Hi, I'm Mark

I was born with Spina Bifida. I love to Kayak and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

A little about me, I am human, I have made mistakes in my life but most of all I am trying, and well, I'm happy. My family is the biggest source of happiness in my life. My greatest memories are of my family. Kayaking, swimming and playing games at home. These times at home have have developed the defining moments and the most powerful lessons learned in my life. I have developed a love for learning, A thirst for competition and a desire to serve.

Why I am a Mormon

I was raised as a Mormon, and I have always been happy about that. Growing up I always knew why I was a Mormon deep inside, but It wasn't until late in high school when I prayed and came to the realization that being a Mormon fits with who I am, and more specifically with who I want to become. My faith strengthens my life, It is centered around Christ, His teachings and it is His Gospel. When I prayed it all fit together in my mind and, becaus it fits I feel peace. That peace is my testimony, and as I grow and progress it strengthens. When I don't pray, or follow the teachings of Jesus my testimony weakens and the peace I feel starts to slowly fade away. I want to have that peace in my life always, and that is why I am a Mormon

Personal Stories

How can your talents and gifts bless others?

I have many talents and gifts, mostly of a social nature. I am talkative, a great listener and I have been told I am also compassionate. These gifts and talents have blessed me with a interest for others, I like to listen and to talk with friends and others about my life, my disability and my faith.

How I live my faith

I live my faith, with an eye focused on eternity, and by walking one foot in front of the other. I try to serve family and friends daily. I try to show my love for others and my love for Christ and His church through service. This desire is very important to me, because of a disability from birth there are many things I can't do physically, but I still can have the desire to serve, to do, and to work. Throughout my life I have learned that my faith in Christ is key to overcoming obstacles in life. Though some obstacles have taken longer to overcome. I know that through Christ all things are possible.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Mark answered...

No, I was born with a disability and as such I was unable to serve a full two year mission. I had a desire to serve but it wasn't required of me. I later had opportunities to share The Gospel of Jesus Christ with my friends and with fellow Christians who lived in my home town.
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.

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Casey answered...

Love the sinner, not the sin. We do not uplift or support it in any way. We try to help those overcome this serious and difficult urge of same-gender attraction. To some it is very serious, they feel they are 'borne' that way. Others feel great peer pressure, some are simply curious. Not matter the case, it is simply wrong. It is not ordained of God, and God does not take it lightly. To those who may struggle with this very urge, as you avoid it, and try to overcome it, God will strengthen you. Some people struggle with an addiction toward pornography, or cigarettes, some it might a seemingly over-powering urge toward alcohol, or to some, same-gender attraction. No matter the urge, they are all not of God and all Satan's devices to bring down worthy and righteous souls down to his level of misery. The family is ordained of God and it is our responsibility to uplift and support the family in any way we can.