Conference tecrus::mormonism

My name is Kevin Ossler. I am a relatively recent convert to The Church of 
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Having finally heard the gospel message, 
I believe it, I love it, and I have a testimony of the truth of it. How
this transformation came about still amazes me to this day. 

I am looking forward to participating in this conference as a means of 
exchanging experiences in our walk with the Lord, as a means of supporting 
each other in our daily struggles, and as a means of understanding the
teachings of the Church. 

Welcome to all who participate here, and may God bless you in abundance. 



My conversion story follows:
 
      In the summer of my thirtieth year, some questions began to pursue me
that I had deliberately tried not to think about. Questions like "Why am I
here?", "What's going to happen to me?", "What is all this frantic effort
for?", "Should I marry and have a family of my own?" I considered myself a
well adjusted American male, moderately successful in my chosen profession,
and someone who liked to have fun. Yet the only happiness that I could gain
for myself seemed always to be fleeting. What would the future bring? Why
do all my successes seem strangely hollow? What will fill this feeling of
emptiness? 

      Although I was estranged from my parental religion, it still seemed
possible to ask the Lord directly for help. The Lord had not been part of
my life, so I did not expect much of an answer. I offered a short but
fervent prayer: "Lord, I am a sinner and you don't have to pay attention to
me if you don't want to. But I am asking you to come into my life right
now. Help me." 

      And then it happened. Just like that. The spirit of God filled me,
and I knew right then and there that Jesus Christ lived, and was concerned
about me! A friend later told me that if we want Jesus to come in to our
lives, it is up to each of us to ask Him. He stands in the doorway, but He
doesn't knock. 

      The feeling of joy, of closeness to the Lord, was overwhelming. It
continued into the next day. I did not want that feeling to ever leave. It
seemed obvious that joining a church should be the next step. I needed the
company of others who would help me know what to do next and how to grow
closer to the Lord. I knew that I would not find what I was looking for in
the religion I had grown up in. But I knew little about any other faith.
There were so many different sects. Probably one would be as good as
another. But which one? Again I turned to the Lord: "Lord, I want You to be
a part of my life every day. Help me to find a fellowship of your people
who will help me learn about You. Now that I've found You, guide me closer
to You." 

      I left it at that, again thinking that a direct answer was hardly
likely. But in the week that followed, it became clear what the answer
would be. It seemed that every time some item about churches came to my
attention, it was about the Mormons. That was the week that the Marlboro,
Massachusetts, ward dedicated a new Chapel. It was well publicized in
Marlboro, which was where I lived at the time. It was also about this time
that the ward in Belmont, a nearby town, dedicated a Chapel. There were a
number of other events and articles also. But I was skeptical about their
significance. Did the Lord really want me to be a Mormon? They don't even
drink! 

      Then one night at about four in the morning, I could not sleep for
some reason. I got up and went into the living room to turn on the
television. Flipping through the channels, I came across a talk show with
some of New England's sports superstars as the guests. It was a rebroadcast
of a "People are talking" show that was aired in the previous afternoon.
The guests were Danny Ainge and Greg Kite of the Celtics, Bruce Hurst of
the Red Sox, and Trevor Mattich of the Patriots. It was a tremendous year
for New England's teams (the Celtics had just won their 16th world
championship, the Red Sox were in first place (and would later make it to
the World Series), and the Patriots were Cinderellas in the SuperBowl), and
all of New England, myself included, was absolutely sports-crazy. Naturally
I was interested in what might be said. But the host of the talk show
concentrated not so much on the accomplishments of these athletes as he did
on what they all had in common: they were all Mormons! 

      As the show progressed, the athletes and their wives talked at length
about what it meant to be a Latter-day Saint, and how it was as much a way
of life as a religion. Here was a religion that said you must manifest your
beliefs in all you do and say, and not just on Sundays. Here was a religion
that believed deeply in the institution of families. And here were four
representatives of a religion who thought Jesus and family were more
important than all their fame and money and prestige. What that show had to
say was exactly what I wanted to hear. 

      The next day found me with an overpowering urge to know more. It was
difficult to think of where to look, however. Where do you find Mormons?
There couldn't possibly be more than a few in all of New England (actually
there are many thousands). I knew of none, and had no idea of where to find
any, outside of Utah. The yellow pages for several different towns all had
only a listing for the Littleton Ward, at which there was no answer. I
decided to visit on Sunday. Until then I would do some research at the
library. 

      The more I found out about Mormons, the more intrigued I became.
There was so much about the doctrines of the Church that made plain sense.
That was surprising, since I had previously thought that all religions were
mostly mumbo-jumbo. It made surprising sense that a religion should enjoin
its members from self-destructive behavior, such as smoking and drinking.
It was astonishing to learn that the "Word of Wisdom" - which says that
abstinence from tobacco, alcohol, coffee and tea brings blessings of good
health - was a revelation given over 150 years ago, long before it was
known how dangerously unhealthy these things really are. It made sense to
me that if God had anything worthwhile to say to His people, He would
certainly include some guidance about how to survive the blizzard of
dangerous influences in the world. As I came across each such revelation, I
wondered what new astonishment the next would bring. 

      By the time Sunday arrived, this investigator was fairly well
informed. It must have amazed the Bishop to have a caller from out of the
blue introduce himself and explain how anxious he was to learn about the
Church. My first Sacrament meeting was that afternoon. I took the
discussions from the missionaries over the next few weeks, and was baptized
a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 2 August 1986.
It has been a wonderful experience to be a part of this Church ever since.
How grateful I am for my awareness of the Gospel and the breathtaking
changes it has made in my life. 

      As my knowledge of the Church and the teachings of Jesus Christ has
grown, my sense of responsibility to return the favor has grown also. There
must be others out there who, like me, are looking for a message of hope
that truly makes sense to them too. If only we could let them know that we
are here! 

Hi Everyone,

My family and I are members of the Littleton (MA) Second Ward, Nashua (NH)
Stake.  I am presently serving as Scoutmaster and Assistant Deacon's Advisor,
and my wife, Judy, is 1st Counselor in the Young Women's program.  We have
four children, Chad, Seth, Sara, and Tova.  Chad just returned from a mission
to Germany, and he and Seth are at BYU.  Seth is planning on serving a
mission next fall.  Sara is the Ward organist.  She and Tova are still home
with us.

Judy was raised in Salt Lake City, and I was raised in Cedar City, Utah.  We
met while students at Utah State University, and we'll have our 25th
anniversary this June.  We've lived in New England for 12 years, having lived
in Arizona for 12 years and Maryland for one year.  The Lord has blessed our
family in many ways, and we are grateful to Him!

I became converted to Christ while in High School.  My Seminary teacher
challenged us to read the scriptures and to pray for a witness from the Holy
Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God.  I accepted his
challenge, and my prayers were answered.  I knew through personal revelation
that Jesus is the Christ; I was converted to Christ.  I've tried from that
time to follow him and to emulate his life through my own.  I'm grateful for
the Gospel of Christ, especially in this time of uncertainty.  The Gospel
gives me standards to follow and acts as a foundation for my life and a
reference or standard as I have to make decisions in life.  I'm grateful that
Jesus took upon himself my sins and suffered that I may not have to suffer.
I'm grateful that he intercedes with the Father in my behalf.

Judy's conversion also occurred during High School.  She loves the Lord and
places Him and the Church first in her life.  All of my children have faith
in Christ and are gaining testimonies of their own.  Judy and I are grateful
for the beautiful spirits that the Lord sent to our home!

I'm looking forward sharing my faith with you and being strengthened by
yours!

Love in the Gospel,

Allen

Hello,
    
    I am Russell Murray and am from Ogden, Utah.  I have been a member
    of the church all my life (I think we are all converts though).
    I served a mission to the Germany Hamburg Mission in the late 70's.
    I am currently working in the Salt Lake City office of digital,
    and I have worked for DEC for a little over 4 years.
    
    My wife and I met at Weber State College, (I was her math tutor)
    and were married in the Ogden Temple.  We have three boys: Jared
    5, Preston 4, and Bryce 2.  We currently live in West Point, Ut.
    That's just north of Salt Lake.
    
    Currently I am the Scoutmaster and asst. deacons quorum advisor
    (I think I've read this before).  My wife is the Cultural Arts
    Specialist on the ward activity committee.
    
    I too am very grateful for the gospel and the understanding that
    it has given me of Jesus Christ and his plan for us.  It would be
    very scary to live in this world without knowing why we are here
    and what is expected of us.
    
    Hope to be talking (noting) with you 
    Sincerely,
    Russell Murray

    I am Rich Kotter from Billings, Montana. I am a sales representative
    for Digital.
        
    I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
    since childhood. I was raised in Logan, Utah. I am married to the
    former Ronda Briggs from Whitehall, Montana. Ronda was raised on a
    cattle ranch in Whitehall, and has the distinction of being a former
    Rodeo Queen. She has also also been a member of the church since
    childhood. We have four children: Joshua, age 10; Zane, age 9; Darci,
    age 5; and Travis, age 3. 
    
    Presently I serve as Gospel Doctrine Sunday School teacher in the
    Billings Seventh Ward. I served a two year mission for the church in
    Finland from 1972-1974. My wife is Second Counselor in the Young
    Women's presidency, and works with the 12-13 year old girls. 
    
    When I was eighteen, I left home to attend college in Laramie, Wyoming.
    That is when I decided that I must know for myself whether the
    teachings of my church were true. 
    
    I began to earnestly study the scriptures and to pray, asking God if
    they were true. Was Jesus Christ the Son of God? Is the Bible the Word
    of God? Was Joseph Smith a prophet? Is the Book of Mormon the Word of
    God? Had God restored His church to the earth? As I pondered and prayed
    about these questions, I was filled with the power of the Holy Ghost,
    testifying to me that these things are true. I have since sought to
    follow them with diligence. I thank God for the light and knowledge
    that He has given me.
    
    I look forward to participating in this conference, and hope that
    it might benefit many, who, like me, are seeking greater light and
    knowledge.
    
    Witnessing of Christ,
    Rich                              
    

    
    I'm Cindy Painter, a Sr. Systems Analyst with US DIS Order Management 
    Communications in Nashua, NH.
    
    Been with DEC for 9 years, and am currently working in Order Mgt. 
    communications (as in people, not systems) and am enjoying every 
    minute of it.  My last position was working in GIA implementing 
    electronic mail there, and I enjoyed that job a lot too.  If I could
    retire and become a world traveller, I'd enjoy that too! (:^)
    
    At the present time, my religion is best described as a liberal
    non-denominational Christian, with leanings toward mysticism.  I
    started out on my journey around age 7 or so when I first figured
    out what Jesus was all about and said 'yep, that sounds about right'.  
    Since then, I've attended Baptist, Episcopal and Methodist churches 
    though for many reasons I've been a relative agnostic for the last 20 
    years (I'm 30 now).  Something happened last May which brought it all 
    back  together again for me and here I am, back to stay this time.  It 
    wasn't so much of a 'born again' experience as it was a spiritual 
    growth experience - though more on that later if you're all interested.

    I also have this idealistic belief that all religions with love at 
    the core point to God and that this Love makes the world a better place. 
                                       
    I participate most actively in the DEJAVU and SKIING notes conferences,
    though have been known to visit others on occasion.

    I've come in search of questions and to say hello to you all!

    Peace and may God bless,
              
    Cindy
    

	My name is Rick Rollins.  I joined DEC in the Augusta, Maine,
	plant as well before coming to Atlanta, where I currently live.
	My wife and I hope to be able to move to Vermont sometime in the
	not distant future, but for the time being we enjoy living close
	to a temple.

	I am currently the elders quorum president in the Woodstock Ward
	in the Marietta Georgia East Stake.  Recently, I was released as
	an ordinance worker in the Atlanta Temple (what a great experience
	that was).  I have to admit, it is a much different experience
	living in a place where there are a reasonable number of LDS.
	In Maine and Connecticut, where I was introduced to the Church,
	there were far fewer members.  This was especially so in the small
	branch I attended in Maine (Waterville).  I wonder what it would
	really be like to live in a heavily LDS area.  I doubt that I will
	ever have that experience, however.

	I'll try to participate from time to time and share my views.

    Hello. I've already contributed a couple of replies to this conference,
    so I think it's time I introduced myself.
    
    I'm David Hansen, originally from a small southeastern Utah town
    called Monticello. I've been a member all of my life. In fact, my
    family on both sides goes back 5 generations in the church (Edward
    Partridge was my first ancestor to join the church). Of course,
    as was mentioned in a previous reply, each of us must be converted
    individually, regardless of our ancestry. Some of my earliest and
    strongest memories are of family home evenings--times of happiness,
    closeness, and warmth, learning about God from parents who taught
    with gentleness and joy. Those were the beginnings of my testimony
    of the Gospel. The example set at home by parents who were genuinely
    committed to serving the Lord and serving people and living what
    they believed was, I have come to realize, the beginning of a
    distilling of a conviction and testimony in me. In high school,
    I also was challenged to gain a personal testimony of the gospel
    and the plan of salvation. I took this challenge seriously and put
    the Lord to the test. I learned for myself what no other person
    could ever teach me. I have learned for certain that God does reveal
    truth to those who sincerely seek it; from the time I came to this
    knowledge, I have been overwhelmed in awe of the magnitude and depth
    of the love of God for His children.
    
    I served a mission to the Fukuoka Japan mission from 2/79 to 2/81.
    In July of 1981, I married Christa Foster. This was the best decision
    I have ever made. Her beauty and charm are exceeded only by her
    commitment to the Lord and her love for and desire to serve others
    (also, by her cooking ability!). We now have 3 beautiful children--
    Caleb (5), Aaron (4), and Bethany (7 months).
    
    As both my wife and I came from families of very limited means,
    I have been working full-time and going to school part-time since
    we got married. We lived in Salt Lake City, Utah until July, 1985.
    I was attending the University of Utah and working at National Semi-
    conductor. In March of '85 I was laid off. Shortly thereafter, I
    saw an ad in the local paper for positions out here in Massachusetts
    for DEC. So we've been here 2 and a half years. I finally completed
    my B.S. in chemical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    this past December. I work in Shrewsbury as a manufacturing engineering
    technician in the Thin Film Heads group. 
    
    I currently serve as Young Men's president in the Worcester Ward.
    My wife is the primary president. We both enjoy the people, the
    growth, and the spirit here very much. We are grateful for the richness
    of blessings the Lord has bestowed on us in our lives. The conviction
    and certitude with which we can rely on His teachings give us needed 
    strength in these intimidating times.
            
    I'm looking forward to contributing to and learning from this
    conference.
    
    David H.

    Hello there!
    
      My name is Jim McKinney.  My family and I recently moved from
    Colorado Springs to Merrimack, New Hampshire.  I work in Chelmsford
    at the CAD/CAM Technology Center (CTC).  We gave up a lot to come
    to New England (a house for one), but when the Lord says GO you
    go!
    
      I graduated from BYU in July of 1985, and went to work for DEC
    in Colorado Springs.  Now I am here, and I really enjoy it.  I have
    been a member of the church all of my life.  But my conversion was
    late in my teenage years.
    
      I served a mission to Taiwan from 1979 to 1980.  I learned to
    love the Chinese people, and look forward to the day when I can
    take my wife and return there to further serve the Lord.
    
      I have been married now for six wonderful years, and we are the
    proud parents of two children.  Avery is 4 and William is 2.  These
    two kids have provided some of the happiest moments of my life (as
    well as some of the most stressfull).
    
      Currently we are memebers of the Nashua 1st ward.  I am the ward
    mission secretary, and my wife is the Primary president.  We love
    our callings in the church, and try to stay very involved in the
    ward activities.
                    
      My wife and I were both raised in Colorado, and most of our family
    is still there.  Moving to New England has been a very interesting
    and educational experience to say the least.  We know that this
    is where the Lord wants us to be at this time in our lives, and
    we look forward to serving Him in whatever way we can.
    
    I am glad to see this notes file!
    
    Jim
    

    Howdy!
    
    I'm Steve Sherman and live in Marlboro, MA.  You guys beat me to
    the punch on creating this conference only because my system manager
    couldn't get around to installing my notes server when I requested
    it.  Oh, well, guess it'll save me some disk space.
    
    I'm Second Counselor in the Bishopric of the Marlboro Ward, Boston
    Stake.  I was born and raised in Missouri and have been on the records
    of the Church since my family joined the Church (when I was about three 
    years old).  I served a mission in Denmark from 1977 to 1979.  My wife and 
    I have enjoyed lots of callings in the Church and love it!  I started with
    Digital about a year and a half ago after grad school.  I've worked for
    TI, Mostek and Union Electric before coming here.  Now, we're
    enjoying New England, paying off school debts and raising our little
    boy.  
    
    I look forward to participation in this notes file and plan to post
    some of our local activities here.  We have a choir that performs
    about once a month.  And, the Marlboro Ward has lots of stuff going
    on throughout the year.
    
    Steve

    Time to get in here.
    
    My name is Richard Allen, I work in Merrimack, and live in Auburn,
    NH.  I attend the Derry Ward in the Concord NH stake.  It's a small
    ward split off of Manchester NH a few years back.  I have been in
    the Church since 75, joining here in NH.  My wife Isabelle was a
    member when we first met in Utah, but I just couldn't get interested
    until we moved here.  She came from Texas and still thinks that
    is where the best wards are.
    
    I have been in the YM program, Sunday School president, Elders Quorum
    sec, councilor, and president.  I am currently executive secretary
    to the bishop.  In a few years a hope to retire to the stake.
                                                
    You should be aware right off that my comments sometimes can contain
    some sarcasm, but my friends at church ignore it and I try to do
    less of it as time goes on.  I don't want to be perfect yet.
    Another thing you should know is that I tend to look at things in
    a way I like to describe as realistic but the bishop tends to think
    of as pessimistic, I'm a black and white person, with little gray
    area, or is it gray matter.  Anyway, don't take what I say too
    seriously if I come on to strong, I am trying to get a little more
    wishy-washy as I get older.  I'll probably reply to a lot more things
    than you see, but think for a moment and delete it, I've already
    done that twice here already just getting the intro written.
                                                                
    I am currently going to grad school at nights, have been active
    in scouts but am taking time off right now (I am a Beaver from
    Woodbadge) and paint houses with my father on Saturday and days
    off.                                                        
                                                                
    We (my wife and I) have nine kids, including a set of twins that
    were a complete surprise.  Actually I should say eight kids and
    one teen.  Our kids attend Catholic school in Derry NH, which is
    another topic we might get into some day.                   
                                                                
    When I first met my wife I was racing motocycles and doing everything
    a young man in the Air Force should just before they get out and
    go home.  She impressed me so much I decided that another like her
    was not going to be around when I was ready to get married so I
    better do it while I had the chance.  She considers herself from
    Texas, but lived most of her life here now.  She also spent time
    in southern Ca. and Oregon.  She came from a family of 13, her mother
    died before the last child was born but they managed to save the
    baby.  Isabelle is very artistic, she was a graphic artist (she
    had an offer in 73 to go to work for DEC to start up a dept but
    decided to stay home to have a family) and is currently starting
    a bridal shop in Derry NH.
    
    I was going to add more, but it's getting cold in the attic where
    I have the computer so I'm going downstairs where it's noisy and
    warm.
    
                                                    
                                                
    

    
    	I'm Neal Barnette, a Software Services employee in the Waltham
    	office. I've been with DEC for 11 years.
    
    	I'm sorta studying the Mormon religion these days, to understand
    	their beliefs. I don't belong to any particular religion as
    	a church member, but pretty much subscribe to the views of
    	Christianity. Actually, I believe that all religions, at least
    	the ones that I am familiar with,  lead one to spiritual
    	growth toward God. I don't believe in a concept of One True
    	Chuch that has a monopoly on righteousness to the exclusion
    	of all others.	
    
    	From time to time as I read the Book of Mormon I will post
    	questions, comments and requests for clarification here,
    	if you all will suffer me to do so. I do this to augment the
    	understandings I gain from attending the Church and home
    	study meetings.
         
    	To the moderator: Thanks for the opportunity - it couldn't have
    	come at a more perfect time!
    
    	{Neal}

    My name is Leza Schimelpfenig and I have just recently moved 
    from Salem, Oregon and now live in Nashua, NH.
    
    I work in Concord MA for the Internal Equipment Group and have been
    with Digital for over 3 years.
    
    I will probably be the odd man out in this conference as I am not
    a Mormon nor do I plan to become one.  However, you need to know
    where I am coming from to know why.
    
    About 10 years ago I didn't know much about Christ, church or anything
    religious for that matter.  But I knew something had to be better
    than what I already had.  I worked for an insurance company at that
    time and many of my coworkers were Mormons.  They explained to me
    their gospel and at first I was very interested.  
    
    The Mormons have a great deal to offer--they are loving, kind, generous
    and seek after the things of God.  I read alot of the books they
    gave me and the literature and I almost considered joining.  One
    thing stopped me, however.  When my Mormon friend told me to pray
    about it, that I would have a firm confirmation that Mormonism was
    correct, I would feel it in my bosom.
    
    I sought the Lord, and I will admit there was a burning sensation
    in my bosom.  Following that was what I am feeling now, I have the
    shakes, as if I am cold, but I am not, it is the power of the Holy
    Ghost and I was firmly told that Mormonism was not the correct religion
    and that it was contradictory to basic Christian beliefs.
    
    I was eventually led to an Assembly of God church where I accepted
    the Lord Jesus Christ into my heart and life and was shortly thereafter
    baptized in water and baptized with the Holy Ghost with the evidence
    of speaking in tongues.
    
    As a result, I have been studying the Mormon religion as to why
    it is not a Christian religion.  I have begun my report in note
    38 and hope you take time to see why.
    
    However, I do not claim to be the ultimate authority on what Christ
    teaches about past, present and future.  So maybe you are correct
    and maybe you are not.  We will all know that when Jesus returns.
     However, a question I have asked many times but never have received
    an answer:
    
    which Holy Ghost do I have if I speak with other tongues and know
    his presence?  And which told me that Mormonism was false?
    
    My goal is not to get anyone upset or mad, although I am sure it
    will happen.  But I think you should see why most Christians do
    not believe Mormonism is a correct religion.  From our side - just
    as I can see from your side why you feel it is.
    
    Thanks for listening!
    
    Leza
    

    Howdy there,
    
    My name is Chuck Kelley.  I work in Nashua, NH for Engineering and
    have been here since July 87.  I have been with DIGITAL for 5 years
    come April 88.
    
    I have been reading this conference for a while and will most likely
    continue to be a silent reader.  I find LDS to be quite fascinating.
    I have had the missionaries into my house (well not since moving
    here) and have great respect for those who follow the beliefs of
    the LDS.  While continuing to study, I have remained a Southern
    Baptist (well, not a very good one.  I seem to get into trouble with the
    churches I attend, since I do not believe all that they teach as
    biblical and tell them so...but that is neither here nor there).
    I wait in anticipation for Leza note.
    
    I believe that Mormonism, as I understand it, is Christian, and
    that I will see my LDS friends in Heaven (I guess this is where
    LDS and I part...They believe that they will not see me unless I
    convert to LDS).  I am looking forward to more active discussions
    like those which have already taken place.  And who knows, I may
    spout off (but don't count on it).
    

    
    It's time I introduced myself now that I have stirred some thought
    (Notes 18, 44, and 25.2).  I'm Daniel Medvid.  I was raised Ukrainian
    Catholic in the highly religious melting pot of Pittsburgh,
    Pennsylvania.   I lost faith in the Catholic religion when I went
    away to college (Ohio University) and started to think about many
    of the hypocricies of the church.
    
    I searched for several years to find "the church."  Last year I
    moved to Boca Raton, Florida where I became heavily involved with
    the Mormons.  I was sure I had found "the church."  I listened to
    the missionaries faithfully and was on my way to becoming a Mormon.
    I returned to Pittsburgh to complete my master's degree (Carnegie
    Mellon University) and decided I wasn't dumb enough to listen to
    just one side of the story.  I did research into the LDS church,
    reading everything I could get my hands on at the CMU and University
    of Pittsburgh libraries.
    
    This research included a lot of anti-Mormon rhetoric (such as the
    Salamander Letter garbage), but also presented some pretty convincing
    evidence that I was making a mistake by joining the Mormons.
    
    I believe in God and Jesus Christ, but for my own reasons and not
    any church's.  I am not here to witness for or against LDS.  I do
    feel it is my obligation to make everyone take a step back and think
    about what they believe, and more importantly, why they believe
    it.  Like others in this notes conference, sincere prayer just doesn't
    cut it for me.  Is one god telling the Catholics they are his people
    while another is telling the Mormons they are his people?  Evidence
    and history are the only answers.
    
    By the way, I finished my master's degree in technical writing and
    have been working for Digital since June '87.  I work in Charlotte,
    NC where I am the technical writer for the Office ASSETS program.
    
    	--daniel
    
    
    
    
    

    Hi,
    
    My name is Toni Campbell and I'm from Basingstoke in little o'England.
    I'm the Relief Society Young Single Adult Representative from our
    ward and I thought I'd pop a piece in here as there didn't seem to be
    anyone from this little place.
    
    My ward is not very big, infact it's quite small compared to alot
    of wards in the States, but the members we have are good strong
    people and I love them all.  We don't have alot of Young Adults
    either and it makes it quite hard for us few sometimes, especially
    when it comes to finding things to do together.  
    
    We often go to the pictures, attend church dances, have video evenings,
    and have get-to-gethers with other wards.  But as you can see we
    don't do an awful lot of activities.  The town I live in doesn't
    provide many things for young people to do, we have plenty of pubs
    and 1 nightclub - that is the pits! - so it makes our life hard
    to find things to do that wouldn't lead us away from the church.
    
    My mother joined the church when I was 2 years of age so you could
    say I've been a member practically all of my life.  I love this
    church and wouldn't want to live any other way.  I know it's hard
    sometimes, but if we all do what the Lord wants us to and carry
    on praying and keeping the commandments, the Lord will watch over
    us.  We all have tests that we think are too hard for us, but the
    Lord wouldn't give us anything that he knew we couldn't do.  He
    wants the best for all of us, so that one day we'll all return to
    him and live in the Celestial Kingdom for eternity and we should
    all want to be there.  I do and I'll make it!.  No-one can do 
    anything for us, we achieve our own goals by ourselves and we achieve 
    eternal life for ourselves.  
    
    I want you all to know that I have a testimony of Jesus Christ.  I'm
    so grateful that the Lord revealed the Book of Mormon to Joseph
    Smith and I know that the words contained within it are the most
    true of words.  We can learn so much by reading the Book of Mormon,
    I found my testimony throught this book.  I've been through the
    seminary program and I can truely say that I didn't want to do it
    at first.  The first year, we studied the Book of Mormon and since
    then, I've never looked back.  Seminary looks so deeply into the
    scriptures that I learned things I thought I would never understand.
    It has helped me so much in my life and I'm just so grateful for
    the opportunity I have been given to be a member of the church and
    can learn and share these thoughts with you all.  
    
    To those of you who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ
    of Latter-day Saints, have you ever sat down and studied the Book
    of Mormon?  I don't just mean read it and pull it to pieces, I mean
    study it will real intent, with a sincere heart to know the truth
    of all things.  If you haven't, I suggest that you do, and learn.
    
    I love and pray for you all,
    Toni
    

    i dont believe i am doing this...
    
    kelly daughan
    believe in a higher power
    
    i come from a strange back ground(religion wise)
    
    my mothers family is strongly Mormon(some stronger than others)
    i have an uncle that is a bishop in/at the temple in pocatello idaho
    he makes me nervous!!!!!!!!!
    my mother and her sister both left mormonism.
    my aunt became a catholic
    my mother married a catholic(my father)from mass.she subscribes
    to no religion.
    my mother left the church because of the stance on black people
    and women.
    i sort of dislike family reunions because of the fact that i have
    to sneak around and smoke and drink my coke(at least around my uncle)
    i dont drink alcohol though  :-).i also feel the pressure from the
    family(in idaho)to get married,not many women in my family make
    it to the ripe old age of 26 unmarried.
    i am very proud of my family though,we were part of the original
    homesteaders of logan utah(jensens and the crockettes),and various
    parts of idaho.
    
    kelly

    Hi Folks!
    
    I guess it's time for me to sign in.  I stumbled onto this conference
    a few days ago, and I'm very glad I did.
    
    My name is Tamara Dull and I live in St. Louis, Missouri.  I've
    been in St. Louis for ten years now.  I'm originally from Southern
    California.
    
    I have been a member of the LDS Church for almost seven years now.
    I joined a few months before I graduated from high school.  I am
    the only member in my family.  I was raised in the Church of the
    Nazarene until I was 13 years old.  At that time, my family moved
    to Huntington Beach, CA, and they stopped going to church altogether.
    They haven't been back since.
    
    I love the gospel and I cherish my membership in the Church.  I
    can't say that it's been easy being a member of the Church - I have
    definitely had my share of up's and down's.  I often have to remind
    myself that the gospel plan is simple, but it's not easy.  I have
    a strong testimony that God lives and that he *really* loves and
    cares for me.  
    
    I am looking forward to participating in this conference.  Thanks
    to the moderators who have spent so much time setting up the conference
    and for all the time spent typing . . . ugh . . .
    
    Toodles!
    
    Tamara
    

    Hi there!
    
    My name Don Ius.  I've been with Dec for two years now. I currently
    reside in Vancouver B.C. Canada.  I discovered this conference just
    the other day and was anxious to read what people had to say.  I
    have been a member of the church all of my life.  I served a mission
    in California from 77 to 79.  I found it to be a magnificently
    rewarding experinece.
    
    I have never doubted the truthfulness of the gospel.  I feel as
    though I have always known it was true and have never felt a need
    to challenge that, nor do I ever expect I will.  As I have studied
    and learned more about the church, my testimony has just grown stronger
    and stronger.
    
    I look forward to reading more in this conference and if I really
    feel a strong urge to contibute I will, but usually I feel as though
    anything that I could say has already been said a thousand ways
    by others.
    
    Good luck to you all and take care ...
    
    Don.
    

    

         I guess I ought to introduce myself.  My name is Scott
         Johnson and I have been reading this conference for the
         past 3 weeks.  I like it.
         
         I was raised in Southern Ca. as a member of the church
         and served a mission in Alabama from 80-81.  I went to
         BYU and met my wife while working a summer job.  We graduated
         in December of 85.  Yes, we both got degrees.  I went
         to work in Southern Ca for two years and we moved to Colo. Spgs.
         1 month ago.  I just started working with Digital Feb
         1.  We really like it here.
         
         We have a little girl, Shannon, who is 16 months.  We
         think she's terrific.
        
         p.s. here is an interesting side note to 50.11 and 50.12.
         My first and last area in the mission field were in Ensley.
         I was blessed to participate in the baptism of Pres. Biggs
         nephew which was on the same day as his daughter was
         baptized.  We sure had a lot of fun in that area.  Sister
         Biggs made us some sweet potato pie that I still remember
         was so good.

	Hello,


	My name is Carol Norman. I am a software specialist at the 
	customer support center in Colorado (TBU/Networking group).

	I have been reading this notes file for a while and find it
	a great source of information. I am Catholic. My older sister
	is Mormon. Her husband of 10 years was raised in the LDS faith.
	Both attended BYU, and currently live in Provo with their two
	beautiful girls ( I am bias! ).

	We do not get into in-depth talks about are differences in faith
	very much. I was pretty young at the time she converted and it
	was really hard on my parents at the time. But I believe, even
	though we are not of the same church, we are still of the same
	family as sisters and believers in Christ. 




	
	

    
    Hello,
    
    My name is Kevin St Thomas.  I stumbled across this notesfile a
    few weeks ago and found it to be interesting.  I'm a LDS member
    having been in the gospel for 21 years.  I joined the church when
    I was 13, and have been for the past 6 years. During my period of
    inactivity I investigated other faiths and "measured them up to
    the gospel yardstick" (typical doubting Thomas!) and found that
    the gospel is true. Beware of imitations! 
    
    I grew up in the Central Maine area, and have moved to Manchester
    NH. area recently.  I have a lovely wife and daughter, that mean
    more to me than anything in the world, (along with the gospel)
    and That, more than anything else is the basis of my testimony of
    the gospel.  Say what you will, but the gospel will endure forever
    
    I look forward to reading the notes in this conference and will
    respond as the spirit dictates.
    
    Warm Regards and God Bless you all,
    
    Bro. Kevin St Thomas

    I would like to introduce myself to the group.  I very rarely get
    to use the NOTES file and have worked at DEC now for 6+ years. While
    attending Relief Society last night at the Littleton I Ward in
    Littleton, MA, I was told about this file.  Needless to say, I could
    hardly wait to get to work today and investigate.
    
    I was converted to the Church (LDS) almost five years ago.  My 5th
    year baptism anniversary will be on April 10th.  I declare this
    the greatest day of my life and will never cease to stop thanking
    Heavenly Father for bringing me all of this glorious truth and
    taking away the darkness that covered my eyes, mind and spirit.
    
    I was born and raised a Protestant in a Congregational church for
    the first 20 years of my life.  Although my parents were not church
    goers, I owe my deep spiritual love of the gospel and growth in
    spiritual affairs (up until the age of 20) to my paternal grandmother 
    (for whom I'm named).  She faithfully urged me to attend church
    with her every Sunday morning.  
    
    In 1962, I met my husband. We were married some 15 months later
    in a Catholic church.  It was MY decision to convert to Catholocism
    at that time because I believed our home should start out with both
    members attending the same church.  I did not want a repeat of my
    childhood where each parent 'belonged' to a church (in name only)
    and never attended.  My conversion caused quite a stir in the
    Protestant side of the family and some members even refused to
    attend the ceremony because I had converted.  I now know that I
    did not convert because I believed in the doctrine of the Catholic
    church, rather I joined to have 'harmony' in our home.  I never
    became a faithful member of the church and only went to mass on
    special holidays such as Easter and Christmas.  I discovered that
    my husband was not a spiritual man and that gave me an excuse to
    become laid back and not attend.  However, the feeling of deep
    spirituality never left my heart and soul.  I often yearned to
    read the Bible but never attempted to, often telling myself that
    'it was too difficult to understand'.  Yes, we had children, two
    of them (a daughter now 18 and a son 22).  They were both baptized
    in the Catholic church and only attended when we felt like attending.
    
    About seven years ago, a brother of mine who is 2 years younger
    than I am, began to tell me about his conversion to Mormonism.
    Needless to say, I ignored his every chance to tell me about his
    conversion or the joy it brought his life.  I never even gave him
    a chance to get more than 20 words out when I'd repeat the famous
    words "I have my own faith and I'm not interested"!  You can't
    even imagine how much our parents made fun of him and scoffed and
    laughed at his new beliefs.  I believe that I had so much trust
    and faith in what my parents said, did and believed that I never
    gave my brother a chance.  My deep faith in my parents, led me to
    believe that if my father said it was a lie, it had to be, so 
    don't question it any further.  How foolish of me to have put so
    much stock and faith in a human being.
    
    Little did I know or realize that in 1983 my life would be turned
    around and totally changed by the Lord within one day (without
    notice)!  On the night of January 27, 1983 I went to visit my
    brother (the "Mormon") so he could counsel my son in advanced math.
    Just before we left his home, nearing midnight, he asked me if I
    would accept the Book of Mormon from him if he were to go to his
    room and get one. For some unknown reason, I did not refuse to
    accept the Book this time, BUT I had no intentions of reading it.
    In fact, as he presented it to me, thoughts dashed through my mind
    as to where I could hide it once I got it home.  Heaven forbid that
    my husband should see a Book of Mormon in our home!  I thanked him
    for the book and felt like a hypocrit at the same time.  On the
    way to the car, I instructed my son to take it with him and hide
    it once we arrived home.  He did as his mother instructed and
    tucked it out of sight once we arrived home.  There was no school
    in town the next day so the late arrival did not upset anyones
    schedule.  At that time, I was home on a medical leave of absence
    from DEC as I had mysteriously gone totally deaf in my left ear
    several months previous.  That night, as I lay asleep I had a
    beautiful spiritual manifistation occur to which my total testimony
    is built upon.  I was told in this dream (manifistation) that I
    was to become a member of the LDS Church because it was true and
    everything my brother had tried to teach me was also true. I was
    instructed to help convert my husband and children also and that
    the Lord would guide me and strengthen me as needed.  There are
    many other beautiful spiritual events that occured that night that
    I feel are very sacred and are not to be written so that readers
    would want to scoff and laugh at.  All of the events were of an
    extreme spiritual nature and all of them convinced me without a
    shadow of a doubt that this was the true church of Chirst and I
    needed to investigate it immediately.  I can't begin to explain
    the feeling in my heart and soul the next day when I bore my
    testimony to my husband and children as to what had happened to
    me as I lay asleep the night of the 27th.  There are no words
    to describe the burning desire I had within me to become a Mormon,
    even without investigation.  It consumed my every thought and my
    every move that entire day and night of the 28th.   
    
    During the day of the 28th, I instructed my children to bring me
    the Book of Mormon they had hidden away.  Before they even opened
    any page of the Book, I told them of three different pages in this
    Book and what could be found on the pages.  They looked very stunned
    at me knowing I had never opened a Book of Mormon in my life.  
    However, upon opening the Book and going to these three pages, there
    in front of their very eyes were the exact things I told them we
    would find.  This further strengthed my already growing testimony
    that what had happened to me the day before was inspired of Heavenly
    Father and was not a hoax.  It began to plant a seed of testimony
    in each of them.   You can certainly imagine the joy my brother
    felt once I placed a call to his home and told him what had happened
    to me since he handed me the Book.  I then began my thorough 
    investigation of the Church and it's beliefs for eight weeks.  I
    feel that I must let you all know that my husband gave me a terrible
    time about my investigation and threatened to divorce me if I went
    through with it.  This is when I decided that I had spent my entire
    life putting all my trust and faith in human beings and following
    their 'commands'.  It was now time to follow the commandments given
    to me in my spiritual dream by a more divine and higher power and
    know for myself it this Book and this Church were true.  I WAS a
    woman of low self-esteem and confidence during this time and it
    took a lot of guts for me to continue my investigation with the
    amount of stress and hatred that was now raging in my home.
    However, my investigation continued weekly at my brothers home.
    My husband refused to let any Mormon's in our home.  By the
    third week in March, I knew without a shadow of a doubt I wanted
    to be baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ
    of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormons).  There was absolutely nothing
    and nobody that could change my mind.  
    
    Fortunately for me, the Lord saw fit to engage my husband in his
    own spiritual dream (manifistation) on the night of March 30th.
    It had such a profound affect on him that he requested the Elders
    to our home immediately so that he could begin lessons.  My husband
    was baptized on April 9th, 1983 (with GREAT resistance from the
    advasary) and he was then given the priesthood authority to 
    baptized my son, daughter and I the following day, April 10th.  
                                       
    The above is my strong testimony. I know without a shadow of a doubt
    that this Church is the only true and living church of Jesus Christ
    upon the face of this earth today.  I have had enough background
    in other religions to bear this testimon in truth.
    
    I leave this testimony with you brothers and sisters in the name
    of our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ.    Amen
    
    Sister Penny Sousa
                                                         

   Hello,
    	I may want to participate in this conference so I think
    I will take a minute to share something about myself so others
    may know "where Im comin from".
    	I am glad to see this conference as I am a DEC employee and
    a Mormon.  I am an electronics tech at the Tempe facility.  I have
    been here at Digital and in Arizona for about a year and a half.
    I moved here from Idaho but I have lived in California in the Bay
    area, in Boston area (Rockport.. ya, ya I know but from Idaho its
    close enough to Boston) but I grew up in Utah being born to a large
    Mormon family.   
     	This may take me a few paragraphs so I apologize in advance
    but since Im too shy to participate much this may be the only thing
    I enter.  
     	I keep editing down the paragraphs on my background as I realize
    that no one cares about all that stuff any way.  It distilled down
    to this;  I was married for 14 years then divorced for eight and
    am now happily married for 6 months.  Both marriages were temple marriages.
    I have a son 16 and a daughter 19 living in Utah.  I and my new bride
    live with her 11 year old son in Mesa, the Mormon Mecca of Arizona.  
    You can see that I am not the typical Mormon, or am I?
    	During my 8 years of single life I fell away from the church
    and got a real close up look at some of the aspects of life that
    I had not experienced.  As I was partying with some friends on a
    skiing weekend in Tahoe, I told a close friend over my Gin and Tonic
    that I still belived in the Mormon Church and its doctirne.  I had
    lost faith in me, not the church.  I never did nor could I deny my
    testimony of the LDS Church.  
     	Once while in the swimming pool of a fine hotel in San Diego
    a very beautiful girl swam toward me smiling.  I came toward her
    and was taken totally off gaurd when she quite matter of factly
    asked,"Do you know Jesus?".  She was being taken back for
    deprograming from some "Hippee Commune", and her matorns quickly 
    took her away.  I never forgot that simple question.  In between
    days of skiing, kayaking, scuba, hang gliding and cycling were
    nights of incredible emptiness and dispair.  One night at a cowboy 
    bar In Idaho my friends were Mormon bashing, an ever popular
    sport there, some one accused me of being a "Mormon".  I had heard
    them drag things I held sacred through the muck, and I responded
    by telling them they could say what wanted to but I have never 
    been as happy living like they were, as I was when I was one of 
    those Mormons. 
    	It was a real struggle to free my self from the chains that
    Satan had on me.  For example I had tried to quit smoking hundreds
    of times.  It was not until I came to Christ with the required
    fruits meet for repentance that I recieved the power to change not
    only my behavior but my very nature.  He encircled me in the arms
    of His love filling me with a treasured feeling that I can only
    describe as "Warmth and Sweetness".   I will never forget that 
    feeling.  It is priceless.  I went through all the steps of repentance
    I had learned before.  He gave me power to change to the point that
    I could handle my addictions, habbits and desires.  Those who
    know me say my very appearance changed. 
    	What I partook of is available to all.  No. Christ did not just
    die for Mormons.  Repentance is a gift that is so beautiful and
    is truly the Gospel, "Good News", extended to everyone of His children.
    	I am disheartened by the contention that I see here, as some
    wrestle with the power of their intelect to prove who is right. Only
    the things of the spirit can be comprehended by the spirit.  I had
    a crebral testimony of the LDS church and Christ.  It did not bear
    me up.  If you do not believe me and the spirit comunicates nothing
    to you then there is no point in attacking my "logic".  I will let
    you believe as you will.  Let me worship Christ as I will.
      
   With Love In Christ,
    Gary
    
  
    
    
        
    
     
  	 
      

	Hi..

		Ed Merrill here at CXO. As an  introduction, I was an active 
member of the Church for fifteen years before going into the service back in 
the  sixties. I  remained  an active member for about three of my nine years 
while in  the service. At discharge I returned  to work  and  live in Europe 
from where I've just returned after fifteen years. 

		As you see I've never lost interest in the Church but became 
inactive due to a  test-of-faith.  The story behind my test and the decision
that resulted would not, during these present days, be an issue. 

		While in Europe I meet, married, and  was blessed with three
children through  our  twenty-odd years of being together. We feel our union
blessed  in  many ways, our  differences in religious beliefs are understood 
and accepted. Our Children are influenced  in their religious beliefs by our 
teachings and we allow them to formulate their own opinions as they develop.

		My intentions with respect to this NOTESfile are not disrup-
tive. If I feel the  need  to comment, question, or relate my test-of-faith,
by  this  note I  hope  the readership understands my background and current 
situation.

May God be with you..

- Ed -
    

My name is Steve Drown and I work for Application Solutions Engineerring
here at CEO in Charlotte, North Carolina. I just recently 'rejoined' DEC
after a 16 month absence and am delighted to discover this conference.
I formerly worked for DecDirect MIS in Nashua, lived in Hudson, NH and was
a member of the Nashua II ward. I am an elder and currently am the Deacon's
Quorum advisor and Scoutmaster in the Kannapolis Ward of the Central North
Carolina Stake. 

I am a convert to the Church. My wife and I were baptized and then temple
married in California in 1974 while I was in the Army. My wife is one of those
select group of Saints who converted from Judaism and through accepting the 
challenge to read the Book of Mormon (and the New Testament for the first 
time) had the wonderful experience of making the connection between Jesus
Christ, the Messiah, and the Old Testament Jehovah. We were 'golden' converts
in that we contacted the missionaries rather than being 'found' by them. I was
dragged into the missionary discussions reluctantly but I was soon shocked by
hearing some things I never thought I would hear.

When I was in college in the difficult period of the late sixties, wondering
literally what the purpose of my life could be, I privately sought to know
the nature of God if indeed He existed. Publicly, I was a heavy drinking, foul-
mouthed, confrontational youngster with a draft number (remember those?) so low
that the war loomed in my personal future. But I was also a biology student
and I had, through my own observations, concluded that some highly creative
forces were involved in making our world. I decided that there was a God, that
Jesus Christ was no myth, but in investigating several Churches, I concluded
that 'organized religions' were simply products of man's uninspired attempts
to seek truth. I designed in my mind what Christ's church would have to be
like if it existed, based upon what my sketchy religious upbringing had taught
me. I decided that:
	1. Christ himself would organize it (again)
	2. There would be living prophets because we were at least as 
	   important to God as ancient people and certainly needed to 
	   be warned and taught as much or more
	3. There would be revelation and genuine miracles
	4. This Church would recognize the family as a central unit
	5. Those humans *including those who had already died* who wanted the
           knowledge that God could give them could not be denied
        6. Every capable person who so desired would have authority to act in
           God's name and that this authority would come from God and not
           men

Imagine my amazement when the missionaries descibed 'my' church. I devoured
the Book of Mormon, poured the liquor cabinet contents down the sink (ouch)
and have never looked back. Is this an age of miracles? You bet it is.

With all sincerity,

Brother Drown

    
    Hello everybody!
    
    I am new to this conference, and I am not a Mormon.  Nor do I have
    any plans to be one.  But I do like to share my own faith with the
    readers here, and at the same time get a glimpse and maybe some 
    understanding of the Mormon faith, although by no means do I mean
    agreement.  But anyway, let me first introduce myself.
    
    My name is Charles Mok, and I joined DEC in January, 1988.  In other
    words, I am still somewhat of a new kid around here.  I work in
    Storage System East in Shrewsbury as an engineer in the Advanced
    Manufacturing group in the Thin Film Head Slider Business.  
    
    I was born and raised in Hong Kong, and although my father is a
    Baptist, I do not consider myself raised in a Christian environment.
    However, praise the Lord, he did not allow me to stray too far away
    from his presence.  I attended a Methodist primary school and a
    Catholic high school.  Although I did not submit myself to our Lord
    Jesus then, God has prepared me to accept him later.
    
    I came to the United States to college, studying electrical engi-
    neering, at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana (Yeah, Go
    Boilers!).  I stayed in Indiana for 5 1/2 years.  I must say that
    my most important gains have been, not my degrees, but accepting
    Jesus Christ as my personal savior.  I was a part of the Chinese
    Christian Fellowship in Purdue, and the brothers and sisters in
    that fellowship were most helpful in leading me to Christ.  I was
    baptised into Christ in 1983.  In addition to the Chinese Fellow-
    ship, the church that I attended in West Lafayette was the Upper
    Room Christian Fellowship, which, despite its name, is a budding
    non-denominational, charismatic, community church.  I do consider
    myself "born again," not in the sense of some kind of religious 
    awakening, but in that I have died with Christ, and born again in
    Christ.
    
    Since I came to Massachusetts to join DEC, I have become involved
    in the Chinese Evangelical Church of Metro-Boston in Allston, Mass.
    The 45 minutes drive from Shrewsbury to Allston cannot stop me.
    The fellowship was too good to give up.  When I left Indiana, I
    prayed to the Lord to provide me with a good church and fellowship
    that I can grow in.  And He did just that.  In fact, it is better
    than I could ever have imagined.
    
    I am still an infant in Christ, but I am not afraid to grow.  My
    personal goal is to first fully equip myself in knowing the Lord
    and then to submit totally for His use.  My burden now is mostly
    on the spread of the gospel among the Chinese people.  I don't know
    what God's plan for me is yet, but I trust that I will see from Him 
    fully the light and the direction.  I have many weaknesses, I have 
    many struggles, but I hope I can win this personal battle for my 
    Lord.
    
    God bless you all, and
    
    Have a nice day in the Lord,
    
    Charles                                                

    
    
    	Hi,
    
    	
    	I am Gordon de Savigny from Ottawa, Canada. I work in Field Service
    up here and have worked with DEC for about 5 years. I was glad to
    see this notes file and hope to add some comments from time to time.
    
    	I have been a member of the Church  for 10 years, I served my
    mission in 79-80 in the England-Leeds Mission. Oddly enough our
    mission office was in the same building as the Leeds sales and service
    office of DEC(little did I know that I would be working for DEC
    someday). I am currently serving as young mens president in our
    ward and my wife serves as ward activities chairman. My wife and
    I are very happily married and are presently expecting our 3rd child,
    this is in addtion to Stefan(4) and Marek (2 1/2). We find great
    joy in serving the Lord, the youth of the Church are pleasure to
    work with (most of the time anyways they can be tring though).
    
    	I was introduced to the Gospel in my last year of high school,
    an associate set such a positive example mostly by action rather
    than by words that I investigated the Church on my own when I first
    started college in a northern Ontario town. This good friend gave
    me a Book of Mormon before leaving to go to college. I found myself
    reading it each night and from the beginning of reading it I had
    no doubt that it was the word of God. To make a long story short
    I was baptized a week after meeting the missionaries and served
    my mission shortly there after. 
    
	I'm very mindful of the Lords influence in our lives and I'm
    eternally grateful to know that he loves all of His children here
    on this earth. I know God hears and answers prayers as He has answered
    mine as I searched for Him 10 years ago and I know true joy comes
    from living as He would want us to live.
                   
    
    	I hope that I may get a chance to bump into some of you New
    Englanders some Sunday as I am down in Bedford occasionally on course
    for extended periods of time. It has been good to get aquainted
    (if that is the right term)with you all via this notes file.               
    
    
    
    Sincerely
    
    Gordon de Savigny
    
    

   Hi

   My name is Chad Leigh.  I am workingin Nashua NH at the Spit Brook facility
   (ZKO) doing facilities applications programming (or some such thing).
   I am a member of the church and recently returned from The Germany
   Munich Mission.

    My name is David Pyle. May I say at the start of this note that
    this is a first for me so please forgive me for any breaches of
    note *etiquette*. Let me start by saying that I whole-heartedly
    endorse the moderator in his formation of this conference & the
    spiritual level thus far maintained. I have worked for DEC for
    almost 11 years and I am currently a Lead Security Officer on 2nd
    shift at the Tempe Mfg. Facility (TFO). 

    In writing this I must first bear, to anyone who may read this, my
    personal knowledge that, as Job, I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES. Of
    this fact I have no doubt. I express this first because it is the
    cornerstone upon which my know -ledge of the truthfulness of this
    church is built. This knowledge is not based on Scripture, others
    testimonies or brainwashing, but it is based on an honest answer
    to sincere prayers coupled with a desire to know. I have put Alma
    32 to the test & was rewarded beyond measure. This church is true
    to me because I have put Moroni 10:3-5 to the test & found the
    Book of Mormon to be the Word of God! If the Book of Mormon is the
    word of God then Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God. If Joseph Smith
    IS a Prophet of God then all that he espoused must be the truth,
    the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. The message of The
    Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is just as plain and
    simple as that. I love my Father in Heaven for sending his Son to
    atone for my sins. I feel his love on a daily basis and I see that
    love in everything around me. I love my Savior for His example and
    His sacrifice for me. I love this, the only TRUE church, for the
    knowledge I gain through it's doctrines and leaders that helps me
    to stay on the straight and narrow path. 

    Now for a little information about my background. I was raised a
    member of the Baptist faith and my father and mother are charter
    members of a Baptist Church in Phoenix. There are 5 generations of
    circuit-riding Baptist preachers in my family including my
    grandfather. I am the only member of the church in my family so it
    gets pretty lonely sometimes at family gatherings in spite of the
    large amounts of love we feel for each other. I joined the Church
    at the age of 14 and have been a member for almost 19 years. For
    those of you that have children you may be interested to know that
    I started attending church when I was *9* yrs old at the request
    of a neighbor boy. There is NO minimum age for fellowshipping your
    friends. I served a mission in the England London Mission from
    1974 to 1976 and would again in a heartbeat. I have a wife and 5
    wonderful children that I adore. The gospel of Jesus Christ has
    brought me more happiness and joy than I can describe. The
    eternities are there for me and all who will accept this glad
    message. All that is required is a WILLING heart and MIND!!!! Read
    Alma chapt. 32 and Moroni 10:3-5 and test them. They work for I
    have tried them and proven them. If I can anyone can. 

     God bless you all. Thanks again to the moderators......

     David






 
    

        Hi, I just found this conference and feel a need to introduce myself.
        My name is Mark Hutchings I joined the Church when I was nearly 11 and 
        half ( will talk about how latter ). I served a mission in Brisbane 
        from April 1977 to the April of 1979. In the 2 November 1979 I took my 
        beautiful wife ( Madelene ) to the New Zealand Temple ( the Sydney 
        Temple was not then built ) and since then I have had four very 
        wonderful children. Ellalene will be 7 next month, Alina is 5, 
        Jonathan is 3 and Thomas is 1. My wife was born in the church and both 
        our fathers are High Priests, and both our mothers are ex Relief 
        Society Presidents.
        
        Now for how I became a Mormon. My parents were firm follows of the 
        Church of England and I can remember back in England being sent to 
        to the Salvation Army church and having to take my brother and sister 
        with me, it was there I took the oath not to smoke.
        
        On the ship out to South Australia ( I now live in Melbourne Victoria 
        ) I became friendly with a sailor of that ship and he got me 
        questioning if there really is a God. What he said made sense, if 
        there is a God then why hasn't any one talked to him for years, why 
        has no one seen him, he showed me were the only proof that there was ( 
        the Bible ) contradicted its self. I became active in preaching that 
        there was no God ( I was 9 years of age ). In school I was sent out to 
        pick up papers for religious instruction because I "was a bad 
        influence" on others. I met the minister  with the questions that had 
        grown strong in me and the minister's were always embarrassed as they 
        had no answer.
        
        It was while I was thus tearing down and belittling my creator that my 
        mother said a prayer to her Heavenly Father, ( It was at the time a 
        desperate cry for help as no one had taught us to pray with out a 
        prayer book ), when there was a knock on the door. Elder Carpenter and 
        Elder Ralph were there. She asked them to come back and to talk to her 
        son ( me ), They said that they would be happy to. She latter that day 
        changed her mind and tried to send me out to play ( I was just over 11 
        ) I said I would be happy to talk to this young ministers, I have made 
        older and wiser ministers tell my mother that I was a hopeless case 
        and I was winning the God no God battle. She then tried to talk the 
        boys out of it but the were not afraid of me. So it was on. My mother 
        never got much from that first encounter, she sat there waiting for me 
        to ask a question that would make them look foolish, but it never came.
        What could I say, they had more than just the Bible, People talk to 
        God now just like then, they have revelation that is new and they told 
        me how I can talk to God.
        
        Shortly after they left I was amazed that they had answers that made 
        sense. I took them to the test and said my first prayer. I asked God 
        if he was real and if these people had spoken the truth. Due to the 
        sacredness of what happened, I can not tell you every thing that 
        happened in answer to my prayer, but I can tell you this I was told 
        that God is real and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day 
        Saints is the true church of Jesus Christ, and I was baptised on the 
        10th of June 1967.
        
        I have had many wonderful things happen to me since that day but 
        nothing can compare with the Joy I felt as I found my eternal Father. 
        I love the church, I love the Elders who came to my parents door and I 
        love my family.
 
        I forgot to say I have been working on computers since 1972 and have
        working for DEC for one and half years and am in Software, ( SwS ISU )
       
        Your eternal Brother in Australia
        
        Mark Hutchings

My name is William Lees, and I am a software engineer working for DECwest in
the operating systems group.  I am 24 years old.  I am a recently graduated
college student with a BSCS from WPI in Worcester MA and a MSCS from Stanford
in Palo Alto CA. I am a convert to the Church; the first year anniversary of
my baptism will be in July.  I attend the Bellevue 8th Singles Ward in the
Bellevue WA Stake.

I have just my first pass going through this file.  My compliments to the 
contributors for the wealth of information recorded here, and to the moderators
for the structure.  I am usually a read-only member of notesfiles unless I have
something useful to add.  I wanted to mention my conversion story and bare my
testimony in the hope some might find it uplifting.

I wasn't raised to any particular religion.  My father was Congregational, but
left us kids to decide for ourselves.  My parents were divorced when I was
young, and my father passed way when I was in High School.  I grew up very
independent, my primary interests being systems programming, women and rock-n-
roll.  My life did not have a place for our Heavenly Father or Jesus, but I was
still a good person with a sense of right and wrong, commitment and 
responsibility.

After I graduated from college and accepted a job, I found myself here in 
Bellevue WA.  I'd like to say that I found the Church initially because of a
conscious decision on my part.  Unconsciously, it wasn't until this time in my
life that I was ready to receive the gospel.  My body could no longer tolerate
the "stimulants" (caffine, alcohol, tobacco) and all-night hacking sessions
which had gotten me through my early college years.  Further, being out of
school, I wasn't living computers twenty-four hours a day, and began thinking
about doing something more with my life.

Anyway, I met this girl...

Church members may laugh at this since I've since heard many "date'm, dunk'm
and dump'm" stories since I've joined the Church.  My interest in the Church
was genuine.  I fell for the Church, not the girl.  We are still good friends,
though. I had always wanted to know that this "religion stuff" was all about.
Some of my friends now can still recall the debate I had with the Gospel
Essentials teacher on the first day about having a beer in front of the 'tube.
Little did I know what I was getting into when these two young men offered to
teach me more about the Church...

I accepted the Gospel after having my all questions answered. Those 
missionaries did have to work for that baptism, however. After pondering each
discussion for a few days I found my doubts replaced by calmness. I did, and
still struggle with how much of a testimony I should have.  I have faith in
all things which is sufficient for now.  I was active in the Ward from the
first Sunday I attended as an investigator.  By the time of my baptism six weeks
later some in the Ward had mistaken me for a returned missionary.

I guess I have a logical mind.  The doctines of the LDS Church make perfect 
sense to me.  If Christ were to set up a Church, this is how He would do it.
I love the emphasis on activity, on Family, and on asking the most from its
members.

I am a Home Teacher with a member of the Bishopric as my companion.  The 
chances I have had to serve in this capacity have been rewarding and 
strenghtening to my Testimony.  I am also the Ward Membership Clerk, which is
a lot of work in a singles ward.  I think the new PC has made it worse. :-)
I have finished the Book of Mormon and the BYU BOM study guide.  I have also
finished most of the D&C while taking an evening Institute class. I now an
Elder in the Melchiezdek Priesthood.  I am engaged to be married. I am looking
forward to receiving my Endowment in August and the sealing in September in
the Seattle Temple.

I have experienced the change of heart as described in Alma 5.  I am grateful 
for my membership in the Church in general, and in the 8th Ward in particular 
where I have found much fellowship.  I have faith in Jesus the Christ as my
Saviour.  I have faith that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is
Christ's authorized church, that the Bible, Book of Mormon and standard works
are the words of God, and that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God.  I sustain
our current President, Ezra Taft Benson.

I think Allen Leigh and Rich Kotter have done an excellent job. May the
contributors to this discussion be blessed for their efforts to strengthen and
edify the followers of Christ.  It is my prayer that we may teach by the Spirit,
both the teacher and the listener being edified.

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

    Hello Everyone,
    
    I just found this notes conference and as yet have not gotten past
    note 2. To begin with, I am an American, but I have been living
    here in Holland since 1973.
    The network response across the ocean isn't too good right now 
    so I have to be patient.
    
    I have been working for Digital a little over 4 years now. I am country
    Telecoms. manager in Holland and work at the Utrecht HQ office.
    I was baptized in the church on Dec. 26, 1986. My conversion came
    after my wife (who is Dutch) had been a member for over 3 years.
    I had no problems with the church, as long as they didn't bother
    me. The importance placed on families, patriarch's, and all of that
    suited me fine.
    
    One day, a Sunday, the Ward Bischop called on the phone and asked
    if he could come visit with his wife. I agreed, seeing no real threats.
    
    Well, to keep a short story short, one thing led to another and
    after having the Elders (missionaries as we call them here-sorry
    for my Dutch) coming around for about 9 months, I was baptized.
                                                                   
    After about six months, I was called as the Elders Quorum president,
    which I still am, in the Haarlem, Holland Ward.
    
    My wife, Pleuntje Verswijveren (that is a Dutch name, we call her
    Lonneke), and I have six lovely children: Johann 13, Jessica 10,
    David 9, Lindsey 4, Susan 2 and Christy 6 months.
    I am so happy that someone in the church finally got around to  
    bothering me. The gospel and church have brought so much direction
    and joy into my life, I know I should be more grateful than I am.
    
    Thanks for this conference, I hope to meet with you, brothers and
    sisters, as well as colleagues, so that we can learn, share and
    help one another.
    
                          
    Love and Joy,
    
    Charles Billar   
    

    Hi y'all,
    
    Going through this note, I realized I haven't introduced myself.
    I've been reading it for a while, but haven't written anything
    until today.  
    
    My name is Peter Gordon, and I work in AITC (DLB5) in Marlboro,
    MA.  I'm a Co-op - going on my junior year of college at MIT.
    
    I started reading this conference since I was interested in knowing
    more about Mormonism.  I am a Roman Catholic.  A few friends of
    mine are Mormon and we have occasional discussions, which I find
    very rewarding.
    
    If anything, I would ask you to excuse my sometimes "stupid" questions,
    since my knowledge of the LDS church is limited.  
    
    Peter G.  (No, I'm not from the south.  PA actually. I just say
    "y'all" for the fun of it.)
    
    

    Greetings from near the Nations capital,
    
    My name is Fred Mudgett. I'm a Church member and have been since
    1969. I'm with Field Service in Baltimore. Fortunately for most
    of you out there I've got opinions on almost everything and consider
    myself always right or at least everyone else wrong, but I am tolerant.
    I have a testamony of the Gospel and the plan of salvation the Church
    makes me nuts sometimes because it is full of mortals like me. My
    goal in this life is to convert more people to the gospel than I
    offend away from it. Also I'm new to Notes but I sure love it! I
    have a terminal in our bedroom and sometimes when I get up early
    I'll log in to just take a look at what the rest of the noters in
    the world are thinking of, so I'll probably be looking for a new
    family soon.                    

    I signed on to this conference as a learning experience. Religion
    in general interests me and since I am also a member of the Bagels
    and Religion conferences, what the heck, why not the conference
    on Mormonism?
    
    I was raised in the Catholic Church but left shortly after I was
    married in 1975. Since then, I have been a member of various
    Congregational Churches where I have found my liberal approach to
    theology and my conservative political leanings some times don't
    mix!
    
    I guess I'm what you would call a Congregationalist with
    Unitarian/Universalist overtones. I believe as the early
    Congregationalists did that there is no doctrine but the Bible and
    that each person reads and understands the Scriptures as the Spirit
    moves them. In addition, I believe there can be no person or
    institution between an individual and God and that each person has a
    unique relationship with God. Finally, unlike some other Christians,
    I believe that God is the father of all mankind and that his house
    eternal in the heavens has many mansions where we are all called
    to be with him some day.
    
    I work as a Senior Technical Writer here in Merrimack, NH and have
    been with DEC since June 1988.
    
    I look forward to exchanging ideas with other members of this
    conference.
    
    Mark

    Hello,
    
    My name is Richard Wright and I live in San Jose, California.  I
    have been a member of the Church since 1974.  I served a mission
    to the Zurich Switzerland Mission from 1975 to 1977.  After my mission
    I joined the U.S. Army (1978-1986), after which  joined Digital.
    I am married and have four children.  I am currently the 1st Counsellor
    in my ward's Young Men's program.  I look forward in participating
    in your conference.
    
    Richard Wright
    Boguss::wright
    DTN:  521-4488

    Hi, I'm Ann Quayle (signing as aq) and I've been a member of the
    Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for almost 20 years.  
    My husband is not a member and two of our three children are
    inactive.  Our youngest daughter is the Beehive class president
    and I am a visiting teacher and Relief Society Spiritual Living 
    teacher - the best calling ever (so far).
    
    aq

    Hello, I'm Dan Kusnetzky and am a Program Manager in US Sales Support's
    Technology Programs group in Littleton, MA. While looking through
    EASYNOTES.LIS for a conference that would help me resolve a interesting
    issue I stumbled on this conference. Knowing several members of both
    the LDS church and the RLDS church, I thought that it would be fun to
    drop in and see what was happening.

    I am not interested in or planning on becoming a member of the LDS
    church. As a minister/priest/what-have-you of another religious
    teaching, I am interested in both the structure and teachings of the
    LDS church. I look forward to learning a great deal.

    Dan K.

    Hi there!
    
    	I just discovered the *notes* files - I was baptized into the
    church 12-14-87. And for all of you who are aware of the New Era's
    nasty nanny article, I want to announce that my conversion was a
    direct result of the day-to-day witness of my LDS nanny!
    
    	And for all you 'born-again' people, I was 'born again' 19 years
    ago...if you have any questions directed with a sincere spirit,
    I'd be happy to let you know how and why I joined the church.
    
    	Can you guys tell me who you are?  (and where you live?)  I'm
    a member of the new Essex branch in the Nashua Stake.  Small, and
    the callings are a little heavy, but *lots* of fun!
    
    		Regards,
    		Sheryl Glass
    

Hello,

    My name is Richard Wright and I work for the Remote Diagnosis Group in
Colorado Springs, Colorado.  I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints in April of 1974 with my parents.  I have one brother and two sisters. 
My younger sister joined the Church with her husband of November of 1974, but
has since divorced and been excommunicated.  My brother joined the Church in
April of 1977.  My older sister has not yet shown interest in the Church.

     I served a mission in the Switzerland Zurich Mission from August 1975 to
August 1977.  My mission president was Gary O'Brien from August 1975 to July
1977.  After that my mission president was Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin.  My mother
passed away in October of 1976.  In October 1977 I married a young woman I met
on my mission.  We had three children, two boys and a girl, and were divorced
in March 1986.  I remarried in May 1987 and my wife, Linda, gave birth to a
daughter in August 1988.  I have custody of my other three children.

     We are currently members of the Colorado Springs 15th Ward, Colorado
Springs North Colorado Stake.  I am currently the Elder's quorum instructor and
my wife is the ward publishing specialist.  I have previously held positions as
Elder's quorum instructor, Teacher's quorum advisor (twice), Stake Missionary,
Ward Financial Clerk, Home Teacher, and Primary Teacher.  My wife has held
positions in Primary, Relief Society and Young Women's.

     We hope to gain a broader understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ
along with different/opposing perspectives of our beliefs, thereby
understanding how others perceive us.

					Sincerely,

						Rick and Linda Wright

CSC32::R_WRIGHT
DTN:  8-522-7619






   

    I am signing in again . . . this time under a different node name,
    username, and *religion*.
    
    I am a former participant of this conference.  I only participated
    for a 4 month period (February - May 1988).  I was working in St.
    Louis at the time, and in May 1988, I left St. Louis to pursue the
    Great Northwest.  My former address was MDVAX1::DULL.
    
    I am now working on the Boeing SMARTS project in Seattle, and I'm
    having a great time.  I work at the customer site, so I log into
    the DEC network when I have time, etc.
    
    I stated in my introductory paragraph that I had changed node names
    (now NWD002), changed usernames (now DULL_TA), and changed *religions*.
    
    I can now be classified as a *former* member of the Church of Jesus
    Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  From April 1989 through August 1989,
    I took a strong look at the church and what I believed and how it
    compared to what God had to say about His church, etc.  
    
    I don't want to use this note to explain what I learned.  What I
    do want to say, though, is that I still know that God lives, that He 
    loves me, and He really is watching over me.  I have accepted Jesus
    Christ into my life, and I am having an exciting time learning what
    it means to "walk daily with God." 
    
    Even though I am not a Mormon anymore, I still love the people in
    the church, and I respect what they believe.  I admire their sincerity
    and commitment to the religion.
    
    See you in the conference,
    Tamara  

    HI 
    MY NAME IS PAUL KOUTROUBAS I WORK IN MERRIMACK N.H. I AM NOT MORMON I'M
    GREEK ORTHODOX , I HAVE A VERY GOOD FRIEND IN SALT LAKE CITY NAMED
    LAUNA MARSH I AM TRING TO FIND HER ADDRESS AND I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT HELP
    ME FIND HER. I DON'T WHAT WARD SHE IS IN BUT I WOULD BE REAL HAPPY TO
    FIND HER AND JUST TO HERE HER VOISE . AND WISH HERE A MERRY CHRISTMAS
    AND HAPPY NEW YEAR .  COULD YOU PLEASE HELP ME OUT , AND LET ME KNOW IF
    YOU HERE ANYTHING . I KNOW OWR BELEIF ARE DIFFERENT BUT WE STILL CAN BE 
    FRIENDS I HOPE
    
    			THANKS 
    
    		AIMHI::KOUTROUBAS 

I have been reading this conference for over a year now and I
probably should introduce myself.

My name is Frank Willoughby and I live a couple of miles east of 
Munich, West Germany.  I am an american working for DEC and am a 
member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  My 
wife's name is Marianne and we have two children - Franklin Joseph, 
and Jennifer Anne.  My wife is german and grew up in a teeny tiny 
village near Amberg (halfway between Nuernberg & the Czech border).  
The village consists of 6 houses (the 6th is a recent edition).  
Her family has had the same property for the last 400 years (sort 
of explains her reluctance to move to the States when we got married).

I know you were wondering how I got to end up in Germany, so here's
the story you were waiting for.  Back in '83, I was working for 
RCA and was sent to Germany for 3 months to modify some Automatic
Test Equipment for the M1 tanks.  I met my wife during my 3 month
assignment in Germany and we dated for 2 1/2 months.  I knew right
away that she was the girl of my dreams.  I returned to the States
and spent the next 2 years trying to talk her into marrying me.

Once in a while, I would get a Dear Frank letter, but after a phone
call or two (I was one of Ma Bell's favorite customers), she was
won over - at least until the next Dear Frank letter.  Basically,
she figured that even though she loved me, that our marriage would
never work (fortunately, she was wrong).  She meant that the odds 
were against us - she was Catholic, I was LDS; she was german, I 
was an american.  She also had some misgivings about leaving
Germany. Well, if the mountain wasn't going to come to Mohammed...

I gave my manager 6 months notice and in June of '85, I packed my 
bags & moved to Germany.  After wading through the huge pile of 
red tape, we got married in August and I started to work for 
Tektronix in October.  (Normally, this is not the right order to 
do things, but you have to set priorities).  After 3 years at TEK, 
I decided to return to DEC (really a fun place to work).

We attended both churches for a while.  I learned about Catholicism
and she learned about Mormonism.  My wife was taught by the missionaries
and I answered any questions she had between lessons.  After 2 years
of discussions, I had the joy of baptising her.  We are both active 
in the Church and are looking forward to our temple marriage - where 
we will be married to each other for time and eternity.  My son is 
2 1/2 years old & my daughter is 6 months old.

I grew up in the Church.  Sometimes, I think it might be more difficult 
for those who grow up in the Church to gain a testimony, because we tend
to take a lot of things for granted.  But, each person has a point in 
their life when they have to decide for themselves what to keep and what to 
throw out (of the things they learned from their parents).  I had to find 
out for myself if the Church was true or not.  After stumbling around in 
the dark for a while, I became active in the Church.  

I might know some of you.  I worked for DEC in Marlboro (in MO-2) in
79-80 and attended the Marlboro Ward.  Later, I moved to Cambridge
(Mass.) and attended the University Ward there.  I think the Bishop's
name was Tony Kimball.  Now I'm not sure of some of your names, but
your faith sure is familiar!

I am thankful for the Church and the Gospel.  I am also thankful for 
my wife and our two wonderful children.  I have a testimony of the
truthfulness of the Gospel and I know that when I am living the Gospel, 
that I am in tune with the Spirit.  There is no hardship or tragedy
that can withstand God's love and the joy and humbleness that comes
from knowing that Jesus, Son of the Living God, died for my (and all
mankind's sins), and that through His Atonement - the greatest gift
ever given to mankind, I can repent of my sins and be forgiven and 
God will remember them no more.  I know that Jesus Christ is my
Saviour and Redeemer.  I know that He leads this Church through the
prophet.  There has been a fair amount of Mormon-bashing going on 
in this conference, but even though some of the arguments try to sway
or confuse the mortal mind, the soul cannot be fooled.  They cannot 
affect the testimony that I have.  I too like things to be logical.
Perhaps, that is one of the reasons why I enjoy the Gospel - it 
explains a great deal including: where I came from, why I am here,
and where am I going.  Although it is truly wonderful to see 
prophecies being fulfilled, and teachings of the Church proven by 
scientients, it is more important to me that I not dwell too much
on the sayings of "learned men" (those who try to prove/disprove
the Church), but instead, I should learn more about the Gospel
and try to live the Gospel better today than I have yesterday.
There are some things that simply cannot be explained - and even
if it could, we probably wouldn't be ready for it.  I truly feel 
that we should spend less time quabbling over religion and spend 
more time improving our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
I have seen some followers of Confucius & Mohammed who are living
the teachings of Christ better than many 'supposed' Christians
(me included).  I think it would do us all good to get back to the
basics and read the scriptures with the originial intent - to bring
us closer to our Heavenly Father - as opposed to trying to convince
each other that the other person is wrong.  Let's agree to disagree
and try to live in such a way so that we can be more in tune with
the Spirit.

In closing, I would like to thank Allen Leigh & Rich Kotter for
the time and effort they have put into this conference.  Their
comments are well thought out and an uplifting source of knowledge 
of the Gospel.  I am also thankful for the antagonists of this 
conference.  They have helped me to base my testimony on the 
teachings of the Spirit, not the teachings of Man.  I am also 
thankful for this conference.  It is a source of daily inspiration 
to me - and it helps to get the day off to the right start. 


Best Regards,

Frank

    	I have been read only participant in this conference for quite some
    time, so I better introduce myself. My name is Ken Potter. We moved
    from the East to the West 2yrs ago. We now live in San Jose, CA. My
    wife and I have 3 boys. A 6yr, 4yr, and 2yr old. 
    	I served a mission in the Peru Lima mission in 1975. I am currently
    serving as our ward Executive Secretary. My live revolves around my God,
    my Family and my Church. I don't know were I would be without it!

    	Ken Potter
    	WCSM::POTTER
    	DTN: 529-6273 
                                                                     

    My name is Marcelle Jacobsen.  I work at the MET facility in Marlboro
    Mass.  My husband and I moved to Mass. 3 1/2 years ago to work and we
    have a delightful little girl (10 months).  My husband is going to
    school now for a graduate degree a a nearby school and previously
    served a mission in Austria.    I am currently serving as our ward
    Public Communications Director.  
    
    I am glad this conference is available and I appreciate the time and
    effort of the participants who share their beliefs and teach others.  
    
    Marcelle Jacobsen
    

    Mike Weaver
    
    I'm a recent convert to the church having just visted the temple here in
    Washington, D.C. to take out my endowments on July 17th. I am a member
    of two wards here in the McLean, Va stake. The Langley singles ward is
    where I spend most of my time and effort. I also attend the McLean I
    family ward quite often. I have callings in Scouts and on the
    fellowshipping comitee, as well as an usher, and of course home
    teaching.
    
    I have a son (my namesake) who is 5 years old. I am not married.
    
    I'm extremely happy to have the gospel in my life.
    
    Mike Weaver
    calvin::weaver

    Hi,
    
    My name is Joe McGee, I am a Test Technician in Hudson, Mass. I am
    origninally from Phoenix, Arizona. I am married, to a  wonderful lady,
    her name is Jackie, and we have pretty little girl, Heather, age: 11.
    
    	I grew up in the Mormon church. I left the church, in search of
    girls, at age 15. Since then I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal
    savior, and I attend an Assembly of God church in Upton, Mass.
    
    Joe
    

    An official Hello,
    
    I just noticed I have never introduced myself to the conference even
    though I have contributed many times.  Sorry about that breach of
    noters ettiquet.
    
    My name is Len Flake Winmill (I often don't use that middle name but it
    does speak of a proud mormon heritage).
    
    I currently live in Mesa Arizona, for 12 years I was in Southboro MA
    and a member of the Marlboro Ward.
    
    Both my Wife Sue and I have been lifelong members and have heritage of
    many generation on all our lines of being members of the church.
    
    I served a mission in Chile, and Sue in France (64-66 for both of us).
    
    I am currently a "Field Marketing" person for Printers and Terminals
    and X-Terminals.
    
    I really appreciate this notes file, all of you for all of the
    wonderful contributions you make and especially Allen for his great and
    sensitive manner of moderating this conference.
    
    with Love, your brother
    
    Len
    

    Hi friends,
                 My name's Abraham Mathew, working for DecIndia as facility
    technician @ QCA. I came to accept Jesus as my personal savior five
    years back. I worship at a pentacostal church. I am intrested to know
    more about my bretherns in the West. Their views about Church,worship,
    faith etc., I hope this conforance will help me in understanding
    and increase my faith in Christ.
          Looking forward to a wonderful fellowship!!!!!!
    P.S username is MATHEW @ QCA.
    
    

    My name is Mark Metcalfe.
    
    I am a Christian of the Born Again type referred to in 1.something.
    
    I am here at the invitation of Mr. Leigh who posted a reference in
    the (GOLF::)Christian notes conference of which I am one of the
    moderators.
    
    I know nearly nil of Mormon beliefs from the Mormon perspective
    and so I have accepted Mr. Leigh's kind offer in 471.99 (Christian)
    to come and see it for myself.  I'll extract notes 4 and 5 for
    perusal and maybe pop back in just once or twice (or send mail)
    if I need any clarification.
    
    Someone asked about the contrast of Mormon beliefs in our conference,
    and as you might guess, it started a little friction.  Since then,
    I have started a note for declarations of truth (small t) for
    contrast and comparison.  In an adjacent note, discussion can take
    place, but the declarations note is to be kept free of discussion so
    that (if someone wanted to) someone could take the declarations note
    in isolation, sift through what some churches declare to be the truth
    and decide for themselves.  Being a conference with a premise,
    that Born Again premise, we provide the avenue for discussion in the
    adjacent note. 
    
    If some of you recognize me, you know I am not opposed to a little
    dialog and represent my beliefs with some tenacity.  That is not why I
    am here.  (I do not have time for another conference and have no
    interest in contrasting my beliefs here, for by doing so, by definition
    would make me antagonistic, disruptive (perhaps), and at times perhaps 
    going against the premise for truth.  I know we both seek the Truth,
    (capital T).
    
    Peace to you and may we all come to know what Truth is, and thank you
    for the opportunity to learn for myself.

    HI!
    
    My name is Gary Olsen.  I just joined DEC in July 1992 as a member of
    the Pathworks CSC team, moving to Atlanta from Layton, Utah - having
    lived in Utah and Idaho all my life.
    
    Family:
    	5 children - ages 21, 19, 16, 13, and 10.
    	All are girls except the 13 year old.
    	The two oldest are students at the Univ. of Utah and BYU
    respectively.  Jennifer, the oldest, is also a licensed Massage
    Therapist with a practice in SLC.  Melinda is a Freshman at BYU having
    received a Trustee's Scholarship this year - majoring in MIS.
    
    Church exp:
    
    Didn't go on a mission (that's another story) at age 19, but served in
    the stake mission for 12 years - ordained a 70 in 1977 and released as
    Stake mission president in 1989.  Served on High Council, Ward Mission
    Leader 3 times.  
    
    Served for 2 years as Scoutmaster in Layton, moved to Georgia and am 
    serving as Deacon's advisor and Asst. Scoutmaster and YM 2nd counselor.
    
    Conversion:
     
    Although baptized at 8, parents weren't active.  Was sealed to them in
    the Manti temple when I was 15.  Really converted at age 13, I received
    a spiritual wittness of the Book of Mormon about 5 years ago (another
    story).
    
    Church Hobbies:
    
    Strange as it sounds, I have a currently dormant hobby of researching
    Anti-Mormon literature and charges.  Loved listening to The Bible
    Answer Man (Walter Martin) and set several investigators straight on
    "The Godmakers".  My wife thinks I'm sick, and I have to be careful,
    but this stuff is really funny when you analyze it.
    
    
    Glad to get involved in this conference... hope to meet some of you -
    even if it is electronically.
    
    
    Gary Olsen

    GREETINGS FELLOW CHURCH GOERS!!!!
    
    Well, I am also new to DEC and I am a recient returned Missionary as 
    of April this year (1993).  I am happy to see so many members of the
    Gospel of Jesus Christ out there in DEC.  My main question would be
    how many of you are still out there?
    	
    	It apears that not too many of you write anymore......
    So who else is out there?????????
    
    >scott<
    
    
    
    
    p.s.comments would be very welcome.......
    
    
    
    

My Name is Steven Petersen

I have been with Digital for 16 years, currently I'm a Storage 
Sales Specialist in Seattle, WA.  I have been reading this notes 
file from the beginning.

I'm a 5th generation LDS, my wife is 3rd generation and we have 4 
children.  I'm currently the Elders Quorum President for the 
Kirkland 5th Ward.

I want you all to know that I have a testimony of Jesus Christ.  
I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and that the we 
have a Prophet of the Lord here on the world today, I also 
believe that Joseph Smith resorted the True and everlasting 
gospel in this the last dispensation.  That the Book of Mormon to 
be the true word of God and the Bible is also true as far has man 
has been able to translate it.

I love the gospel and I cherish my membership in the Church.

I am looking forward to participating in this conference.

Steven Petersen
DTN 545-4197
@seo or seacpb::petersest