Hi, I'm Matt

I'm a Blues Musician, a proud midwesterner, a political geek, and a Cleveland Indians fan. I'm also a Mormon.

About Me

I've done a little bit of everything. I currently work in recruiting and non profits in Sweet Home Chicago, but I've also taught elementary school in New Orleans, played the blues, worked as a political consultant, and as a sportswriter. I come from a family of activists, from education reform to public health.

Why I am a Mormon

People are often surprised to hear I'm a member, because I don't really fit the demographics of what people think of American Mormons...my mom is from Brazil, we're Democrats, and I grew up far away from Utah. I love the church though. The perspective I get from the plan of salvation...knowing where I'm from, where I'm going, and what happens after I die, has immeasurably made me happier. I love being a part of a church that expects me to actively be a part of God's work, to improve the lives of my fellow men spiritually *and* temporarily.

The Church has always been there for me when I've needed it, from when I move to new cities and need a friend, to when my father passed away and I needed a hug...and I've seen it be there for others. I'm a better person for being an active Mormon, and I've come to know God better because of it.

How I live my faith

I currently help teach sunday school in my church (which I love, since I used to be a teacher), but most of my callings have been centered around local missionary work. That means I help make sure our local missionaries have their temporal needs addressed, and also help them teach folks who are interested in hearing more about the church. My local congregation also makes an effort to be active in service projects around the community, and there is certainly no shortage of need here in Chicago.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Matt answered...

It isn't required, although it is encouraged for males to serve 2 year missions at 19. We're asked to share information about the church in all capacities though, so those who are not able to serve full time missions can still gain the blessings on missionary work.

If you like a band, or a book, you'll want to share it with your friends. That's our attitude about the Church...we like it, it's made us happy, and we'd like to share that. Sometimes that means we wear a nametag and a suit. Most of the time, it doesn't.
Austin. answered...

No. Every worthy young man is expected to serve a mission, though there is no punishment for not doing so. Also, not every young man is physically or mentally capable, so there are circumstances where a young man may be excused from service. Young women may also serve missions, but are not expected to do so.

Serving a mission means a full-time commitment, leaving family and friends to preach the gospel in a place assigned by the Church.

I served my mission in Los Angeles, California.

Why do you have 12 Apostles? They were just meant to be around for the time of Jesus Christ, not to be replaced with new apostles.

Becky answered...

Our church is the same church that Christ instituted while he was here on the earth. It is Christ's church and is called after him. Just as he had 12 Apostles, we have 12 Apostles and, as Peter was President of the Church after Christ ascended into heaven following His ressurection, we have a living prophet. Christ is the head of the church, but the prophet and apostles act for him and in his name. They have the same Priesthood power that Christ gave to Peter and the other apostles at that time. The prophet and apostles today are also called as seers, revelators, and special witnesses of Jesus Christ. Theirs as in the time of Christ is the duty to handle the affairs of the Church, to travel to different countries and bear testimony of and administer in the name of Jesus Christ. We have the opportunity every 6 months in a General Conference of the Church, broadcast over television, radio, and internet all over the world, to hear them speak about Christ, and to teach us how to become more like Him. They are important in their ministry as well as in the organization of our large, worldwide church membership.