Hi, I'm Bill Thomas

I'm a Mormon. I grew up in England. I received a witness that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God in 1962.

About Me

I've lived in America for half of my life and have met good friends here and enjoy my adopted location. I still love my homeland too, and visit when I can. I'm lately retired and am writing my family history and researching my genealogy. I am married and we have children and grandchildren.

Why I am a Mormon

I am a "Mormon" because I have a testimony of Joseph Smith. I had attended other Christian churches and wanted to be "a true Christian". In response to this prayer missionaries came by and, as they told me of Joseph Smith's vision of the Father and the Son, I recieved a witness that it was true and knew it from then on. This was more than forty years ago. I have remained an active member of this Church since then.

Personal Stories

What is hope and what do you hope for?

To me hope is that assurance that comes from faith plus action or in other words the assurance you can come to feel of salvation based upon the grace of Jesus Christ, coupled with your repentance and a knowledge of, and faith in, the Atonement. I hope for salvation and the happiness and fulfillment it brings for all who obtain it.

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

The missions of the Church concern the members, non-members and our ancestors.

The first revolves around the teaching and activities of the Church. Each member needs a calling, a friend, and spiritual nourishment. I have found each of these blessings within the Church.

The second, concerning non-members, consists in inviting all to come to Christ, and sometimes serving them in other ways as needed, for example blessing the sick, befriending the friendless, assisting the aged and infirm and so on as appropriate. I have sought to introduce others to the message of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. My sister and others have been baptised partly through my efforts.

The third has to do with seeking out the names of, and information about, our ancestors, writing a book of remembrance concerning them, and performing ordinances vicariously for those who may have had no opportunity of accepting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that those who would have accepted the Gospel with all their hearts had it been properly declared to them in their lifetimes may, by this means, receive necessary ordinances and associated blessings.

It has been a rewarding experience in my life to learn more about my ancestors and to commemorate their lives. I am currently compiling a history of my immediate family, and other relatives whether living or dead. Included are cameos of my great grandfather and great grandmother, my grandmothers, uncles and aunts and others.

How I live my faith

I live according to my faith in reading the scriptures every day, having daily prayers, and contributing to the Church of my time, talents and means.
I visit other members and testify of those things I know. I work with other members of the Church and sometimes teach. I play the accompaniment to the hymns, on the piano at one of the meetings most weeks.

Mormons believe Jesus Christ is their Savior. Why do we need a Savior?

Bill Thomas answered...

We need the Savior because, as the Apostle Paul puts it: All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. When we fully repent and live the commandments our sins are forgiven and we can return to the presence of God when we die.
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Devin answered...

We all mess up with things we can't go back and fix. Jesus can fix it.

Why are only some Mormons allowed into temples? Is there something secret going on in Mormon Temples? What goes on in Mormon Temples?

John answered...

We want everyone to be able to enter the Temple and feel of the sweet and beautifully peaceful aroma and spirit there. A Temple is a holy and sacred place. Unlike regular church buildings which are also sacred, Temples are specially reserved as places to be separate from worldly influences. Therefore, only those who are living such a life may enter, so as to preserve the Temple's sacredness. But we want everyone to qualify so that they may enter and feel of that spirit. It isn't hard to qualify, but it does take some effort. All that is required is for one to live a Christlike life with a heart that only desires to do good.