Hi, I'm Darrell

I'm a Mormon - and I am happy.

About Me

I work as a manager in the Information Technology Department at a local college. I enjoy my career, having worked with electronics and computers for more than thirty-five years. My wife and I have been married for 34 years. We have four children and three wonderful grandchildren. We live in a great, diverse neighborhood on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley.

Why I am a Mormon

There are many reasons why I belong to this church. The most important reason is that I know that it is true. Even if I based that belief entirely on logic, it would still be true. The answers to so many of life's questions are found in the LDS Church doctrine. However, my beliefs are based, not only on logic, but also on knowledge that comes from applying Gospel principles taught in church and seeing the results over time - and feeling the promptings of the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost.

Personal Stories

Please share your feelings/testimony of the Restoration of the Gospel.

I believe in a loving Heavenly Father. He is the Father of my spirit and He knows me and cares about me. He created me in His image and He provided a plan for me to live on earth to be tested by faith so that one day, if I make the correct choices, I may return to be with HIm. That plan includes sending a Savior to the earth (His own son, Jesus Christ) to overcome the Spiritual Death caused when we disobey God's commandments.

I believe that this same Gospel has been taught on the earth since the beginning - with Adam and Eve. When Jesus came to earth, He fulfilled the prophecies that had been spoken for centuries. He also organized a church, while He was on the earth, having apostles and prophets and other leaders. It had His authority to perform ordninances, such as baptism, that are required for His children to return to His presence. Following His death, this church was lost from the earth because of the death of His apostles and because of apostasy among the remnants of its members.

In 1820, God called a young boy, Joseph Smith, to be a prophet, and through him, Jesus Christ restored His original church to the earth. It is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This church has His original organization, with apostles and prophets. It has His priesthood authority. It teaches His true doctrine.

I bear witness of these truths in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Why do Mormons go on missions?

Mormons go on missions for many different reasons. I can tell you why I went.

First of all, we are a proselyting church. We believe that we have a message that is for the entire world. We claim to be a restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ that was set up while Christ was on the earth. We claim to have authority from Jesus Christ to perform ordinances on His behalf. We claim that God speaks to prophets in modern times. We claim that families are central to the Lord's plan of eternal life.

These are great messages to the world. Each person in the church is asked to be a "member missionary" and spread what we believe to others in everyday life. Young men in the Church are taught that it is part of their Priesthood responsibility to offer their services for two years -- to leave their families (generally around their nineteenth birthday) and preach the Gospel in some part of the world. This is a great sacrifice for anyone who does it, however, it has it's rewards as well.

While serving as a missionary, I developed a much stronger knowledge and conviction of the power of the Gospel in my own life. I also had the opportunity to live in some areas that are very different from Utah and I was able to develop a stronger knowledge of cultural diversity and love for all of God's children.

Young women in the church also serve missions, but such service is not considered to be a "duty" as much as it is for young men in the Church. Older couples also serve full-time missions.

How I live my faith

First, and foremost, I am happy. That happiness comes from trying my best to live principles of Christ's gospel, which include being a good husband and father, providing service to others, helping those in need, treating others fairly, and living God's commandments.

I enjoy attending church meetings each week. I have been actively involved in church since I was young. Currently, I have a calling in the Church working with youth between the ages of 12 and 19. It's hard, at times, trying to keep up with teenagers, but, I enjoy being able to serve and to teach.

Who chooses the Mormon prophet?

Darrell answered...

The simple answer is: Jesus Christ picks the Mormon prophet.

Whenever someone is called as an Apostle, he is given all of the priesthood authority that he needs to be the prophet someday. The senior-most Apostle (longest-tenured) is the Prophet and President of the Church, with the second-most senior Apostle being the President of the Quorum of the Twelve. Upon the death of the President of the Church, the First Presidency is dissolved, authority to lead the Church transfers to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles traditionally then becomes the President of the Church, and he organizes a new First Presidency.
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Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Austin. answered...

No. Every worthy young man is expected to serve a mission, though there is no punishment for not doing so. Also, not every young man is physically or mentally capable, so there are circumstances where a young man may be excused from service. Young women may also serve missions, but are not expected to do so.

Serving a mission means a full-time commitment, leaving family and friends to preach the gospel in a place assigned by the Church.

I served my mission in Los Angeles, California.

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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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