Week 14: Adventures of Elder Scared Pants falling off a bridge

Elder Van Pelt and Elder Padilla in front of said bridge

Zach was out Tracting with Elder Padilla this week (who apparently looks like Jacob off of twilight). They were out in the farthest corner of their sector, Bajo Traigen, and needed to get to the other side of their sector for some scheduled appointments they had. It is about a 45 minute walk from one side of the sector to the other (gag), so Elder Padilla suggested a way that would cut down their walking time so they could make it to their appointments on time. Well, Zach is super duper afraid of heights as some of you may know, and sure enough Elder Padilla led him to a humungous bridge with plenty of room to fall to your death. As they got closer Zach noticed it was not just a bridge, but railroad tracks that were on the bridge. Zach was growing increasingly uneasy as he got closer and as he passed through the fence to get to the bridge he felt really uneasy. He expressed this to Elder Padilla and Elder Padilla looked Zach in the eyes and said "I am here, hold onto my backpack and we will cross the bridge together." Zach was able to cross the bridge and conquer his fear with the help of this elder by his side.  Elder Van Pelt likened this unto his life and compared the bridge to sin, fear, change, trials... With the help of the Holy Ghost, Christ and Heavenly Father, we can overcome these things and cross the bridge.

Here are some things he likened to our lives:
1. Faith - faith that he would make it across safely and faith in Elder Padilla, that he would not take him across the bridge if it was unsafe.
2. Repentance - He chose to go to the gate and cross through it.
3. Baptism - When we are baptized we enter the gate and the path to eternal life.
4. Gift of the Holy Ghost - Elder Padilla was like the Holy Ghost guiding him and helping him across the bridge (life).
5. Endure to the end - he took baby steps from one side to another. Enduring through this life and some trials may be difficult but the end is so worth it.

To end Zachs letter, I am going to just quote the rest of what he said because I thought it was just very well said and I wouldn't want to do anything to change it.

Self titled by Zach: Selfie with a sheep

"Now there is one more example I would like to share and that is of the Savior Jesus Christ. He gave us everything! He did the hardest thing without complaining. He died on the cross for you and me! Now I want you to take a second and think about that. He literally died and gave us the chance to be perfected through him. That is why we dont just work... We give our all in everything we do. If we truly love the Savior Jesus Christ we will obey his commandments and pray and read the scriptures with sincerity. 

We as members of the church dont work! I have found that work is weak! Work is only for those who want to be seen and gain happiness through others seeing them. Whats higher and better is giving your all in everything! Growing, learning, experiencing, loving, never soars unless you give your all. For you to give your all you must change who you are. Re-evaluate your life and focus on a higher law which is to GIVE your all. What does it mean to give? Giving can be a father providing for his kids in every opportunity even when he has pain that would put a man crying on his bed. Giving is suffering for the pains of the world. Thats what Christ did and all he asks is for us to be like him. For us to truly soar we need to give our all and focus on others. Be better. Do the will of God and choose good. 

I testify with everything I am that this is the way to eternal life. Turning outward then inward. I know that we all can do this. We all can obtain this. I pray that you will take this story and apply it in your life to change and intruduce a new vision in your sight. I know this is true and as you change your attitude on serving others god will bless you with more love, patience, kindness and give everything to you. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen."

Remember that Zach love love loves letters! Especially hand written. He enjoys so much hearing from every one of you, so if you can take a minute and send him a note to the listed address here on the blog that would be great.

Hasta luego!