Hi, I'm Clancy

I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a single dad with four adult children. I've been in nonprofit management for 20 years.

Why I am a Mormon

I was not born into a Mormon family. At the age of 18, I began to feel a longing to know more about God and to feel closer to him. I began searching for his true church. I visited a number of churches. Each one seemed to have some good aspects that made me feel good. Yet, none of the churches seemed to have all of the truth and the answers that I was searching for. One Sunday, I visited the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church, and I felt a wonderful, exciting, warm feeling in my heart and throughout my body and mind. I later learned that this was the influence of the Holy Spirit. I met two missionaries there who set an appointment with me to start teaching me about the Church. As they taught me, it felt as if they were actually reminding me of principles that I already knew to be true. With each new concept that I learned, I would feel in my heart that it was true. And, each time I would read the Bible or the Book of Mormon, I would feel in my heart that these scriptures are true. After a few months, I was baptized, and I felt a sense of joy that I had never experienced before. My world became brighter and happier. I gained a knowledge of where we came from and why we are here on this earth, and where we will go when this life is over. And, I learned that I am a son of God, created in his image, and that Jesus Christ is my Savior.

Some of the most exciting principles of the Gospel are related to "eternal marriage" and "eternal families." As worthy members of the Church, couples can be married in the Temple and "sealed" for eternity by one having authority to perform this ordinace. The marriage relationship continues after this life - throughout eternity. Children born to sealed couples are automatically sealed to their parents, thus creating an eternal family. A theme often heard in the Church is "families are forever." When the missionaries taught me these principles, I was thrilled to the point of tears.

How I live my faith

To me, living my faith means more than attending church on Sunday. It means following the Lord's example by loving, forgiving and serving others - everyday. It means keeping God's commandments and living the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It means having daily prayer and scripture study, and seeking the companionship and guidance of the Holy Spirit. As a young man, I served as a missionary in Japan for two years. Over the years, I have served in numerous voluntary "callings" in the Church, such as Sunday School Teacher, Scout Leader, Music Chorister, Choir Member, etc. I also served as a Bishop. Like most men in the Church, each month I visit assigned families as their "hometeacher." In this capacity, I provide a monthly message, and I ask about the family's spiritual and temporal welfare. I also provide help with any needs that they may have. Also, like most men in the Church, I hold the Priesthood of God. I use this Priesthood to provide blessings to those who are sick or afflicted. I donate 10% of my income to the Church, which is a principle of "tithing," which all members are asked to do. I avoid alcohol, tobacco, coffee and all other unhealthy substances, and I obey the Law of Chastity, meaning that I remain morally clean. I attend the Temple regularly, in order to participate in special ordinances in behalf of deceased family members and loved ones. I also do family history research in order to find members of my family tree. For me, service in the Church is not a chore or a burden. It's a joy and a blessing. It helps to rejuvenate me.

Are Mormons Christians?

Clancy answered...

Yes, Mormons are Christians. We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jesus Christ stands at the head of his Church. He directs the affairs of his Church through his Prophet and the Twelve Apostles who are living on the earth today. He is our Lord and our Savior. We follow his teachings contained in the Bible. We also follow his teachings contained in the Book of Mormon, which is a second witness of Christ. It contains a record of his dealings with the people of ancient America, including an account of his visit to these people after His resurrection. It is the most amazing book that you could ever read. As a missionary in Japan, I shared the Book of Mormon with many of the Japanese people who were predominantly Buddhist. It was a real joy for me to see many of them read it and gain a testimony of it's truthfulness. I challenge you to read it and then prayerfully ask the Lord if it is true. If you ask with a sincere heart, he will let you know that it is true. There are currently 60,000 Mormon missionaries serving in countries throughout the world, and every year many thousands of people read the Book of Mormon and gain a testimony of it. You can do the same. You can also contact the missionaries in your area by clicking the "Visit Us" link on the home page at www.mormon.org.
Brittany answered...

Yes, Mormons are definitely Christians! The official name of our church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. In fact during the course of the Book of Mormon, Christ appears and ministers to the people of The Book of Mormon. We just like other Christian denominations believe that Christ is our Savior. I personally know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. He lived and died for me, and the atonement makes it possible for me to be forgiven and cleansed from my sins.

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.