Hi, I'm Bruce

I grew up in central California on a small farm and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a project manager in the information technology industry. I have a wonderful family of 3 sons and a beautiful daughter. Growing up my father was a truck driver and I learned to drive at a very early age. Much of my two year mission to South Africa was funded by my earnings as a truck driver.

After returning home from South Africa I followed a career in Information Technology. I made a brief stop at school then married my eternal companion and 21 years later I couldn't be happier.

My oldest son is in college preparing to serve a mission, a son in high school, a daughter being home schooled, and my youngest son can't wait each day to finish school and play with his LEGOs.

Why I am a Mormon

My parents are Mormons, but that's not why I am. Although I did grow up in the church, I have studied and prayed for myself to know it is the Lord's Church. Through many sacred spiritual witnesses of the Holy Spirit I have felt the Lord's reassuance that this church is His kingdom on the earth.

My earthly path follows the Savior Jesus Christ. He is leading me home to my Father in Heaven. I know His gospel is the only way to get home and because of His love this journey on the earth can be joyful even through adversity.

Personal Stories

In what ways have your prayers been answered?

I’ll never forget the night I struggled with feeling alone and isolated from my family. I was a newly called missionary serving in a little town thousands of miles from my home and wishing I could feel my father’s arms hug me and let me know I was ok. As I finished reading the scriptures and knelt to pray I thought of the verse I had just read from the Book of Mormon. It was Alma 34:16 which talks about the arms of mercy encircling in safety those who have faith. I thought of my father’s big arms and the safety I felt when he hugged me, I longed for that feeling again. As I prayed the most wonderful feeling came over me and I felt my Heavenly Father’s arms around me and I felt safe again.

I know our Father hears and answers our prayers because he heard a young man in a little South African town many years ago and answered his prayer.

How I live my faith

As a newly called Bishop in our congregation I have reflected often on my life. A life filled with learning to serve others, working with children and youth, and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. I strive each day to do a little better than the day before and seek often the blessings of the Lord in helping me to accomplish His will for me.

Thoughout my life I have found that deeds do speak louder than words. I try each day to keep the covenants I have made with the Lord through baptism and the Temple. I struggle daily with the challenges that life brings but I know through faith that I can make righteous choices and be a positve influence in the lives of those around me.

What is done with the tithing that Mormons pay?

Bruce answered...

The tithing I pay is used to build temples, our local meeting houses, and provide the wonderful teaching materials that help my family each week. It is also used for wonderful resources such as this web page you are viewing as well as many other online resources that both members and non-members of the church can enjoy.

Each congregation (Ward) in the church is granted a quarterly budget based on its needs. Those monies also come from the sacred tithing funds and are used to provide meaningful activities for our youth and all members of the ward.
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Lot answered...

The money received from members in the form of tithing goes directly to the headquarters of the church where a council decides what will be done with the money. Here are some ways in which the tithing funds are used:
1. Build, maintain, and operate temples, meetinghouses, and other buildings.
2. Provide operating funds for stakes, wards, and other units of the Church. (These units use the funds to carry out the ecclesiastical programs of the Church, which include teaching the gospel and conducting social activities.)
3. Help the missionary program.
4. Educate young people in Church schools, seminaries, and institutes.
5. Print and distribute lesson materials.
6. Help in family history and temple work.

*It is important to note that tithing funds are not used to pay leaders of the church. All leaders of the church are volunteers and receive no form of pay.

What is the Word of Wisdom that Mormons talk about?

Mark answered...

The word of wisdom is the Lord's law of health. We abstain from drugs, tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and tea, and are encouraged to eat wholesome food and grains, and not eat excessive meat. I am asked all of the time by my fellow residents at the hospital why I don't drink coffee, and how I can stay awake all night on call without it. I don't consider it a sacrifice, though, and am as awake and perform as well as any. It is true that the body will be more healthy when following the word of wisdom, the but the main benefit is spiritual. The knowledge that you are in line with the the Lord's teaching is the most important thing.