Hi, I'm Ken

I'm originally from New York and have been a Mormon since I was ten years old.

About Me

I enjoy cars as a hobby -- have since I was a child. More of an admirer than a restorer. I enjoy photography, working in my yard, and my family. I have three children, and I work in the healthcare industry.

Why I am a Mormon

My family joined the Mormon church when I was ten years old. At that time, I joined because my parents did. The story of our baptismal day is evidence to me, now many years later, that this was what Jesus Christ wanted our family to do.

We were baptized in the winter. On the night before our baptism, it snowed over two feet. The road in front of our home was impassable. We watched my dad as he cleared the driveway two times, each to a snow-filled road that remained impassable. As the time approached for us to have to either leave or call the event off, a V-plow came down our road and cleared the snow. My dad cleared the driveway - again - and we were on our way!

Being a Mormon has been a critical part of my life. It is provided me a foundation, perspective, and meaning to all that I do. I know that my baptism was the right thing to do, though at the time it was not something that I could really appreciate. Now, I could not be without it.

Personal Stories

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

This is not only a teaching but an example as well. Jesus was very attentive to individual needs. He blessed and healed the sick, individually. He raised the dead, individually. He blessed children, individually. He cared for his mother when he was on the cross by charging John with her care. And he knows me individually, too!

Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

First, it's FUN! What an opportunity it is to learn about my ancestors. It's even better when I can arrange for them to receive ordinances such as baptism by proxy, in order to help them in their eternal progression. I hope to meet them someday, and I believe I will. Because we are forever as individuals, and we are forever in families. This is the Plan of Happiness!

How I live my faith

I have been involved in a variety of service opportunities since my baptism many years ago. As a youth I held leadership positions in our young men's program. As a young adult, I served a mission for the Mormon church. In my married years, I have helped to teach youth, work in the scouting program as a merit badge counselor, and had opportunity to lead in our men's organization. Currently I volunteer as a secretary for our area leaders. All of these service opportunities have been wonderful experiences for me.

I also visit members of our congregation on a monthly basis. This helps me to get to know them, and try to find ways to help them in their life, whether with their physical needs, spiritual needs or support. These friendships are very important to me.

How can we stop the spread and influence of pornography?

Ken answered...

Stopping the spread and influence of pornography is a significant challenge. We need to be active in our communities, in our political processes and do our part to elect and support people and businesses that support our beliefs and values about pornography.

The single best thing that we can do is to unify and not participate in it in any manner. Any enterprise or industry that does not receive support will ultimately fail. And we need to help our families and friends do the same...
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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.

What will the Mormon missionaries talk about when they visit my home?

Jordan Christiansen answered...

I served a mission in South Korea for two years, so I can tell you. :) The missionaries will probably be as nervous as you are as they arrive at your home. The nervousness does not come from timidity or a lack of belief in the message they bring, but because they want so much to express their testimonies and the Spirit they feel to you.

The missionaries will likely introduce themselves and get to know you and your family. Though missionaries are called by God to preach His word, they come from largely every-day backgrounds and have lives likely much like yours.

After getting to know your family, they will likely ask what questions you may have about life or the Mormon church. Using the scriptures and their own personal experiences, they will seek to help you find answers. Don't be afraid of asking any question or thinking you may offend or sound silly to the missionaries. They are called to help and serve and are very understanding.

After answering your questions and sharing a spiritual message, the missionaries will ask you to act on the message. A soccer player does not listen to his coach during practice only to go home without kicking a ball, right? In the same way, the missionaries will invite you to read a chapter of scripture or seek for yourself that what they are saying is true. You don't have to just take the missionaries' word in what they say--a loving God is happy to answer thoughtful, earnest prayers seeking for the truth.