Hi, I'm Rick

I'm a convert, who is now a happy Mormon, Capitalist, Dad...

About Me

I joined the Church, at 19 yrs. old, after the missionaries knocked on our door on Easter Sunday. It has changed everything about my life. I am now a happy father of seven children. My hobbies include reading the American Founding Fathers and Church history are my favorite, talk radio, my salt water reef tank, RC cars with the kids, and being a passionate entrepreneur.

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon because I received a definite, undeniable answer to the first vocal prayer I ever uttered I was 19 years old. I gained a testimony of the basics. I knew, beyond any doubt, that Joseph Smith was God's prophet. From that I knew that the Book of Mormon is what he proclaimed it to be, namely another Testament of Jesus Christ - a book by which a man can draw nearer to God, by abiding its precepts, than by any other book. While I had recently earned a gold medal at a national debate championship, there was no debating that I had received a testimony of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and my place in God's plan. From that day, to this - though I've had many wonderful lessons and experiences, this is why I am a Mormon.

Personal Stories

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

Believe it or not, at age 19, when I met the missionaries, the Book of Mormon was the first book that I read from cover to cover - since I was in the first grade age 5.

The Book of Mormon has literally done for me what the Prophet Joseph said it would do, namely, it has brought me nearer to God by doing all I can to follow its precepts, than any other book. I love and study the Bible. I love and study the other books of scripture revealed by God, but there is something very unique and special about the Book of Mormon that is known only to those who have sincerely and honestly read it, prayed about it, considered its messages, its stories, its many different characters, and lessons - and sought to use it as a sacred source of revelation and inspiration. I have done that, and by doing so have felt the Spirit of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ - more real and more powerful in my life than I have ever experienced without the book.

How I live my faith

I've had many callings, in virtually every aspect of the ward. My favorite work in the Church, so far, however has been as a Ward Mission Leader I've had that opportunity three different times. This means I've been able to focus on reaching out to others who might be as surprised and as blessed as I was to hear the message of the Gospel.

Currently, my priority is Home Teaching, or in other wards getting to know and serve the members of my ward.

Why don’t Mormons have paid clergy?

Rick answered...

Being a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ has more to do with personal testimony, and individual talents given through the Spirit of the Lord than it does through any vocational training, or formal learning.

So, while the Church has many amazing leaders who have advanced degrees in subjects like Religion, History, Philosophy, etc., and other leaders who have tremendous experience in business and civics, there are by far more leaders who are simply faithful disciples of Jesus Christ called by revelation and the laying on of hands, to serve in and built up His Church.
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Susie answered...

A ward or branch is the local unit of the church. This is the place where members have the opportunity to develop friendships and to help one another. We get support and lessons on the scriptures and how to improve our family relationships.

Our Heavenly Father expects us to lift and serve one another in this life. This is the principle behind a volunteer clergy. The local leader of a ward or branch calls on various members on the ward/branch to volunteer their services in teaching and leading the other members. We all donate our time and thus are able to lift and serve on another. The leaders seek divine guidance in making these callings. We who have been called to also seek divine guidance in fulfilling our positions.

We each try to follow the teachings of an ancient prophet who taught that when we are baptized we "are willing to bear one another's burdens, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort." (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 18:8-9).

Through our volunteer service, members lift one another's burdens and express our love to one another.

What is the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

John answered...

This is one of the hardest subjects because in today's world the only accepted dialog is love or hate. We firmly decree that homosexual behavior is sinful. This does not speak to the individual, who they are or the feelings they have. Each of us face feelings and desires, some of which are contrary to the will of the Lord. This is one of them.

Our Heavenly Father does not judge us on these feelings, but how we act on them. If feelings are converted to behavior, then sin has been committed.

We believe that marriage is a sacred institution, one that God has intended to be shared between man and woman. We do not believe it is for us to redefine it, and as such would not support a change that would legitimize behavior believed to be sinful.

We love all of God's children. I have several friends who identify themselves as homosexuals. I consider them friends even though my beliefs hurt and frustrate them. I try to help them understand that I can love them and care about them while maintaining these beliefs. Likewise, I would always defend them against discrimination and bullying.