Hi, I'm Jeremy Larsen

I'm a missionary, a future architect, a music enthusiast, and a Mormon.

About Me

I am the son of two loving parents and a brother of 5 awesome siblings. I enjoy playing video games, including Call of Duty and Halo. I love classical and new age music. I've also had a growing love and passion for church hymns and music sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. My love for music has developed as I've played the clarinet from junior high through high school. My hobbies include drawing, reading, and simply having fun with my family. I've completed one semester of college studying Design Graphics of Engineering Technology, or architecture for short. I am an eagle scout. Though I enjoy being indoors, I love to go boating, fishing, and camping. For now, however, I have given two years of my life to serve an LDS mission in Baltimore, Maryland. I am loving it!

Why I am a Mormon

I was blessed to be born and raised in the church. As a child, I was always fascinated by the stories in the Book of Mormon and the Holy Bible. It wasn't until I was 14 years old that I started to doubt my beliefs that I had been taught all my life. I wasn't sure if my faith was actual faith or a mere hope of things that had been ingrained in my mind. I finally made the resolve to follow the counsel of the prophets and read the Book of Mormon, then pray to know if it was true. My answer didn't come quickly, nor did it come in a way I was expecting or wanting. Instead, it came through actively living the gospel, then feeling and seeing the good coming from it in my life and the lives of those around me. In time, the Holy Ghost has borne witness to me that this is Christ's church established in it's pure form. I've come to know that those stories that were taught to me as a child are true, and I know that it was through God that they happened.
The gospel of Jesus Christ has helped me and my family during adversity by binding us in love, respect, faith, hope, and charity. Without the gospel and the principles within it, my family would be weak, or worse, separated by divorce.
I know that Joseph Smith did indeed restore this gospel through the power and authority of God, and that he translated the Book of Mormon as proof of that restoration. I also know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. He suffered for my sins so I can return to my Father in Heaven someday. I know that death is not the end, but a new beginning in God's plan of happiness. These simple yet profound truths have literally led my life. I would not be who I am without the church. As a missionary, I've learned that the Lord directs each of us in our lives and that we should all trust Him. I know that that is how we can be happy in this life and happy in the life to come.

How I live my faith

Right now, faith is in every aspect of my life since that's all I'm focused on as a missionary. What joy comes to my heart when I have the great privilege of meeting someone on the street, getting to know them, teaching them about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, watching them get baptized, and finally helping them continue their progression in the church and in their life. Missionary work is what the term implies: work, but it is the best work I could be doing at this time in my life.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Jeremy Larsen answered...

It is definitely encouraged that young men serve missions. Though it is not a requirement for all young men to serve missions, I strongly support it. Being a missionary at this time, I realize the wonderful blessings of serving the Lord by proclaiming His gospel to the people here in Baltimore, Maryland. A lot of growth and learning comes from serving a mission. I know that what I'm personally learning out here will benefit me in my career, family, and overall life. It is still a choice for everyone as to whether or not they will serve a mission, but the benefits of doing so will far outreach any sacrifice given.
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.

Who is the Mormon prophet today?

David Child answered...

The president of the church today is the prophet of the world. His name is Thomas S. Monson. I know he is lead by God and leads God's church.