Hi, I'm Keith Allen

I'm a Mormon. I have nine children. I work in the hospital. I love my family.

About Me

I am a father of nine children. I got married when I was 22 and my wife was 19. She was my next door neighbor, but we didn't grow up together. She moved in while I was serving a Spanish speaking mission in the United States. I enjoy walking and hiking, sports, coin collecting and spending time at the park with the kids. I work at the hospital and enjoy helping people who are sick or hurt.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born into the church and have been raised by two very good parents. My father was also born in the church but my mother was a convert at the age of 14. I have always believed in the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I have had confirmation after confirmation from the Holy Ghost that it is true! I have never doubted it. I know Joseph Smith is a true latter-day prophet and that God and Jesus Christ visited him in the sacred grove in 1820. I love serving in the church and attending the temple when possible. There is peace and comfort there that I can only describe as sublime. I look forward to continuing the work of building the kingdom of God on earth as we prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Personal Stories

What have you done successfully to shield your family from unwanted influences?

The most important thing we do to shield our family from unwanted influences is to teach them the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness. We enjoy nightly scripture study and prayer, which acts to strengthen our resolve to resist the outside influences of the adversary. We attend church weekly, take the sacrament, and try to serve in our responsibilities we have been given and that acts to give us strength. Prayer is so important also. A simple plea to Heavenly Father in times of temptation is enough to steer me clear of dangerous paths that the adversary would have me go down otherwise. I know prayer works and I know Heavenly Father watches over me and is concerned about me and is very pleased when I make the right decisions and choices in my life.

How I live my faith

I currently have a calling to serve in the Cub Scout Committee. I helped plan a daycamp for 125 cubs a couple of months ago. Our theme was putting on the whole armor of God. I also home teach two single families and enjoy seeing them progress and share their testimonies and their struggles. Home teaching is an assignment that priesthood holders are given to visit a few families at least monthly in the ward and to make sure their needs are met. We have nightly scripture study and especially enjoy reading from the Book of Mormon. It brings a sweet spirit into our home every time we study it prayerfully. We enjoy family home evening every Monday where we talk about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, share talents, sing and play family games together.

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

Keith Allen answered...

Yes, we believe that a husband and a wife who are sealed in the temple can be together forever. Marriage is not just intended for this life, but is an eternal principle. My wife and I know that since we were married in the temple that even if death separates us for a time, that we will be reunited in the next life, never again to be separated. We will live with our children and loved ones throughout all of eternity if we keep our covenants we made in the temple to live chaste and righteous lives. There is no greater comfort I know of when a loved one passes away, than to know that I will be with that loved one again someday in the Celestial Kingdom of God.
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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.

What is a ward/stake/branch?

Adam answered...

There is a lot of vocabulary that is unique to Mormonism, including the terms we use for our congregations.

A ward is a local congregation, usually made up of between 200-600 members. Wards have specific geographic boundaries, so which ward you attend would depend on where you live. A ward is presided over by a lay priesthood holder called a bishop.

A branch is similar to a ward, except it is smaller. They range in size from a single family to the size of a small ward. Generally, branches are in areas without a significant Mormon population, specific to a language, or for individuals who are single. Branches do not have bishops, but are presided over by a branch president.

A stake is a larger organization in the church. Several wards and branches, frequently around 12, will comprise a stake. The stake is able to support the wards and branches through additional resources and leadership. Stakes are presided over by stake presidents.

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Joseph Smith

As is the case throughout history God has communicated to His children through prophets. God used a humble man as a prophet to restore His Church on earth who ultimately died defending His faith.

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