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Hi, I'm Keenan

I'm Hawaiian and I'm Mormon. I'm married to a choice lady and we have 3 adorable children. I speak Dutch and love life.

About Me

My wife and I and are the proud parents of three active teenagers. They play soccer and dance hula, among other activities. We love to travel and have fond memories of visiting Holland, Sweden, Hawaii and Disneyland.

At the age of 18, I joined the Mormon LDS Church and about a year later I served as a Mormon missionary to the Netherlands. From that experience, I became fluent in Dutch and grew to love the Dutch people. In fact, I have returned a few times with my family and had a 3-month internship in with Philips Semiconductors in Eindhoven, Holland.

Currently, I am an administrator with an organization specializing in distance education for over 120,000 high school and university students all over the world. I earned my Master's in instructional technology and was a computer trainer for 15 years.

Why I am a Mormon

While in high school in Hawaii, my best friend was a Mormon and through his example I decided to learn more about what made him so happy. As I followed my friend's righteous example (like not smoking, drinking, etc.,), I was happy, too. I was at peace with myself.

Upon graduation, I left Hawaii and moved to Georgia where I attended Albany State University. There I met the Mormon missionaries. They taught me about the restored Church of Jesus Christ. I joined the church on December 25, 1982.

The missionaries taught me about continuing revelation through a modern-day prophet, and the need for additional scripture, such as the Book of Mormon. God continues to speak to his children today!

What people may call restrictions (no alcohol, no tobacco, no coffee, no tea, etc.,), I regard as choices to give me more freedoms. By keeping the Mormon health code, I will never have a problem with drinking and driving. My clothes won't smell of cigarettes. And, I won't spill hot coffee on myself either! :)

We are also counseled to live a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced, moderate diet, and exercising regularly. Being a Mormon is a great lifestyle. I love it! :)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don’t Mormons have paid clergy?

One of the concepts in the LDS church that really spoke to me was the priesthood and our lay clergy--or unpaid clergy. In Matthew 10:7-8, it reads, "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give."

I think this concept of freely receiving, freely giving or personally giving of one's time and efforts allows the faith of members to grow. Members volunteer their time to serve in various positions in my congregation (ward). In fact, my ward pastor (bishop) and other members of my ward have their own full-time professions. Instead of the bishop taking care of everyone, we are obligated to help and care for each other and we all grow in our unpaid clergy.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

No. At the age of 19, young men are encouraged to serve a 2-year mission. At the age of 21, young women may serve missions but it's not expected nor is frowned upon if they don't go.

Older members of the church, usually retirement age, are encouraged to serve missionaries typically as a married couple.

Young men who grow up in the church are taught that when they reach 19 and as long as they are worthy and able to accomplish the rigors of missionary work, they should serve missions.

A year of so after joining the Mormon church, I sent my request to serve a full-time mission. I really expected the Lord to send me English speaking because I barely knew the Gospel although I had a strong testimony of the restored Church. And to my great surprise, I was extended a call to the Netherlands where I would teach about the Gospel in Dutch.

What is the priesthood?

The priesthood is the authority to act in God's name. Like the Bible, all worthy males (in our church, 12 years and older) may hold the priesthood. It is used to assist others by helping the sick, afflicted, poor, and needy. One cannot use the priesthood on himself or to help himself--it can only be used to help others. It cannot be bought. One can receive the priesthood by someone in authority who holds the priesthood. It must be earned and shared through personal worthiness.

The priesthood was restored to the earth to Joseph Smith by the laying on of hands through John the Baptist, and Peter, James, and John. In like manner, I received the priesthood through the laying on of hands by one holding the priesthood.

What do Mormons believe about the Bible? Do they regard it as Holy Scripture and the word of God?

Yes. Mormons regard the Bible as scripture and the word of God. In fact, I just read in Joshua 24:15, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." I really like this scripture because it helps me understand that following God is really a choice.

The Bible is God's dealings with his people in the Old World. It helps me understand that God chooses prophets to guide his people. Additionally, the Bible testifies of Heavenly Father's love for his children by sending his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to the earth to atone for our mistakes and sins.

What are Mormon women like? Do Mormons believe in equality of men and women?

1. They are like women all over the world. Some are moms. Some have careers. Some are married. Some are single. Some are grandmothers. Some are aunts.

What makes Mormon women special is that they believe they are daughters of God. Mormon wome are virtuous, kind, charitable, giving, and stand for right.

2. Men and women are equal. Men should treat women with kindness, courtesy, respect and love. Both are encouraged to gain as much education as possible.

Personal Stories

Could you talk about your baptism?

Unlike some members who grow up in the Church and are baptized at 8, I was baptized at 18. When the missionaries asked me to be baptized on 25 December, I felt an incredible feeling inside that what I was doing was the right thing to do. I felt really warm inside and extremely happy and peaceful all at once. How and why did I make this decision? As a freshman attending Albany State University (Georgia), I met the Mormon missionaries who taught me the about the restored church of Jesus Christ. Through the restored teachings of the Savior, sincere prayer to God, faith in Jesus Christ, attending church, study of the Book of Mormon, I gained my own witness from the Holy Ghost that God's church is on the earth again with a prophet, 12 apostles, and more scriptures, supporting and confirming the Holy Bible. Because of this witness from the Holy Spirit, I decided to be baptized on 25 December 1982. It was a very simple ceremony where there were a short speeches about faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. There were several other people who were baptized, too. After being baptized by Elder Barrett, I didn't really feel anything different. As time went on, I began more and more to recognize the Holy Ghost confirming to me that becoming baptized and a member of the Mormon church was the right thing to do. In fact, many blessings in my life are as a result of that special Christmas day in 1982.

How has the Holy Ghost helped you?

When I joined the Mormon church at 18, the idea of the Holy Ghost was both exciting and extremely helpful. The Holy Ghost was exciting because as long as I tried my best to keep God's commandments, be true to the promises I made at baptism, the Holy Ghost would be my constant companion and guide. Early into my membership, I had lost my brother's car keys. I was really frustrated because I looked everywhere several times and couldn't find the keys. Ultimately, I decided to ask Heavenly Father for help. As I did, the thought came me to look in the outside trashcan in the dark. With a flashlight I immediately went outside and looked into the trash; sure enough, I found my brother's car keys. Although that was over 25 years ago, that experience helped me understand that the God assists us with Holy Ghost in so many different ways, even something as minor as losing one's keys.

How I live my faith

I help schedule appointments for members of my congregation (ward) with our pastor (bishop). He counsels and helps members of our ward, especially the youth. On a monthly basis, I and another brother in my ward visit and teach two families--our bishop can't do everything. I do my part to assist the bishop by being his secretary and helping a few families. In my home, my wife and I hold weekly family home evenings where have a religious lesson, play a game, eat a treat, sing songs, have a prayer or two, and enjoy each other's company. We also try to hold regular family scripture study and prayer. The gospel of Jesus Christ is an important part of my life. Living the commandments is definitely not easy but I wouldn't have it any other way.