Hi, I'm Andrew!

I'm a dad, a husband, and a High School Spanish teacher. And, I'm proud to be a Mormon.

About Me

I grew up in rural Missouri, USA. I've also lived in Argentina, Oregon, Virginia, and Utah. I teach High School Spanish in a small high school. I love learning about other people, cultures, religion, history, and language. I completed a B.A. and a M.A. in Spanish. I've been married since 2004 and have three children.

Why I am a Mormon

I suppose a skeptic would think I am a Mormon because my parents were Mormon. It's true that I owe my faith in large part to their decision to become Mormon before I was born. However, the decision ultimately has been mine to be a Mormon and to continue to be a Mormon, and that decision is one that I've taken very seriously and that has been very central in my thinking and who I consider myself to be.

I suppose the most crucial moment in my decision making process happened when I was about 14 years old. I was challenged by a church teacher to read the Book of Mormon for myself and to seek to know if it was indeed God's word like the Bible. I somewhat casually accepted the challenge, not really sure if I would have the motivation to carry it out. I started reading the Book of Mormon and then something rather miraculous happened to me—I couldn’t put it down! I hungered to read the Book of Mormon. I read it every spare moment I had when home.

I had many spiritual experiences while reading the book that witnessed to me it was true. When I finished reading I kneeled down and asked God if the Book of Mormon were really true. In answer the thought/feeling came into my mind somewhat forcefully: “Andrew, you already know it is true!” I thought, “Yes, I do! I have felt that time and time again,” and I had.

After finishing the Book of Mormon I vigorously pursued the Bible and the other LDS (Mormon) scriptures. Before that school year had ended I had read all of the Book of Mormon, Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. I saw the perfect harmony in them. I saw how the Bible reaffirmed my faith in the Book of Mormon and in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I knew for myself, independent of my parents, that “Mormonism” was true.

Since that time I have continued to search the scriptures, pray, ponder, think, grow, and learn. I have read hundreds of books related to the church and Christianity in general. Time and time again my faith is reaffirmed in what I experience and learn. I continue to be Mormon because I continue to have experiences that reaffirm the witnesses I have already received.

Personal Stories

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

Missionaries serve all around the world teaching individuals and families about the gospel of Jesus Christ and rendering other service. When I turned nineteen years old I was "called" (asked by church leaders acting by inspiration) to serve a mission in Cordoba Argentina. I didn't know Spanish. I spent a couple of months learning in the Missionary Training Center. I then spent nearly two years in Argentina learning the language and culture while teaching the wonderful Argentine people the gosepl in their own language.

How I live my faith

I try to live my faith day to day in how I interact with other people and with God. Each day I spend some time in prayer, meditation, and scripture study. I try to seek God's influence in my life. I spend time each week working with the full-time missionaries in teaching people about Jesus Christ and his Church. I regularly teach an adult male group class on Sundays as well as coordinate efforts to look after and care for the members of the church. My faith isn't just a big part of my life, it is central to who I am and what I do.

Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?

Andrew! answered...

Do Jews worship Moses? Do Protestants or Catholics worship Paul or Peter? The plain answer is no. Joseph Smith was a prophet and apostle just like Moses, Paul, and Peter. That is how we see him. He was only a man, but a man of God. Therefore we do not worship him. Worship is alone reserved for God.
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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.

Why do some call Mormonism a cult?

Stephen Call answered...

In my opinion the real reason people say the Mormon Church is a cult because they don't understand. saying that it is a cult is an easy way to excuse themselves from learn more about it. Its like saying "sushi is slimy raw dead fish" or "computers are of the devil" its easy not to try / learn about stuff if you pair it with a negative word like "devil" or " slimy raw dead fish"