The Zachtastic Movie Blog

It's weird to think that both of the Christmas holidays I would spend on my mission have now passed by. Nonetheless, it has all been a great experience to be a part of all of the celebrations, joy and reverence that accompanies the remembrance of our Savior's birth into the world. The last time I got to experience this as a missionary was when I was a brand new, timid little preemie in the MTC; a year has passed since then, and I am grateful to say that my chance to celebrate that same holiday here in Iowa City has been a great experience at that.  Christmas Eve dinner, bro!! For one thing, we had a lot of fun being able to have a potluck lunch as a Zone on Christmas Eve after we had our individual District Meetings. The opportunity to spend this holiday with members was also great, for it was very humbling, enjoyable and meaningful to be a part of the traditions that some of these awesome households have been practicing for years. Such include having a candlelit d...

Holy cow, I am old.   As of Thursday, December 18 I have been on my mission for over a year.  Thanks to the Olsons, I had a most excellent humpday this past week. That sure was an awesome cake!  It has been interesting to reflect on this past year in the Lord's service and witness all of the blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon me since I have left. While I may be imperfect and have not always been the best missionary I could be, I can honestly say that as long as I've tried my best, this Work has been one of joy, change, conversion to the Gospel (both on my end and in the lives of others), and the rewards have already been tremendous.  Oh yeah, we love what we do. I look back on this past year with fondness and can say that it has been the greatest time of my life. You don't know how blessed you have been until you get the opportunity to dedicate   all  of your life to sharing those blessings with others. So, I hope it will suffice to s...

The Christmas season is now in full swing here in Iowa City, the home of the Hawkeyes.   This past   Thursday   we had a special Christmas-themed Zone Conference. Elder Price and myself at the Christmas Zone Conference. First we were spiritually fed with excellent trainings from the Assistants, Sister Jensen and President Jensen.  Here are some of the highlights of those trainings that were given: 1. We know what the expectations and the qualifications are for baptism (Mosiah   18:10 ; D&C   20:37 ;   Preach My Gospel  - Chapter 12), but do our investigators know? I think many of us forget that preparing investigators for baptism and confirmation isn't simply about teaching, testifying and inviting them to keep commitments, it also involves informing individuals about what it takes to repent and prepare for that sacred ordinance. Thus, if someone wants to follow Christ through such a way, then we should do what we can to set thos...

As I mentioned last Monday, I received a call from President Jensen in which I was informed that I would be training a new missionary.   On Thursday , I met the man who I will be training for the next 12 weeks: Elder Price, a hard-working, assertive, spiritual giant from Midvale, Utah (a suburb of Salt Lake City)!   FATHER AND SON!!! The interesting thing, though, is that he is the oldest companion I have been with so far - he is 22 years old, and he will be having his birthday next month. I find it funny that I've found myself in a position of training a guy who is so much older than me, but it certainly is humbling, and I hope to do my best to help him adjust to the tough missionary lifestyle. As for Elder Scott's fate, he has been sent to Rock Island, Illinois, which is part of the Quad Cities. I will miss him, and I hope that he enjoys his time serving there. For other changes in our District, Elder Jackson has a new companion named Elder Hunter, Sister Egbert...

My time with Elder Scott has come to an end, and he will be moving on to another area. Despite our struggles, trials, disagreements and obstacles that we have had to overcome, I have really grown to love him in these past 12 weeks. I love him and will always cherish these great experiences we have had finding, teaching and performing service for other people here in the home of the Hawkeyes. As for my fate,   I have been assigned to train a brand new missionary!  I have to be honest, I am very excited, but very nervous at the same time for this. This will be the first time I have ever been senior companion, so you could say that the pressure is certainly on for me. At least there is comfort knowing that this is what the Lord wants me to do though, so I have faith that over the next 12 weeks I will have fun with my boy (our mission's term for a brand new elder) and see some great miracles.  You never know what you may find while walking around Iowa City. Otherwi...