Hi, I'm Alan

I'm an English husband & father. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a devoted husband, and father of three. I'm a business/systems analyst. I enjoy playing board games, and getting out and about with my family, camping, in the forest and at the beach.

Why I am a Mormon

I have been raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but have found great strength in the standards and teachings of the gospel. In my late teens I began to study the gospel more fully, and recognized the truth within the doctrine. Then and now I realized the truth taught by the Saviour in John 7:17
"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."
I know that this is his church, and his doctrine.

How I live my faith

In April 2011, I was called to serve as the Bishop in my ward.
Previously I served as the President of my Stake Young Men origination, training and supporting local Ward/Branch leaders and supporting the 50 or so young men aged 12-18 in the local area.
Now I am ministering to the Youth and other Members in Bournemouth. I try to balance this church service work alongside my paid employment and my family responsibilities.
It can be hard, but is also very rewarding.

What is a ward/stake/branch?

Alan answered...

The church is divided in Areas, and Areas divided into Stakes & Districts.
Stakes are a collection of Wards (Permanent units) and Branches (smaller units).
Districts are a collection of branches.

A president is called to reside over each Area, District and Branch.
Wards are presided over by a Bishop.
Siegfried answered...

To make the administration of this world-wide church possible, the church is organized into geographical regions and sub-regions. The most basic administrative unit is called the "ward". The wards in the church vary in size but are comprised of a geographical area with anywhere from 300 to 700 members. The ward is presided by a bishop. A group of five to twelve wards are combined to form a "stake". A stake is presided by a stake president.
In regions of the world where there is a lesser concentration of members, "branches" are formed. These branches are equivalent to wards but usually have less members. A branch is presided by a branch president.
This organization makes it possible for 14 million members to each have local leaders that can provide guidance, teaching, and administering of the sacred ordinances of the gospel

How can I know Mormonism is true?

Sean answered...

Before I was baptized, a missionary told me that I could read the Book of Mormon and find out for myself if it was true. I liked that idea. I've always been a person who wanted to know the truth for myself. After the missionary had suggested I read it, I decided to try. It was a big step of faith to pick up a book and read it without knowing for sure. Over time, I developed a testimony that the Book of Mormon is true.

The same goes for knowing if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true Church of Christ once again established on this earth. A simple prayer to your Heavenly Father can open so many doors of truth.

The real way that I know it is true is how it has helped my life. Without the Church, I'd be lost. I am grateful for it, and for the knowledge I have that it is true.