Hi, I'm Jake

I was adopted. I've lived all over the world. I'm a student. I'm a husband. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I was adopted. My father served in the United States Air Force. My family has lived all over the world. I served a mision for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I met my wife in Las Vegas Nevada. She is a convert. We were married by, our Bishop, and a year later, sealed in the Las Vegas Nevada Temple. We have been married for almost eight years and for whatever reason, we cannot have children. I'm currently a college student. I enjoy spending time with my wife, family, friends, camping, hiking, fishing, and watching movies.

Why I am a Mormon

Families can be together forever. This is one, of many reasons, why I continue to follow the teachings of the Savior. When I met my wife, I learned that she had joined the church, after her 18th birthday, in high school. Her family had concerns. When we decided to marry we took those concern to the Lord and He had directed us, through our Bishop, to be married civilly and then a year later sealed in the Lords house (the Temple) for all eternity. We obeyed. I testify, that the Savior, Jesus Christ, knows our situations and directs us accordingly. He loves all of us and desires us to come unto Him. I know families can be together forever when we follow His teachings.

Personal Stories

Which of the Savior’s teachings have influenced you?

Throughout the Savior's ministry, He taught us through His actions, the reality of miracles. In the Book of Mormon, the ancient prophet Moroni, taught us that "God has not ceased to be a God of miracles" (Mormon 9:15). I have a firm testimony of the reality of miracles. My wife and I have had many wonderful miracles come to pass within our marriage. We have learned from these experiences that our Heavenly Father knows our situations, loves us, blesses us according to our faith and good works, and in His own time. Recording these experiences in my journal, help remind me of the experience and to teach our future children of this reality. I am grateful for Heavenly Father and I love Him. I thank Him each day for the wonderful gifts, blessings, and miracles He has given us. I testify that Heavenly Father has not stopped performing miracles in todays world.

How has the Holy Ghost helped you?

I love the Holy Ghost with all my heart. I testify that He lives! The mission of the Holy Ghost is to teach and testify of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, Prophets, Apostles, and guides us for personal growth. He has protected me from harm. He has inspired me to make good decisions that blessed my life. He confirmed to me the reality of the Godhead. He has prompted me to serve a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has helped me remember things I have long forgotten. He has guided me in my various church responsibilities. He introduced me to my wife, by prompting me to go to the Church late at night to say hi to my Bishop. While there, I met a young, beautiful woman, and it was the Holy Ghost who told me to remain, wait, and walk her to her car after her appointment. These experiences, and many more, testified to me the reality of the Holy Ghost. He is my best friend.

How I live my faith

I served a two year mission for the church in Toronto, Canada. I was married in the Temple. I have taught the youth in early morning seminary, taught the young men through the scouting program, taught Sunday school classes, organized local church activities, and I am currently serving as a ward missionary. I also have the opportunity to visit families in our church once a month. Through these experiences, my testimony of the Lord has grown, and I am grateful to be a member of His church.

What is a “testimony” that Mormons speak of?

Jake answered...

A testimony is a personal knowledge of anything credible. For example, in the Courts, a witness is called to testify of what they know from what they have seen or had experienced. Likewise, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the members share their testimonies of what they know to be true, based upon their own, credible, personal experiences.

I would like to share my testimony, that I know from personal experiences of the reality of God, the Eternal Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and of the mission of the Holy Ghost. They live! I testify, that They know who you are and that Heavenly Father loves you. I testify that through Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ restored His church and called him to be His prophet. Today, Thomas S Monson is His prophet and like Joseph Smith, he recieves revelations for the growth of this Church. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Jen answered...

The word "testimony" is used frequently by members of The Church. When they use this, what they mean is they have knowledge that a certain principle or doctrine is true because they have studied it, and received a witness of it from the Holy Ghost. For example, to gain a 'testimony' of the Book of Mormon, you read it, study it, and ask Heavenly Father if it is true. He will typically respond with a feeling of peace or happiness. This feeling is the witness from the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true. Once you receive this witness, you have built a testimony of the Book Of Mormon. This process can be applied to any aspect of The Church, or your life.

Can a husband and wife be together forever? Do Mormons believe that families will live together in heaven?

Amanda answered...

YES!!! This is one of my favorite parts of the gospel. I believe that my family will live together in heaven. I will know my family as my family members. My husband is my husband for now and for all eternity. My children are my children here on earth and for all eternity. I know that if something happened to one of us that I will see them again. I love this about the church. Before joining, I always had a question about this concept and when taking the discussions from the missionaries this came up. Makes me love the church more and more.