Hi, I'm Andy

I am a convert to to the LDS Church.

About Me

I am married to a beautiful young lady and I am a father of four fantastic children - two older girls and two younger boys.

I am a CPA. I like to watch college football (mostly Florida and I like to see BYU lose). I like to hunt white tail deer. I also enjoy taking my kids sledding and ice-skating.

Why I am a Mormon

I joined the Mormon Church when I was 19 and one year later I found myself serving a full-time mission in Sao Paulo, Brazil. I was dating a young lady in high school and college that was a Latter-day Saint; she helped introduce me to the missionaries. Lucky for me she found her perfect match while I was on my mission. I was blessed to find my wife in college.

I embraced the gospel because after taking the missionary discussions, reading portions of the Book of Mormon, attending church and watching videos - something told me that the Church was true. I prayed and received a soft answer. I also had faith in those around me that helped build my faith.

It was about one-year after my baptism when I was reading the sermon by King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon that I received a very strong testimony that the Book of Mormon was true and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet.

How I live my faith

I am an active member of the volunteer relations committee of the Dupage Habitat for Humanity.

Does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorse political parties?

John Odell answered...

Of course the Church does not endorse political parties. Political parties do not represent the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But all the members of the Church are encouraged to participate in the political system and many have and do. We will be held responsible for our actions in the political arena just as we are in every other activity of our lives. I feel strongly that we have an obligation to support the Constitution of this land and that the Lord had a lot to do in its founding and in the freedoms that we receive from adhering to its principles. The Founding Fathers were inspired by God and we should be inspired by them. There are many criteria that we can use to choose political candidates but none are of more value than that recommended by modern scripture, namely, to search after honest and good men. I love our American Republic and our Constitution and try to support men or women who support the ideas and principles found in that document. According to the Declaration of Independence we receive our rights from our creator and must be ever aware that we do not turn our rights to the whims of men, however well meaning they may be. I am not a fan of political parties and consider myself a Constitutional conservative and very independent.
Fred answered...

No. Our leaders have always operated from the concept that if we teach one another correct principles, we will then make correct choices and govern ourselves. The Church encourages each person to carefully consider every issue and each candidate and to prayfully seek guidance and then to vote responsibily. We are encouraged to be involved with our communities and nation but the Church does not take political positions or endorse parties or individuals.

What are some of the ways that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helps those around the world?

Spencer answered...

I had the opportunity to see first hand how the Gospel has changed lives in every way. I served for the church in South America and saw that the teachings of the gospel helped countless individuals in financial crises, relationship problems, health issues, quality of life, personal happiness, political and social issues, and every imaginable aspect in life. I saw people with addictions overcome them and change their lives. I saw the jobless gain work through help of the Lord and help of the church. I saw marriages improved and even saved. I witnessed the sick and inflicted cured through faith. And so, to answer what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does to help those around the world, I would testify that it blesses lives in every aspect.