Hi, I'm Jake

I am a web developer. I developed software that has been used by people and companies all over the world. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I like to spend time with my family. I am a web developer by trade, and in my spare time I also spend a lot of time on my computer. I am a newsaholic, and enjoy reading all kinds of news, from what my friends/family are doing to politics and world events. I also enjoy playing video games.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born and raised a Mormon. However, all people of all faiths come to a point in their life where they wonder if their religion is true. I too had those doubts many years ago. My doubts were strong enough that I almost stopped going to church. I went to church because it was easier than NOT going to church (you could call it peer pressure).

However, I finally realized that the only way to know the truth of ANY religion is to ask God. He is the ONLY person that can tell you which church is true. So I did so. After a trial of my faith, I received a personal witness through the Holy Spirit that my religion is true. I no longer have doubts.

I still don't understand everything about this world and the next world and why some things happen the way they do. But I know that in time I will understand everything. And for now it's only important that I know I am on the right path.

Personal Stories

How has your knowledge of the Plan of Happiness changed/benefited your life?

As I mentioned in my "About Me" section, I watch a lot of news. Sometimes when I am learning of a natural disaster somewhere in the world where a lot of people have lost their homes, families, and jobs, I get really depressed. Because I realize that even though I live in a relatively safe place in the world (safe from crime and nature), there is nothing guaranteeing that I'll always be safe. Something could happen that would put me in the same situation as those poor people I see on the news.

But when I get depressed like this, I always remember that God's plan is a LOT bigger than this life on earth. In the grand scheme of things, no matter how much suffering I may have to bear on this earth, in the next life I can be with my family and friends in the mansions of my Heavenly Father (St. John 14: 1-4). This brings me immeasurable peace and joy!

How I live my faith

I am one of the leaders of the group of adult men in my Ward. In our group we have a president and he has some assistants. I am one of those assistants. This group meets every Sunday to discuss the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I help organize those weekly meetings. Our group also does service activities like helping people move into and out of the Ward. We also have fun activities like an annual New Year's Eve party, as well as an annual BBQ in the spring.

I am also in charge of building maintenance for our Church building. This means that every few months our Ward takes a turn to clean the building for a month. So during that month we do a thorough cleaning every Saturday. This is all done on a volunteer basis. I am in charge of organizing these cleaning activities. I also take care of other maintenance needs like when light bulbs blow out. I really enjoy taking care of the Church. Yes, at times it seems like a tedious chore, but in general I get a lot of joy from taking care of the Church. Work is a good thing, and working towards a good cause is even better. This helps build my faith.

Why do Mormon missionaries proselyte?

Jake answered...

Have you ever found something very cool, and you just want to share it with all your friends and family? Maybe a new store, or a good movie? This is how we Mormons feel about our beliefs. When you see Mormon missionaries out proselyting, it is because they want to share their amazing stories of hope and joy. They have found something that they just can't keep to themselves.
Nick answered...

Our decision to serve missions is motivated by our belief in the Gospel and our desire to fulfill the Savior's command to "preach the gospel to every creature" Mark 16:15. The Gospel teaches us that we are all sons and daughters of God, and so we feel a kinship with all of God's children and a desire to help them enjoy the peace in this life that the Gospel provides.Our missionaries are not salesman and won't take much of your time, but I know that your decision to invite them into your home will change your life for good!

Who was Joseph Smith?

Mike answered...

Over my lifetime, I have heard countless theories concerning Joseph Smith - his intellect, his integrity, his sanity, everything about him. Some of the stories about him being a prophet sounded convincing... but then, some of the stories of him as a criminal sounded convincing, too. Then I read about Joseph Smith's visitation by the angel Moroni. Moroni told him that his name would be "had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken among all people." Well, that was certainly a true prophecy. So, it seemed, whether Joseph Smith was a prophet or not, tons of accusations and slander would be said against him anyway! That realization made me understand that only God could confirm whether or not Joseph was truly called of him. I got a strong confirmation of that truth. When others tell me that they "know the truth about the Joseph Smith," I always question their sources - it's usually a book or magazine article, possibly even by an esteemed, intellectual person. But I cannot and will not question my source of the real answer.