Hi, I'm Christopher

I'm from Arizona, I'm recently married, and I love life!

About Me

I'm a student, majoring in Physiology for Pre-Med. I was married in August of 2010 to the love of my life. For fun, I play soccer, but love playing all sports. I returned from serving my mission in Texas towards the end of 2009, and love sharing the gospel with my friends.

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon because I love being happy! The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings true joy to our lives- as we keep the commandments of God, continually repent, and serve our brothers and sisters, our lives are enriched and we are blessed.
On top of this, and most importantly, I personally know from God that this is Christ's church again restored to the church. When I was in my early teens, a youth camp counselor challenged me to find out if the church was true for myself and to stop "leaning on my parents' testimonies." I read the Book of Mormon and prayed, asking God if it was true, and if He had called Joseph Smith to be a prophet. I received my answer through the Holy Spirit, and knew it was true. How could anyone deny that?

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

Mormons go on missions to help others develop or strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ. Some may feel that missionaries go out to "recruit" new Mormons, but our motives are much more sincere than that. I recently returned from my mission about 6 months ago, and it was truly the best experience of my life. Whether or not teaching people about our Savior and our religion actually led to them being baptized into our church wasn't so important as helping them know that God loved them, that Jesus' Atonement can help them return to live with God, and that receiving that blessing came through obedience to the gospel.

Of course, we do teach about our religion as well- simply because we believe our church isn't anything new, but the old brought back. It is Jesus' church restored again to the earth. Think about that! The same organization Jesus had- apostles, prophets, and more- all back again. Miracles, revelations, everything you read about in the Bible has been brought back. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His church is back, and we boldly proclaim it to the world because this is the way to live with God and your family again after this life. This is the way to true happiness. This is the way to feeling more of God's hand in your life. We serve, because we love.

How I live my faith

Having recently returned from my mission, I'm excited to get into the "civilian" side of church membership. My best friend from high school and I go home-teaching together, meaning we go to the homes of members of our college congregation and share spiritual, uplifting messages with them and help watch out for each other. I attend religious education classes weekly at the local institute for religion, and my local missionaries and I are teaching one of my best friends the lessons, and she'll be getting baptized next month! Mostly, I try to do and say anything that Jesus Christ would- for anyone, whether they're Mormon or not.

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

Christopher answered...

Yes, and yes! The authority from God to "seal" husbands and wives, parents and children, and all of our families into one eternal unit has been restored to the earth once more. Ancient prophets who once held this authority returned to the earth under the direction of Heavenly Father and gave this authority to Joseph Smith, who then gave it to others in the church. Now, many men who hold this authority across the world seal families together for time and all eternity in our temples.
I personally have witnessed this, as 3 of my younger siblings who are adopted were sealed to my family, making 2 parents, 4 biological children, and 3 adopted children. Though we aren't related by blood, we will be family forever. And heaven wouldn't be heaven without all of us together.
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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.

Are there restrictions based on race or color concerning who can join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have the priesthood?

Jeff answered...

Of course not! It really doesn't matter where you are from or what color your skin is. The only things that matter are the content of your character. If you are worth to be baptized and live the gospel according to it's principles, then you are worthy to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Official Declaration 2, found in the Doctrine and Covenants, states "Every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing that flows therefrom, including the blessings of the temple. Accordingly, all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color.” As long as you are worthy, you can be any nationality.