Hi, I'm Jon Scherbel

I'm a missionary in the Arizona Mesa Mission speaking Spanish. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am the youngest of 8 kids, 2 sisters and 5 brothers. I love sports and being with my family, a combination of the 2 is even better. I am on a mission for 2 years sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone I meet. I went to college before and I will finish after and figure out what I want to do.

Why I am a Mormon

I was taught doctrines and principles of this gospel since i was born. I have wonderful parents and great brothers and sisters who were examples to me. I relied on their testimonies of this gospel for a few years growing up, but I used that small amount of faith I had to figure out if this church was really restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Through much reading and prayer, I received an answer that the Book of Mormon is true, that Jesus Christ is our Savior, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth. I continue to strengthen my faith by learning more and applying what I learn in my life.

Personal Stories

How has The Book of Mormon helped you understand the purpose of life?

The Book of Mormon is written plainly so we can understand the things we need to do in this life. For me, the big goal, the grand prize that we are working toward is eternal life. There are scriptures in the Book of Mormon that clearly tell us we are here to be tested. The Book of Mormon teaches what Christ taught about his gospel and his doctrine. As we live that gospel in our lives, we learn more and more. As we apply those things we learn, we become better. We are here to learn and grow and gain experience. As we exercise faith in Christ during our trials, our faith grows. We are here to prepare to meet God.

How I live my faith

I am a missionary so I share the gospel with everyone I meet. I teach people about the restored gospel and invite them to find out for themselves if the things we teach are true.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Jon Scherbel answered...

It is not a requirement to serve a mission, but it is encouraged. All members are missionaries, although some aren't serving far from home, we all try to invite everyone to come unto Christ.
Nick answered...

"Required" is an interesting word when it comes to faith and religion. In the Mormon Church no one is "required" to serve a mission. Church membership is not revoked for not serving a mission. In this sense, they are not required, yet serving a mission is encouraged at many stages in life and in many different capacities throughout the world.

Missionary service is a tremendous blessing, a challenge, and one of the main focuses of the faith. The life of Jesus Christ was the life of a missionary in many respects. Performing service for one another, preaching the glad message of the gospel, and increasing the faith and dedication of God's children are exemplified in Christ's life and mirrored by those in missionary service.

To dedicate a portion of one's life in service propels those who serve and those who are served into a better life. During my two year mission to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and during my two year service mission with LDS Family Services, I was greatly blessed and strengthened. (I hope those whom I served found some value in my service as well.) That strength has taught me to better navigate this life, has kept my family relations intact, and has been the method of helping others overcome their trials as well.

Spiritually speaking, I don't find value in reflecting on what my life would be like without serving a mission. Instead, I rejoice in knowing that without that time in missionary service my life would be significantly less happy and productive. In my life, serving a mission has taken on many of the characteristics of a "required" act since I can't picture myself progressing very far without having served as a missionary. While not required to be a member of the Mormon church, missionary service has been a critical and welcome part of my life and growth spirituality. I will be forever grateful that I had the opportunity to serve missions, and look forward to serving in many more.

Why did your church previously practice plural marriage (polygamy)?

Shannon answered...

Because the Lord commanded it for a period of time. It wasn't easy for those who practiced it. Many, even Brigham Young (the second prophet after the death of Joseph Smith) had difficulty accepting the revelation. It took a great deal of soul searching and personal submission and communion with God for many of those individuals to reconcile themselves to the practice of plural marriage.

Even in ancient times, when the practice was culturally accepted, plural marriage was difficult. Moses, Abraham, and many others who practiced plural marriage because of God's commandment all experienced personal challenges arising from their family situation. But sometimes life is such: God requires difficult things. The difficulties never seem appealing to us, but if we are faithful, we will find that God had reasons for the challenges He gave us.

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Joseph Smith

As is the case throughout history God has communicated to His children through prophets. God used a humble man as a prophet to restore His Church on earth who ultimately died defending His faith.

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