Hey friends and family!
I hope all of you are doing well as always, it's starting to get
pretty humid in New Jersey....to the point where it really reminds me
when I first came out and started in Moorestown. But aside from that,
the missionary life is never dull and the work moves on!
Tuesday we met with a less active who lives in our neighborhood named
Brother Morgan. He's a member who comes and goes with being active in
the church, but he has such a good heart. We came at the right time
because he was stressed over things at work so we cheered him up by
giving him the Ensign with the conference talks in April which he
really appreciated and was excited to read because his internet was
down, so he didn't have any way to watch/read them.
Wednesday was a really great day. We had a good number of appointments
cancel on us, which was a little disappointing, but we were able to
have a great day nonetheless. So every Wednesday, a member in the ward
named Brother Coates takes the Elders out to go visit whoever they
need to go see or people struggling in the ward. It was neat because
we visited this older couple named the Johnsons who were baptized in
the 50's, and were one of the first people to be part of the Woodstown
branch when it was one in the 60's. They have such strong testimonies
and love the Gospel. It's just hard with Brother Johnson's health, but
they told us they were determined to go to church this Sunday because
they haven't been in a good number of weeks. Later that evening, we
met with a man named Jeremy, who we met at church last Sunday and who
the Bishop wanted us to go visit (they have been good friends for a
long time). Jeremy joined the church when he was a teen and was on and
off with being active as well, but agreed to us coming over. It was
great because he's just trying to find a way back and stay active, his
fiancé is not a member but is really interested to know more about the
church. It was definitely a tender mercy from the Lord to have this
family put in our path for sure. It seems like that has happened
almost every person we have met and have started teaching. It's so
great to be a part of this great work!
Thursday was also very productive as well. We had District Meeting in
Vineland and right after we took off back to our area which was about
an hour and a half of travel (long distance travel is pretty normal in
missionary work) and met with Matt. It went so well because he always
has questions of understanding the Gospel and he always asks for a
personal testimony and a personal view of a certain commandment or a
certain principle of the Gospel. As a missionary, it's so important to
bear personal testimony to whatever you teach, so to have someone
expect it is pretty great because as we do, he really feels the Spirit
because he knows what's coming. He actually wants us to now go over
all the missionary discussions to help him build his testimony as he
reads and prays to know of the truthfulness of what we teach.
On Friday, we visited Brother Morgan again and reviewed with him the
Plan of Salvation. It was pretty great because it really put things
into perspective for him with his trials he goes through. It's also
great being able to teach messages like the Restoration and the Plan
of Salvation over and over because you learn something new every time
you teach it. That's really when you know when you teach by the
Spirit, when the things you say uplift and edify yourself.
Saturday was a bit rough just because we had a lot of finding and it
happened to be the most humid day of the week. We tried talking to as
many people as we could but between Memorial Day Weekend and people
not really answering their door, we had no luck. But we didn't lose
faith in the least! We knew the Lord saw our efforts and knew what we
did was not in vain. We met with a woman who has been taught by the
missionaries on and off for four years, but is good friends with some
members of the ward. It was great because we talked to her about
baptism and committed her to a date in September which she said she
would prepare for and would not push off. It was a blessing for sure
to see this great sister do her best to work towards baptism.
Sunday went very well! We had this really great presentation on the
Philadelphia temple by the project manager, Brother Carr. It was cool
because he had a PowerPoint of all the construction that has been
going on the past three years and gave out free temple rocks that they
used to make the material out of the temple. It just gets everybody
excited to go to the temple, and they will officially finish
construction in 4 weeks! We also saw the Whitfields and talked to Tara
about her baptism. It was a little bit of a challenge because she told
us that she felt like she wasn't ready for baptism and that she didn't
know enough to be baptized. We are hoping she can still be baptized on
the 12th. We have the faith! But we will definitely see as we go. The
things is with missionary work is that there are ups and downs and in
betweens, and I can honestly say I wouldn't trade it for anything.
It's always a great day in the PPM because we are in the Lord's
service. He is with us always and gives us continual peace as He
promises in Matthew 11:28-30 and sends the Holy Spirit to comfort and
guide us as it is written in John 14. It is my hope all of us may have
the Spirit of the Lord be with us in times of adversity (Jacob 7:
5-15) and in times of joy (Alma 27: 16-18). I hope you all have a
great week and stay cool. I certainly will try.
Elder Cortes
Woodstown, NJ
Monday, May 30, 2016
Monday, May 23, 2016
Back in New Jersey and Sending Another Companion Home
Hey everybody!
It's a beautiful day here in New Jersey and I can't tell you how crazy
this week has been. But overall, it's been very fun and exciting. It
all started when I went to Broomall for transfers on Tuesday.
So Tuesday, missionaries leaving the Scranton area picked me up to go
to Broomall and dropped of Elder Thielen's new companion in Kutztown.
It was pretty exciting because I saw so many old faces like my son
Elder Harris, Elder Maynard, and countless old Zone Leaders. But at
the end of it all, I found out I would be going to Woodstown, NJ with
my new companion, Elder Yeates. Now, what's pretty interesting is that
this is Elder Yeates last transfer. So he will be the third missionary
I send home. But it was really great to drive back through familiar
spots in New Jersey. We went to work right away finding two new people
to teach named Lester and Malikah! It was an absolute tender mercy the
Lord blessed us with such a great first day.
Wednesday, we met with a good number of less actives in the ward. One
of them was named Matt. It was a special experience for me because in
the middle of the lesson he asked me personally how I knew that God
really did exist. I don't know why, but it felt like time stopped
except for the three of us at that point, which was weird because I
have never really had that happen before in a lesson. But I bore my
testimony that I knew God was real and it just felt so right to do it,
like anything in missionary work. It was pretty great because by the
end of the lesson he was determined to know for himself if God did
exist. Later that night we met with this family named the Whitfields,
who are less active. They have this long time family friend that lives
with them named Tara Moses, who is investigating the church. Before
the lesson Elder Yeates and I decided to commit her to baptism for
next month, which we knew was attainable because we felt the Spirit
confirm to us that was the right date. So by the time we ended the
lesson, we invited her to be baptized on June 12th and she agreed to
it! It was really exciting to have that happen right from the get go
in a new area. She's already made goals to quit smoking and come to
church every week and prepare to be baptized! It's really neat because
Woodstown has not had a baptism in almost a year, so this will be a
really special experience for everyone, Tara, the Whitfields, the
ward, and us as well.
Thursday we went to District Meeting, which was a lot of fun. I met
our new District Leader, Elder Nebeker who is a transfer younger than
I am and is a real fun Elder. Also Elder Deland, who served with me in
the Cherry Hill North Zone is here as well as Sister Blake, who was in
my mtc District! So it was pretty nice to find familiar faces where
I'm serving. Also my Zone Leaders are both Spanish speaking and I will
be going up to their area next week so I will get a chance to practice
my Spanish again which will be pretty exciting. One thing that I
forgot about New Jersey is the amount of rain. Thursday through
Saturday, it was raining pretty hard, but we had a good time traveling
around the area and finding people to teach on Thursday.
Friday, we went back to the Whitfields to teach Tara again. We asked
Tara why she wanted to be baptized and she gave such a perfect answer
by telling us she wanted to come closer to God and be cleansed from
sin. What was really neat as well was that the Whitfields are all
going to try to quit smoking together and come to church as well. It's
just so cool, wherever you go, you see people just trying to change
and grow because they know the Gospel is true. It really is a
blessing.
Saturday I met the Bishop and his family. They are a really great
family and the Bishop is very missionary minded, which is such a
blessing. We got along very well and the Bishop even found us someone
to go teach! I was just floored and so excited for the coming weeks
ahead.
Sunday I got to meet the ward, which was really neat. There are a lot
of kind people who are willing to help out in the work which is very
exciting. Tara also came to church and loved it. After church, we
taught Lester and Malikah, who we found on Tuesday. They are a really
great couple and love when we come over. After we taught the
Restoration, Lester told us he felt so good after meeting with us. We
told him it was the Spirit and that what we taught was true because
the Spirit confirms what we teach is the truth. Lester wants to be
baptized in June but he and Malikah are not married, so we set a goal
for him to be baptized sometime in June. After that, our Elders Quorum
President took us out to visit a good number of families who were not
hometaught which was really neat.
It's exciting to be here in Woodstown, a lot of changes are happening
very soon. This is a five week transfer, so Elder Yeates has a month
left before he goes home and my Mission President goes home a week
after Elder Yeates. But I'm excited to see what this next month has in
store for us. I thank the Lord for sending me to such a special place
here in New Jersey, it feels like a homecoming which is so exciting! I
hope all of you are well and happy! Trust in the Savior, Jesus Christ,
who is mighty to save. He is just waiting for all of us to come into
Him. Like it says in Alma, "lay aside every sin, which easily doth
beset you". As we do, the enabling power of the Atonement will lift us
heavenward.
Elder Cortes
Woodstown, NJ
It's a beautiful day here in New Jersey and I can't tell you how crazy
this week has been. But overall, it's been very fun and exciting. It
all started when I went to Broomall for transfers on Tuesday.
So Tuesday, missionaries leaving the Scranton area picked me up to go
to Broomall and dropped of Elder Thielen's new companion in Kutztown.
It was pretty exciting because I saw so many old faces like my son
Elder Harris, Elder Maynard, and countless old Zone Leaders. But at
the end of it all, I found out I would be going to Woodstown, NJ with
my new companion, Elder Yeates. Now, what's pretty interesting is that
this is Elder Yeates last transfer. So he will be the third missionary
I send home. But it was really great to drive back through familiar
spots in New Jersey. We went to work right away finding two new people
to teach named Lester and Malikah! It was an absolute tender mercy the
Lord blessed us with such a great first day.
Wednesday, we met with a good number of less actives in the ward. One
of them was named Matt. It was a special experience for me because in
the middle of the lesson he asked me personally how I knew that God
really did exist. I don't know why, but it felt like time stopped
except for the three of us at that point, which was weird because I
have never really had that happen before in a lesson. But I bore my
testimony that I knew God was real and it just felt so right to do it,
like anything in missionary work. It was pretty great because by the
end of the lesson he was determined to know for himself if God did
exist. Later that night we met with this family named the Whitfields,
who are less active. They have this long time family friend that lives
with them named Tara Moses, who is investigating the church. Before
the lesson Elder Yeates and I decided to commit her to baptism for
next month, which we knew was attainable because we felt the Spirit
confirm to us that was the right date. So by the time we ended the
lesson, we invited her to be baptized on June 12th and she agreed to
it! It was really exciting to have that happen right from the get go
in a new area. She's already made goals to quit smoking and come to
church every week and prepare to be baptized! It's really neat because
Woodstown has not had a baptism in almost a year, so this will be a
really special experience for everyone, Tara, the Whitfields, the
ward, and us as well.
Thursday we went to District Meeting, which was a lot of fun. I met
our new District Leader, Elder Nebeker who is a transfer younger than
I am and is a real fun Elder. Also Elder Deland, who served with me in
the Cherry Hill North Zone is here as well as Sister Blake, who was in
my mtc District! So it was pretty nice to find familiar faces where
I'm serving. Also my Zone Leaders are both Spanish speaking and I will
be going up to their area next week so I will get a chance to practice
my Spanish again which will be pretty exciting. One thing that I
forgot about New Jersey is the amount of rain. Thursday through
Saturday, it was raining pretty hard, but we had a good time traveling
around the area and finding people to teach on Thursday.
Friday, we went back to the Whitfields to teach Tara again. We asked
Tara why she wanted to be baptized and she gave such a perfect answer
by telling us she wanted to come closer to God and be cleansed from
sin. What was really neat as well was that the Whitfields are all
going to try to quit smoking together and come to church as well. It's
just so cool, wherever you go, you see people just trying to change
and grow because they know the Gospel is true. It really is a
blessing.
Saturday I met the Bishop and his family. They are a really great
family and the Bishop is very missionary minded, which is such a
blessing. We got along very well and the Bishop even found us someone
to go teach! I was just floored and so excited for the coming weeks
ahead.
Sunday I got to meet the ward, which was really neat. There are a lot
of kind people who are willing to help out in the work which is very
exciting. Tara also came to church and loved it. After church, we
taught Lester and Malikah, who we found on Tuesday. They are a really
great couple and love when we come over. After we taught the
Restoration, Lester told us he felt so good after meeting with us. We
told him it was the Spirit and that what we taught was true because
the Spirit confirms what we teach is the truth. Lester wants to be
baptized in June but he and Malikah are not married, so we set a goal
for him to be baptized sometime in June. After that, our Elders Quorum
President took us out to visit a good number of families who were not
hometaught which was really neat.
It's exciting to be here in Woodstown, a lot of changes are happening
very soon. This is a five week transfer, so Elder Yeates has a month
left before he goes home and my Mission President goes home a week
after Elder Yeates. But I'm excited to see what this next month has in
store for us. I thank the Lord for sending me to such a special place
here in New Jersey, it feels like a homecoming which is so exciting! I
hope all of you are well and happy! Trust in the Savior, Jesus Christ,
who is mighty to save. He is just waiting for all of us to come into
Him. Like it says in Alma, "lay aside every sin, which easily doth
beset you". As we do, the enabling power of the Atonement will lift us
heavenward.
Elder Cortes
Woodstown, NJ
Monday, May 16, 2016
Transferring Out of Kutztown
Hey everybody!
I hope all is going well with you. It was a busy week over here in
Kutztown, and like the title says for the email, it was also my last
week in Kutztown. But it was a good week to close out my time here. I
will be honest when I say I will really miss this area. It's been
tough saying my goodbyes to the people and all the missionaries in the
District (who are all staying), but I'm excited for what the future
holds! But before I go into all that, I'll start with the week.
On Tuesday, we were part of this huge painting project this new family
(the Davies) did to there house. We all had a blast and actually
talked to a few nonmember friends that had moved up with them which
was really neat. We also had dinner with the O's, an older couple in
the ward. It was really great because we had this Mother's Day dinner
all set up for Sister O, which she appreciated so much. We bought her
flowers, a card, and had this neat message all prepared for her. She
was almost ready to cry, which was a really tender moment for all of
us. You could really feel the Spirit in the room. Brother O was so
grateful, you could just tell from his smile. We are actually having
dinner again there tonight, there may be some tears, but really, the
Opperisanos are some of my favorite people I have met on my mission
without question.
Thursday, I went to Reading for my last exchange of the transfer. I
was with Elder Bucheger again, which was a lot of fun! We did a good
amount of street contacting and we set up a good number of return
appointments. It was like I was in Philadelphia because the streets we
so busy. It was really cool because I got to drive their 2016 Ford
Escape, the newest car in the mission.
Friday we had District Meeting because a set of Elders could not come
down to Reading Thursday. But it went so well! We talked about pride
and how easily it can come into a companionship, even if it is subtle.
It was a real eye opener because it really helped me learn different
ways on how I can look within myself to improve and how we can improve
together as a companionship. It was pretty slow the rest of the day
because Elder Thielen got some stomach bug that pretty much had him
out for the rest of the day.
Saturday we found out transfer calls, and I was leaving Kutztown. It
was weird just to know I needed to pack and leave in the next three
days. But it was alright, we went to a member's home, Brother
Espinoza, for dinner. His mom is also a member but she goes to the
Allentown Spanish ward. It was great because it was her birthday, so
we sang to her and she started to cry which was so unexpected! But it
was really great that we were able to celebrate her birthday because
it meant so much to her.
Sunday was amazing. Of course I had to start saying my goodbyes to the
ward, but it was neat to see a lot of miracles happen at the same
time. We stopped by Jenny and Corbin, which they were promised if they
came to church they would find a house (they have been looking for a
place to live for 2 months). It was great because a few hours after
they came to church, they found a place to live in Bethlehem. It was
really cool to just see the Lord's hand work like that so quickly, it
was really a miracle. We also saw our investigator Mike, who we have
been teaching ever since I came to Kutztown. He has been progressing
so well from reading the scriptures, to continually praying. Last
night, we set him with a baptismal date in September, which we can
tell you, he did not even think about baptism when I met him in
January. Now, it's just incredible to see the change He has
experienced. It is just another testimony to me that the Gospel is
true, that this is the Lord's true church. Peoples' mindset and
disposition change so miraculously, there is no way it can't be true.
They are living Epistles as Paul describes it in 2 Corinthians. It was
really what I needed before I go into my next area. I'm excited and a
little anxious at the same time for this change, but I knows the Lord
has a plan for me and will sustain me in wherever I go. I know my new
companion and I will hit the ground running. I can't wait! I hope all
of you have a great week!
Elder Cortes
Kutztown, PA
I hope all is going well with you. It was a busy week over here in
Kutztown, and like the title says for the email, it was also my last
week in Kutztown. But it was a good week to close out my time here. I
will be honest when I say I will really miss this area. It's been
tough saying my goodbyes to the people and all the missionaries in the
District (who are all staying), but I'm excited for what the future
holds! But before I go into all that, I'll start with the week.
On Tuesday, we were part of this huge painting project this new family
(the Davies) did to there house. We all had a blast and actually
talked to a few nonmember friends that had moved up with them which
was really neat. We also had dinner with the O's, an older couple in
the ward. It was really great because we had this Mother's Day dinner
all set up for Sister O, which she appreciated so much. We bought her
flowers, a card, and had this neat message all prepared for her. She
was almost ready to cry, which was a really tender moment for all of
us. You could really feel the Spirit in the room. Brother O was so
grateful, you could just tell from his smile. We are actually having
dinner again there tonight, there may be some tears, but really, the
Opperisanos are some of my favorite people I have met on my mission
without question.
Thursday, I went to Reading for my last exchange of the transfer. I
was with Elder Bucheger again, which was a lot of fun! We did a good
amount of street contacting and we set up a good number of return
appointments. It was like I was in Philadelphia because the streets we
so busy. It was really cool because I got to drive their 2016 Ford
Escape, the newest car in the mission.
Friday we had District Meeting because a set of Elders could not come
down to Reading Thursday. But it went so well! We talked about pride
and how easily it can come into a companionship, even if it is subtle.
It was a real eye opener because it really helped me learn different
ways on how I can look within myself to improve and how we can improve
together as a companionship. It was pretty slow the rest of the day
because Elder Thielen got some stomach bug that pretty much had him
out for the rest of the day.
Saturday we found out transfer calls, and I was leaving Kutztown. It
was weird just to know I needed to pack and leave in the next three
days. But it was alright, we went to a member's home, Brother
Espinoza, for dinner. His mom is also a member but she goes to the
Allentown Spanish ward. It was great because it was her birthday, so
we sang to her and she started to cry which was so unexpected! But it
was really great that we were able to celebrate her birthday because
it meant so much to her.
Sunday was amazing. Of course I had to start saying my goodbyes to the
ward, but it was neat to see a lot of miracles happen at the same
time. We stopped by Jenny and Corbin, which they were promised if they
came to church they would find a house (they have been looking for a
place to live for 2 months). It was great because a few hours after
they came to church, they found a place to live in Bethlehem. It was
really cool to just see the Lord's hand work like that so quickly, it
was really a miracle. We also saw our investigator Mike, who we have
been teaching ever since I came to Kutztown. He has been progressing
so well from reading the scriptures, to continually praying. Last
night, we set him with a baptismal date in September, which we can
tell you, he did not even think about baptism when I met him in
January. Now, it's just incredible to see the change He has
experienced. It is just another testimony to me that the Gospel is
true, that this is the Lord's true church. Peoples' mindset and
disposition change so miraculously, there is no way it can't be true.
They are living Epistles as Paul describes it in 2 Corinthians. It was
really what I needed before I go into my next area. I'm excited and a
little anxious at the same time for this change, but I knows the Lord
has a plan for me and will sustain me in wherever I go. I know my new
companion and I will hit the ground running. I can't wait! I hope all
of you have a great week!
Elder Cortes
Kutztown, PA
Monday, May 9, 2016
Mother's Day!
Hey everyone!
How have all of you been doing? It's been a lot of fun here over in
Kutztown. We've had highs and lows, but that's not a problem. It keeps
everything exciting!
Tuesday, we had lunch with Sarah before she left for Souderton for the
summer. Brother Kirkland came with us and it was a fun lunch, but it
was bittersweet just because we probably won't see her again. But it
was great nonetheless.
In Wednesday, we had our final interviews with President and Sister
Anderson. It was really different. President Anderson shined shoes
after interviews which was so great. I'm really going to miss them.
They leave in about a month and a half, but I know they'll finish out
strong. We also saw Corbin and Christian later that night. They are
doing so well! They are progressing very well reading and praying
everyday. But the sad news is that they are moving out of the area
which is lame! But as long as they get baptized that is what matters.
They should be on track to get baptized at the end of the month.
Thursday we had Zone Training which was really great! After that, we
went on our last exchange for the transfer. I was with Elder Bucheger,
Elder Hunter's golden. We had a great time as we taught Tony, who is
set to go to the temple for the first time with his wife Laura! We are
really excited for them to go. They have been looking forward to this
all week. We also got a miracle dinner with some members we
accidentally tracted into a members house. It was crazy because they
had guacamole pudding (it's a lot better than it sounds).
Friday was a little rough just because Elder Tielen was having some
rough stomach problems. So we weren't able to go out after we
exchanged back.... But it's alright, that stuff happens in the
mission. Saturday went really well though! We taught Damarkus and
Porsche the end of the Restoration, and focused on the Book of Mormon.
Damarkus thought it was great being able to gain a personal testimony
that the Book of Mormon is true. They also came to church as a family
for the second week in a row yesterday! He's on his way to be baptized
in June.
Sunday was great because I got to talk to my family! It was so great
to wish my Mom a happy Mother's Day. It was neat being able to catch
up with everybody back home. Skyping with Elder Thielen's family was a
blast too. But it's the last week of the transfer, so we will see if
this is my last week in Kutztown! I hope you all had a great Mothers
Day with your moms. Mine was an absolute blast.
Elder Cortes
Kutztown, PA
How have all of you been doing? It's been a lot of fun here over in
Kutztown. We've had highs and lows, but that's not a problem. It keeps
everything exciting!
Tuesday, we had lunch with Sarah before she left for Souderton for the
summer. Brother Kirkland came with us and it was a fun lunch, but it
was bittersweet just because we probably won't see her again. But it
was great nonetheless.
In Wednesday, we had our final interviews with President and Sister
Anderson. It was really different. President Anderson shined shoes
after interviews which was so great. I'm really going to miss them.
They leave in about a month and a half, but I know they'll finish out
strong. We also saw Corbin and Christian later that night. They are
doing so well! They are progressing very well reading and praying
everyday. But the sad news is that they are moving out of the area
which is lame! But as long as they get baptized that is what matters.
They should be on track to get baptized at the end of the month.
Thursday we had Zone Training which was really great! After that, we
went on our last exchange for the transfer. I was with Elder Bucheger,
Elder Hunter's golden. We had a great time as we taught Tony, who is
set to go to the temple for the first time with his wife Laura! We are
really excited for them to go. They have been looking forward to this
all week. We also got a miracle dinner with some members we
accidentally tracted into a members house. It was crazy because they
had guacamole pudding (it's a lot better than it sounds).
Friday was a little rough just because Elder Tielen was having some
rough stomach problems. So we weren't able to go out after we
exchanged back.... But it's alright, that stuff happens in the
mission. Saturday went really well though! We taught Damarkus and
Porsche the end of the Restoration, and focused on the Book of Mormon.
Damarkus thought it was great being able to gain a personal testimony
that the Book of Mormon is true. They also came to church as a family
for the second week in a row yesterday! He's on his way to be baptized
in June.
Sunday was great because I got to talk to my family! It was so great
to wish my Mom a happy Mother's Day. It was neat being able to catch
up with everybody back home. Skyping with Elder Thielen's family was a
blast too. But it's the last week of the transfer, so we will see if
this is my last week in Kutztown! I hope you all had a great Mothers
Day with your moms. Mine was an absolute blast.
Elder Cortes
Kutztown, PA
Monday, May 2, 2016
Spring Rain Showers Bring May Flowers
Hey everybody!
It has been such a good week amidst some hardships we had to endure
this week. But as we continued to do the Lord's work, He always
prepared a way for us.
Throughout the week, Elder Thielen had a nasty stomach flu which
really prevented us from doing work in the morning. After taking
enough medicine and getting a lot of rest, we were able to go out and
do the Lord's work!
On Wednesday, we saw Gentry Lamartin and Cindy Sutjak, the couple that
just recently move from the Bethlehem area. Cindy made a great
lasagna! Which was lactose free to my surprise. After dinner, we
taught them and Gentry's son, Gentry Jr., about the Restoration. It
went really well and we gave Gentry Jr. his own personal copy of the
Book of Mormon. Cindy is still a hesitant about praying for the truth,
but we are taking baby steps with her. She listened very intently and
we are pretty sure she felt the Spirit as we taught.
Thursday was the highlight of our week without question. Taught
Porscha and Demarkus the Restoration and they loved everything that we
taught. We weren't able to finish the Restoration, but we felt moved
by the Spirit to invite Demarkus to be baptized which he gladly
accepted a date on June 12th! It was so great to hear him accept that
baptismal date. We are so excited to continue working with with him,
and ultimately, have their family be sealed for all time and eternity
in a year! We also helped a family (the Davey's) move in that came
from Tampa, Florida. It was really short notice, so it was only us and
another member help out. But between us and the Davey's we got it done
in under an hour. They were so grateful we were able to help them out
in such short notice, and it was great to be able to help them out.
Especially in the pouring rain!
Friday was Elder Thielen's birthday (The big 20)! He was feeling
better more than he did the rest of the week which was great because
we helped Sarah Horvath out with Brother Thompson on finding her
family names to take to the temple! She will be going next week which
is very exciting. However, she is leaving Kutztown for the Summer so
Tuesday will be our last visit with her before she goes home for the
Summer. We also had a great Birthday Dinner with the Bussiere's where
we had his favorite meal, breakfast. Then we had a really great lesson
on the Restoration! It was really powerful for Matt, one of the
Bussiere sons. He is coming out of less activity and preparing to go
on a mission. He was glued on everything we taught and testified.
Overall, it was a real fun birthday for Elder Thielen.
Sunday was really cool too! Demarkus came to church with his wife and
two kids. We talked to him after it was over and he told us he really
felt the Spirit and it felt natural to be there. Sarah also got to
bear her testimony for the first time since she was baptized! Jenny
and Corbin and the kids also were not able to make it to church
because they both got sick, but we went over there to teach them and
we found out they are doing daily family scripture study and prayer.
The family overall, is changing. They want better lives and are
letting go of the bad in their life. That's what the Gospel does, it
changes people for the better. It really is a testimony to me that
what I teach is true because I see it right before me eyes. I'm
confident Corbin and Christian will be prepared for baptism. I just
know it.
I hope all of you are doing great! New month means new opportunities!
I just want to take a sec to say how grateful I am for my Mom. She has
been such a great example to me and my siblings. She has been a loving
mother and wife and continues to do be everyday. She truly has shown
me the importance of living the Gospel and having it be a part of my
life. Like the Stripling Warriors in the Book of Mormon, I do not
doubt, for my Mother knows it. I love my Mom very much, I'm grateful
to be her son and be out here to learn how to be an even better son.
I'm grateful that families are eternal and that my family will live
for all of time and eternity. Mothers have a divine calling, and it is
imperative that we all recognize it and respect that sacred calling.
Personally, I can't wait to talk to her on Sunday for Mother's Day! I
hope all of you have a great Mother's Day!
Elder Cortes
Kutztown, PA
It has been such a good week amidst some hardships we had to endure
this week. But as we continued to do the Lord's work, He always
prepared a way for us.
Throughout the week, Elder Thielen had a nasty stomach flu which
really prevented us from doing work in the morning. After taking
enough medicine and getting a lot of rest, we were able to go out and
do the Lord's work!
On Wednesday, we saw Gentry Lamartin and Cindy Sutjak, the couple that
just recently move from the Bethlehem area. Cindy made a great
lasagna! Which was lactose free to my surprise. After dinner, we
taught them and Gentry's son, Gentry Jr., about the Restoration. It
went really well and we gave Gentry Jr. his own personal copy of the
Book of Mormon. Cindy is still a hesitant about praying for the truth,
but we are taking baby steps with her. She listened very intently and
we are pretty sure she felt the Spirit as we taught.
Thursday was the highlight of our week without question. Taught
Porscha and Demarkus the Restoration and they loved everything that we
taught. We weren't able to finish the Restoration, but we felt moved
by the Spirit to invite Demarkus to be baptized which he gladly
accepted a date on June 12th! It was so great to hear him accept that
baptismal date. We are so excited to continue working with with him,
and ultimately, have their family be sealed for all time and eternity
in a year! We also helped a family (the Davey's) move in that came
from Tampa, Florida. It was really short notice, so it was only us and
another member help out. But between us and the Davey's we got it done
in under an hour. They were so grateful we were able to help them out
in such short notice, and it was great to be able to help them out.
Especially in the pouring rain!
Friday was Elder Thielen's birthday (The big 20)! He was feeling
better more than he did the rest of the week which was great because
we helped Sarah Horvath out with Brother Thompson on finding her
family names to take to the temple! She will be going next week which
is very exciting. However, she is leaving Kutztown for the Summer so
Tuesday will be our last visit with her before she goes home for the
Summer. We also had a great Birthday Dinner with the Bussiere's where
we had his favorite meal, breakfast. Then we had a really great lesson
on the Restoration! It was really powerful for Matt, one of the
Bussiere sons. He is coming out of less activity and preparing to go
on a mission. He was glued on everything we taught and testified.
Overall, it was a real fun birthday for Elder Thielen.
Sunday was really cool too! Demarkus came to church with his wife and
two kids. We talked to him after it was over and he told us he really
felt the Spirit and it felt natural to be there. Sarah also got to
bear her testimony for the first time since she was baptized! Jenny
and Corbin and the kids also were not able to make it to church
because they both got sick, but we went over there to teach them and
we found out they are doing daily family scripture study and prayer.
The family overall, is changing. They want better lives and are
letting go of the bad in their life. That's what the Gospel does, it
changes people for the better. It really is a testimony to me that
what I teach is true because I see it right before me eyes. I'm
confident Corbin and Christian will be prepared for baptism. I just
know it.
I hope all of you are doing great! New month means new opportunities!
I just want to take a sec to say how grateful I am for my Mom. She has
been such a great example to me and my siblings. She has been a loving
mother and wife and continues to do be everyday. She truly has shown
me the importance of living the Gospel and having it be a part of my
life. Like the Stripling Warriors in the Book of Mormon, I do not
doubt, for my Mother knows it. I love my Mom very much, I'm grateful
to be her son and be out here to learn how to be an even better son.
I'm grateful that families are eternal and that my family will live
for all of time and eternity. Mothers have a divine calling, and it is
imperative that we all recognize it and respect that sacred calling.
Personally, I can't wait to talk to her on Sunday for Mother's Day! I
hope all of you have a great Mother's Day!
Elder Cortes
Kutztown, PA
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)