Hi, I'm John

About Me

I was born in England but raised all my life in Ireland. I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints since 1987. I served a mission in Arizona. I have 4 children. I like soccer, my favorite team being Manchester United. I also like Science Fiction movies. I am back in college at the moment.

Why I am a Mormon

Simple really. The missionaries taught me when I was 19 and invited me to pray about the Church and the Book of Mormon. I did so and Heavenly Father told me they were true. What greater witness could I have than from God Himself? I know that the Church is literally the Lord's Kingdom on the Earth.

Personal Stories

Can you talk about the missions of the Church and your participation in them?

There are perhaps two definitions of the term 'Missions of the Church'.
In one sense there are 3 missions, Perfect the Saints, Proclaim the Gospel and Redeem the Dead. Perfect the Saints means to help members of the Church become more like Jesus Christ. Proclaim the Gospel means to invite all people everywhere to come unto Christ by baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Redeem the Dead means to search out the names of our ancestors so that saving ordinances may be performed in their behalf in sacred Temples. I have participated and continue to participate in each of these.
The other sense of the term are the various missions of the Church which cover nearly all the countries of the Earth. Each one has missionaries who speak the language of the country where they are serving. They teach people about Christ and His Church and invite them to be baptized. I served a mission in Arizona, USA for 2 years between 1990 and 1992. It was one of the most special times of my life.

What has helped develop greater harmony in your home?

Studying the word of God in the Scriptures, having regular prayer and doing my best to keep all the commandments of God.

How can your talents and gifts bless others?

Our Heavenly Father provides each and everyone of His children on Earth with gifts and talents. These are designed not only to bless the life of the individual to whom they are given but also all of his or her brothers and sisters to whom they come in contact with while they are here in mortality. Like the Parable of the Talents in the New Testament, we believe that we have a sacred duty and responsibility to identify and magnify our talents for the benefit of ourselves and indeed all mankind.

How I live my faith

Our Branch in Limerick City, Ireland would have about 120 active members. I have served in various capacities in the Church. I currently have a leadership role for all adult males. I was recently a teacher for 4 & 5 year olds and also a teacher for college-age adults.

Why do you have 12 Apostles? They were just meant to be around for the time of Jesus Christ, not to be replaced with new apostles.

John answered...

With the death of Judas, the remaining 11 Apostles met and ordained Matthias to replace Judas. So there was a desire to continue having Apostles. Our Heavenly Father has re-established his Church in our time and He has called new Apostles to help spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the Earth. Heavenly Father will confirm this to anyone who asks Him in sincere, heart-felt prayer.
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Scott Jackson answered...

When Jesus Christ was on the Earth, He established an organization of prophets, apostles, teachers, and other leaders to lead and guide the members of His church (the body of Christ, as it is referred to in the New Testament). When Judas died, and Jesus had left the Earth, the first order of business for the other 11 apostles was to fill the vacancy. They did so by praying and seeking out revelation. They eventually decided on Matthias. This example shows us that apostles were not only to be used for when Christ was on the Earth, but that God wanted Apostles to lead His children at all times. Unfortunately, apostasy stirred within the early church, and the apostles were killed one by one. The world was left without Priesthood leadership, until the time of the Restoration, when this same authority was given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery from the very same Peter, James and John (as resurrected beings). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints has 12 apostles, just like in New Testament times. These special witnesses of Christ bear solemn witness that Jesus is the Christ. They help the Prophet and President of the Church to share the Gospel message to the four corners of the Earth.

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.