Hi, I'm Ryan

I'm from South Carolina, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a fun-loving college student, a son of amazing parents, and a prospective pharmacist. I love backpacking and hanging out with good friends. I am a southerner, my name is Ryan, and I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Why I am a Mormon

I was raised in the Church and have had the Gospel of Jesus Christ around me my entire life. However, growing up, as many people do, I found myself doing very non-Christlike things. During my early high school years I started drifting away from my family and the standards by which I had been raised. I had completely betrayed the people that loved me my entire life. During my senior year though, I read in its entirety The Book of Mormon. I also started working with the missionaries to prepare for my expected mission for the church. After reading The Book of Mormon and praying about it, I found, or re-discovered, the things that make my life complete. The happiness that comes from reading The Book of Mormon is something that I cannot put in words. I have seen both sides of the spiritual spectrum, misery and sin, and righteousness and happiness. I would not give up my membership in the in a million years. I am a Mormon because of the Spirit that comes from reading The Book of Mormon and going to church!

Personal Stories

Which of the Savior’s teachings have influenced you in your life?

My life is far from perfect, but the only thing that keeps me going is the influence of Christ in my life. I know that no matter how hard my life is, the Savior has gone through the same things and knows how I feel. I know that if I make mistakes, I can repent and become clean because of the sacrifice of the Savior. His love is perfect and is accessible to everyone who wishes to feel it. Christ has saved my life and I wish for everyone to experience the same blessings that have come from Christ.

How I live my faith

In the most recent years of my life, I have utilized and embraced the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I have completely turned my life around from one extreme to the other. I do everything in my power to help people realize the saving power of our Savior.

I am preparing to serve a two year full-time mission for the church. In my preparation I serve with the local missionaries as much as possible. I help teach lessons with the missionaries to people interested in learning more about the church.

I read the scriptures, The Bible and The Book of Mormon, on a daily basis. I have served in the church in the capacity of a Sunday School teacher and various other group leadership positions.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Ryan answered...

No.

No one is ever required to serve a mission. A mission is a huge sacrifice of time and money for participants. However, it is probably one of the best experiences an individual can have. Young men in the priesthood are encouraged to serve a mission because it is such a great learning experience and an excellent way to serve our fellow men. Young women have the opportunity to serve missions as well if that is the path they desire to choose.
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Trisha answered...

Serving a mission is a priesthood responsibility, and young men are asked to sacrifice two years in order to serve others, gain experience as followers of Christ, and grow in their faith. However, that is a choice each individual has to make on their own and deciding not to go does not affect a person's standing in the Church. But those who do go, men and women alike, usually find that two years is not enough time and wish they could stay longer. Service creates bonds of love for the people you serve. I was unable to go in my young adult years, but I still yearn for the opportunity and look forward to a time when I can serve as a missionary.

How can we stop the spread and influence of pornography?

Chris answered...

Since I do not think legislation will ever be enacted against it, we will have to stop it one person at a time. I think the key to this is placing the proper barriers between your life and the damning influence of pornography. That means staying away from unwholesome places, and putting the proper protections on your electronic devices. It also means controlling your thoughts.