Hi, I'm Joshua H.

I'm very happy to be a Mormon.

About Me

I love the outdoors! Backpacking, camping, hiking, rafting, canoeing, you name it. I am married and have two little boys. My family and my faith are the most important things to me, both of which I would die for. When all else fails in life, my family is always there for me and my faith in Jesus Christ is my anchor.

I'm an Insurance Agent by profession, but I'm also a serial entrepreneur. I love creating new ideas and building new products to make life easier.

All-in-all, I love life and I love being a Mormon!

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up in the Church. My parents are both converts. They joined the Church in separate states, at separate times, and their common faith brought them together. They found something they recognized they needed in their life. Membership in this Church has been a phenomenal blessing.

I'm not only a Mormon because my parents are Mormons however. I am a Mormon for so many more reasons than that. I am Mormon because I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ on that Spring morning in 1820. I am Mormon because, through divine guidance and inspiration, Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon. I am Mormon because I have read the Book of Mormon, in its entirety, numerous times and have taken the challenge offered by a prophet of God, to read and to pray to gain a testimony of its truthfulness.

I am Mormon, because, in this church, you will find the true authority to baptize and perform other ordinances essential for our eternal progression. The Holy Ghost has witnessed to me that this church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the Lord's one true church on the earth. Through this church, one may receive the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through this church, you can be lead and directed by a Prophet of God, His chosen mouthpiece for all the world.

That's why I am a Mormon.

Personal Stories

Think about your everyday activities. What are things you act upon each day where you cannot see the end results? How does faith move you to action?

I love to read the Scriptures: the Book of Mormon, the Bible, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. I also love to read other books published by church affiliated authors. By doing this, it helps me feel closer to the Lord. It helps me understand better His gospel. It also motivates me to be a better person and to serve other people.

How I live my faith

I currently serve as a counselor in a Branch Presidency serving Chinese members of the Church. I also take a very active part in the Scouting program. I love serving in the Church and feel blessed to be in a capacity to help others.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Joshua H. answered...

No. Not all Mormons are required or able to serve a mission.
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Austin. answered...

No. Every worthy young man is expected to serve a mission, though there is no punishment for not doing so. Also, not every young man is physically or mentally capable, so there are circumstances where a young man may be excused from service. Young women may also serve missions, but are not expected to do so.

Serving a mission means a full-time commitment, leaving family and friends to preach the gospel in a place assigned by the Church.

I served my mission in Los Angeles, California.

What are Mormon women like? Do Mormons believe in equality of men and women?

Kathy answered...

In 1776 the Declaration of Independence declared all men to be equal. However in 1830 when the Book of Mormon was published and the church established women and people of color still had no legal rights. The Book of Mormon declared 'Behold, the Lord esteemeth all flesh in one... (1 Ne 17:35) and '..black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile' (2 Nephi 26:33). Joseph taught and lived this. He authorized the Church's women's organization The 'Relief Society'.

When the church moved outside the U.S. borders, they created the State of Deseret with their own constitution which gave ALL adults the right to vote. The State of Deseret was later divided into US states. When the Woman's right to vote began in 1913, women had the right to vote in 4 states: Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado and Utah.- all part of the original State of Deseret with their large Mormon populations. The Relief Society actively supported the Sufferage movement.

The church has always encouraged women to develop their skills and education. The Relief Society sent and paid the schooling for one of the first women at Medical School. Nothing has changed. Motherhood is emphasized because it can be a woman's greatest role - for children are our future. It can also be a woman's greatest joy. Jobs, looks, accomplishments etc will fade or be forgotten, but a loving close family won't, And thanks to grandchildren it will continue to expand.