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Hi I'm Dave LeFevre

I am a high-tech worker, teacher, writer, husband, father, and grandfather. And I am a Mormon.

About Me

Growing up in California, I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. But I've lived in several other states and one foreign country--France. I currently live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and love it here. I have seven children and six grandchildren, along with several animals and a yard that is fun but requires constant attention. I work for a software company creating training for field sales employees. I enjoy the creativity and the interactions with others. I am a published writer and get to teach often through the BYU Adult Ed program (classes like New Testament and Book of Mormon) and at Education Week at Brigham Young University (Provo and Rexburg).

Why I am a Mormon

I was raised in the Church and am grateful to my mother who directed me to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, everyone has to decide what to do about religion. My 'conversion' was a step-by-step process that led me to pray and ask God what was true. The witness that I received as a teenager has grown stronger with the passing of time and with increased understanding of God's role in my life. I am grateful for His forgiveness, patience, and kindness. I feel the Spirit as I immerse myself in the scriptures, pray for guidance and support, and place my burdens on the Lord. God is amazing, and his love draws me into this faith, which I have come to know is true.

How I live my faith

Being a Mormon is a daily commitment. I strive to live my faith through study of the scriptures, personal prayer, and service to others. I have a calling--a volunteer service assignment--that lets me work on many different kinds of projects and activities in our area. For example, I helped with a youth conference where we did a production involving over 200 teenagers singing, dancing, and performing on stage. Yes, we got all those teenagers to do that, and it was amazing. I am also involved in several community activities, such as raising awareness about organ and tissue donation, kidney disease, and promoting blood donation. I do these things because my faith teaches me that I have a responsibility to make a difference in the world.

Do Mormons practice polygamy?

Dave LeFevre
Not for a very long time. One of my ancestors who was an early Mormon had two wives, but that was in the mid-1800s.Since 1890, the Church has taught and practiced monogamy. Today anyone practicing plural marriage is not a Mormon by definition--to do so is cause of excommunication, so they are no longer members of the Church. I have read much of the early history of plural marriage in the Church and see that it had a role for that time and place, but glad we don't have to worry about that anymore. Show more Show less

What is the Book of Mormon?

Dave LeFevre
The Book of Mormon is a modern-day testament of Jesus Christ. It is the record of the ancient inhabitants of the "New World," just as the Bible is the record of those in the "Old World." It covers hundreds of years of history, and has great stories from prophets, kings, and others. Most importantly, it tells the story of the resurrected Christ appearing on the American continent to teach and bless the people, and to establish his church with these people. Anyone who is serious about being a Christian needs to consider the testimony of Christ in the Book of Mormon. Show more Show less

What is a ward/stake/branch?

Dave LeFevre
A ward is a local ecclesiastical unit, usually with about 150-200 members coming each Sunday. They are geographically based. My ward, for example, covers part of two cities and others in the unincorporated county nearby. A branch is a smaller version of a ward, sometimes with only a handful of people. I lived in small branches in France. Several wards or branches together make up a stake. Wards, branches, and stakes are all run by lay ministry--people asked to take leadership roles and help make the Church run in their area. Show more Show less

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

Dave LeFevre
Absolutely. We revere and study the Bible, and strive to apply its teachings in our lives. I have taught Bible classes many times and my experience is that Mormons are very committed to the Bible and know its doctrines and principles very well. Show more Show less

What are Mormon church services like? Are visitors allowed at church meetings? Can I attend church?

Dave LeFevre
Services are held most Sundays (except when there are conferences four times a year) in a three-hour block. Visitors are always welcome. First is Sacrament meeting where the Sacrament (some might say Eucharist) is given, along with talks, songs, and necessary business. Then is Sunday School where all ages are taught in the scriptures. Small children have special classes called Primary that teach on their level. The third hour there are more classes focused on specific ages and groups. It's a great way to learn, grow, feel the Spirit, and build friendships. Show more Show less