Hi, I'm Melinda

I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a college student at BYU and I am loving it here! I'm a convert and joined this church October 31, 2010. I am Chinese and currently learning Cantonese at school. I'm a math major and I love my roommates and my friends in my class. I hope to be able to serve a mission on day. Another important thing to know about me is that I LOVE Hello Kitty. If you don't know that about me, you can't really say that you know me at all :)

Why I am a Mormon

The first time I heard of the church and became acquainted to the word "Mormon" was when my older brother dated a Mormon. I didn't know it then that two years later, a senior in high school, I would date a Mormon as well. It was through him and his family that I was given a Book of Mormon and asked to read it. The summer before I left for college, this wonderful family sparked a light within me and when I came to school, I sought out the missionaries and that fall I was baptized.

I am still a Mormon today, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, because I know this church is true. I know the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith, a prophet, seer, and revelator, translated it. I know we have living prophets today and that we can know for ourselves that this is the true church. I truly love this church; it has been the reason behind my joy for the past few months and I'm sure it will continue to bring me happiness for years to come.

Personal Stories

How has attending Church services helped you?

I love going to church every Sunday. Not only do I get to see great people and friends who share my beliefs and respect very much, but there is a spiritual desire in the congregation that we all strive to feel. It's on Sundays that I get to hear people's testimonies and learn more of the Savior and Gospel. By learning of these things and feeling the Spirit, I feel a great calming happiness that makes me feel better no matter what.

Why/How do you share the gospel with your friends?

Often, I feel amazing and so extremely happy after attending church or ward activities. Sometimes I have the urge to share my joy to friends back home so much that I want them to see what I get to do and learn. I simply want them to feel as happy as I do. Of course, sometimes it's hard because they have their own faiths. Sometimes, though, you just have to remember that regardless of what they believe or what I believe, they are my best friends and I love them regardless, and as a friend who cares about them, I only want to share with them my joys at least. You know that's when they really are your friends; when they see and support the reasons for you joy despite their different beliefs.

As it turns out, I have three girls that I have been best friends with throughout high school. One of them is now Baptist, one of them grew up Catholic, and the other used to be Jehovah's Witnesses. I am Mormon now. Despite the dramatic differences of our beliefs, we love each other like sisters and are never afraid to talk about the beliefs we grew up on or currently hold to. All I ever have to do when I share my beliefs with them is remember the joys I've experienced and show to them that I am happy by being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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

The Book of Mormon was literally the start of it all for me. I never grew up with any religion in my home. I'd hardly call myself agnostic, but rather simply just someone who only know of the secular side of life. When I received a copy of the Book of Mormon, I started a journey that brought me knowledge of the spiritual aspect of life and thus, Jesus Christ and God.

I started off not know how to pray, not knowing anybody from the Bible except Jesus Christ, or even the term "nativity". It was all foreign and new to me. The very concept of sharing to people that I believe in Jesus Christ and professing what I know to be true was a challenge for me to comprehend. As time passed, as I was taught by missionaries, as I read the Book of Mormon, slowly but surely, and as I went to church, I began to learn more about Christ, about the Plan of Salvation, about so many doctrines of the gospel that has brought light and understanding to me.

The Book of Mormon has taught me that we can be strengthened by God, that faith is a miracle in itself, that we are precious children to God, and so many things. The Book of Mormon has brought me comfort and safety whenever I have a bad day. It guides me when I have questions or concerns. It has certainly strengthened my faith and ultimately has helped me know that I can trust God.

How I live my faith

I live my faith by going to church, hanging out with all my friends here at school, who are also of the same faith as I am. I read my scriptures as often as I can and have found that I enjoy reading them aloud. My calling in my YSA ward is a member of the Missionary Committee. I live my faith by following Christ's example, especially charity because it brings a smile to everyone's face, including your own.

What is the Word of Wisdom that Mormons talk about?

Melinda answered...

The Word of Wisdom is guidance to leading healthy lives. Joseph Smith inquired to the Lord about how some members in the early days smoked tobacco during their congregational meetings. The Lord revealed through revelation the Word of Wisdom. Many regulations such as no drugs, alcohol, and even coffee and tea were said to be unhealthy to our body years before scientists discovered the same thing. Our bodies are like temples because they house something extremely precious: our spirits. The Lord loves us dearly and wants our spirits to be protected by a healthy body. You can find the Word of Wisdom in D&C 89.
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Mark answered...

The word of wisdom is the Lord's law of health. We abstain from drugs, tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and tea, and are encouraged to eat wholesome food and grains, and not eat excessive meat. I am asked all of the time by my fellow residents at the hospital why I don't drink coffee, and how I can stay awake all night on call without it. I don't consider it a sacrifice, though, and am as awake and perform as well as any. It is true that the body will be more healthy when following the word of wisdom, the but the main benefit is spiritual. The knowledge that you are in line with the the Lord's teaching is the most important thing.

Are Mormons Christians?

JD answered...

We declare with all that we have that Jesus is the Christ, the Holy one of Israel, the Prince of Peace, even the Son of God. If your definition of Christian is one who believes in the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth and follows his gospel, then yes we are as Christian as they come.