Hi, I'm Matthew

I was raised in an abusive home, spent my 20's looking for answers and growth. I found it and now ... I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm 35 a husband and father of two young children. I have a successful business I started after about ten years in the technology/Internet industry. Like anyone raised in an abusive home I still struggle with the consequences of other people's actions ... but I have peace now. I know my Father in Heaven personally and I counsel with Him in my prayers. He loves me and the love of His son fills the void I had.

When I first learned that there really was a God it was a complete shock to me but the most important truth I've ever learned. My life is full, and complete, and robust now because of my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the deeper knowledge (and relationship) it gives me with God.

Why I am a Mormon

There is one simple truth that you will not find anywhere else; it is that we lived before we came to this Earth and that we are here for a reason. That is a true doctrine. We did live before we came here, we are here for a reason, we can effect where we go after this life. Our life does have meaning.

If you listen to your heart it will tell you that, yes, you did live before you came here. That truth is worth knowing more about.

Personal Stories

Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith.

All through history men and women have - without asking for it - been put in situations to help lift mankind and make the world a better place. Joseph Smith was called by God to be one in a line of prophets (many of whom you know from reading the Old Testament) to ensure that Gods children (you and me) know that He is there and that He loves us.

This was Joseph Smith's role as called by God. It was God's plan for him and I am grateful for his efforts as they have blessed my life.

God also has a role for you - if you get to know Him and reach out to Him you will learn what it is He wants you to do to improve this Earth you live on and the path He wants you to take to return to Him.

Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. By studying what he taught us we can learn our role here on Earth and the path back to our Heavenly Father.

How I live my faith

The Mormon faith is a way of life, not a church. We believe ... I believe ... in The Savior, Jesus Christ and we try to live in harmony with His teachings.

I feel a love and compassion for my fellow beings that I never felt before. I remember when I started investigating this church and someone from the pulpit said "I love you all" and I thought, 'impossible'. Now, however, I understood what he meant and how it feels to love others and feel at peace here on Earth.

What is done with the tithing that Mormons pay?

Matthew answered...

Tithing is used as an action arm of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is used to build houses of worship, to help the communities in which we worship, to help the downtrodden, sick, and widowed. It is money given by members to The Lord to accomplish His purposes.

Moreover, I have found that without a doubt my life is better and my business more successful as I pay an honest tithe and keep the Sabbath day holy.
Lot answered...

The money received from members in the form of tithing goes directly to the headquarters of the church where a council decides what will be done with the money. Here are some ways in which the tithing funds are used:
1. Build, maintain, and operate temples, meetinghouses, and other buildings.
2. Provide operating funds for stakes, wards, and other units of the Church. (These units use the funds to carry out the ecclesiastical programs of the Church, which include teaching the gospel and conducting social activities.)
3. Help the missionary program.
4. Educate young people in Church schools, seminaries, and institutes.
5. Print and distribute lesson materials.
6. Help in family history and temple work.

*It is important to note that tithing funds are not used to pay leaders of the church. All leaders of the church are volunteers and receive no form of pay.

How can I know Mormonism is true?

Ian answered...

Live it. If you can commit to yourself and God to give all you have to discovering for yourself if the church is true through living the principles taught and asking God, in the name of Christ, to reveal the truth to you, I can give you my personal witness you will feel in your heart the comforting reassurance that you have found the truth. Moroni 10:3-5