Hi, I'm Kirk

I'm a scientist who believes in God--and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a father and stepfather to 10 children and 17 grandchildren. I'm approaching retirement age in my profession as a U.S. government scientist. I have a Ph.D. in biometeorology and enjoy my work. With each tidbit of knowledge I learn about the earth through my profession, the more I appreciate God's creative handiwork. I am very grateful for the marvelous way God created this earth just for us. I've had the opportunity to see a lot of the U.S. because of my job. But most of all I enjoy just being home with my family.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born a Mormon with a heritage that goes back to nearly the beginning of the church. However, I have my own conviction gained through fasting, personal study, and prayer that the gospel of Jesus Christ is found in the Mormon Church.

Personal Stories

What has helped develop greater harmony in your home?

We are a blended family with 10 children. The blending of a family of this size can be very challenging. They are all grown now, but when they were younger we followed the council of a living prophet. He instructed us as church members in how to strengthen our family. In following that council, we found that a daily 10-15 minute period of reading in the scriptures every morning altogether as a family, combined with family prayer, were sources of great strength and comfort. Sure we had our disagreements and even arguments sometimes, but when we followed this simple approach we had greater harmony in our home.

Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith.

I am so thankful for all the prophet Joseph Smith did to restore the Church of Jesus Christ. He never did claim to be the Christ, but he always testified of the reality of the Christ. Because of his prophetic teachings, I am now more able to understand the role of Jesus Christ as Savior of the entire world. Joseph Smith holds a very special place in my heart, but I worship only Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.

How I live my faith

My faith is not just a Sunday faith. I live it every hour of every day; at work, at home, etc. In particular, I am currently serving in the church as a member of a bishopric with two other men, which essentially forms the presidency of a local congregation. That position provides me with many opportunities to serve in the church and in my community.

How are the activities of the Mormon missionaries funded?

Kirk answered...

My wife and I have a son who is serving a mission in Arizona right now. We contribute monthly to a general missionary fund. His living expenses are paid out of that general fund. He lives a rather spartan existence but he is doing well living on much less that what he had while he was living at home.

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

Elder Nolte answered...

The missionaries are one of the greatest resources to find out more information on the church. If you want to know more, ask someone who is a member of the church.