So it has been a few weeks since I updated everyone on Zach's adventures in Potato Land. He is very happy and healthy. He is serving in Rigby, Idaho and loves his area. Zach sends letters (emails) to us individually as a family so I am sure that what I am posting is largely devoid of the total message that he would like everyone to hear. However, I will do my best to capture the sentiment of his experience. Here is a bit of the latest letters that we have received from him.
I'm doing great here. I'm being fed for than I can handle. I love this area so much. The WML's are awesome. Last night. Elder Harding and I taught a lesson around a camp fire and it was so nice to relax for a bit and meet more people. Yesterday, we spoke in 2 of our wards, the first which we had prepared for and the other where we were volunteered to do so over the pulpit. It was crazy but fun to try to come up with something in 3 minutes. I finished reading the Book of Mormon on Wednesday and I have never felt the Spirit more strongly than I did when I prayed about it. I felt as if my chest was so full that gravity was twice as strong when I stood up. My testimony has grown so much.
Yesterday, we had our Stake high councilor over missionary work's son come and speak (that's why we spoke) and his testimony was awesome. Elder Harding and I were asked to sing Bass for the choir that day. I loved it. We both love singing and so it was great.
I love you so much and am praying for you everyday.
Zach and his companion have been focusing as one might expect on the less-active members of the church. As a result, they have been reaching out to those that have felt the Spirit in their lives at one time and inviting them to come back to Christ. They have been working with one brother to shake his tobacco habit and fully embrace the fullness of the gospel. They are hopeful as he has kept his commitments thus far. They have also been working with another family and have a baptismal date set for next month with them.
He currently covers 3 stakes and so he attends approximately 3 sacrament meetings weekly. It is a bit of a stretch for him but he loves his experience.
Zach was a music major at the University of Southern Mississippi and it just so happens that his companion, Elder Harding is also a music major. They have been given permission to practice 2 hours per week on the piano and so he is honing his skills and talents.
Above all, Zach's growth in the gospel of Jesus Christ is wonderful to see and read about. We love him and look forward to hearing more great news. Please keep him in your prayers.
This is a picture of Zach and his companion playing guitar at one of their ward mission leader's home for a family home evening. He definitely looks happy and in his element sharing the gospel.
