Hi, I'm Timothy John

I'm a Mormon convert.

About Me

I am a father of 4, and a husband of 1. ;-)
I enjoy outdoor activities like running, canoeing, and playing with my kids. I like to cook, mostly because I love to eat.

Why I am a Mormon

I investigated many religions in my late teens and throughout college. I have always "felt" like there is something greater out there, but was skeptical of some old man in the sky or a "god" of any type...especially when so many churches seemed corrupted and insincere.

When I was 25, I finally had the humility to pray "with real intent" (see James 1:5). In answer to that first prayer, I received confirmation that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as restored through this Church, was not only true, but explained everything else I had learned in my life to that point (as a religious studies major and son of a Presbyterian minister). My testimony has never wavered since then, now 16 years ago.

Personal Stories

How has the Holy Ghost helped you?

I rely on the Holy Ghost every day, and I can feel it presence as strongly as its absence.

How I live my faith

I am now a Bishop of a ward in Oregon. I have been overwhelmed with the amount of love I feel for people in our area--both members of the Church and non-members--even those who I might normally feel are "difficult to love." I enjoy serving others through Church assignments.

I love to go to the Temple and remember the promises and blessings of Eternity there. Each time I go, I am reminded that my family can be together forever if we keep our covenants. I also am reminded about the power of prayer.

I have always tried to live the commandments--even before I joined the Church. My family has a history of addiction, and I am grateful for a Church that helps people become free of those addictions. Tithing was very difficult for me at first, but I have never missed the money that I have given faithfully and my family has been blessed beyond measure.

What is being a Mormon like?

Timothy John answered...

It's not nearly as big a deal as it probably once was. Gordon B. Hinckley (a recent president of the Church) did a great job of helping the media "mainstream" the Mormons. Most people who have Mormon neighbors have positive opinions towards the Church, so usually we're received warmly.
Kristin answered...

Many people think that being a Mormon is very strict and holds people back from experiencing all that life has to offer. However, I know that it is the exact opposite. In The Book of Mormon, an ancient governor named Pahoran tells us that the spirit of God is the spirit of freedom. I know this principle to be true. The things of the world bind us with feelings of guilt, sorrow, envy, hatred, doubt, judgment, chaos, and confusion. The things of God bring peace, contentment, happiness, joy, satisfaction, clarity, and love. Through family relationships, The Book of Mormon, communication with a loving Father in Heaven, repentance, baptism, church attendance, and making sacred promises in God's holy temple, I have experienced these feelings of freedom. Being a Mormon is not just something I do, it is who I am! Mormonism is not just a belief, it is a lifestyle. This lifestyle has provided me with clarity, purpose, value, and direction. I will forever proclaim the truthfulness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! It is Christ's true church upon the earth. It is the pathway to true joy in this life and the life to come!

What does Mormonism teach regarding baptism?

Jerad answered...

For us, baptism is a two way promise or covenant with our father in Heaven. We promise to obey his commandments, take upon ourselves the name of Christ, and to always remember him ((D&C 20:77-78) and he promises to give us a remission, or forgiveness for our sins and his spirit to guide us (3 Nephi 27:19-20). However, we must keep our promise to maintain the blessings offered by our Heavenly Father. Baptism is preceeded by faith in Jesus Christ and then repentance. Once we repent of our sins and change our lives, we enter into the waters of baptism. We believe in being baptized by immersion, by someone holding the authority of God (3 Nephi 11:19-27), and at an age of responsibility, when we can recognize the difference between right and wrong (the age of eight is set as when we can do this) (D&C 68:27). There is symbolism in baptism by immersion in the death and resurrection of Christ and also the death of our past lives and a rebirth where we are cleansed from sin (Romans 6:3-6). Baptism must also be followed by receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (Acts 19:1-6).The Gift of the Holy Ghost is a second baptism by fire and completes the baptism by water (Matthew 3:11 and John 3:5).