Hi, I'm Rudi

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a Mormon

About Me

I grew up in Highland, Indiana, where I was introduced to the Church as a boy. I was born Lutheran, but didn't attend that much. When my parents divorced, my sisters and I found the Church, first through Primary and then with the missionaries. I was baptized with my sister and became the first member of the Church in my family. I am now 54 years old, have served a mission for the Church in Duesseldorf, Germany, married in the Los Angeles Temple, and have four wonderful children. I currently live in California and serve in the Church as a High Priest Group Leader. I also work for the Church as a Certified Facilities Manager. The Church has been central in my life and I am grateful to be a member.

Why I am a Mormon

Throughout my life I have had to face trials and afflictions, as most people do. I have found that by living the teachings of the Church and following the commandments, my life has been much better than I could have imagined. I can see the hand of God in many aspects of my life; answers to prayers, blessings from obedience to commandments, safety in tough situations, and directions by the Holy Ghost. I have read the Book of Mormon many times and know, without a doubt, that it is true. Through obedience to its principles, I have been guided to great things in my life. Along with the Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price, I know it is scripture sent to us by our savior, through a prophet of God. I know that there is a living prophet on the earth today, who I listen to and obey. I am a Mormon because there is no other way to return to my Heavenly Father. I know this church is true. I have tested it and found the promises to be sure.

Personal Stories

In what ways have your prayers been answered?

I have found that the Lord listens always to my prayers, but it is through obedience to His commandments that I receive blessings. By obeying the principle of Tithing, I have found that my needs continue to be met. Through obedience to the Word of Wisdom, my body is healthier.

My direct answers to prayer come after pondering alternatives and then listening for the still small voice of revelation that comes through the Holy Ghost. For me it is sometimes a sudden idea that will not go away, a feeling that a course of action is right, or a doubt in my heart that causes me to move away from that course or direction. I try to train my spirit to listen to the Spirit of the Lord, so I don't miss out when He is trying to give me direction. I have missed out many times when I have felt that my course is better than what I know is right in my heart. I later see the folly of following my own pride rather than humbling myself to the Spirit. As I listen and obey, I find that my answers become clearer and more frequent.

Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith.

I have read and prayed about the prophet Joseph Smith and have received knowledge, comfort, and assurance that he was a prophet of God. Through him, the Church of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth, so that all mankind could return to our Heavenly Father, through participating in the correct ordinances of the gospel, namely baptism, confirmation and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, Priesthood ordinations, and Temple Blessings. Without Joseph Smith, none of these great blessings would be possible. I know that by him, I know the savior Jesus Christ better. Through revelation, he received additional scripture to help us know the Savior better and to live his teachings. I revere Joseph Smith as a prophet, I worship the Savior Jesus Christ.

How I live my faith

My faith covers every aspect of my life. In our family, though separated through marriages, come together each Sunday, to dine together and to have Family Home Evening, a program in the church, which brings families together once a week, to read scriptures, present a gospel lesson, and have an activity. Each member of the family takes their turn at giving lessons, presentations, providing refreshments, or conducting the activities.

I am the High Priest Group Leader in my Ward. High Priest is a men's organization of Priesthood holders in the church. My responsibilities include organizing and directing the other High Priests in their duties, which include home teaching, temple assignments, and other service opportunities. I report to the Bishop of the ward, so he knows what is going on with each member of the quorum.

As the patriarch of my home, I believe it is my duty to support my family in all things. My three married children know they can come to me for counsel when they ask for it. I am available to give them blessings by my Priesthood, to help them in their marriages and in the raising of their children. I need to live as an example to them and be there when needed. I find that by living my faith, I am strengthened spiritually, so I can help where needed.

Why is family so important to Mormons?

Rudi answered...

Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He wants us to have everything He has. In order to have the best chance of doing that, He put us together in families, which is an eternal unit. By living in families, we learn to support one another, resolve conflicts, sacrifice for one another, and obey commandments. Children learn to honor parents, who love and teach them correct principles in an atmosphere of love and trust. When sealed in the Temple, families may endure beyond mortal life, being eternal units. I look forward to spending eternity with my wife and children.
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Greg answered...

After I joined the Mormon Church I learned about the importance of families. Not long after that I realized that if I was going to follow this teaching I needed to tell my father that I loved him. That was very difficult for me since my dad and I argued so much. I spent the better part of 2 weeks trying to determine how I could do this. When the time came I found that the words came more easily than I had thought. From that point to the time he died, about 22 years later, he and I had an entirely different relationship. We were now friends. And I found how much I regretted all our arguments while growing up. And now I find that I miss him and more fully understand how important our families are.

What are Mormon Temples used for?

Bonnie. answered...

They are peaceful, pure places, where only those who have committed to live the most discipled lives can go to ponder and pray. They are places where we learn about God's plan for all of humanity, and where we promise to do all in our power to help all of His children, and receive promises that we can be with Him as well. We wear white clothing that is simple, and remove our watches and bling, to demonstrate a willingness to let go of our day-to-day concerns to focus on the real things: people, and their worth to God.