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Hi, I'm Michael Alan
I'm a Returned Missionary, I love to play basketball, I am a computer guy, I love listening to music, and I'm a Mormon.
About Me
I am 21 years old and I am currently going back to school. I love to play Basketball and all kinds of sports. I love computers and I am working on my computer science degree. I love to hike and climb to the tops of mountains. I lived in British Columbia for two years during my mission and stayed in the cities of Langley, Campbell River, Quesnel, Surrey and Coquitlam. I love listening to music with one of my favorite bands being Coldplay. I come from a very big family of nine,of which I am the oldest.
Why I am a Mormon
I am a Mormon for many different reasons. The main reason is the knowledge that can be found through the Book of Mormon about our Savior Jesus Christ. God speaks to us through prophets, he has again called prophets in our day and age. Our current prophet is Thomas S. Monson, and there has been an unbroken chain of priesthood authority that goes back to Joseph Smith, who by the power of the priesthood, translated the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is the keystone of my personal testimony. I know that this church is true because I have read the Book of Mormon and prayed to know the truth. I have felt it in my heart and I can not deny the feeling. I know that you can also get an answer to your prayer if you do it in faith. I love my Savior Jesus Christ and I know that he so dearly loves me. In his Sacred name, Jesus Christ. Amen
Personal Stories
What is hope and what do you hope for?
Hope is the confident expectation of and longing for the promised blessings of righteousness. The word hope is sure, unwavering, and active which is different from our daily usual language of the word which seems to have a hint of uncertainty. When we have hope, we trust God's promises. We have a quiet assurance that if we do the works of righteousness, we shall receive our reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come. The Book of Mormon says simply enough, "What is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise, Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope." (Book of Mormon | Moroni 7:41-42 pg. 524). I know that we can "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life" (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:20 pg. 114). As we center our hope on Jesus Christ and His Atonement, we will have the peace and knowledge that one day we will be with our loving Heavenly Father again.
How has the Holy Ghost helped you?
The Holy Ghost has been such a great help in my life. Indeed, the Holy Ghost is truly a guide. I do not know where I would be without the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Heavenly Father has answered my prayers multiple times through the thoughts and feelings I receive from the Holy Ghost. The best way the Holy Ghost has helped me is by letting me know that I am a loved son of God. That Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer, and that He lives! That The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been restored in these last days through a prophet. That The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and teaches us about God's plan for us. I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost that these things are true!
Could you talk about your baptism?
I remember my baptism as such a wonderful experience. I had to wait a month to get baptized and I remember being so anxious to get baptized. I remember going into the church and getting changed into white with my Dad. I remember holding his hand and feeling such a wonderful peaceful feeling. When I came out of the water I just felt very warm inside. Although that was years ago, I will always remember it.
Which of the Savior’s teachings have influenced you?
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" New Testament | John 13 34. Love is the motive. The pure love of Christ is charity. Without Charity I am nothing! Even if I give my life, and have not charity, it profiteh me nothing New Testament | 1 Corinthians 13. As we develop love for one another, we will live together in peace.
How has the Book of Mormon brought you closer to God?
The Book of Mormon is one of the most important books of my life. It testifies that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints is God's restored church on the earth. Through that organization, I have learned many eternal truths, including God's plan of happiness, famlies can be sealed together forever, knowing the true nature of God, and many other things. Without the Book of Mormon being true, I would not have any of that.
Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?
Very simply, we want everyone who has ever lived, to have the opportunity to come unto Christ. As I have done my own family history, I have experienced a great sense of peace knowing that I am extending the blessings of the gospel to all generations. It is a great hobby, but with the gospel, it has become so much more.
Which of the Savior’s teachings have influenced you in your life?
This is a very hard answer because the Savior taught so many things. You may find this a cop out answer but I believe that the thing which has most influenced my life is simply keeping the commandments. Heavenly Father's work and glory is to make us as happy as we can possibly be. That means that our work is to keep his commandments with all the fiber of our being. Keeping the commandments is a very all inclusive answer, and I know that. However, we sometimes fail to understand the complete significance of that. Anyways, I know that as I keep his commandments, I will one day be like the Savior. What more joy could you possibly have?
Please share your feelings/testimony of the Restoration of the Gospel.
I know that God and Jesus Christ appeared 200 years ago and usherd in the restoration of the Gospel that had been lost with the death of the apostles. I know that The Book of Mormon is the key to understanding that the restoration of the Gospel actually took place. This is the most important message in all the world. I will quote a Legrand Richards, and an apostle, "If heavenly messengers prophets who have lived upon this earth have visited this earth in this dispensations, bringing messages from God, as claimed by the Prophet Joseph Smith, then we have the most important message that can go out to the world today, which invites investigation. If such messengers really came, they mus have contributed that which is worthy a divine messenger and which was not already in possession of mortal man." Therefore, this message must be declared to everyone that will listen. I know that because of the restoration of the Gospel, I can become the best person I can be.
Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith.
Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. His experience influences the world even to this day. The thing I love about Joseph Smith was his ability to endure to the end. He suffered immense pains and sufferings in declaring his personal testimony that the Savior Lives, and that Christ has restored His true church to the earth in these last days. He lived a fantastic life. Although he was not perfect, he has done so much good for the whole entire world. For all who are seeking a testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, I challenge and invite you to read The Book of Mormon. I know that if you sincerely read that book and ask if its teachings are true, you can know for yourself whether or not he was a prophet. I add my witness that he is.
Why do Mormons go on missions?
We have the most important message in all the world. I will quote a Legrand Richards, and an apostle, "If heavenly messengers prophets who have lived upon this earth have visited this earth in this dispensations, bringing messages from God, as claimed by the Prophet Joseph Smith, then we have the most important message that can go out to the world today, which invites investigation. If such messengers really came, they mus have contributed that which is worthy a divine messenger and which was not already in possession of mortal man." Therefore, we send people out into the world to proclaim this restored gospel and to invite all to come unto Christ.
Can you talk about the missions of the Church and your participation in them?
The missions of the church are amazing. We proclaim the gospel to all. We help all of God's children that are in need. We do family history work to find our ancestors who have passed on. We also help to strengthen the fold. I have participated in all of these wonderful missions of the church. I went out and proclaimed the everlasting gospel for two years while I was in Canada. I have offered service voluntarily and have given many hours over to humanitarian aid. I go to the temple often to bring the blessings of the gospel to those who have gone on before me. I also serve my local community to help all people come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.
Why/How do you share the gospel with your friends?
The simplest way to share the gospel is through example. Usually, I do not need to bring up the gospel, my friends will ask the questions. I just need to answer the questions and apply it to the Doctrine of Christ. This message is so important and has changed my life that I feel a great obligation to invite others to find out for themselves what I have found. I do not force anybody to listen. I do not convert anyone. Only the Holy Ghost can do that. You might ask why I share it even if they are Christian. I will answer with a simple analogy. I am only here to build to your faith not destroy it. If I could show you how to make five dollars out of 1 dollar would I need to ask you to do it? However, if I never tell people how to do that, than I am a selfish person.
Think about your everyday activities. What are things you act upon each day where you cannot see the end results? How does faith move you to action?
Faith is a very motivating thing. There are things that I do everyday that I know will be useful someday down the road. I am planting seeds today that I plan to cultivate later on. For example, I read my scriptures every single day and learn new things from them. I can not tell you how many times, the scriptures I read that day, is what somebody needed in their life and I was there to share it with them. Things that I am learning today are making me more Christlike. For example, I learn patience from my brother that morning, and the next month I have a coworker who tests my patience. Because of my brother, I was able to handle the latter scenario better. If I did not have faith, I would have a negative outlook on life and I would just be bitter about my brother and coworker. With faith, I can have a positive outlook and use that to continue to help others. Therefore faith is the motivating force behind all of my actions.
What are you doing to help strengthen your family and make it successful?
Communication is something that I believe is vital to making family life successful. I have really worked on talking and communicating my desires to my parents so that they can assist me as I make life decisions. As I resolve conflicts with my siblings, I have been able to feel better about myself and my relationship with them.
How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?
The Savior taught us how to live. The best way to obtain harmony, or unity in our homes is by living and applying His Gospel into our lives. As we base our values on the teachings of Jesus Christ, we will be unified in love. His love never fails and we can rely on that to get us through any challenge that comes our way.
Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?
Prayer is the act by which the will of the child (you) is aligned with the will of the Father (God). As I have prayed to God, I have received an increased sense of direction in my life. Heavenly Father really wants to communicate with us. Therefore, we communicate with him through prayer and he communicates back to us through the power of His spirit.
In what ways have your prayers been answered?
Understanding answers to prayers can be a difficult thing. However, answers to prayers always come if we pray for what is right. Remember that we have to accept the Lord's timing in all things, and just because you have not received an answer does not mean that He has forgotten you. Sometimes prayers are answered through the sweet whisperings of the spirit. Other times people in your life become the answer. I have often found answers to my prayers as I have studied the words of the scriptures and have listened to the words of the prophets. I know that God answers us.
How has your knowledge of the Plan of Happiness changed/benefited your life?
It makes a complete difference when you know what your purpose is in life. The Plan of Happiness gives all men that purpose. I have had a very happy and fulfilling life because I know about God's plan for me. Of course there will be hard and challenging times, but through the power of Christ's Atonement we can overcome all things. As we study and learn about God's plan, I know that a sense of peace will come over you and you will know what you can do differently in your life to make it just that much better.
How has The Book of Mormon helped you understand the purpose of life?
The Book of Mormon has helped me understand a 3 purposes to this life. 1: Men are that they might have joy. Everything that God does for us is to help us improve and be the happiest that we can be. The Book of Mormon cautions us that "wickedness never was happiness" and that only by keeping the commandments of God can we truly be happy. 2: This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God. This is one of the purposes to why we do missionary work. We do not want to have anyone leave this world unprepared to meet God. It is our obligation to warn everyone about the things that we have learned. 3:Receive the Holy Ghost. Learning to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost is the most important skill that we can achieve in this life. The Holy Ghost will show us all things that we must do. The Holy Ghost is God's promise that we can have eternal life. Understanding the Book of Mormon is so vital to truly understanding in simple and plain terms all that God has in store for you in this life.
How can your talents and gifts bless others?
This life is about learning how to love. What does it profit a person if he receive a gift or talent, and does not use it to bless others. We soon begin to loose the value of that gift in our life. Our talents and gifts should help all to come unto Christ. By small and simple means are great things brought to pass. We have no idea sometimes how much of an influence we have had on others, but I know that as we magnify our talents, we will be a much needed light in this world.
What has helped develop greater harmony in your home?
The Savior taught us how to live. The best way to obtain harmony, or unity in our homes is by living and applying His Gospel into our lives. As we base our values on the teachings of Jesus Christ, we will be unified in love. His love never fails and we can rely on that to get us through any challenge that comes our way. I have helped to this end by being obedient to the counsels of my parents. By being more patient with my family. By stepping back and looking at the big picture of things. There are many small and simple things that you can do in your family as well to bring about great changes.
What have you done successfully to shield your family from unwanted influences?
We all need to be prepared. The difficult choices that we will have to make in the future can be made before the event occurs. Decide now to never do drugs, and later when you are offered drugs, you can say no more easily. As we have had family councils to decide ahead of time how to protect us from unwanted influences, it has been easier to fight off the temptations of the adversary.
How has attending Church services helped you?
Why people go to church varies between everyone. The most important reason for me, is it allows me to become clean of all my sins. Jesus Christ instituted the sacrament to be a renewal of our baptism. Every single week our sins can be blotted out and washed away. You can only receive this wonderful gift if you go to church. Attending church also brings other blessings. Some of the most common is fellowship with the saints and gospel learning. As I have gone to church, I have felt a peaceful presence that can help me endure the week.
What blessings have come through your faith in Jesus Christ?
All blessings are predicated on a law of obedience. As we come to recognize the power of Jesus Christ is in our lives, we begin to realize that the windows of heaven have been opened and that we have received so many blessings that we can not even count them all. Without my faith in Christ, I would be without hope. With Christ, I can do all things that are expedient for me to accomplish.
Can you think of a specific challenge in your family that Gospel Principles helped overcome?
We have a pretty big family so it is hard for all of us to be together at the same time. One of the principles that we have implemented is family time. Family time happens once a week and it is a time that we set apart so that we can all be together. As we have done this, we have increased in family unity and there is less conflict. I know that the family who spends time together, truly stays together.
How does making right choices help us make more right choices?
We each receive light and truth when we are born into the world. When we receive the commandments, we receive more light and understand more truth. When we disobey the commandments, we lose light and understand less truth. Keeping the commandments is the only way to know and understand the things of God. As we seek to become more like God, it is important that we use the light that we have been given to recognize and obey truth. This is necessary if we are to receive all that God has promised.
How I live my faith
I am a gospel doctrine teacher during the Sunday School hour during church. I served a full time mission in Canada where I had the wonderful opportunity to serve others, teach people about the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, and bring people unto Christ through increasing their personal faith. I am a more kind person because of my faith in God, I have a greater sense of purpose in life, and my priorities have all changed for the better because of this faith. I do not know where I would be without the knowledge I now have of eternity. The gospel of Jesus Christ is truly amazing and it can help anyone overcome their personal challenges. I know with all of my heart that this is true and that it is the best message for the world.
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Can a husband and wife be together forever? Do Mormons believe that families will live together in heaven?
Michael Alan answered...
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Why do some call Mormonism a cult?
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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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