Hi, I'm David

I am an educator, I am a lover of all things German, I am a husband and a father. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am an actor and an educator. I am going to college studying German Linguistics and English , while doing a bunch of volunteer theatre work on the side.

Why I am a Mormon

In scripture revealed through Joseph Smith we read, "To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world. To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful." D & C 46: 13-14 I have always felt that I am one of the former I have always believed in Jesus Christ and in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I grew up in this Church, and for a long time it bothered me that I look like I am a member of this Church only because my parents are and because it was how I was raised. I have since learned to be grateful for the blessing it was to have been a part of this Church for my whole life, to have that solid foundation in Gospel truth. I have spoken with many friends and others throughout the world and have come to realize that what I received in being born to a family that took me to Church regularly is indeed a great blessing. I have come to know for myself that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to this earth by a modern prophet, Joseph Smith, but I cannot point to any specific moment or experience that proved it to me. All I can say is that I seem to have always known, like it was given to me, and I am thankful for that knowledge.

Personal Stories

How has attending Church services helped you?

Many people ask why they should attend Church when they can learn as much, or get as close to God doing something else, usually being in nature and admiring His creation. I, too, have long wondered about the purpose of going to Church. I am a smart person, I have the scriptures, I can read them on my own and learn as much, if not more, on my own without listening to sermons or Sunday School lessons. But lately I have come to realize a greater purpose for the congregation and going to Church: friendship and companionship and helping each other.
Mormons call their different congregations 'Wards", and often we talk about our "Ward family". I love this concept, that those we meet at Church can become our family and care about us as much as we care about our families. We're all in this life together, and the more we can do to help each other, the more that is done to help us. What I particularly love is the collective experiences of those I've come into contact with. I don't know everything, I haven't experienced everything, but there are those I know who know things and have had experiences that I have not had. As they share what they know with me and I share what I know with them, together we can know everything that we need to. No one is saved alone. And I think this is the reason why God has organized his Church into congregations and places so much of an emphasis on regular Church attendance. There is only so much I can do on my own, and I often get discouraged with how much I am not achieving. But when I go to Church and meet and discuss and study and learn with my friends, I am built up by their experiences and their support of me.

How I live my faith

I currently attend a congregation in my city primarily for young married couples attending the local University. This is a wonderful experience to be around so many who are in the same situation in life as we are newly married and adjusting to life in this new situation.

How is the Book of Mormon different from the Bible? How did Joseph Smith obtain the “golden plates” or Book of Mormon?

David answered...

Mormons believe in scripture. What sets the Mormons apart from most other Christian religions is that we believe in more scripture than just the Bible, we believe in the Book of Mormon and in continuing modern revelation through prophets. The Book of Mormon is a scriptural text very similar to the Bible, but where the Bible deals with the Jewish people living in Israel, in the Old World, the Book of Mormon deals with the history and the revelations and prophecies of people who lived on the American continent. Just before the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem, around 600 BC, a prophet named Lehi was warned and fled the city with his family and some others. They were led by the Lord to the American continent. The Book of Mormon relates the history of this people, their wars, their society, but more importantly, the prophecies and religious teaching of this people. The Book of Mormon is proof that God loves all of his children and wants them all to know him and how they can be saved. He sent prophets among this people in America to teach them about Jesus Christ, just as he sent prophets among the Jews in Israel to teach them of Christ.
Joseph Smith was called by God in the early 1800s to be a prophet, to again teach of Jesus Christ and restore His gospel again to the earth, as it was taught by ancient prophets. As part of this restoration Joseph Smith was given to know where the record that became the Book of Mormon was kept, and he translated it by the power of God so that we could have Another Testament of Jesus Christ the Book of Mormon's subtitle. This Book of Mormon, with the Bible and other modern revelations and scriptures make up what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints call its Standard Works, or the standard set of scriptural writings that we accept as doctrine. Both books are the Word of God to different groups of his children in different parts of the world, but the message is the same, "that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations" from the Title Page of the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon has taught me more about Jesus Christ and my relationship with him and is invaluable in my life.

What are some of the ways that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helps those around the world?

Spencer answered...

I had the opportunity to see first hand how the Gospel has changed lives in every way. I served for the church in South America and saw that the teachings of the gospel helped countless individuals in financial crises, relationship problems, health issues, quality of life, personal happiness, political and social issues, and every imaginable aspect in life. I saw people with addictions overcome them and change their lives. I saw the jobless gain work through help of the Lord and help of the church. I saw marriages improved and even saved. I witnessed the sick and inflicted cured through faith. And so, to answer what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does to help those around the world, I would testify that it blesses lives in every aspect.

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Joseph Smith

As is the case throughout history God has communicated to His children through prophets. God used a humble man as a prophet to restore His Church on earth who ultimately died defending His faith.

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