Hi, I'm Nathanael

I'm a Mormon. I live in Sandy, Utah where I was born and grew up. Currently, I am serving a mission in Oaxaca, Mexico.

About Me

I love music. I studied it in high school and plan to major in music in college. I play the violin and sing and play other various instruments. Music has always helped me to deepen my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to feel His love for me. Whether it is a grand anthem or a sweet melody, it often helps me reflect on all that Christ has done. From the creation of the world to His atonement for our sins.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up in the church my whole life, but whenever I have been faced with a choice that would either take me away from or bringer closer to the Gospel I have firmly resolved to follow my faith. In a world of rising challenges and fierce disputes on truth, theories, and especially religion, it has always made sense to me. It is a constant in my life that cannot be replaced. It brings light, happiness, and peace to my heart even at the times when I am the most discouraged. I have felt the unhappiness in my life when I have not followed God and more importantly I have felt the returning joy of repentance. I know that I am most happy when I am keeping the commandments I learned as a child. Nothing false could duplicate such utter contentment and happiness. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true. I know Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, the very Son of God. I know He loves all mankind and knows you and me by name. His love is what keeps me going in my valleys of darkness. And that same light is extended to all the world. No matter what your circumstance is He is there. Go to him, and He will give you His peace.

How I live my faith

Formerly, as a youth in the church, and especially now as a missionary I do my best to serve my neighbors around me. With the other young men of the ward we do many service projects such as helping people who are moving, cleaning people's yards, and shoveling snow. At one time we organized a major service project to help provide burmese refugees with things they needed such as toiletries, canned food, clothes, etc.

What is the Atonement of Jesus Christ? Why was it necessary for Jesus Christ to sacrifice His life?

Nathanael answered...

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the core of my testimony. The atonement was the voluntary act by the Lord of laying down his life and willingly suffering for the sins, infirmities, and trials of all mankind. The power of the Savior's atonement is universal and all-transcendant. Isaiah prophecied in Isaiah 53: 'Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. He was bruised for our iniquites; he was wounded for our transgressions; the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed.' Jesus Christ layed down our life because of his love for us, his friends. (John 15:13) This was necessary because we are all sinners, and because of justice we must pay for our sins. However, payment for our sins was not accomplishable through our own abilities. And not only this, but we could not overcome the power of death, the grave, and Hell on our own either. Through the atonement of Jesus' sacred blood in Gethsamane, and by passing the portals of death: He seized the keys of death and Hell. And so through Him we are both cleansed from our sins through the merits of HIs mercy and promised immortality because of HIs rising from the tomb the third day.

What is the Church’s position on abortion?

Charis answered...

The Church recognizes some circumstances that may justify an abortion, such as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, when the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy, or when the fetus is known to have severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth.

Human life is a sacred gift from God. Elective abortion for personal or social convenience is contrary to the will and the commandments of God.