May 30, 2011...Dear Family,
This email is going to be rather short because we're at the mall in a computer store using their laptops. The guys are okay with it, but it's a little strange emailing like this. At transfer meeting last Tuesday I found out I was being sent right back to Lake City. I am now in the west side of Lake City. I am serving in the Cannon Creek Ward as a zone leader. My new companion is Elder Failner. He is from Gilbert Arizona. He is a really great companion. I have already learned a lot from him. He has a lot of drive and works hard. I have really enjoyed all that we've been able to do so far. The place I live is really nice. It used to be a two car garage, but a member made it into a little apartment. It's pretty new. One cool thing about where I am is that it's where Elder Brandon used to serve. He was actually a zone leader out here too. Also Elder Morris is in my zone. Last Thursday I went on a tradeoff with him and worked with him in his area all day. It was a lot like old times. We had a good time. He has really changed since I was last with him. He is a really great missionary.
On Sunday I had a nice surprise. We were in an early morning meeting with the ward leaders, and our bishop asked Elder Failner and I each to give a talk that day in sacrament. When he asked I was actually really excited. The way everything went was a real testimony builder. I didn't bother to try to cram in some kind of talk before sacrament started. Instead I just went up and talked a little more about what the person just before me had talked about. So, I ended up talking about the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy. I think it went really well. I definitely know that the Holy Ghost was guiding me in all I said.
It really is incredible how much busier I have been now that I am a zone leader. We have a lot of stuff to do. Last Wednesday we met with the stake president and talked about the missionary work out here. President Barry was there too. It was a really great meeting and opportunity to see the Lord's work from a different view. Like I mentioned earlier I went and worked with Elder Morris in his area all day Thursday while Elder Failner worked with Elder Morris' companion in their area too. Then on Saturday we went and worked with another companionship in their area. Sunday night was a late night. Sundays were always late when I was a district leader and now they're even later now that I have this new calling.
That's all I can think of for now. Hopefully I'll be able to write more next week. Sorry if it doesn't make any sense or for any other mistakes.
Love Always, Zach
Monday, May 30, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Changes...
May 23, 2011...Hey Family,
Well last week was a really good week. Elder Allen and I did pretty well. We found a few new investigators and were able to have some great experiences with other investigators. JP, I don't know if I wrote about her yet, said she got an answer to her prayers and knows the Book of Mormon is true. It was fantastic when she told us about it! We set a baptism date with her, but will have to reset it because her daughter was sick yesterday and she wasn't able to make it to church. Paul is doing pretty well. On Tuesday night we had a really powerful experience with him. We went to have a lesson with him, but he wasn't there. So on our way home we decided to stop in and see him. While riding we actually saw him walking with some of his friends. We started talking with him and he was having another rough day. He still hadn't worked and was really worried because he thought he was going to get kicked out of the place where he was staying. He really didn't know what to do. He knew he shouldn't be hanging out with the people he was with, but because he thought he was going to be kicked out he thought he would have to get on their good side so he could have a place to stay. We shared 3Nephi13:33-34 with him. He then thought about it and asked what he should do. We simply read the scripture to him and said he'll have to figure out what to do. We then bore powerful testimony that he is a child of God. That we love him and that Heavenly Father loves him. We then left. We got a call the next morning from Paul. He said that after he talked to us he walked around and ended up going home instead of staying with his friends. He then told us that at seven that morning his boss came and woke him up and took him to go to work. It was a definite miracle. It really helped build my testimony.
We also had a Zone Conference on Thursday. It went really well. It was a powerful experience. We have been focusing a lot on the Book of Mormon this month and the Zone Conference was centered on it. I loved it! I wish I had time, and space, to write everything. We also got a few new rules. One of which is that we can't wear any pink of purple ties. So I'll be sending home my pink and purple ties some time here in the next few weeks.
Emma, I got your graduation invitation and it's wonderful! You look beautiful. I'm going to have to pack it away so none of my companions see it and get any ideas about trying to date you when they get home.
In other news, according to some religious group out here the world was supposed to end last Saturday at six o'clock. Obviously it came and went. One of the members of the ward told us that he had an "End of the World" party. I got a laugh out of it.
We got transfer calls on Saturday night. I am leaving. Elder Allen and I were both surprised that I am the one getting transferred. I also got a call from President Barry last night. He asked me to be a zone leader. I accepted. I'm nervous and excited. Me and some other elders think I might be a zone leader here in Lake City. That means I would just be moving to the other side of town. I'll let you know for sure next week when I write.
That's all for now.
I love you all dearly. Be safe and remember the Church is true.
Love Always, Zach
Well last week was a really good week. Elder Allen and I did pretty well. We found a few new investigators and were able to have some great experiences with other investigators. JP, I don't know if I wrote about her yet, said she got an answer to her prayers and knows the Book of Mormon is true. It was fantastic when she told us about it! We set a baptism date with her, but will have to reset it because her daughter was sick yesterday and she wasn't able to make it to church. Paul is doing pretty well. On Tuesday night we had a really powerful experience with him. We went to have a lesson with him, but he wasn't there. So on our way home we decided to stop in and see him. While riding we actually saw him walking with some of his friends. We started talking with him and he was having another rough day. He still hadn't worked and was really worried because he thought he was going to get kicked out of the place where he was staying. He really didn't know what to do. He knew he shouldn't be hanging out with the people he was with, but because he thought he was going to be kicked out he thought he would have to get on their good side so he could have a place to stay. We shared 3Nephi13:33-34 with him. He then thought about it and asked what he should do. We simply read the scripture to him and said he'll have to figure out what to do. We then bore powerful testimony that he is a child of God. That we love him and that Heavenly Father loves him. We then left. We got a call the next morning from Paul. He said that after he talked to us he walked around and ended up going home instead of staying with his friends. He then told us that at seven that morning his boss came and woke him up and took him to go to work. It was a definite miracle. It really helped build my testimony.
We also had a Zone Conference on Thursday. It went really well. It was a powerful experience. We have been focusing a lot on the Book of Mormon this month and the Zone Conference was centered on it. I loved it! I wish I had time, and space, to write everything. We also got a few new rules. One of which is that we can't wear any pink of purple ties. So I'll be sending home my pink and purple ties some time here in the next few weeks.
Emma, I got your graduation invitation and it's wonderful! You look beautiful. I'm going to have to pack it away so none of my companions see it and get any ideas about trying to date you when they get home.
In other news, according to some religious group out here the world was supposed to end last Saturday at six o'clock. Obviously it came and went. One of the members of the ward told us that he had an "End of the World" party. I got a laugh out of it.
We got transfer calls on Saturday night. I am leaving. Elder Allen and I were both surprised that I am the one getting transferred. I also got a call from President Barry last night. He asked me to be a zone leader. I accepted. I'm nervous and excited. Me and some other elders think I might be a zone leader here in Lake City. That means I would just be moving to the other side of town. I'll let you know for sure next week when I write.
That's all for now.
I love you all dearly. Be safe and remember the Church is true.
Love Always, Zach
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Birthday week...
May 16, 2011…Hello Family,
Things are going well here in Lake City, Florida. Elder Allen and I had a good week. For the most part it was similar to many other weeks, but that's not a bad thing. There were several days where the Lord really blessed us with some great miracles. We were able to find some great new investigators and have some powerful lessons.
However, before we get to that there are some other things I wanted to mention. First, I got the package and want to say THANK YOU!! It was fantastic to get everything. The cupcakes made it, but they weren't in the best of shape. The frosting was melted and they weren't quite as moist as usual. However, they were still delicious. The cookies were as scrumptious as usual...Elder Allen and I gobbled them up in a hurry. It definitely made my day when I got the package. I made crepes too this last week. They were really good. Just butter and sugar on them, but they really hit the spot.
Also, transfer calls come this Saturday night. So next Monday I will let you know if I am staying or going. It's incredible how quickly this transfer has gone by. It seems like it was just yesterday that I was getting here.
Now, back to the week. It went well. As I said the Lord really blessed us. I think one of the things that makes me happiest is going out and working. There is a good feeling when you go out and work hard and smart. Those days are always far better and that's where the real satisfaction comes from. Thursday was one of those days. We worked hard and found some really great new people to teach. It's incredible how we were able to find one person after another. I've noticed that a lot of the people I have found throughout my mission have come from me talking to people outside. Whether they are walking somewhere or just sitting outside those people are more open. They are more willing to talk and listen. Tuesday was a good day. Not because it was my birthday, but because we found another new investigator and had some really great lessons. The best thing is that nobody actually knew it was my birthday. I wanted it that way. I didn't want anything to distract me from my purpose. Elder Allen did make me some...southern banana pudding...there's another name for it, but I'm drawing a blank at the moment. He also sang happy birthday. Also President and Sister Barry called and sang happy birthday. So did the senior couples at the Mission Office. That's about all that happened for my birthday. Like I said though, that's the way I wanted it. On Saturday and Sunday we had great lessons with Paul. He is a new investigator of ours. He is going through some hard times, but has really been making great progress. We mostly talked about prayer and the power of it. He hasn't been very religious his entire life so this is all pretty new to him. He is a really awesome guy. I think one of the best things is that he is totally open and honest. He won't say he's going to do something just because he thinks that is what we want to hear. When he says something he means it. I'm excited to continue working with him. I can see him doing great things. Especially as he puts more trust in the Lord and stays humble. Overall the week was good.
Lately I've been feeling more peace and joy in my life. I have been able to better handle the trials that come my way too. I honestly believe it's because I have been reading the Book of Mormon every morning. I originally was going to read for five minutes each morning, but now I find myself reading for 10-15 minutes. The time goes so quickly and I find myself getting so into it. I'm excited to say that on Saturday I finished reading the Book of Mormon!! I started it a long time ago, but didn't do very well with my reading for a long time. I would study from it each day, but wasn't reading it. As I drew near to the end I would often think about all the things I have learned and felt as I read. I have learned so much from it. There have been so many times when I had questions on my mind when I started to read, and by time I was finished I had found answers within the pages I read. In Moroni 10:3-5 it tells us how we can come to know the Book of Mormon is true. Well, I did what Moroni says and I know it is true. Also in Alma 5:45-46 Alma speaks about how he has fasted and prayed much to know the truths he knows. Much like Alma I have fasted and prayed and now know greater than ever before that the Book of Mormon is true, and I love it. Knowing this has brought great changes to my life. I have come closer to God and Jesus Christ than ever before and feel Their love each and every day. I have a more positive outlook, and understand that I am truly a child of God. I'm especially happy that these things are available to all who seek it out.
Love Always, Zach
Things are going well here in Lake City, Florida. Elder Allen and I had a good week. For the most part it was similar to many other weeks, but that's not a bad thing. There were several days where the Lord really blessed us with some great miracles. We were able to find some great new investigators and have some powerful lessons.
 |
| The Wesson Oil cupCakes looked fine before mailing! |
 |
| Snickerdoodles-Zach's favorite cookie. |
Now, back to the week. It went well. As I said the Lord really blessed us. I think one of the things that makes me happiest is going out and working. There is a good feeling when you go out and work hard and smart. Those days are always far better and that's where the real satisfaction comes from. Thursday was one of those days. We worked hard and found some really great new people to teach. It's incredible how we were able to find one person after another. I've noticed that a lot of the people I have found throughout my mission have come from me talking to people outside. Whether they are walking somewhere or just sitting outside those people are more open. They are more willing to talk and listen. Tuesday was a good day. Not because it was my birthday, but because we found another new investigator and had some really great lessons. The best thing is that nobody actually knew it was my birthday. I wanted it that way. I didn't want anything to distract me from my purpose. Elder Allen did make me some...southern banana pudding...there's another name for it, but I'm drawing a blank at the moment. He also sang happy birthday. Also President and Sister Barry called and sang happy birthday. So did the senior couples at the Mission Office. That's about all that happened for my birthday. Like I said though, that's the way I wanted it. On Saturday and Sunday we had great lessons with Paul. He is a new investigator of ours. He is going through some hard times, but has really been making great progress. We mostly talked about prayer and the power of it. He hasn't been very religious his entire life so this is all pretty new to him. He is a really awesome guy. I think one of the best things is that he is totally open and honest. He won't say he's going to do something just because he thinks that is what we want to hear. When he says something he means it. I'm excited to continue working with him. I can see him doing great things. Especially as he puts more trust in the Lord and stays humble. Overall the week was good.
Lately I've been feeling more peace and joy in my life. I have been able to better handle the trials that come my way too. I honestly believe it's because I have been reading the Book of Mormon every morning. I originally was going to read for five minutes each morning, but now I find myself reading for 10-15 minutes. The time goes so quickly and I find myself getting so into it. I'm excited to say that on Saturday I finished reading the Book of Mormon!! I started it a long time ago, but didn't do very well with my reading for a long time. I would study from it each day, but wasn't reading it. As I drew near to the end I would often think about all the things I have learned and felt as I read. I have learned so much from it. There have been so many times when I had questions on my mind when I started to read, and by time I was finished I had found answers within the pages I read. In Moroni 10:3-5 it tells us how we can come to know the Book of Mormon is true. Well, I did what Moroni says and I know it is true. Also in Alma 5:45-46 Alma speaks about how he has fasted and prayed much to know the truths he knows. Much like Alma I have fasted and prayed and now know greater than ever before that the Book of Mormon is true, and I love it. Knowing this has brought great changes to my life. I have come closer to God and Jesus Christ than ever before and feel Their love each and every day. I have a more positive outlook, and understand that I am truly a child of God. I'm especially happy that these things are available to all who seek it out.
Love Always, Zach
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Familia...
May 2, 2011 ...Hello Family,
It has been a busy week! Elder Allen and I were blessed to find many new investigators. I feel very humbled by how much the Lord has been blessing us. A few of the people we met were the first door we knocked on while tracting. That rarely happens. Most of them seem more sincere in their search for the truth. It's been fantastic working with them, and getting to know the area better.
It was much different being in the car all last week. We covered a lot of miles and were able to see a lot of people. I enjoyed it. I am looking forward to being on bike this week again. It's good exercise, and gives us a lot of opportunities to talk to people and share our unique message.
We had a cool experience on Saturday. For the Church's day of service our ward had a blood/food/clothing drive. We didn't get to donate blood, but a member gave us a bunch of clothes to take. We got there and dropped off the clothing then went around looking for people to talk to. We met a really cool guy who lives in Jacksonville. He was one of the employees for the group that was taking the clothing. We talked to him for awhile, and during our conversation a lady from a newspaper out here came and asked for our picture. So, we had our picture taken and it should be in their paper along with the story. I think the name of the paper is the Suwanee Times, or something like it. You might be able to see it online, but I'm going to grab a couple of copies for myself.
I will be calling next Sunday...Mother's Day. I'll call at six o'clock your time. Hope that works for you. If not...too bad.
I made a discovery this week. I have a hole in the sole of my right shoe. It's not very big, but water and dirt get in. It actually hasn't been much of a problem. I think it's neat. This pair of shoes has been through a lot. I'd hate to get rid of them.
It's also very humbling to see all that people go through and struggle with. I never realized how blessed I really am until I came out here. I've met several people who can't even read. That's something that we all take for granted each day. We live such comfortable lives yet we often fail to realize it.
Speaking of reading, this last week I made a decision to make sure I spend at least five minutes reading from the Book of Mormon each day. During studies I would always end up reading something out of it, but I want to read it and just it for at least those five minutes. I started it on Friday. It has been really wonderful! It's the first thing I do each day. I get up and turn off my alarm clock and then sit and read. It's very peaceful, and is a great way to start out the day. As I've been doing it I've also felt the Spirit more. I'm not at all surprised by this, but it is a welcome experience. I remember I used to have such a hard time reading the Book of Mormon. Now I love it! There is so much that can be learned from it. It's the best self-help book ever. No matter what struggle we may be having we can find answers within it's pages. We can find that true peace and happiness that we're all looking for. I strongly encourage each of you to start prayerfully reading it each day. You will see a difference in your life. There is an article in an old Ensign written by President Marion G. Romney. This is a quote I got from it, "I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase, mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, charity-the pure love of Christ-will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness..." My family, I know those words are true. I have felt that change within my heart as I've read the Book of Mormon. I have seen my faith, hope and charity grow. I feel that peace, joy, and happiness. Please read the Book of Mormon daily. You will be changing your lives for the good.
Love Always, Zach
It has been a busy week! Elder Allen and I were blessed to find many new investigators. I feel very humbled by how much the Lord has been blessing us. A few of the people we met were the first door we knocked on while tracting. That rarely happens. Most of them seem more sincere in their search for the truth. It's been fantastic working with them, and getting to know the area better.
It was much different being in the car all last week. We covered a lot of miles and were able to see a lot of people. I enjoyed it. I am looking forward to being on bike this week again. It's good exercise, and gives us a lot of opportunities to talk to people and share our unique message.
We had a cool experience on Saturday. For the Church's day of service our ward had a blood/food/clothing drive. We didn't get to donate blood, but a member gave us a bunch of clothes to take. We got there and dropped off the clothing then went around looking for people to talk to. We met a really cool guy who lives in Jacksonville. He was one of the employees for the group that was taking the clothing. We talked to him for awhile, and during our conversation a lady from a newspaper out here came and asked for our picture. So, we had our picture taken and it should be in their paper along with the story. I think the name of the paper is the Suwanee Times, or something like it. You might be able to see it online, but I'm going to grab a couple of copies for myself.
I will be calling next Sunday...Mother's Day. I'll call at six o'clock your time. Hope that works for you. If not...too bad.
I made a discovery this week. I have a hole in the sole of my right shoe. It's not very big, but water and dirt get in. It actually hasn't been much of a problem. I think it's neat. This pair of shoes has been through a lot. I'd hate to get rid of them.
It's also very humbling to see all that people go through and struggle with. I never realized how blessed I really am until I came out here. I've met several people who can't even read. That's something that we all take for granted each day. We live such comfortable lives yet we often fail to realize it.
Speaking of reading, this last week I made a decision to make sure I spend at least five minutes reading from the Book of Mormon each day. During studies I would always end up reading something out of it, but I want to read it and just it for at least those five minutes. I started it on Friday. It has been really wonderful! It's the first thing I do each day. I get up and turn off my alarm clock and then sit and read. It's very peaceful, and is a great way to start out the day. As I've been doing it I've also felt the Spirit more. I'm not at all surprised by this, but it is a welcome experience. I remember I used to have such a hard time reading the Book of Mormon. Now I love it! There is so much that can be learned from it. It's the best self-help book ever. No matter what struggle we may be having we can find answers within it's pages. We can find that true peace and happiness that we're all looking for. I strongly encourage each of you to start prayerfully reading it each day. You will see a difference in your life. There is an article in an old Ensign written by President Marion G. Romney. This is a quote I got from it, "I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase, mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, charity-the pure love of Christ-will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness..." My family, I know those words are true. I have felt that change within my heart as I've read the Book of Mormon. I have seen my faith, hope and charity grow. I feel that peace, joy, and happiness. Please read the Book of Mormon daily. You will be changing your lives for the good.
Love Always, Zach
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