Zach and Andrew

Zach was able to see one of his friends, Andrew Ganem before he left the MTC. They actually had been there at the same time for almost 3 weeks before they ran into each other. Zach was really happy to see him, and since that meeting, Zach has gone on to New Jersey, and Andrew left for Honduras.

Adversity

Zach wrote this letter, and Ivan received it on his birthday. It's been difficult for Ivan, as the business is slow and he worries about it constantly. On the day he opened this letter he was feeling particularly low. Needless to say, Zach's letter helped to brighten his mood and put things in perspective.

Hey DAD,

I just wanted to say that i am so proud to call you my father. I always know I can to you for guidance. I was reading in the Doctrine & Covenants the other day and I wanted to share what I read. I was reading an article in the Ensign about Joseph Smith's experiences in Liberty Jail and the adversity he endured. It stated that everyone goes through their own "Liberty jail" experience at some point. In section 121 verses 7-8 it reads ...."My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;... and then if thou endure it well, God shall exalt the on high..." and in section 122 versus 8-9 "The son of man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with the; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."

This really touched me because I know that no matter what we go through, what we are feeling, and the pains we have the Lord has felt them and is with us every step of the way. Like in the poem footprints: "... My son, I love you and would never leave you. when you looked and saw one set of footprints it was then that I was Carrying you."No matter what we do as long as we put our whole heart and soul into it and we do it in righteousness the Lord will make up the difference and carry us back into his presence.

I love you so much,

-ELDER ZACHARY ROQUE

I am so excited that Robert (one of Zach's best friends) received his mission call. Serving a mission is a great experience i know he will love it and love the people of Kentucky.

We have been doing an awful lot of tracting, with not much success. But, I know if I continue to work hard and be obedient that the Lord will bless our efforts. I was reading about Abinadi in the Book of Mormon the other day, and just was so honored to know that I am teaching the people the same gospel that he did. I know that many missionaries want to be like Ammon, but I want to pattern my mission after Abinidi; unwavering and obedient. Even in the face death, he chose to remain firm in his testimony of the Savior.

Elder Roque

I have been in New Jersey for just about two weeks now, and it has been great.
We were able to do some contacting in Newark, what the missionaries here call a “fear buster”. I was able to place a Book of Mormon on that day. We’ll see
if a contact will result.

It is amazing here. There are so many opportunities to share the gospel and feel the spirit. I know I am doing the Lord’s work and I have never been as blessed as much as I feel right now. I am actually have the opportunity to baptize someone this Sunday! Her name is Yveline and she is from Haiti. I can’t believe how quickly the work moves ahead.

Elder Roque