Hi, I'm Larry D. Kump

I'm a member of the LDS Church, converted to the restored Gospel about 50 years ago, and ever so grateful.

About Me

After forty years or so serving in various public administrative and legislative service and advocacy positions, I retired early and now am serving as a legislator in the West Virginia House of Delegates.

Why I am a Mormon

Raised in a prominent Protestant Church in Hagerstown, MD, it was at about age twelve that I began to have serious doubts about the meaning of life and the existance of God. My local minister added to my profound frustration when he couldn't answer my simple and straightforward questions. Although just a young boy at the time, I thereafter took it upon myself to read the Bible and also investigated many other religions and philosophies, all of which only added to my confusion and angst. I then was wavering between outright atheism and agnosticism when a neighbor boy and best friend introduced me to two young missionary elders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Disdainful of them at first, it almost immediately became obvious to me that the simple truths they were teaching me truly was God's Plan of Happiness. Sadly, my parents forbade my baptism and even my association with the LDS Church. Even so, seven years later and when I turned 21 at Frostburg State University, I again sought out the missionary elders and was almost immediately thereafter baptised in the former LDS chapel on Columbia Avenue in Cumberland, MD. I may not know all the answers, but there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has brought me to all the truth that's essential for my eternal progression and happiness. And that's just the simple truth,

Personal Stories

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

Personal prayer is an ongoing conversation with Our Father in Heaven through our Savior, Elder Brother, and Best Friend Jesus Christ. Ongoing and sincere personal prayer has brought much power and peace into my life.

How I live my faith

I just do the best I can. That's all that any of us can do, while relying on Our Savior to make up the difference wherein we fall short.

What is being a Mormon like?

Larry D. Kump answered...

Becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which often is nicknamed the "Mormon" Church, is the best decision that I ever have made in my life. A more detailed description of my conversion is spelled out in my personal blog, but a neighbor boy introduced me to the restored gospel when I only was a young teenager. My parents forbade me to join or even associate with the Church and I fell away in the years thereafter, but rediscovered it as a young adult in college. I am a survivor of multiple bouts with cancer, am an adoptive parent, and have endured the heartbreak of divorce. Through all of this, the resored gospel has strengthened me with the sure knowledge of from where I came, why I am here, and my eternal worth and potential. Even with all my flaws, I rejoice in the strength and joy that has been given me through God's Plan of Happiness. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Cassie answered...

Being a Mormon is just like being anyone else. We eat, sleep, go to work, vote, date, marry, etc. There are, of course, things that we don't do such as drink or smoke, see explicit films or pictures, but I think that helps us become better people. By avoiding temptations we're able to live happier, fuller lives while still enjoying those things that God put us on Earth to enjoy. We were placed on this Earth to be happy and, for me, that's what being a Mormon is like-being happy.

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.