Letter from President Parrella!!

The Acceptance

Dear Brethren:

The road to serve a mission hasn't been easy but it has been well worth it. My testimony of Christ and His Atonement has grown immensely during preparation! This gospel is the thing that makes me happiest in my life and I want to share that with the people of the Brazil Belo Horizonte Mission. I can't express the happiness and joy I feel as I accept this call to serve. I am ready and willing to commit two years of my life to preaching this incredible gospel!

Sincerely,

Elder R. Zachary Excell

The Call

After camping out at the mailbox for several weeks and finally finding out that his call had been placed in the wrong Post Office box for one of those weeks (which is humorous to look back on but not so funny at the time) Zack finally received the large white envelope he had been waiting for on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. He patiently (or not so patiently) waited another 8 hours for family and friends to gather and share in this moment. As he read the words, "You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints..." his emotions hit, and at that moment, I had the joy of being a very proud Mother.

"Go forth with faith to tell the world
Of Jesus Christ, the Lord.
Bear witness he is God’s own Son;
Proclaim his wondrous word.
Go forth with hope and courage strong
To spread the word abroad
That people of all nations
Are children of our God.

Go forth with love to tell the world
The joy of families—
That we may be with those we love
Thru all eternity.
Go forth to serve and do your best
With no thought of reward;
Then you shall know the boundless joy
Of serving Christ, the Lord."

Go Forth, Serve Faithfully and Continue to Make Us Proud!!

This blog is dedicated to you and the incredible work you'll have before you for the next two years!! I Love You! -Mom