Hi, I'm Xander

I grew up traveling the world. I serve in the US Navy. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I love film-making and reading. I am currently working at the Defense Media Activity in Maryland. I am happily married. I earned my BA in Communication Studies while serving on Active Duty .

Why I am a Mormon

Though I was complacent in my testimony during my teenage and younger adult life, I have come to realize that faith and diligence in serving the Lord brings a happiness and joy to my soul that cannot be found elsewhere on Earth.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

One major purpose of the Church, the Priesthood, and the missionaries is service. Service is an act of love, an act of charity, an act of compassion. Missionaries sacrifice their lives for two years of service. Service to God and service to their fellow man. After all, when they are in service of their fellow men, they are only in service of their God. Mormons go on missions to provide to others what they do not have. Whether this service is the gospel, the word of God, or this service is mowing lawns, providing assistance to the elderly, or helping to build buildings, missionaries spend the entire two years serving others just to serve.

How I live my faith

As a member of the military who has served abroad, there are still locations in the world which the Church has not reached. I served as the Group Leader in one of these locations, where church meetings were between 2 and 8 members, depending on who is in country that week.

Currently, I am a Ward Missionary, helping those in need while serving my country.

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Xander answered...

We all have different tribulations in our life. Some of us are drawn to different temptations than others. While we might have a strong desire to do something that is against God, He will always provide a way, if we just follow the gospel and pray and ask Him for guidance. The Church's stance is that any sexual act outside of marriage is sin, be it homosexual or heterosexual. Marriage is between a man and a woman, so as to bring the children of God into this world in accordance with God's plan.
Christian answered...

Honestly admitting that you have homosexual feelings is often a scary and humiliating process – many are mistreated and must sort through these powerful emotions on their own. You have my deepest admiration and love. Your life is an amazing opportunity to make choices which will bring you peace and fulfillment. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I extend to you the same invitation that was extended to me: communicate your desires, fears and struggles to your loving Heavenly Father in prayer. Come to church with me! Or any other Mormon friend of yours. Give your burdens to God and trust in His plan for you—one that by design results in your greatest happiness.
And when you go to church on Sunday, know that you are on equal standing with those who do or don't have same-gender attraction. I know that faithful and obedient members of the Church will welcome you and love you.
Just like heterosexual members of our church, it is not a sin to be attracted to someone. However, intimacy is a sacred part of a loving relationship between a husband and wife. We are surrounded by a world of smut and filth which make a mockery of true love. Outside of marriage, the management of our sexual urges, whether homosexual or heterosexual, is to master the greatest power God has given His children on earth -- to create families.

Are there restrictions based on race or color concerning who can join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have the priesthood?

Todd answered...

No. There have never been any race-related restrictions on who joins the church. People of all races and colors have been baptized from the beginning.

However, for a period of time priesthood ordinations in the Church were restricted - This policy was officially changed in 1978 when Official Declaration declared that “every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing that flows therefrom, including the blessings of the temple. Accordingly, all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color.”