How I live my faith

One of the great benefits of being an active member of the LDS Church is having the opportunity to serve in a variety service capacities. Since the Church functions on lay leadership and clergy in all of the local congregations, known as "wards", every active member is expected to do what they can to help everything function smoothly. Specific assignments, or "callings", are extended to members, in which they may serve for a few short months or as long as several years. Over the years I have been involved in a number of different service positions in the Church. I am an Eagle Scout and have been able to give back to the scouting organization by working with young men between the ages of 8 and 17 and helping them to advance through the ranks and progress towards the rank of Eagle. I have led men's groups in classroom lessons, activities and special community service projects. I spent two years living in New Jersey as a volunteer Church missionary and was able to share my testimony of Jesus Christ with many people. I played the piano for some Church services. I have been a class instructor. I have been involved in the financial aspects of counting charitable contributions and insuring they are deposited in the appropriate Church accounts for distribution to the needy and to be used for constructing Churches and Temples. I worked in one of our temples to assist the temple visitors with the various ordinances that take place there. I have been on an activities committee responsible for planning and hosting large social events on holidays and other special occasions for Church members to gather, get to know one another better and to enjoy each others company. Overall, the opportunities given me to serve in the Church have made a huge difference in helping me to become who I am today. It is a humbling privilege to serve others and to be mindful of the way in which God often meets our needs through the helping hands of family, friends or even strangers.