Hi, I'm Herb Ellis Jr.

I'm a Mormon because as a young man I searched for a faith that answered all my questions.

About Me

I am married to a wonderful woman who has given me 4 great children, 3 sons and a daughter. They have all produced 10 grandchildren for us, 7 girls and 3 boys. I am a military retiree with 12 years enlisted in the US Air Force and 12 years as a commissioned Officer in the US Navy. I am now a Teacher or "Instructor" for ITT Technical Institute, where I train students in Computer Networking Technologies and Security procedures. I have 3 Graduate degrees from Webster University and a BS from the Univ. of N.Y. Albany. I enjoy working with the youth in the Boy Scouting program and in my hobby of Archery.

Why I am a Mormon

I joined the church at the age of 16 after months of studying it and praying about it. Finally, after getting a blessing from a set on Missionaries for my Diabetic condition and seeing it "Stayed" or cured I was baptized and joined the USAF in 1972. It introduced me to my sweetheart through the single adult program and allowed us to be married/sealed in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. It has helped me to teach good principles of life and doctrine to my children and it continues to teach them to my grandchildren.
It is my personal testimony that if it were not for the church I would not be who I am today, nor have any of what I enjoy now. It has given me all that I am. And, I declare that in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Personal Stories

Can you think of a specific challenge in your family that Gospel Principles helped overcome?

My wife and I suffered the worst event that any parent could suffer in life and that was the death of our only daughter at the age of 21. Though it devistated us we grew closer together to comfort each other in our greif. The gospel principles provided the guidance and directions we needed to understand her death and be able to live through it. We are now raising the little girl she left behind and teaching her all about her mother and the gospel she treasured in life.

Could you talk about your baptism?

I was baptized at the age of 16 during a very difficult time in my young life. I was suffering from the onset of diabetes and wanted to enlist in the Air Force to start my life so to speak. Diabetes would prevent that. I received a blessing from these two Mormon Missionaries who blessed me to be healed of the condition. That week I was tested for my insulin dose and to everyone’s surprise I was cured of my diabetes. I was baptized by those that taught me the principles of the gospel and I went on to serve 25 years in active military service. One month before retiring my diabetes returned. The Lord stayed it for the duration of my military career.

How I live my faith

I live my faith in what I do and how I do it. I do my best to be honest with my fellow man and set the example for my posterity as to how a father and grandfather should be. I work hard in the Boy Scouting program when and where I can in our local community. I also help in other community programs to help better our community. I visit other member families in our congregation monthly and provide help to them as they need it. I serve my congregation as called upon in various callings and tasks and I do so with gratitude and thanks to the Lord for all he has given me.

What do Mormons believe about the Holy Ghost? Who is the Holy Ghost?

Herb Ellis Jr. answered...

The Holy Ghost is another member of the Holy Trinity of the God Head with the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. He is an un-bodied spirit that can dwell with and within each of us and give guidance and direction to us.
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What is the role of the husband and the wife in the family?

Jocelyn answered...

The role of husband and wife in the family is to first and foremost love each other! Wow, revolutionary!!!
I have found that when there is love and complete commitment between my husband and I, there is no problem that we cannot face together. It is much easier to teach the children with love and to handle life's challenges.
My husband and I are equals. I feel loved, respected, and appreciated by him. I hope he feels the same things from me.