Why Am I a "Mormon"?
There are many reasons why I am LDS (Mormon).First let me
say that this is not Mormon's church and therefore is not named after him.
It is the Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints, and is called
thus because it is the church of Jesus Christ and we are called LatterDay
Saints just as the early saint in the church were called Saints. The
name Mormon came from those outside of the church during the early days of
the church and it refered to it thus because of the Book of Mormon. I
would prefer not to call us Mormons for this reason but because we are better
known as "Mormons" I will refer to it this way here. I love the
wonderful spirit of the church. There is not a more perfect organization
on the face of the earth. It is perfectly structured to care for it's
people in every way. Each member has a job (calling) in the church.
And none is better or more important than another although some may
think so. No matter what our job or calling it is necessary for the
whole. We are the only church on the earth that has claim to a living prophet.
We have twelve apostles and other general authorities who serve for
the remainder of their lives once they have been called to this position.
We do not have a paid ministry. Each labors in his or her
calling willingly and supports himself or herself apart from the church.
It's welfare system is the closest to being perfect of any system
on the earth. Although the church is always there to help those who
are in need it has never been or ever will be a free handout. We are
expected to work on the welfare farms, in the canneries and other things
when available. Each offers something. The Relief Society, is
the most perfect woman's organization you could ever imagine. The
sisters are always there and willing to help when ever needed no matter what
the need is. There is a great deal of love and support in this, and
all other organizations in the church. We have a wonderful Young Women's
and Young Men's organization. Our young men belong to the Boy Scouts
of America and are wonderful scouts. Our children go to Primary and
this is a wonderful school to learn about the Savior and our Father in Heaven.
We have a remarkable missionary program that sends many young men and
women into the world two by two to teach the gospel and to reach the hearts
of those that are seeking the truth. Many of our Elderly, after retirement,
also go on different kinds of missions to different areas of the world. This
is at their own expense. Many young people begin planning at a very early
age for their mission and save for this. No matter where you
go in the world you will find sisterhood and brotherhood by going into any
of the LDS churches throughout the world. I have heard it said that
there are no strangers among us, just brothers and sisters. But as
great and wonderful as all of this is I would still not remain a member if
it were not for the testimony that I have that it is the true church. This
does not come from organizations and no man or woman on earth can give this
testimony to anyone else. It has to come directly from God. And
when the Holy Ghost bears witness to someone of the truthfulness of this
gospel it fills every fiber of their being and goes into their minds and
hearts with such force that they cannot deny that it is true. This
is the reason I am a "Mormon", because I know that it is true with every
part of my mind and heart. And though Satan may rage or others may
try to tear this down and try to convince me that it is not true ,and that
this is only a subjective, feeling I can say. "You know not what you
are saying" It is true and I know it is true and no one can convince
me otherwise though many have tried. I am a Mormon because I know beyond
any doubt that it is the true Church of Jesus Christ on the earth today and
has been since it's restoration in 1830 through Joseph Smith the Prophet.