27/04/2026
Huge thank you and "Padayon" to Elder Zarate! ๐ต๐ญ Thank you for your courage and for reminding us all that itโs never too late for a new beginning. CDO is lucky to have you! See you in 2028! ๐
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Growing up , I didn't truly understand the importance of mission.
Then, COVID-19 hit. During the pandemic, my desire to find out "why" a mission mattered faded away.
Everything changed during a short discussion with my Dada (grandfather) before he was admitted to the hospital. He was seriously ill, and the pandemic made the situation even more challenging. He told me, "Kung hindi man ako makalabas nang buhay, siguraduhin mong maglilingkod ka sa Panginoon, dahil may kailangang tumanggap ng ebanghelyo tulad ko." That was my answer!
I realized that a mission is for the people who havenโt received the word of God yet. Sadly, Dada passed away a few days later. I lost hope because he was my main motivation, and serving a mission stopped being my priority.
When FSY 2022 was announced, I didn't want to go. I was shy and had recently been in an accident that made me want to stay home. My mother told me to "pray for it." Despite my hesitation, I felt such comfort and joy. My testimony grew stronger than ever, and I even started participating in missionary work, despite of being scared.
A few months later, school started. I struggled to balance my spiritual life with my academics, I felt forced to choose between the two. I chose to focus strictly on my academics, and my desire to serve faded again. I changed; I developed vices and became addicted to it. For two years (10th and 11th grade), I spent all my time on school and my addiction.
One day, I attended Seminary. The lesson was about Repentance and the Word of Wisdom. I received a personal revelation that I had been blinded by the adversary for two years by not listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. I felt a deep sense of shame.
When I got home, I opened my Gospel Library to study the Book of Mormon. I didn't know where to start, but at the top of my search history was Enos 1:4. I read about how Enos "cried and kneeled down before his Maker." That phrase moved me to tears. I knelt down and cried before my Maker, and that night, I felt the Lord's presence, comforting me.
Fast forward>>
FSY 2024 was a blast. It was the time I truly prepared myself for a mission while finishing Senior High School. After graduating, I decided to put further schooling on hold to focus entirely on my mission papers. It hasn't been easyโthere are still hardships and moments of self-doubtโbut I remain steadfast.
But I know that despite the struggles we face, it is okay to fail, but we must never give up because the Lord is with us. Our efforts are never in vain; the Lord appreciates every bit of work we do.
I bear my testimony that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church on earth and that Joseph Smith was called of God. I know the Book of Mormon is true and provides joy, love, and comfort. I know that President Dallin H. Oaks is a prophet and called of God.
This is the Church of New Beginnings, and there is no limit to how many times we can start again!
Elder Zarate
Philippines Cayagan De Oro Mission
April 2026 - April 2028
[email protected]
