Hi, I'm Brent

I'm a husband, a father of 5 & a U.S. diplomat. I love the outdoors and mentoring kids as they grow up. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I really enjoy exercise and the sense of accomplishment associated with team and individual sports. With four adolescent and teenage boys, I have found that coaching basketball, soccer and running have given me the opportunity to connect with my own sons and other kids in a real mentor relationship. The context is sports, but the principles are timeless. I also love being a youth and Venture Scout leader- what 44 male year old doesn't want to re-live the thrill of hiking, rock climbing and white-water rafting? My family and I have also been fortunate to have lived in Hungary, the Philippines and Vietnam. The world is an incredible place, and provides endless opportunities for exploration. Professionally, I have worked as a diplomat for the past eight years. This has helped me understand different views of the world from people with vastly different backgrounds as mine.

The best life decision I ever made was to marry a woman who is clearly ahead of me in every way. The miracle of my life is witnessing her work and being a part of of raising our five children, each of whom never ceases to amaze me. My parents gave me a strong heritage of family and faith, but I never thought it would be this great.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born a Mormon, but chose to embrace the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ along the way. Ever since I can remember, I have been able to recognize the absolute goodness that comes from following the timeless principles of charity, forgiveness, selflessness, repentance, service and self discipline as taught by Jesus Christ. I fully internalized these principles as a 19 year old missionary in Hamburg and West Berlin, Germany, and in doing so came to know the Savior in very sacred ways. As an adult, I am reminded again and again that I am happiest when I live the life principles that the LDS Church teaches: A healthy family life, interest in learning, fitness and health, respect for others, curiosity for the magnificent world around us and reverence for things sacred.

Personal Stories

How has attending Church services helped you?

My family and I moved to Hanoi, Vietnam in 2007 when the LDS Church was officially organized in that city. At first, we were the only full family, and needless to say my children were not terribly excited about it. A few Vietnamese friends started coming out and within 6 months there were other families participating with us. Of course, going to Church helped us to connect with God through taking the Sacrament and praying together, but it also gave us the opportunity to watch others develop their own faith. Many in the Hanoi Branch had no previous culture of belief in a monotheistic God. Watching them embrace principles of happiness as taught in the LDS Church really inspired my family to be the best members we possibly could be. Witnessing others develop faith, definitely lifted me and my family upward.

How I live my faith

I'm a ward missionary in our congregation, which means I invite others to learn about our faith and encourage them to participate with us in religious and social activities. The best thing about this calling is the people I get to meet. Everyone has a path to God and we find it in our own way. I also get to work with the 16 and 17 year old young men as a scout leader. The best way to influence young men is to do something with them that challenges them and they enjoy. Scouting did that for me and does it for many of the young men I work with. My family and I also pray together regularly and discuss gospel texts and teachings. Doing much of this around the dinner table means we all get a chance to share our ideas. It also means that I get the real deal from my sons. Because they like to eat, they also talk about what's on their mind.

Who is the Mormon prophet today?

Brent answered...

Thomas S. Monson. I encourage you to listen what he has to say to members and others about faith and life. You can find out what he has said on this website or at www.lds.org The idea that God speaks to mankind today through a living prophet really resonates with me. It tells me that God knows us, wants us to be happy and expects us to improve ourselves. Honestly, I have tried to put into practice many things that Thomas Monson and others before him, like Gordon B. Hinckley have taught. In every case I have been the better man for it. Who can argue with that?
Amber answered...

President Thomas S. Monson is our current prophet. He is called of God to receive revelation for us today. I am grateful for living prophets and apostles to lead and guide us in this troubled world. I know that they are called of God, and if we follow their counsel we will be happy.

Are Mormons Christians?

Chad answered...

In the truest sense of the word, most certainly yes!
The main belief of the mormon church is that of Christ and His Atonement for mankind. We believe that anybody who wants to can be saved through Christ's Sacrifice for us.
Without Christ, our church would be meaningless, void, and pointless. He is the core of this church. In fact, He is the leader and head of this church.
Some people say we don't believe in Christ, but I wholeheartedly disagree; Christ is everything to us - He rescues us from sin and fear, He is the reason for our being.
We celebrate and rejoice in His life and works and know that He lives today! Christ is risen and is ready to help us in our lives.