Hi, I'm Mark

I'm an anesthesiologist and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am the fourth of five children and grew up most of my life in Utah. I met my wife at Brigham Young University and we have four beautiful children. Since we've been married, we have lived in Utah, Ohio, Arizona, and now Indiana.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up in a Mormon home where both my parents were active members of the Church. Being raised in a Mormon home may be enough of a reason to belong to the Church but ultimately I had to decide for myself what I believe to be true. I have sought to understand the principles and values that are taught in the Church and I know that they help me to be a better person. I know that my relationship with my wife and my family will be stronger by keeping the commandments of God. Through prayer and the power of the Holy Ghost, I know that this is the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth again. I know that Jesus is at the head of the Church and that through his ultimate sacrifice in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross at Calvary, that I can return one day to live with my Heavenly Father. That is the real reason that I am Mormon.

How I live my faith

In our home, we seek to have regular Family Home Evenings, scripture study, and prayer. We seek to follow the example of Jesus in all that we do. I work as the Cubmaster in my local ward. I have the opportunity to work with the Cub Scouts to help them progress in Scouting, in service, and in life.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Mark answered...

No, there is no requirement to serve a mission. However, many young men and young women, as well as older couples, seek the opportunity to serve a mission. My own mission was in the state of Minas Gerais in the beautiful country of Brazil. I spent two years there among the wonderful Brazilian people. Much of what we did was to meet with people in their homes and share with them the teachings and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We also spent our time in the service of the communities in which we lived. I know that my mission prepared me in many ways for the rest of my life and it helped me to grow closer to my Savior, Jesus Christ.
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Trisha answered...

Serving a mission is a priesthood responsibility, and young men are asked to sacrifice two years in order to serve others, gain experience as followers of Christ, and grow in their faith. However, that is a choice each individual has to make on their own and deciding not to go does not affect a person's standing in the Church. But those who do go, men and women alike, usually find that two years is not enough time and wish they could stay longer. Service creates bonds of love for the people you serve. I was unable to go in my young adult years, but I still yearn for the opportunity and look forward to a time when I can serve as a missionary.

Do Mormons practice polygamy?

Sterling answered...

Today, Mormons are commonly associated with polygamy, even though the practice was discontinued in the Mormon Church in 1890 - over 120 years ago!
Today there are still some who claim to be Mormon and who practice polygamy, but it should be recognized that they are not part of our Church - anyone belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints today who practices polygamy is excommunicated and their names are removed from our rosters.
In modern revelation, we learn that we are never supposed to practice this unless specifically told to by the Lord (through the prophet) as was the case with Solomon and David in the Old Testament.

Know that we do not want to practice polygamy. I don't know any Mormons who do. We know that if we were asked to, the Lord would help us to understand why, as He will with any commandment. However, until that day (which we do not expect to ever come), we will neither practice it nor look forward to doing so.