by ashley | Jun 17, 2013 | About Mormons
What can you say about a man of God that would capture his personality in the purest way? President Boyd K. Packer, the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes inadvertently called the “Mormon Church,”) is a man who is dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ in every aspect of his life. Anyone can see his virtue and light by looking up his name on the Internet, or occasionally by watching him on T.V., because of his role in The Church of Jesus Christ; but what is he like behind the scenes?
Boyd K. Packer’s Personal Endeavors
Like all great men and women who have made a positive mark on the world, President Packer has an outlet for personal growth and development. For some this may be fishing, others exercising, but for President Boyd K. Packer it has been carving and painting—with a particular emphasis on carving and painting birds. “‘Carving was restful to me. Sometimes when I got a little stressed or cranky, my wife would say, ‘Well, you had better start another carving,'” says President Packer. “Bird carving kept my hands busy and my mind free to think, ponder, and pray’” (see LDS Living).
Not only is President Packer a masterful (and very humble) artist, he is a teacher above reproach. He decided to become a teacher on a military assignment in Japan. He said:
I was on Ie Shima, a tiny speck of an island off the northwest coast of Okinawa. A few days earlier the island had been destroyed by a typhoon of such ferocious power that large ships went down and planes were blown off the island. The storm was passed, and the war was over, and I had a future. (more…)
by Keith L. Brown | Jun 14, 2013 | About Mormons
Edward Dube was born on 12 May 1962 in Chirumanzu, Zimbabwe to Clement Dube and his wife, Rosemary.
He has been a General Authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 9inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church by the media and others) since April 2013. He is the first Zimbabwean and the second Black African to serve as a General Authority.
The Influential Power of the Book of Mormon
Elder Dube was a young man working as a servant in the home of Leaster Heath when he was given a copy of the Book of Mormon. Two years passed before he gained an interest in reading the Book of Mormon, but once he did, it made a tremendous impact on his life.
I remember sitting in a railway station and reading the book. I read it for a very long time that day. To me, what was touching was the Prophet Joseph Smith’s testimony, when he related his experience with Moroni’s visitation to him. I would be reading in the middle of the book and go back to the introduction and just read that part. [1] (more…)
by megan | Jun 13, 2013 | About Mormons
The notion of special “Mormon underwear” has long been a matter of curiosity for some non-Mormons. It can be difficult to understand, especially for a person who has not
grown up around Mormons or in a Mormon family. However, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, inadvertently referred to as the “Mormon church,” have spoken about this topic many times.
The Proper Name for “Mormon Underwear”
“Temple garment” is the proper name for “Mormon underwear,” and is very important for endowed members. An endowed member is someone who has been to the temple. Not all Mormons are endowed. In order to enter the temple, Mormons must meet standards of worthiness. Elder Russell M. Nelson, an apostle and leader of The Church of Jesus Christ, explains the importance of the temple garment and why Mormons wear it always. He says:
Wearing the temple garment has deep symbolic significance. It represents a continuing commitment. Just as the Savior exemplified the need to endure to the end, we wear the garment faithfully as part of the enduring armor of God. Thus we demonstrate our faith in Him and in His eternal covenants with us (“Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings,” Ensign, May 2001.) (more…)
by Keith L. Brown | Jun 12, 2013 | About Mormons
For a period of time in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church by the media and others), male members of African descent were denied the privilege of bearing the priesthood. There has never been given any direct reasons as to why the restriction occurred, or how, or when, it became a policy of The Church of Jesus Christ. What some empirical research has shown, however, is that the lineage of an individual was more of a significant criteria for denying a person the priesthood, than his race, or the color of his skin.
Of monumental interest is that during the time of the priesthood restriction, by faith, and believing that one day every worthy male would be able to hold the priesthood, Blacks continued to become members of The Church of Jesus Christ. Male members of African descent served in various callings and magnified those callings, however, they could not administer priesthood blessings, or participate in the sacred ordinances of the temple.
The Church of Jesus Christ Does Not Condone Racism
The fact that a priesthood restriction existed at one time in The Church of Jesus Christ that excluded male members of African descent, may cause some people to infer that the Church is racist, however, nothing could be further from the truth. The Church of Jesus Christ has always opened its doors and has always been accepting of any person, regardless of race, who is willing to embrace the teachings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and who is willing to strive to live his life in accordance to the doctrines and principles found therein. (more…)
by Keith L. Brown | Jun 10, 2013 | About Mormons
Thomas S. Monson, President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called the Mormon Church by the media and others), once commented concerning missionary work, “When you’re on the Lord’s errand, you’re entitled to the Lord’s blessings.” Many missionary age young people of The Church of Jesus Christ have taken those words to heart, as many have made a decision to answer the call to serve after the announcement made at the beginning of the 182nd Semiannual 
General Conference by President Monson concerning the change in age requirements for serving a mission. Eligible and worthy young men may now serve a mission starting at 18 years of age, and young women may serve starting at 19 years of age.
The Church of Jesus Christ Witnesses Increase in Missionary Service
In an interview with the Deseret News on Wednesday, 29 May 2013, Church spokeswoman, Ruth Todd, stated, “We estimate more than 85,000 full-time missionaries serving by fall 2013.” [1]
At the time of President Monson’s monumental announcement in October 2012, The Church of Jesus Christ had 58,000 missionaries. Prior to the announcement, the number of missionaries serving full-time missions was increasing by an annual rate of 6%. In the wake of the announcement, The Church of Jesus Christ estimates that the number of missionaries serving throughout the world will have increased by an astounding 47% in the period of a year. (more…)
by Delisa Hargrove | Jun 3, 2013 | About Mormons
Why Do Mormons Have Large Families?
“Is she your daughter?” I’ve heard this question dozens of times about my youngest sister Dionna. Technically, she could be my child. After all, her birth occurred after I began my freshman year at college.
I am the oldest of 8 children and one of 240 descendants of my paternal grandparents. Before joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often inadvertently called the Mormon Church, my husband, overwhelmed with the magnitude of my extended family, said, “This isn’t a family — this is a nation!”
Large families are one distinguishing characteristic of Latter-day Saints (“Mormons”).
The Family Is Ordained of God
And [Jesus] took a child…in his arms [and] said…Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth…him that sent me (Mark 9:37). (more…)
