Christ, and about this church.
we have the truth to share. why dont you just talk to one of us?

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

Amanda answered...

YES!!! This is one of my favorite parts of the gospel. I believe that my family will live together in heaven. I will know my family as my family members. My husband is my husband for now and for all eternity. My children are my children here on earth and for all eternity. I know that if something happened to one of us that I will see them again. I love this about the church. Before joining, I always had a question about this concept and when taking the discussions from the missionaries this came up. Makes me love the church more and more.