Hi, I'm Michael Fowler

I'm a father of 2 girls and 1 boy (9, 8, 6), husband of 10 years, love to meet new interesting people, and I'm a Mormon

About Me

I grew up moving around since my parents were in the Army. I was born in Panama City, Panama. I went to 4 different second grades. I have 3 sisters, one older and 2 younger and live close to all of them. I moved to Indiana when I was 8 years old and have lived here since except for 3 years (2 in Mesa, AZ and 1 in Cincinnati, OH). I have been a Mormon my whole life.

School was always difficult for me. I decided to recieve a GED instead of graduating high school. I worked for a while until I got married when my wife and I began a family. This motivated me to further my education where I went to Ball State and graduated in 2008 with a business degree.

I love spending time with my family and planning things for us to do as a family. I try to create as many good memories for my children as possible so they will know they belong somewhere. I know how bad it hurts to not feel like you belong anywhere as a child.

Why I am a Mormon

I have been a Mormon my whole life but have not always been as active in the faith as I should have been. I have, however, always believed for myself that it is the true church.I have recently become very active in the church. I have always had a testamony of the Book of Mormon and as soon as I stop reading it on a daily basis I begin to drift, so I make sure to "feast" as often as possible. Reading the Book of Mormon accompanied with daily prayer is how I am able to stay centered on Christ. I believe that everyone is capable of gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon (Moroni 10:3-5).

I feel this is the most exciting time to be a member of this faith and love waking up in the morning. I am always looking for new and exciting new ways to help others gain a testimony of this faith so they can do the work the Lord has in store for them that only they can do.

Personal Stories

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

I belive there is a "perverbial" door that has a handle on only one side of it; our side. The other side is where our God is. By that door is our Savior. The only way for that door to open is to pray. The Savior can knock on the door using the mouth of his servants, but you have to open the door through genuine prayer. Many of us (myself included) only begin a dialogue with our Heavenly Father when we are in a jam. I believe God is okay with this; He'll take what he can get because he loves us and misses us. I believe he has angels waiting just to answer your prayers as He sees fit. You must, however be prepared to recieve what you ask for. Be especially careful when you ask for humility and patience :)

I love prayer and know you can see prayers answered every day if you just look close enough.

How I live my faith

As previously stated I have been a Mormon my whole life. My grandama that has lived in Anderson, IN as long as I can remember, was the first in my family to convert to the faith. She is now 75 years old and full of life.

I work full time and try to volunteer my time to serve those that are in need of my help whenever possible. I try to teach my children that God loves all of his children and not just a select few. He loves us so much that he allows us to work our way through trials and difficulties so that we might grow. A father that did not truly love his children would not do this.

I used to just coast through life letting it direct my activities, feeling like there is much time to waste. Now I take control of my life and its direction. I feel rushed much of the time, feeling there is not enough time in the day.

Do Mormons practice polygamy?

Jon answered...

No, Mormons do not practice polygamy and discontinued the practice over a century ago. Yet, whenever I discuss my faith, often the first question asked is, "how many wives do you have?" It is important to know that the religious groups that currently practice polygamy, as often seen on the news, have no affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Even though some of these groups may claim otherwise.
David answered...

No.

Do Mormons only help Mormons?

Sam answered...

Absolutely not. I personally have been a part of countless efforts to serve those not of our faith. We don't just serve others because we want them to join our Church. We serve because it's the right thing to do. Because it's what the Savior taught and exemplified. I think God often places people in our path when we are in a position to help. Sometimes, this can be a litmus test for how committed we are to living a Christlike life, especially if this "opportunity" comes at a very inconvenient time.

Perhaps we sometimes overlook opportunities to help because we are too focused on the problems staring us right in the face. I do know, however, that the Church makes a very concerted investment of time, talent, and resources in humanitarian aid throughout the world. We are often some of the first to arrive and the last to leave in cases like Hurricane Katrina, Haiti, and areas affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004. We often coordinate our efforts with other organizations like the Red Cross or the Catholic Church.