Hi, I'm Matt

I grew up in Georgia and in Singapore. I run track and cross-country. I am currently serving a mission in Salt Lake City, UT.

About Me

I was born in Connecticut and grew up there when I was a kid. Then I moved to Georgia and lived there when I was a teenager. Then after I graduated from high school I moved to Singapore with my family!!!!! I am now serving a mission in Salt Lake City and I love it!!!!! The reason why I love serving a mission is because I enjoy helping people strengthen their relationship to God and Jesus Christ. I am big into sports except baseball, tennis, and golf. I love to exercise. I love to eat.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I haven't always been fully enveloped into it but I have seen a difference when I follow the standards and commandments of God and when I haven't. I definitely experience more long lasting joy when I do.

How I live my faith

I do my best to keep the commandments of God daily. I am serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My calling for two years is to invite and to help people come closer to Jesus Christ. It is the most worthwhile and rewarding thing I have ever done.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Matt answered...

Do Mormons believe in the Bible? Do Mormons believe in the Trinity? Whats the difference between the Bible and the Book of Mormon? What is the temple?
Austin. answered...

No. Every worthy young man is expected to serve a mission, though there is no punishment for not doing so. Also, not every young man is physically or mentally capable, so there are circumstances where a young man may be excused from service. Young women may also serve missions, but are not expected to do so.

Serving a mission means a full-time commitment, leaving family and friends to preach the gospel in a place assigned by the Church.

I served my mission in Los Angeles, California.

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Paul answered...

The Church considers homosexuality a sinful practice that is engaged in via the agency of the individuals involved. What I mean is that those who participate in homosexual activities make the choice to do so. No one is born gay as that would be contrary to God’s plan of happiness for His children. Nor would He (God) place someone on earth who was wholly incapable of keeping His commandment pertaining to sexual conduct. Our Heavenly Father has revealed that sex (all forms of intimate relations) are to be exercised only between a man and a woman who are legally married to one another and in no other forum. The genders of the two parties and the exclusivity of their participation in sexual activity is central to acceptable obedience to God’s commands in this area. Additionally the first commandment given to Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden was to “multiply & replenish the earth”. This important commandment is thwarted by homosexuality. While it is no secret that many (including members of the Church) struggle with feelings of same sex attraction this does not (nor will it) change what God has revealed. As a result the Church has (& will continue) spoken out on this subject all the while insisting that the “one man, one woman, married” paradigm is God’s design for the happiness & destiny of all of His children. As far as the importance of the topic goes it is certainly relevant as numerous members of the Church struggle with homosexual feelings or actions.

It is my understanding that as long as an individual does not act on homosexual feelings or tendencies (there’s the agency again/the ability to choose) and conducts himself or herself in accordance with God’s commands no disciplinary measures are taken and standing within the Church is maintained. Members who engage in homosexuality on the other hand face disciplinary measures that may restrict their membership in the Church or remove their membership altogether.

Many people are aware the Church has been active in causes that support marriage as a union between one man and one woman. This institution supports the traditional family composed of a father, a mother, and children. Since we believe the family to be the basic unit of society and the foundation upon which good communities and nations are built we are concerned with any institution that strikes against that model. Homosexuality and same-sex marriage is incompatible with our understanding of the plan God has for His children. A great summary of the Church’s view on families is encapsulated in The Family: A Proclamation to the World (on the Church web site)