Hi, I'm Mark

My family is my world, we love camping, hiking, and spending time with one another. I am a passionate educator and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I hold two degrees from Indiana University...a BS in Secondary Education and a MS in Educational Administration. I am employed as a high school principal and am a year away from completing my Ed.D. via Ball State University. My journey to this point has been riddled, like most, with daunting and sometimes overwhelming obstacles. However, these barriers were conquered primary due to the influences of my family and the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have learned the importance of secular and spiritual education. I have learned to be more thoughtful, to reflect upon my choices, to give of my time freely to those who need it, and to give service.
I have served in the church as a full-time missionary in Phoenix Arizona, a counselor in a Bishopric, Young Men’s President, Elder’s Quorum President, and a High Councilmen. I currently serve as the 12 and 13 year old Sunday School teacher and absolutely love it! I suffer from Meniere's Disease and have found strength in the Lord as I have struggled through, at times, daily attacks. I have had to often lean upon my wonderful wife of 12-years during these times. We have four children who keep us hopping with piano, school interests, sports, family outings, and church activities. We love to spend lots of time camping, hiking, and traveling. On occasion, during crisp October Saturday afternoons, you will find me in South Bend cheering for the Irish. Yes, although I am a devout Mormon, I am a fanatic Notre Dame fan...GO IRISH!!!

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon because I have received a lasting testimony through the Holy Spirit of the Lord.

How I live my faith

Within the church I have served in a Bishopric, on the High Council, and served as a Young Men's President. Beyond that I live my faith by my actions and words towards my family and fellowmen.

Does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorse political parties?

Fred answered...

No. Our leaders have always operated from the concept that if we teach one another correct principles, we will then make correct choices and govern ourselves. The Church encourages each person to carefully consider every issue and each candidate and to prayfully seek guidance and then to vote responsibily. We are encouraged to be involved with our communities and nation but the Church does not take political positions or endorse parties or individuals.
Dario answered...

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has no political affiliation, and remains neutral on political activity. As declared by the Church, its purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ, not to elect politicians, and this applies to all the nations were the Church is established. In the same way, the Church does not endorse nor promote political parties, and its members are not directed to vote for specific candidates. Elected officials who are also members of the Church, does not represent the Church's position.

However, the Church does encourages us, members of the Church, to play a responsible role as citizens of the nations, to be informed, and to exercise our right to vote. Also, we are expected to respect others who think different and to participate in dialogue and exchange of ideas to reach consensus.

In the Church, we learn since we are young to be responsible and to seek to serve our communities and families. The Church's programs aims to strength our capacity and willingness to serve others. In this same context, we support leaders and programs which purposes are to make a better world. I personally support leaders who inspire those principles, and pray that whoever is elected would make wise decisions for the welfare of our nations and those of others. To obey, honor, and sustain the law of our country is an important responsibility of every member of our church.

What are Mormon women like? Do Mormons believe in equality of men and women?

Asia answered...

Women have a divine role, as designed by Heavenly Father before we came to earth. We were given the sacred opportunity to be mothers and to work alongside the brethren of the church to serve, uplift, and strengthen others. Women are powerful and strong forces for good in the world. We must be careful, however. The world today often tries to demean the divine role of womanhood by over-sexualizing women or saying that they should be the same as men. Women and men are different for divine purposes. I don't want to be a man. I know that Heavenly Father sent me here to be who I am because I can contribute to this great work in a way that no one else can. I'm grateful to be a woman today.