Hi, I'm Lincoln Garth H.

I'm a Mormon. Life is good.

About Me

I immigrated to Canada with my parents and sister from South Africa back in 1953. I am blessed with an intelligent wife, 3 lovely, industrious daughters, 3 bright, talented sons, 2 cute granddaughters, and 2 young grandsons. I am semi retired and enjoy volunteer work.

Why I am a Mormon

First, I wanted to follow Jesus Christ. I wanted to have His influence in my life. I believed I could become a better person by seeking more virtue in my life. At the age of 19, I was invited to pray about the message of the restoration of the gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ. Amazingly, I received an immediate spirtitual manifestation of the authenticity of the message of the First Vision. My appreciation for receiving a divine response to my prayer request for guidance, had to be agreeing to the covenant of baptism. Thus I became a "convert" to Jesus Christ and His Church. I was already a Christian, but now I became a Latter-day Saint or a Mormon. I learned that Jesus was also speaking to me through another book beside the Holy Bible, that of the Book of Mormon.

Personal Stories

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

The Church opperates an extensive missionary program in over 92 languages where it is officially permitted to function in that country. My opportunity to serve as a missionary came when I was 21.
Hearing the word brings faith. Faith progresses to devotion and choosing higher standards in life.
I was assigned to serve in Canada, specifically Alberta and Saskatchewan. It was my good fortune to become better aquainted with the First Nations people.
My dear wife, Mary and I will soon have the opportunity in June 2012 to serve in Zambia, Africa on an eighteen month assignment for our Church. We are excited because we feel the people there have a bright future ahead of them.

How I live my faith

Serving in the Church gives me the opportunity to fellowship a congregation of young single adults (18-29) with my wife Mary, a gifted conversationalist. Home Teaching is a monthly practice of calling on a few individuals and families to share messages and offer friendship. On a weekly basis, I have the privilege of assisting in sacred Temple ordinances. This gives me a greater appreciation for the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. Spiritual experiences come to me at moments of private, family prayer or while singing hymns of praise and worship.

Why don’t women hold the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? How do Mormon women lead in the Church?

Lincoln Garth H. answered...

First, I am blessed with 5 wonderful women in my life. (3 daughters & 1 daughter in law) My wife Mary knows the scriptures very well. She is a wonderful example of a virtuous life. Possessing virtue is also a possession of power. Leadership comes from virtue and a sound moral compass. The five women in my life are leaders. They know what they want and what they don't want. When they speak, I know I had better listen. While they do not currently have the Priesthood, they do certainly influence me. So do women who lead the children (the Primary organization) and the women's organization (the Relief Society) and those who speak or pray or serve in the Lord's house, the Temple. As to why women do not hold the Priesthood, my answer is it is a matter of the Lord's timing. The Priesthood holds the power to serve and organize, and ultimately create. While women possess great nurturing qualities, men are expected to protect and serve, and function with the gift of the Priesthood. In families, men are to take leadership, not because they are the most worthy, or most qualified, or most gifted, but because of Divine appointment.
Cynthia answered...

Family is very important in the church for more reasons than can be explained here. Holding the priesthood is just one of these reasons. Husbands act and bless their family with their priesthood, but wives benefit and honor the priesthood through their husbands. It is a symbiotic relationship. As I have participated in the church in various activities I have come to understand my importance as a woman in the church. There cannot be one without the other.

Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?

Michael answered...

We don't worship Joseph Smith. Although we recognize that our faith hinges on whether or not he was a prophet of God, we only worship God, the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. We honor and respect Joseph Smith in the same way we do Moses, Abraham, or any of the ancient prophets.