Travels in Reading and Easter in the Spring!

Hey everyone!

I hope you all had a great Easter! We had a great one doing this great
work. It was a really good week overall and we saw so many miracles.
I'm still a little exhausted after it all, but it goes to show you
know you're getting work done.

So to start the week, we had a great dinner with a member named
Brother Espinoza on Monday night. He was a little less active a few
months ago, but now he comes to church every week! He is such a funny
guy. He calls us dudes every time he sees us. But we had a great
dinner talking about his mission in Ecuador and he actually gave some
pretty good advice.

On Tuesday, we met with our investigator, Michelle. We brought Brother
Kirkland, our go to member. We bring him because he is really
persistent with people on keeping commitments, but he does it with a
lot of love, it's a real skill. With Michelle, she is really sweet,
but hasn't read from the Book of Mormon or has come to church. But we
got her to commit to reading from the Book of Mormon. We even
downloaded the app on her phone. So we will see what happens when we
visit with her again. But Brother Kirkland, he really pulled through
for us because he told about his wife's conversion story (Sister
Kirkland grew up Jewish) and that really touched Michelle. Members are
the best!

On Wednesday, I started my two day exchange in Reading! I was with my
District Leader, Elder Jones. It was a really productive day as we
shared the Easter Video the church put out to a number of people on
the street. We talked to a lot of Hispanics, which was really great! A
few of them laughed when I told them I am half Mexican, but it broke
the ice! Elder Jones and I have had a lot of fun working together the
past few months, he's probably going to leave Reading since he has
been there for 6 months but it was great to work with him again!

Thursday was a lot of fun too! We had District Meeting, so I was able
to reunite with Elder Thielen for a few hours. But after we got
Wendy's with the Zone Leaders, Elder Holden and I went to work on the
East part of Reading. Elder Holden is a lot of fun and we did a good
amount of walking up some steep streets, but it was so productive! We
taught 8 lessons in one day and we worked so well together. One of the
lessons we taught was a guy named John who was just sitting on the
street feeling pretty down. But after we taught him about Jesus Christ
and how he can find peace in his life, it seemed like he had a new
light in his eyes. It was really cool! Elder Holden even knew how to
respond to people who were telling us what we were doing was wrong and
not true. He always had an answer. Let me tell you, if there's any
missionary who has been a huge role model, it's gotta be Elder Holden.
At the end of the night we were playing catch with a tennis ball and I
got my head stuck in an empty package box they recently got. It was
fun no doubt.

After the exchange, Elder Holden and I drove up to Kutztown on a rainy
Friday morning. We had some good laughs when we met up with a Elder
Jewkes and Elder Thielen. But then we got right to work. Elder Thielen
set up 3 appointments while I was gone (what a great companion). We
taught Eleanor, who we are struggling with on being on the same page
as her. She really looks at scripture into great detail. Except there
are misconceptions she has about the scriptures (i.e. the 12 Apostles
weren't really apostles). We might have to drop her, but we are being
pretty persistent with her. We also saw Sister Donio, who we are
really working with to get her a temple recommend. She has been doing
so well! She has been keeping every commitment we have left her. At
the end of our lesson, she bore a very powerful testimony on how
excited and determined she is to go to the temple. She was even
telling us how much she appreciated us and what we were doing. The
spirit was so strong as we taught her. We ended the night when we
visited Corbin and Jenny. They are doing really well! We taught them
the end of the Plan of Salvation, which turned out pretty great! We
actually saw them Saturday, and Sunday too.

On Saturday, we did hours of finding in Kutztown. I was a little
frustrated because I just didn't feel well, so we sat on a curb for 10
minutes. But it's amazing how the Lord provides. We talked to 3 people
who walked by us for a good amount of time. By the time I got back up,
I was full of energy and I wanted to talk to more people. It was
really comforting to know the Lord was with me and visited me in my
time of weakness. That's what it's all about, as we submit ourselves
to the Master Healer, he can do so much with us than we could ever do
with ourselves. We also saw Jenny and Corbin, who weren't doing so
well. Jenny's daughter Atteah, was pretty sick. She was throwing up
pretty bad and was so exhausted. The worst thing was that her birthday
was on Easter. So we gave her a blessing and shared a message about
faith. It just seemed everyone was stressed out, but by the time we
ended our visit, you could really feel the mood change in the house.
The Holy Spirit really abided in that home. It was great.

On Easter Sunday, we had such a great day! We had 8 investigators come
to church which has been the most I have ever had on my mission. It
was great because all of church really focused on the Resurrection and
the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Later, we stopped at a member's house
named the Wills. A few other families were there as well and we had a
great Easter dinner. They wanted us to go for an egg hunt, but we ran
out of time because we wanted to see Jenny and Corbin. They actually
had a pre marital vow ceremony on Easter and Atteah was back to
perfect health. It was a great time to end the night. We were so
grateful for all the progress we have had since I have been here.
There's only one week left of the transfer, and it's possible Elder
Thielen or I might be leaving. But we will see! We are going to work
pretty hard to match the great week we had. We are also pretty excited
for general conference! It's going to be so great to hear from the
Prophet and Apostles again on my mission. Things are looking up here
in Kutztown. I hope it's the same for all of you back home! Just
remember, the Lord is with you if you let Him in. That is my sincere
testimony to you. As we are willing, just as the people in the Bible
and the Book of Mormon were, we will find unbreakable strength through
the everlasting Atonement. I hope and pray all of you may find
everlasting peace and comfort through the Lord.




Elder Cortes

Kutztown, PA

The Easter Season

Hey everybody!

It was a great week mainly because we have been able to spread a great
Easter message to everyone we have come across! It has been great to
see people's heart soften as we share a video the church has put out
that testifies of the truthfulness of the Lord Jesus Christ.

On Tuesday, we started by having a great training for the Zone by
President and Sister Anderson along with the Assistants. They really
broke down on how to help people understanding the Gospel and really
listen to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Later that day, we went into
Kutztown got to talk to a few people around the University. It's
really great to see how open people in college are. They really are
humble and so many were willing to listen to our message. Throughout
the week, we were able to go to Kutztown and share our Easter message
numerous times.

Wednesday, we met with Carlos, who has been a less active for a long
while. What was really great about the visit was we were able to also
meet with his fiancé, Britanee. It was such a powerful experience
because Britanee was explaining how they have been trying to find a
church to go to for so long and that they needed to find change now.
She said she was open to anything as long it was centered on Jesus
Christ. It was perfect because we read in the Book of Mormon and
explained how it testifies of the truthfulness of the Lord (2 Nephi
25:26). We gave them a copy of the Book of Mormon and are planning to
come to church this coming Sunday! We are so thankful the Lord has
prepared us people who are ready to hear the Gospel. I have seen it
over and over in my mission and I'm grateful for it every time.

On Thursday, we found out the great news that Jenny and Corbin decided
to get married! We were so excited when we found that out, it has been
such a blast to teach them. They have been reading the Book of Mormon
together and Corbin has been progressing very well. They have also
been living the Law of Chastity and the Word of Wisdom since we taught
it to them this past Thursday. Jenny even texted us that Corbin is
determined to be baptized. They are a miracle themselves. We also
taught Tony and his daughter, Angel. We are so excited for them
because Tony got his temple recommend two weeks ago and they should be
planning on going anytime now!

Friday, we went back out to Kutztown and street contacted Main St,
just right outside the University. We talked to so many college
students and people who just live around the area. For an entire day,
we shared the Easter video 21 times in one day! We were so excited
after such a long day of finding. One girl even told us she was
looking for a church to go to. Miracles do happen when you put your
mind to the work constantly. We also were able to teach on the
Atonement to Jenny and Corbin, which was a really powerful lesson.
They have been looking for a new house, so they might be moving out of
our area..... But the seed has been planted! I really hope they don't
go, but if it's the Lord's will, that's no problem.

Saturday, we helped out this part member couple, named Mike and Tracy.
They are rebuilding and refurnishing a house they bought. But they had
a lot of work done in their backyard (tires, rusted metal, old
branches). So for a few hours, we helped clean out their backyard. By
the end of it, we took out like 30 tires in the backyard. It was
something else, but we were glad to do that service. But we were so
exhausted by the end of it. Tracting was a little bit of a struggle,
it we were able to meet a few people knocking on doors. It was funny
because I just thought "this will be tough". But as I starting
working, I just felt I had more energy, which is great! It was a
relief for
me by the end of the night.

For Sunday, we were able to meet with our investigator, Eliud. He's a
stud for sure. He's already read 25 pages in the Book of Mormon! Also,
at the end of our lesson, he told us he would finish reading the Book
of Mormon in 2 weeks. We were so excited to hear how determined he is.
He's also planning on coming to church this coming Easter which we are
really excited about. He's really opened up to us about his family and
his concerns. It's great to see that kind of trust with investigators.
They really do trust you and open up as you are sincere and loving as
the Savior is.

We have been able to get a lot of work done, and we are planning to
have a huge week! Especially right before Easter. I'm also going to
Reading for back to back exchanges with my District Leader and  then
my Zone Leader, which I'm really excited about. But to end the email,
I want to bear my sincere testimony about the Resurrection of the
Lord, Jesus Christ. Easter has become one of my favorite holidays, all
because it is a special time of reference to the mission of the Holy
Messiah. He suffered the pains and afflictions of every mortal who has
or ever will live on this Earth. No one can't ever comprehend the
anguish the Lord  experienced that night, but He did it for every
single one of us. He was beaten and crucified because it was all part
of His Father's plan. He submitted to His will and even asked God to
forgive those who falsely accused and abused Him. Even through all the
injustice and wrongdoing that the Lamb of God suffered through, He
overcame it all. On the third and final day of the Atonement, Jesus
Christ was Resurrected. An angel even declared that "He is not here,
He is risen". What a miracle to know the Son of God ultimately was
victorious! Because of that, all of us will rise from the grave and
Death will have no sting. All of us will return to our Father in
Heaven, but we must do our part. Use His Atonement, His arm is
extended towards all of us (3 Nephi 9:14). All we must do is come unto
Him and do His will. I promise with all of my heart the Atonement of
Jesus Christ is real. I hope all of you have a Happy Easter!

Elder Cortes

Kutztown, PA

Old Friends and the Beginning of Spring

Hey everybody!

It's been a great week over here in Kutztown and hope all of you are
having or have had a great Spring Break over in the desert. But I'm
excited to talk about my week because it was a unique on for sure!

Monday, we taught a woman named Heather, who lives with Jenny and
Corbin. She was telling us how she really doesn't have a desire to
pray or read from the Book of Mormon because she has stopped being
religious. But as we testified of the power of prayer and that God
does answer prayers. The spirit was so strong in that lesson and you
could tell she was not doubting anything we were teaching her.

Wednesday was was so great because we had Zone Conference up in
Nazareth. We drove through Allentown, Whitehall, and Nazareth, it took
almost two hours, but the drive was worth it! I got to see Elder Froc
again and I saw Elder Maynard for the first time in 6 months. It was
so great to catch up with him and see how he is doing in Lehighton.
But the conference itself was great! President Anderson and the
Assistants gave great trainings and introduced a great Easter
Initiative that testifies of Christ and His resurrection. We also
taught a guy from Mexico named Eliud. He wants to help people more and
it was perfect we knocked on his door. After we said a prayer with
him, he told us he felt so good right after. He even gave us a snack,
baked ants! It wasn't my favorite, I'm just glad I only ate one. Elder
Thielen ate handfuls! It was crazy. But overall, a great day!

The next day, we drove to Reading for District Meeting and did some
service for an elderly woman named Eleanor. We were taking down some
old playground stuff she had for her grandkids and talked to her about
the Book of Mormon. She had been reading it which is a plus! Now we
just got to get her to church! For dinner, we had dinner at a older
couple named the Kirklands. Now, I don't know if I have ever talked
about brother Kirkland at all before, but he is my favorite member
hands down. He loves the Elders and has the best stories. We later
taught a woman named Michelle, who we haven't seen in like a month,
but it was a great visit! Brother Kirkland backed up everything we
were saying, which is the best to have a member like that. We taught
the Plan of Salvation, which she had never heard of before in the
terms we were talking to her about it. But she thought it was great!

The big thing on Friday was I was able to talk our Relief Society
President into sharing the Gospel with telemarketers during our dinner
appointment with her and her husband. It was so funny, the O's are the
best.

On Saturday, we dropped off some cookies for our old investigator
Katie, she texted us at the end of the night tells how grateful she
was for that because she just had surgery. Doing that kind of service,
something so small,made us feel so good! We also read with Jenny and
Corbin in the Book of Mormon and they are committing to reading every
night which we are really excited for!

To end the week, we had the Easter Initiative come out and we shared
the videos to everybody we talked to. One of the people we shared it
with became a new investigator! We also met with a guy who wanted to
just prove us wrong with the Bible. Those kind of experiences can be
annoying, and it was with this guy. But my testimony grew after that
experience. It really hasn't after those kind of experiences, but this
time it did. I was just so grateful with what I know, and what I'm
blessed with.

But to end, I just want to say how grateful I am to be on my mission.
I have always been grateful, but I really am seeing the growth in my
own life and with the lives of those I teach. I hope and pray all of
you get something out of what I write. This mission has become a part
of me, and I'm grateful for it everyday.

Have a great week everybody and enjoy the weather. It's starting to
feel like Spring over here!



Elder Cortes

Kutztown, PA

Springtime, Service & Sharing the Gospel

Hey everyone!

We had such a great week I still can't believe how merciful the Lord
is to us over here in Kutztown. What's really stuck out to me is that
the Lord has perfect timing in all things. I have seen it throughout
my mission but it's been very apparent this past week. It's
incredible!

On Tuesday, we had done a lot of tracting in the morning, not much
success. We had a few appointments set up, but they fell through. We
had backups on finding put in, but we just didn't feel like that's
what we needed to do. So we felt impressed to contact one of our
investigators, Eleanor. Now, Eleanor is 70 with a really bad back. She
was about to move some huge rocks in front of her yard and clean out
her gutter. But we were able to  help her which was great! It was nice
to do service for her, and she invited us over to visit her that
Saturday!

Wednesday we did an exchange, and I stayed in Kutztown with an Elder
named Elder Willson, who is from Georgia. After having a pie delivered
out of the blue from a member named Brother Kirkland, we went out to
see different investigators like Noel and Katie to try to get in touch
with them. We had no luck with any of them but things started to pick
up later that night. We taught a recent convert of ours named Tony
Skidmore who has been clean of smoking for 16 days so far! It's been
great to support him and continue to help him through being clean. The
ward has been helping them out as well, which has been great. After
the lesson, another recent convert who just moved from Lehighton,
texted us and asked if we could stop by for a visit. Her name is
Jenny. She was just down the street from Tony and we had time so we
thought "let's do it". Jenny is the only member in her family. She has
a 13 year old son, Christian, and a boyfriend named Corbin. There's
also a few family friends that live there named Clinton and Heather.
We had the perfect opportunity to teach on the Restoration. It was
great because Corbin seemed really interested in what we were saying.
It was so great! Jenny really backed up what we were talking about and
we were able to give each of them a Book of Mormon. It was a great way
to end the night!

Thursday we had Zone Training, which is always great because you get
to meet all the new missionaries in the Zone and we had great training
on the Book of Mormon. I got to see Elder Knuth and Elder Padilla, who
both were in my first district, so it was great to catch up with them
and how they are doing. We also got to see Corbin the next day and
talk to him a little bit more about what he thinks about what we
talked about. He told us in all his life, he had never really been
interested in religion. But he said it was different with us. He said
he felt good when we came over. The sprit was so strong as we talked
and shared our testimonies on the Book of Mormon. We even committed
him to baptism in May, which we are really excited for.

On Friday, we ended up helping members move out of a house, which was
a lot of fun. The Bussieres are a lot of fun and we had a great time
helping them move the last bit of stuff in their house. Their son,
Michael, actually came home from his mission this past week, which was
exciting to hear. We were able to meet him on Sunday and he's an
awesome returned missionary. He's still used to speaking Portuguese
and the Brazilian lifestyle, but he has such a strong testimony. He
was even telling us about friends he wants us to visit and told us we
could call him anytime we need him to come out with him. Yeah,  pretty
much RM's are a missionaries best friend. We also got Rita's for the
first time this year since it was closed all winter! It pretty much
was an eventful day.

Saturday we continued teaching Corbin by talking about the plan of
salvation and he also came to church with Jenny on Sunday. We are so
excited for the work that is going to come forth. We have seen so much
progress so far since I have been here and we are excited to see more.
I hope all of you have been well and happy, you all deserve it! I'm
grateful for all that I have been given by my Father in Heaven, I will
continue to serve Him diligently and with love. May the Lord bless you
all!



Elder Cortes

Kutztown, PA