Hi, I'm Frank

I was born in California, grew up in Utah, I'm a University of Utah fan and .........I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a husband, father, self-employed physical therapist, and an avid spelunker or caver. People often ask me why I love caving so much? I have found that as I enter a cave and rappell into deep dark caverns or squeeze through small cracks or tunnels , I am forced to face a variety of challenges and fears head on. I have found that I can get past these challenges and fears which I believe helps me take on the challenges of this life. After all is said and done, it is not so important that we have fears but rather how we act in the face of fear.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born into the Mormon faith. I was taught the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ at home and at church. In the Mormon church you often here the word testimony. A testimony is a spiritual witness and conviction of the truth of gospel principles. As a youth I relied on my parents testimonies but I was also told that I needed to learn the truth of these principles and teachings so that I could stand on my own faith and testimony. As a 19 year old missionary in Japan, far from home and family, I really began to develop my own testimony as my faith was tested on a regular basis. I learned to recognize the Lord's hand in my life and in the lives of the Japanese people whom I served and with whom I shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. The testimony I now have is my own. The Mormon church or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints has the same organization, priesthood authority and continuing revelation as did the ancient church. It is the true church of God. I have my own personal testimony or witness of this truth and that is why I am a Mormon.

Personal Stories

How has the Book of Mormon brought you closer to God?

As a young man I read the scriptures (Bible, Book of Mormon, etc.) and the prophecies for the future generations seemed so far away that they did not really affect me. Now when I read those same prophecies it is like picking up the daily newspaper and reading about current events. When I realize how troubled this world is and that more trials are on the way I find comfort in reading the Book of Mormon which states that if you are doing what you are supposed to do you need not fear. Because I personally know that this book is the word of God this brings me great comfort.

How I live my faith

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Mormon church, we have the opportunity to serve in many ways. For years I have worked with young men both in church and scouting activities. It is amazing to me what these young men are faced with, both good and bad, and I feel very strongly about doing what I can to help them find the right path in this tumultuous world. Trying to build a close relationship with my Heavenly Father is an important part of serving these young men. My faith is my life and there is no separation between the two.

What do Mormons believe about "eternal life?"

Frank answered...

We believe that the family is the most important part of God's plan of happiness. We are born into families and we have the opportunity to receive the saving ordinances such as baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, the same form of baptism Christ received, and temple ordinances such as temple marriage which seals or binds family members together forever, not just until death, if we live worthily. We lost a son shortly after his birth and it was very difficult. Knowing that we will all be together again someday because we have been sealed as a family in a holy temple by one having the priesthood authority of God is very comforting to me. The thought of being separated at death from my family would be very sad. That is why we want to share the gospel with everyone so that they too can be with their families forever. The saving ordinances are also available to those who have died that never had the chance to learn about these ordinances and this work is performed by the living for the dead in the temples.
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What do Mormons believe about the Bible? Do they regard it as Holy Scripture and the word of God?

Richard Gaffney answered...

As a convert I was concerned that the bible was replaced by the Book of Mormon. How far from the truth that concern was, as the Bible is the LDS primary teaching tool and the Book of Mormon is simply another testament of Jesus Christ and serves to verify the truths found in the Bible. Cerrtainly the Bible is Holy Scripture and the Word of God, as is the Book of Mormon. I have come to love the Book of Mormon and cross-reference the Bible and Book of Mormon finding the same truths in both volumes of scripture.