07/26/2026
Sierra Vista's Zach Chavez Fulfilling Faith and Purpose in the Philippines
SIERRA VISTA—“I’ve seen the blessings and the joy that comes to others through missions and I want to experience that for myself,” explains Zach Chavez, a lifelong Sierra Vista native who will be spending the next two years in the Philippines serving in the Manila area as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “I decided to serve a mission so that I could grow spiritually, become more humble by living below my means, and better understand what God wants for me in life.” With the full support of his parents, who are not members of the faith, Zach was converted and baptized at just fourteen years old. Being the first missionary in his family is especially meaningful for him. “There will be trials and challenges I will face, but I know that God has a plan for me, and if I overcome those challenges, I will be blessed.”
Pondering on what first drew him to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Zach remembers attending a church meeting for the first time with friends from middle school and listening to the Christ-centered testimonies shared. What really stood out to him was “watching someone pray with a sincere heart.” The sense of community also made a deep impression on him. Rather than feeling judged or awkward as a new attendee, he felt welcomed and loved. “That experience helped me understand how important having kindness in communities could be.” Recently, when his parents attended a Sunday meeting with him, he was touched to “see how loved they were by other members who knew me as their son.”
A sense of community is important to Zach. From his experiences in the local church community, in addition to an array of coaches, tutors, mentors, and friends, Zach has seen how communities are made stronger when “we take some time to be patient and show kindness for others,” and when “we have people who are willing to guide the younger generation.” He learned through his childhood and teenage years “the importance of having gratitude, working hard, and supporting others wherever you can.” Zach is motivated to take this kindness and community embodied within him and share it with the people of the Philippines through Christlike service and teaching.
While he enjoys activities like fishing, exercising, and spending time with family and friends, Zach has set aside many of his “personal hobbies to learn how to serve others and grow spiritually.” He is also excited to experience “a new culture, meet new people, and serve,” especially looking forward to “seeing the beauty of the Philippines and trying the food.” Before flying to the Philippines, Zach will spend about six weeks at the Provo, Utah, Missionary Training Center, where he will be “learning the language they speak in the Philippines, Tagalog, and learning how to teach and share the gospel in that language.” On September 30th he will travel from Utah to the Philippines: “I will be serving with a companion, who will help guide me in my daily life as a new missionary.”
Zach’s parents, Gabe and Nicole Chavez, “couldn’t be more proud” of their son. Testifying of the privilege it has been to watch him grow into a “strong, kind, and faithful young man,” they see his decision to serve a mission as a reflection of his character, courage, and love for others. Gabe and Nicole share this heartfelt message for Zach: “This journey you’re about to begin won’t always be easy, but we know you are ready. You carry with you everything you need—your faith, your compassion, your determination, resiliency, and the values we’ve tried to teach you. Your loving presence has been a gift in our lives as it will be in those you serve. While you’re away, there will be moments when you miss home, but please know that you are never alone. Our love goes with you wherever you are.”
Saying goodbye to family, friends, and the only home he has ever known will not be easy for Zach, but he takes courage in this counsel from his parents that all people—regardless of age—would do well to follow: “Go out into the world and do the incredible things you were called to do.”
Written by Allison Kartchner
Published in the Herald/Review
July 25, 2026