Hi, I'm Jared

I'm a nerd, I'm a musician, I'm a missionary, and I'm a Mormon

About Me

My name is Jared. I grew up my whole life in Utah in a regular Mormon/Utah home. I am also a nerd. I love all things nerdy. I love learning and finding out new things. I love history and science. I also play the flute and piccolo. I have been playing them for six years and I have played my middle school and high school bands. I'm not the greatest, but I love music. Especially classical music. I am currently serving in the Michigan, Lansing Mission and loving it.

Why I am a Mormon

Because I know it's true.

Even though I was raised in the church my whole life, I didn't always know that it was true. For a long time, I just relied on the testimonies of my parents and friends to get me through. Eventually, I got to the point, because of the things that I had learned about other faiths and about science, that I was confused about what the truth really was and I didn't know where to turn. So I turned to God. At a critical point in my life, when I really needed and wanted to know the truth, I said a simple prayer. I asked my Heavenly Father, if He was there at all, to show me the way I needed to go. At that moment I received a powerful, personal witness that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was God's true church and that it was exactly where I needed to be. But what I had received was only a confirmation of what I already knew. What I knew was that the church was true and that the Book of Mormon was just what it claimed to be. Since then I have had many more experiences which have confirmed my faith and have strengthened my testimony. I know these things true. I know them without a shadow of a doubt in my mind.

Personal Stories

In what ways have your prayers been answered?

I know that prayers are answered. I have had uncounted prayers answered in my life. My biggest experience with prayers being answered was when I prayed to know the truth. I wanted to know if "Mormonism," the faith I grew up in was true, and if not, what was. I recieved a sure and convincing answer that the church indeed was true.

What blessings have come through your faith in Jesus Christ?

Through my faith in Jesus Christ and my attempts to follow his teachings I have grown in ways that I could not have grown in any other way. I have gained hope, inner peace, and peace of mind. I have learned how to love more deeply and purely and I have found a anchor for my soul through all of the storms of life. I have learned to be the best man that I can be, and I have learned who I truely am and that God knows and cares for me personally and why he cares.

Why do Mormons go on missions?

We go on missions because we know how much the Gospel has blessed our lives and we want our brothers and sisters all over the world to have the opportunity to receive the same blessing that we have we received, and continue to receive. To withhold the light and joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ from others is an incredibly selfish act, and those who have truly become converted and are striving to be Christlike will want to take every opportunity they can to bless the lives of those around them.

Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith was a man, just like any other man. He had his faults like any other man and he did not live a perfect life. That glorious distinction is given to Christ alone. But he was a great man, a Prophet and Apostle, like Moses, Samuel, Peter or Paul in their day. Through him, we received many great truths about the nature of man, the universe and God. It was through him that the power, authority and church of God were once again restored to man on the earth to bless our lives. Joseph Smith was indeed called by God and received revelations to help bring us to a greater knowledge and appreciation of our God and Redeemer.

How I live my faith

I live my faith every second of everyday. I live the standards of the gospel, in my actions, words, and thoughts. I an example in my community. I go about doing good and giving service to those I can help. I also serve in any capacity that I am called in the church. I am also currently serving a mission, which is one big way I live my faith.

Why is authority to perform a baptism important?

Jared answered...

The authority to baptize is important because baptism is so much more than just an act of faith or a witness of our desire to follow Christ. Baptism is a covenant we make to follow Christ and to live by the commandments that he has set forth. It is also an ordinance necessary for exaltation, and without the authority behind it, the act is not binding on earth and in heaven.
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Cary answered...

If baptism is the gateway to Heaven, then the baptizer is a border agent. Would you want any old person who claims to know how it's done to just start letting whoever wants to into your country? Why do you insist they carry a badge and wear a uniform, and have an ID which proves they are legitimate representatives of the government? It's the same way with God's rituals. All over the scriptures, whenever there's a ritual performed it was performed by a duly authorized representative. Doesn't it just make sense that if something essential for our salvation would be required, that it should need to be done God's way, by God's authorized representatives? Acts 19:1-6 even shows a time when the authority of the baptizer was in doubt, and Paul re-did the baptisms for good measure. With all the confusion that comes from competing people claiming to speak for God, or claiming to know His will in this matter or that, I'm glad Mormons teach about authority. There's so much more clarity about who we should listen to, and who might be perfectly well-intentioned, but who really shouldn't be listened to because they're not authorized.

How can we come to know our Father in Heaven?

Britta answered...

I have come to know our Father in Heaven through private prayer and service. As I pray and receive answers through impressions and feelings, I am able to assist in His work. At other times, I have been comforted at the times when I needed it most by a very real presence. I feel His love as I serve others and I can feel His love for them.