Hi, I'm Mark

I have lived in many places. I make stained glass Christmas ornaments. I like motorcycles. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a father of three girls and two boys. My hobbies include: stained glass, camping, running, sewing, scuba diving, and watching movies. My favorite author is Loius L' Amour. I have a degree in electronics and manufacturing business management. I grew up a Navy brat and have lived in Japan, Alaska, California, Florida, Virgina, and Utah. My wife took me to her home in Minnesota where I have lived since 1988. I speak Japanese. My employers have sent me to Brazil, Canada, and across the united states.

Why I am a Mormon

The gospel of Jesus Christ brings me a lot of happiness. The knowledge of eternal families, living prophets, personal revelation, and a loving Heavenly Father are a great comfort to me. I am not perfect, through repentance I have felt the love of my Savior Jesus Christ as my guilt has been washed away. It really makes sense to me and makes a positive difference in my life.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

Sharing the gospel is a part of being a follower of Jesus Christ. To me sharing the gospel with others is a natural extension of neighborly kindness, like sharing a plate of cookies, or helping a friend.

Going on a mission is very much the same thing. It is an extension of our love for Jesus Christ and our love for His gospel. We want to share with others the things that bring us joy.

Please share your feelings/testimony of the Restoration of the Gospel.

One of the wonderful things about Heavenly Father is he has given everyone the ability to know if something is right and good. This ability to know if s

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

My prayers have been answered many, many times. I have prayed to know if I should change employers and asked for His help in finding employment. Heavenly Father has answered and provided for me and my family.

I have also asked for help to overcome personal weakness. Heavenly Father has given me the strength to improve and to change. He has led me to resources, provided answers, and given me strength.

Once, one of the children's parakeets flew away outside. We searched and searched for our bird. It was truly lost, we could not find it. I encouraged the children to pray, God knows where our bird is, I assured them. Soon after our prayer, my daughter received an answer. What if we take the other birds outside in the cage, maybe the lost bird will hear them and call to them. We did as she suggested. Our bird did reply to the other birds. We were able to find our bird in the neighbor’s back yard (an area we had searched before unsuccessfully). The idea came as an answer to prayer.

How I live my faith

I have the opportunity to be the Scout Master for our troop. I also work with 12 - 13 year old young men every Sunday, where we learn about the gospel together. At least every other month we go out in nature and enjoy God's creations. We camp, canoe, fish, and hike. I really enjoy watching these boys develop and grow on the path to manhood. We learn how to be better individuals in our families, at church, school, and in our communities.

Mormons believe Jesus Christ is their Savior. Why do we need a Savior?

Mark answered...

There are two things we cannot over come on our own.

The first thing we can't over come on our own is death. We all know we will die someday. Jesus Christ over came death when he resurrected from the grave. Christ gave us the the gift of resurrection, and we will all be able to over come death. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."

The second thing we can't over come on our own is sin. Jesus was the only perfect individual to walk this earth, the rest of us are imperfect and make mistakes (sin). Sin keeps us from God (no unclean thing can enter the presence of God) Jesus Christ suffered for our sins and made it possible for us to repent and change. This gift is called the atonement. Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"

We need a savior to over come death and sin. Jesus Christ is our savior.
Trisha answered...

There are doctrinal answers to why we believe we need a Savior to redeem us from the Fall of Adam and to return us to our Father in Heaven that you'll probably come across here. But let me tell you why I need a Savior personally and what He does for me. Christ suffered personally for my pains, sorrows, and sins so that if I ask Him too, He can take them from me. I have been the victim of abuse in my life, and yet through Him I have been able to lay it all at His feet, freely forgive, feel peace, find love, and understand how important negative life experiences can be in teaching us humility. Daily He takes my pain and replaces it with pure love so that I am no longer a victim, but a victor. I need a Savior because He knows me, and through him my flaws become strengths and my pain becomes peace.

How can we stop the spread and influence of pornography?

Matthew answered...

Be honost and realize how damaging pornography is to yourself. Because of its damaging influence on self-esteem pornography also damges your relationship with others. So I would say, just get away from it and get an army of people to help you do so if necessary! When you get away then you'll see the joy and happiness the influence of pornography takes you away from. With this awakening, youll want to warn others to get away from the deception of pornography.