Hi, I'm Ian

I joined the church in a foreign land. I am serving a mission in Mosow, Russia, and I'm a California Mormon!

About Me

I am a college student on the central coast of California. I am an active person. I enjoy spending time with my friends and my family. I love California and my life. I love to travel and learn languages. I speak fluent German and I am currently studying Russian and Swedish.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up in a different church. I felt when I was younger that I did not really have a close relationship with God. One day while studying abroad in Europe I realized that I wanted to become closer to God. I decided to find a church that I could start attending. One day I came across the official LDS.org website. I was amazed. There were so many wonderful stories, videos, and important messages that I discovered. I found a local church and met the missionaries. It only took but a month later and I was baptized. I was taught about the church by two incredible Sister Missionaries. They were true representitives of Jesus Christ and had such wonderful kind words that they always shared.

The church has really blessed me. I am so grateful for the new chapter in my life that I have been able to begin.

Personal Stories

How has the Book of Mormon brought you closer to God?

I always felt and knew that there were missing scriptures from God. When I first read in The Book Of Mormon I knew that this was the scripture that I was missing in my life. I have read the whole book of scripture and each time I re-read it I can learn something new that I did not know before.

How I live my faith

It's hard to always be a good example, but I know as I live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and apply his teachings in my life, I can be the example that I want to be.

I love the church because it's given me a lot of hope in my life. I am now sharing it as a full-time missionary in Moscow, Russia.

What are Mormon Temples used for?

Ian answered...

Temples are sacred houses of our Lord. In temples we learn more about life and the covenants we need to make and follow to stay true to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ordinance work for deceased relatives is also preformed, giving those who have not accepted the gospel a chance to receive the same blessing that us members have had. The deceased have a choice to accept or reject these ordinances preformed.
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Bonnie. answered...

They are peaceful, pure places, where only those who have committed to live the most discipled lives can go to ponder and pray. They are places where we learn about God's plan for all of humanity, and where we promise to do all in our power to help all of His children, and receive promises that we can be with Him as well. We wear white clothing that is simple, and remove our watches and bling, to demonstrate a willingness to let go of our day-to-day concerns to focus on the real things: people, and their worth to God.

Does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorse political parties?

Emrol answered...

Members of the Church are encouraged to be actively involved in their communities. This involvement may even include political activity. The Church is made up members who hold differing political views, positions and opinions. While the Church will support any measure or position that will allow for the free practice of our religion, and the strengthening and supporting of families in general, it does not endorse any specific person involved in political activity, platform, or party.