Hi, I'm Mitch

I grew up in the western U.S. I'm a husband, dad and engineer. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a married father of four with two kids in college and two still at home. Our oldest daughter just got married and that brings with it some adjustment for everyone but the guy she married is a great guy so that makes the adjustment smooth. I like to play basketball and other sports and enjoy biking. I think I"ve torn ligaments in three fingers from catching a fast basketball with finger extended straight so I'm wondering if I should take my remaining good 7 fingers and find another sport.

I love football though I mainly watch only my college team play. I coached my son's little league team for a couple of years, complete with plays sent in from the sidelines and watching game film. I probably don't have the skills but if I could choose any career it would be to coach full time.

I'm an electrical engineer and have worked at that profession for 26 years. I took early retirement four years ago and went off on my own trying to start a business. I have always wanted to develop my own products and sell them and that is what I'm trying to do. I've been trying to finance the development effort by consulting on the side. I have put a brand on a few imported products and have sold them on the internet and through retail and have learned in the process how difficult it is to do. I'm working on the design of a product that I'll sell once complete. The hope is that that will support my family and allow me to develop other products. We'll see how it goes.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born to parents who were both Mormon and so was raised 'in the Church'. In high school or earlier I began to come to my own understanding and appreciation for the Church I attended. I read the Book of Mormon during my Sophomore year of High School and recognized at that point that it was a very special book. My particular reading schedule (assigned me by a daily seminary class that I took with other mormon kids during the school day) had been one involving a lot of procrastination and so I had to read 20 pages a day for several days in order to reach a goal of finishing it by the end of the school year. It was during that time of lots of reading that I really felt the Spirit of God witness to me that the book was true and of him.

I chose to serve a mission when I was 19 and was called to serve in Germany where I worked for 2 years going from door to door and contacting people on the street to teach those who would listen about the restoration of the Gospel. It was for me the best two years of my life up to that point.

I have tried to live faithfully and follow the teachings of the Savior. Life has had its challenges but as I've tried to put my trust in the Lord I have learned more certainly that he is there and that he is willing to bless me and help me overcome and rise above.

Personal Stories

Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith.

I have read the Book of Mormon many times and feel the Spirit of God when I think deeply about what I read. I know from those feelings that the Book of Mormon is true and that it was brought forth as Joseph Smith says, written by ancient prophets in the Americas and translated by a gift of God. I've read books about Joseph Smith and am impressed with his honesty and his caring and service for his fellow men. I am impressed with his family who were hard working, honest and God-fearing people. I have had the chance to visit areas where Joseph Smith lived or stayed. Recently I was able to visit the Jail where Joseph Smith was martyred. It was a special experience for me as I walked the stairs he walked, saw bullet holes that are still in the door from where he was shot at, and looked out the window where he fell when he was killed. I am grateful for his work and his sacrifice and hope to one day meet him.

How I live my faith

I have worked mostly with young men as a scoutmaster and as such have spent a lot of time teaching knots and first aid and hiking and camping. Recently I applied that experience to serve as a football coach for my son's little league team.

Currently I work with the local Church leadership and have responsibility for public affairs such as interfacing with the county jail, following local government proceedings, and working with the missionaries who serve in our area to help them be successful. I also help train adults who work with young men and visit some of the young men groups.

I also am a home teacher, which means I and a partner have the assignment to visit a couple of families each month to make sure they are alright and provide a bit of teaching directed at the families.

What do Mormons believe happens to us after we die? What do Mormons believe about life after death?

Mitch answered...

We believe that they go to a 'spirit world' where they interact with other spirits they have known in this life. From there a day comes when all are resurrected and then judged for their behavior in this life. They then go to a final place the glory of which corresponds to the life they have lived.

How can I find someone to talk with, in person, about the Mormon religion?

Taylor answered...

A. You could go to a mormon.org profile from someone in your area that has a facebook link, and locate them that way!
B. You could go to the link on mormon.org that says "request the missionaries"
C. You could go to the link that says " Find a Church" and come visit us. We all would be more than happy to meet you to and explain why this message is so important for all of us.