Hi, I'm Trenton Ross

I'm a Drum Major, I'm a Civil Engineering Major, I'm a bagpiper, I hate veggies, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I was born in California in 1990, and throughout my life have lived in various places across the globe: California, Utah, New Jersey, England, Brazil and Georgia.

Performing in music is one of the things I most enjoy; throughout junior high and high school I was part of my schools' concert and marching bands, in which I played the trumpet and baritone.

I also play the bagpipes; I have a rich Scottish background and enjoy going to Scottish festivals and the like.

I've got a very competitive nature. I love playing recreational sports, board games, card games, etc.; in short, I'm going to try and beat you in whatever I can!

I've completed my freshman year at Brigham Young University majoring in Civil Engineering.

Why I am a Mormon

Both of my parents are members of the Mormon Church, and as such, I was raised learning the principles and teachings of Christ's Gospel.

There came a point in my life where I wished to receive a personal answer from God as to whether or not these principles and teachings were true. I prayed to receive such an answer and over time, I found it.

I know that Christ's church has been restored to the earth because of the answer I personally received from my Heavenly Father.

Personal Stories

Can you talk about the missions of the Church and your participation in them?

When members of the Mormon Church talk about their missions, they’re referring to the dedicated time they spent as missionaries, where we give our lives for a set amount of time to spread the truth and joy of the Restored Gospel to God’s children around the world.
I decided that serving a mission was something I wanted to do, and was called to serve in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, speaking Portuguese. I was excited to go to another country and speak another language. However, to be a missionary, the highest standards must be upheld, and I had not been fully committed to keeping them leading up to my mission. I had never told anyone, and the more time I spent on my mission, the more I came to understand the real reason why we have those standards. I was not an effective servant of the Lord because I had broken important commandments and had not yet repented.
I loved being in the work of the Lord—some of the most joyful experiences in my life come from my mission in Brazil—and it took me a time to make the decision to leave the mission field. I returned home, and worked out my past problems with the Lord, with the goal of returning to finish my mission. Soon after, I was sent back out to Atlanta, Georgia, where I finished my mission.
I know without any doubt that the decision I made to return home to repent was the best thing I could have done. I experienced many joys in Brazil, but I can say now that my joy was made full throughout the rest of my missionary service--the Lord blessed me to be able to continue to work speaking Portuguese and serving the Brazilian people in Atlanta. I have felt the Lord's hand in my life, and I know that I am doing the Lord's work in sharing His restored gospel.

How has The Book of Mormon helped you understand the purpose of life?

God has taught his plan of happiness to us, his children, since the beginning through his prophets. That plan is clearly outlined and taught by God's prophets in the Book of Mormon.
As I've made decisions in the past that were contrary to what God has taught, I've encountered feelings of guilt and all-around sadness. On the other hand, as I've made choices that fall in line with what His teachings which are found in the Book of Mormon, I've found lasting happiness.
As I've been able to understand Father in Heaven's plan for us, it's helped me to make make decisions that help me to grow and progress, and prepare to meet God again after this life.

How I live my faith

When I was 19 I did missionary work in order to help others to come to a knowledge of Christ and his love for us. I began my work as a missionary in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I learned to speak fluent Portuguese. I finished my mission in Atlanta, Georgia sharing my testimony of Jesus Christ with everyone I met (speaking Portuguese and English).

I currently attend a Young Single Adult ward--a congregation of people my age. I'm a home teacher, which means I visit members of the congregation in their homes at least monthly.

Why don’t Mormons drink coffee, tea, or alcohol? What is the Mormon Church’s law of health and proper diet?

Trenton Ross answered...

We know that by putting healthy things into our body that we will experience a much more healthy, fulfilling life. Avoiding substances like coffee, tea and alcohol not only helps our bodies to be strong and to function better, but we also know that we receive greater mental clarity as well.
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Molly answered...

God gave us the ability to choose. There are substances in coffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco and other harmful drugs that limit our ability to choose. The intent of the law of health we follow is to preserve our ability to make good choices. This law of health is called the “Word of Wisdom”. It not only guides us regarding the substances to avoid, but also those to include in our diet. We are told to eat fruits and vegetables in their season, include grains, and eat meat sparingly. We are promised that if we follow these guidelines we will be healthy, able to learn and accomplish all that is required of us by our various roles in life. I am grateful for the blessings I receive from following the Word of Wisdom.

As a Dietitian I especially love this law of health because as I’ve seen the US guidelines for nutrition develop they are now aligning with what the Lord told us many years before. I believe that the guidelines set forth in our law of health are the minimum requirements for good health. It may be necessary for some people to avoid certain foods or eat a lower fat diet, or avoid caffeine entirely, but these specifics are not mentioned in the law of health and are to be determined by each individual.

How are modesty and chastity related? How can parents teach their children to be modest in dress, language and behavior?

Janet answered...

Chastity is reserving physical intimacy for after marriage. This sexual intimacy is such a beautiful and powerful display of love that it is to be reserved for that special time. When we do this we are showing the respect and love we have for ourselves and our bodies, as the gift from God that they are. Through our dress, language and behavior we also show our self worth and respect for who we are. The neat thing about being modest is the strong self confidence that is exhibited by your outward appearance. There is a power that comes from knowing that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father. As parents teach their children that simple truth, that self confidence will develop and as the desire to be modest in dress, language and behavior will come naturally. I know that this was the case in my life and am super grateful for the teachings of my parents and the high self confidence it cultivated in knowing of my individual worth as a daughter of God.