Hi, I'm Richard Maden

I was voted least likely to belong to a church in high school but I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I have spent a large amount of my life in prison. I was a drug addict and alcoholic with no room in my life for things pertaining to religion. I dropped out of school and roamed the United States without out purpose or meaning. About 10 years ago I got arrested and was facing the rest of my life in prison. I got caught selling drugs to support my own habit. While I was waiting to be sentenced my sister sent the missionaries to the county jail to teach me the gospel. I remember the first day they came and visited with me. It was a day that would change the rest of my life. I spent the next 8 years studying the scriptures and the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. From the very beginning I wanted to be baptized and become a member of the Lords church. I still remember the mission President telling me I might have to wait even longer and that it was up to the brethren in Salt Lake to decide when I should be baptized. When the answer came two weeks later in the affirmative I knew again that this church was true and that the Lord talks to His Prophet.

Why I am a Mormon

After years of study, years of prayer, and tons of meditation I found the answer to this question. You don't have to think about this too much to discover what I did. The scriptures teach us that all of the men of God threw the ages have 1 thing in common. They were all ordained by someone having the authority to do so. No man in the history of men has been able to act in the name of God with out this ordination. I believe the church should be just like Jesus set it up when he was on earth. Search the world over and you will search in vain tiring to find that church until you meet a Mormon. If you ever see a disaster on the earth you may see the Red Cross you may see a US Hospital ship you may see the National Guard but I can tell you what you will see, You will see the Mormons doing all they can to help no matter who the people are. They live their faith and they are in the service of their Lord. This is why I am a Mormon.

Personal Stories

What blessings have come through your faith in Jesus Christ?

I have been clean for 9 years. I no longer walk aimlessly without hope in darkness. My faith in the Lord has blessed my life and the lives of my family. I start each day with a smile instead of dread.

How I live my faith

I have been a Mormon for about 5 months now and I have been called to be an Elders Quorum Teacher in my Ward. I have the best time talking with the men about the Lord and the church and the plan the Lord has for all of us. I was nervous at first but the men were very kind and helped me Magnify my calling to something I look forward to each week I get the opportunity to teach. I look forward to answering when the Lord calls for me to do something special for one of His children. Each day I try to do something nice to someone I don't know as a thank you to the Lord for all the mercy He has shown me. If you love the Lord you must love His children, all of them.

How can we come to know our Father in Heaven?

Richard Maden answered...

Just start out with a small prayer to God and just this one act will start you on a path that will bring you into a relationship with Him. Don't be afraid to ask for guidance from the missionaries this is the thing they live for.
Britta answered...

I have come to know our Father in Heaven through private prayer and service. As I pray and receive answers through impressions and feelings, I am able to assist in His work. At other times, I have been comforted at the times when I needed it most by a very real presence. I feel His love as I serve others and I can feel His love for them.

Why do Mormons perform baptisms for the dead?

Stuart Clark answered...

We believe that baptism is essential for salvation. It is a covenant with God to obey his commandments. Christ taught that we all must be baptized. Some people die without being baptized or knowing about the Church of Jesus Christ. They must also have an opportunity for salvation. Those who have died are taught the gospel in the world of the spirits. But, baptism is an earthly ordinance. So we can perform that ordinance for them by being baptized for them, just as Christ died for us as a proxy for us, we can be baptized for others. This is authorized by Christ in his church to be performed in the temples. The person who died can either receive this gift or reject it. They still have their agency.

View Other People:

Meet Mormons

Discover Mormons who share your personal experience:

Find a Church

Enter as much address information as you can to find a church near you:

Joseph Smith

As is the case throughout history God has communicated to His children through prophets. God used a humble man as a prophet to restore His Church on earth who ultimately died defending His faith.

Learn More