I am going to go on a Mormon mission and I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips and advice?
604651
dont knock on my door
860318
Look at the Church's web page...LDS.org...you should be able to find something.  I know I've managed to find a ward or branch everywhere I've ever been in the world.  Isn't it wonderful!!!\n\nI found an area there...
450377
Maybe what you should ask is "Will a Mormon tell me about Mormons"...sure. Lostinlove's friend's situation was unfortunate.  The church does not teach that you can only have *** when you want a kid, believe me.  But they do teach that *** is only to be had within the bonds of marriage. And also Buckhouse_ryan's point of view is interesting...not really correct though sorry.  We do believe Kolob is where God lives.\nI usually hate it when people cut and paste pages and pages but I want you to see our "Thirteen Articles of Faith", these are our basic beliefs.\nJoseph Smith first wrote them in a letter to John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat, in answer to his request to know what members of the Church believed. The letter became known as the Wentworth Letter and was first published in the Times and Seasons in March 1842. On 10 October 1880, the Articles of Faith were formally accepted as scripture by the vote of the members of the Church and were included as part of the Pearl of Great Price. \n\n1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.\n\n2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.\n\n3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.\n\n4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.\n\n5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.\n\n6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.\n\n7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.\n\n8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.\n\n9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.\n\n10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.\n\n11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.\n\n12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.\n\n13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
884713
yes. I have been a mormon for all my life.  Why you may ask?\nWell, that's simple: because I know the doctrines and principles that the church teaches are true.
544323
I am not 'Mormon' but have read about and understand your point of view. My unbiased opinion is that if you are targeting a large audience and want to incorporate your beliefs, emphasize your basic belief that through serving others, people can experience joy and be drawn closer to God. This underlying theme will attract the largest group of people and spread a good message, as I believe your goal is. It is, aside from the value of family, the message that most people can relate to and benefit from amongst the LDS doctrines.
243500
May I have an incense recipe?  I don't think you would consider me pagan.  I don't know what to consider myself.  I usually answer all of the Mormon questions because I am close to some members of the church and I don't like to see it talked about so terribly (which happens A LOT here).  Other than that, just wantin' some incense ;-)
286489
I'm kind of flaky with my actual faith, but I've been an active Mormon for a while now.\n\nI have to say that we believe in a pre-mortal existence. That we were all present at the Council of Heaevn when God was establishing his plan of salvation. Satan and Jesus both had ideas about how to do it. Essentially, Satan wanted glory for himself and Jesus wanted to give Glory to God. In order to actually believe this though you have to have a better understanding of the basic principles that under lie the LDS Church.\n\nAnd to say, out right, that the Church is wrong or that the book of mormon is bogus is really childish. There are millions of LDS people in the world today, I find it hard to believe that all of them are wrong.\n\nAnd the Bible says that the Father and the Son are One. This doesn't mean LITERALLY, look at the gospels, Jesus approaches the Father as his Father. They are One in purpose - To bring to pass the immortal life of man, but they are two seperate beings. Even if you look at Hebrew texts they use to words for God - elohim and yahweh. The reason for this is because God is no one being. But like I said, you have to have at least an undersatnding of where the book of mormon came from.\n\nI don't bash other religions. There are so many times I want to say, "No, you've got it all wrong" but I don't because I understand that every person has every right to be what they are.\n\n-------------\nTo Asker:\nI don't believe in one religion. When I say "we believe" in the Mormon church I should have been saying "they believe" My whole philosophy on life is that every religion is right... for someone. That doesn't mean is right or wrong. My friend and I have discussed religion at length and I've come to my own conclusions regarding it. She's Muslim and I am whatever I am. I used to say this to my brother, "Belief in something is better then belief in nothing." That something specific of course referred to God. But anywho, not sure if that answered your question. I'm not totally with it. Perpetually tired.\n\n-------------\nTo Asker:\nMy brother is an atheist and I find it hard to believe in nothing. I think to know that this is all we have and after this is only death is a really hard thing to cope with. Maybe it's what really is, but I think it's better to believe that there is some greater purpose for this life. The Book of Mormon has it's own set of doctrine and beliefs set out. The purpose of it is to testify that Christ is the Savior and help us understand how to live righteously. I'd strongly encourage everyone to read it. My faith is unique. I believe the teachings of the LDS church are correct in some sense. I just have too many things I'm questioning in my life. I'm working on resolving them and I don't know where it is going. Sorry for the confusion. don't base your views on the LDS Church on me because I'm far from the best person. If a person wants to know more I'd suggest lds.org and you can actually read the conference talks etc. Or even talking to missionaries. Anywho, sorry.
113883
What is Abduladu interest in this woman?\nI notice most of his post are pro-Mormon.\n\nTell me Abduladu are you Mormon?\nHave you been on a mission trip?\nDo you know this lady?\nAre you or do you know Matthew Vanderpool?\n\nWhat she did was wrong but the brand of compassion you and other Mormons are showing her, doesn’t speak well of your church either.\n\nYou must admit it is a questionable practice to send young boys un accompanied by a female into homes of unsuspecting stay at home moms\n\n2 Tim 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,\n3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,\n4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;\n5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.\n6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,\n7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.\n\nProblems like this arise all the time as a result of that practice. You might do better to reconsider the practice than to condemn this lady. One can hardly help but imagine what Jesus would do. My suggestion is that only the Mormon who is without sin throw the first stone.\n\nAs for you joann_46er, you would do better to forget this boy, repent of what you have done, pray the forgiveness of your husband and kids even if he doesn’t take you back. If you confess your sins and ask him, God will forgive you. This will hurt for a long time but you will get over it. Be responsible and take the results of your acts as deserved outcomes. Be humble and contrite. Who knows your husband with Gods grace and power and time might be forgiving. Many who have read your post are praying for your forgiveness’, your reunification with your family if that is Gods will and His grace in your life. More importantly you should join us in praying for the best possible outcome for your children and husband.\n\n2 Tim 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,\n3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,\n4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;\n5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.\n6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,\n7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
421271
I am glad that you are interested in finding out more about the Church. Typically, an interested person meets with the missionaries to learn about the basic beliefs of the church, attends church, commits to live the Gospel and has an interview with an ecclesiastical leader to help ensure that there are no questions or concerns. \nHere are a couple of links that will be of assistance:\n\nwww.lds.org\nThe Church's official homepage.\nhttp://www.lds.org/basicbeliefs/meetinghouse/0,6017,352-1,00.html\nHere is the address to the meeting house locator. \nhttp://www.lds.org/sharefriend/1,14111,3724-1,00.html\nThis link allows you to request a visit from the missionaries or call 1-888-537-7700.\n\nIf I can be of any further assistance or answer any questions please let me know.
1167437
Please have a look here: \n\nPurpose of life: \nhttp://www.mormon.org/ \n\nhttp://www.mormon.org/learn/0,8672,792-1,00.html
504193
I once went on a missions trip to Ukraine 2 years ago, and because we had friends there who were part of an organisation, they brought us around and we did things like meeting street children, eating with them, buying food for poor families, visiting elders whose children left them.... and much much more.  It was a most awesome experience, and these types of experiences really humble you and (at least for me) it made me think twice about how content I was. And although I thought that I would be changing others' lives by helping them, it was totally opposite and it was a life-changing experience for me. Let's just say that God works in wonderful ways!
99601
What is Abduladu interest in this woman?\nI notice most of his post are pro-Mormon.\n\nTell me Abduladu are you Mormon?\nHave you been on a mission trip?\nDo you know this lady?\nAre you or do you know Matthew Vanderpool?\n\nWhat she did was wrong but the brand of compassion you and other Mormons are showing her, doesn’t speak well of your church either.\n\nYou must admit it is a questionable practice to send young boys un accompanied by a female into homes of unsuspecting stay at home moms\n\n2 Tim 3:2  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,\n3  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,\n4  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;\n5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.\n6  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,\n7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.\n\nProblems like this arise all the time as a result of that practice. You might do better to reconsider the practice than to condemn this lady. One can hardly help but imagine what Jesus would do. My suggestion is that only the Mormon who is without sin throw the first stone.\n\nAs for you joann_46er, you would do better to forget this boy, repent of what you have done, pray the forgiveness of your husband and kids even if he doesn’t take you back. If you confess your sins and ask him, God will forgive you. This will hurt for a long time but you will get over it. Be responsible and take the results of your acts as deserved outcomes. Be humble and contrite. Who knows your husband with Gods grace and power and time might be forgiving. Many who have read your post are praying for your forgiveness’, your reunification with your family if that is Gods will and His grace in your life. More importantly you should join us in praying for the best possible outcome for your children and husband.\n\n2 Tim 3:2  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,\n3  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,\n4  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;\n5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.\n6  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,\n7  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
882469
www.lds.org is a good starting place to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints\nThe name Mormon actually belongs to a prophet named Mormon who lived about 400 years after the time of Christ. He was responsible for compiling a record of the Nephites and Lamanites - people who lived in the Americas anciently and who originally came out from Jerusalem around 600 B.C. just after the era of Isaiah and Jeremiah in the Bible. The Book of Mormon has an interesting mission - it testifies of Jesus Christ AND supports the Bible as well. We believe in a living prophet today - just as in the time of the Bible, and we also have 12 Apostles who have had a special witness of Jesus Christ. I have met a few of them, and when you look into their eyes you know that they know that Jesus Christ is alive and very much involved with the past, present, and future of the children of God. \nBy the way, you may get a few anti-Mormon answers by asking this question. Believe me, I've heard just about everything and I promise you there is an answer for anything brought up. Have a happy day.
922935
It really depends on where you go as to what kind of experience you're going to get.\n\nI'm Pagan, but I attend church with my Mormon parents-in-law when I visit them in Virginia, but I've never heard a single word uttered about Joseph Smith, and I've heard many about Jesus.\n\nThere are many little differences, but essentially Mormonism and other Christian faiths are the same.\n\nOne difference is that Mormons don't believe in the Trinity - they believe that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are three separate entities instead of three aspects of one entity. And, if you do your research, you'll find that the idea of a Triune god is actually a Pagan ideal - one of many stolen by Christianity in it's earlier years.\n\nThey also have more respect for others' beliefs and their right to have them. They do evangelize during 2-year long missions (which are optional), but they do not push the issue if they are told that someone is not interested (at least, they're not supposed to).\n\nThey believe in three different "layers" of Heaven: Celestial (the best/top), Terrestrial, and Telestial (the bottom/worst). They also believe in Hell, but they believe that Hell is only reserved for those of truly unforgivable evil. Even if you are not Mormon, so long as you have lived a reasonably good life, they believe that you can still go to Heaven, however you cannot reach the Celestial level unless you follow every commandment, are married in the Temple, etc. The Celestial level is where it is believed that God and Jesus themselves reside.\n\nThey are also the only denomination that uses additional scripture in conjunction with the Bible. They do not favor it over the Bible as many believe (not all of them, anyway), but they do have three extra books that they regard as scripture: The Book of Mormon (for which they are nicknamed), Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.\n\nThey also believe in one additional prophet, which no other Christian Church acknowledges: Joseph Smith.\n\nLast, but not least, they believe that as "man was created in God's image," God was once a man Himself, under the rule of another god when He was human. I don't fully understand the conditions, but I know that it is believed that under certain circumstances, you can reach godly status after you die, and are given the power to create and control a planet as God created and controls this one.\n\nTo my understanding, these are the most prominent differences between LDS faith and other Christian faiths.
874768
i am also going this summer and i have a few tips for you. the fundraising book you sould have gotten or will get has a lot of good ideas. I am making crafts to sell, have a basket auction and a dinner at my church, and maybe having a car wash. good luck!
499924
Are you serious??? just for you next mormon that knocks on door trying to convert i am inviting in for booze and pot.
181143
Hey :o) \n\nI was considering going to a party tonight at a local club, because a friends' band is playing and it would be nice to support them, but I dont know if i'll actually end up going.  \n\nI have to make a card for a friends' birthday, because she want's all home-made cards.  I dont have enough money right now to go on her birthday outing, but I figured I should at least make her a card! \n\nI have quite a bit of homework to do, specifically for Law and History.  I will hopefully get at least one piece done either today or tomorrow, and maybe do history between Church services on Sunday (when I generally feel inspired to attack even the most difficult of pieces of work!) \n\nOn Sunday I am going to Mormon church in the morning, and probably to my normal methodist church in the evening.  \n\nI hope you have a wonderful weekend, love and peace to all!