The Best Two Years

Well, this is the last weekly! It's crazy to think how the time has just flown out here. There's a lot of mixed feelings going on right now, but I'm thankful to look back on my service to the Lord this past week or so. I have had so much fun learning from the Lord in so many different ways. It's been such a great two years to be here in this special part of the Lord's vineyard serving in 6 different areas with 15 companions that mean so much. Serving a mission has been the best decision I have ever made in my life that I will always be thankful to my Father in Heaven for. The people I have met have changed my life and I know the friendships I've made will last for a lifetime. I have really come to see my testimony strengthened through experiences that I will keep for the rest of my life. There is no doubt in my mind Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that the Book of Mormon is a witness of the Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm thankful to know who my Savior is and how much He loves me. He's helped me really see who I am and how I've become a better person by losing myself in this great work. I'm excited to see how my mission will play a role in all the different parts of my life. Thank you everyone for all the support you gave. It has been such a blessing to hear how all of you have been doing and to know that you all had my back back home and out here in the field. 

If there is anything you can remember from my emails it is that I am sure God lives and loves us always. He sent the Savior to help us become something more, I know we will return to God if we will follow the Savior and rely on Him. It's my hope we will all find happiness that comes from living the Gospel.

Love,

Elder Leopoldo Cortes

Doylestown, PA

Final Fourth Means Going Out With A BANG

Happy Fourth of July!

It's starting to get pretty real over here in the PPM. It's the last week of the transfer with a lot of stuff going on. But I'll get to that later in the weekly. We've had a lot of special experiences from this past week. 

Wednesday was jam packed with the Restoration Site up in Susquehanna. It was a three hour drive one way, but it was so worth it. They took two different groups up to the site so we had 8 missionaries in the van which was so much fun to talk about our missions and plans for life back home. Being at the site was pretty special since I hadn't been in 20 months, but every time you go, there's always a special Spirit there. It was neat because we had a specialized farewell tour of the site where they connected Joseph Smith's work, to the work we have done on our missions. It really strengthened my testimony just those few hours in the Prophet of the Restoration. I'm so grateful for the Restoration of the Gospel and that anyone can receive the blessings that have come simply because Joseph decided to ask in faith. 

After that, we have been finding people just left and right. Just one that sticks out to me is a man named George. He's 86 and had been married to his wife, who has passed, for 60 years. He's such a great guy and it was a great experience to testify of the Plan of Salvation. I don't know if I'll teach George again, but I'm thankful Heavenly Father continues to bless us with finding people who are ready to here the fullness of the Gospel. Even through time is winding down for me, I'm still seeing those blessings that come from being a missionary, which I am so grateful for. 

Sunday was also pretty great. I gave my last testimony as a missionary which was a pretty great experience for me to stand before such a great ward who is so caring toward the missionaries. Without a doubt, Doylestown Ward has a special place in my heart. The Galloways were also going out of town for a little over a week, so I said my goodbyes to them as well as Skylar. I feel so blessed to have been able to work with her and to see everyone's life change as she worked towards being baptized. Monday was also the last District Meeting which was kind of weird to think. Just a lot of lasts that have been coming up, but I'm always so thankful for these special times to really soak it all in. 

I'm very thankful that I'm able to spend one more Fourth out here on the mission. It's been great to really reflect how we are free both temportally and spiritually. You see it over and over the Book of Mormon prophesied this land as choice above all other lands. I'm grateful we get to celebrate the nation's independence and that the Lord has provided a place where the Gospel may grow and expand to the world.

Well, I'm in the home stretch. This week is going to go by like it's nothing. I have my exit interview with President Randall Thursday, departing temple trip Friday, P-day Monday, seeing the city Tuesday, touching down Wednesday. So I have plenty to keep me busy. I'll send out one final email Monday, so till next week.

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

One Last Trip to PennyPACK

Hey everyone! 

It's been a pretty good week for us here in D-Town like it is every week! How can you not have a good week in the Lord's service? But really, it was a blast.

It all started when I went on my last exchange of my mission with my Zone Leader Elder Jolley. Now, Elder Jolley has a soft spot in my heart since we go way back. Not only was he my District Leader in Kutztown, but he's also from Mesa. He actually went to Mountain View for two years which was pretty neat. We caught up on people back home we both knew and talked about the end of the mission. Elder Jolley goes home with me on the same flight, so it was really cool to get another Elder's perspective on coming home. But it was so much fun, we went to Pennypack one last time and it was a blast to see some of the less actives and recent converts I had visited before when I came before. By the end of it, I felt pretty satisfied with how the exchange went and was determined to move forward in the week.

We also found this great lady named Ellie Parker. Any Ellie I find on my mission I always figure is pretty promising. But it was cool to get to know her, she's 85 and had a lot of questions about being forgiven and living with God again. We both got pretty excited to answer her questions. It was very great for me personally because I felt as though we were sent to be an answer to her prayers so that she may find personal peace in her life. 

We also got back in touch with my good friend Aaron Melchor. We had lost contact/ cancelled appointments with Aaron the past two weeks. So being able to meet with him was such a miracle. We taught him the Plan of Salvation through the Book of Mormon which he really enjoyed. He got so much out of our discussion. We invited him to baptism and he told us he would think about it. You could tell the Spirit was really working on him. I feel it's only a matter of time for Aaron to accept, now it's just a matter of helping him come to church.

But it's been such a blessed week. More stuff about home is getting sent from the office and I'm just really thinking how can I use these last two weeks to help me prepare for home. It was great because I had a few minutes with our Stake President, President Ross. And I asked him for advice about being home and he was just so insightful and kind. It really made me thankful my whole mission I have worked with such exemplary leaders in the church. 

I'm so thankful for the opportunities I have to keep learning on the mission. I might be on the tail end of things, but my ability to learn by the Spirit has no expiration date. That is a blessing I will always be thankful for. 

The next P-day is the Fourth so I'll write then. Can't wait to bring you up to speed with the next scoop in the PPM. We're going to the Restoration Site Wednesday and I am so pumped! Talk to you all later!

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

Time Stops for No Elder

Hey everyone!

I was looking at the date today and all I can say is that time flies when you're having fun. It feels like it was yesterday when the transfer started and her we are heading into week #4! We had a lot of blessings come our way as we tried to be diligent as we could be. Our Mission President set a mission goal for each companionship to talk to 20 people a day. It was great when we heard this goal because we have been striving to find as many people as we can to teach. We were both committed in striving to reach this goal. 

It was such a good experience for both of us. We talked to all sorts of people, people who were very adamant about them not being interested, to people who seemed very interested. It was great to see both ends of the spectrum and really see the phrase "finding the elect" come to life for us. We didn't find anyone new to reach until we met with a man named Dennis. We talked to Dennis two weeks ago and set up an appointment for last Saturday at the church. It was pretty neat because we gave him a tour of the building and taught him the Restoration. He really appreciate the time we had together and wanted to meet again, in the middle of next month. It was really special for me because I saw firsthand the Lord blessing us, not on our time or the exact way we wanted him to, but his blessings are there. It would have been great to meet with him one more time before I left, but I certainly understand the Lord has a plan for Dennis and it's all on the Lord's time how it will work out.

We also had the privilege of meeting with Elder Kopeschke of the Seventy. It was 7 hours of training and learning by the Spirit and by the great leaders I have been blessed to work with on my mission. I also saw many old friends, Elder Harris (the first Elder I trained), Elder Maynard, and so many more. It was kinda weird because at the end of the meeting I said goodbye to a few Elders I will never see again in the mission. I'm not sure I'll see all of them later in life, but it really made me reflect and appreciate the missionaries I have the privilege to work with and learn from as I head on back to the desert in a few weeks. I can't even tell you how many lessons were learned just by being with other missionaries, but it means so much to me.

The last thing I want to touch on is just to express my love and gratitude to my Dad. Without a doubt, my Dad has to be one of the best people I have ever come to know and love. There was a brief moment in Sacrament Meeting where I just missed him and wish I could talk to him. He's really shown me the kind of person I want to be in my life. It can be from using clean language all the time, to really trying to understand others and not to make harsh judgements. I will always be grateful for my Dad, his example and love really gives me an idea on how Heavenly Father views me and loves me as His child.

Even though time won't stop, I'm putting my foot on the gas pedal and won't let up until I'm back in Arizona. I'm really looking forward to these next three weeks!

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

It's Starting to Feel Like AZ

Hey everybody!

It's been a pretty good week for us here in Doylestown. Elder West has been really learning how to do missionary work and really get into the swing of things. I'm thankful Heavenly Father has blessed me with such a good Elder to really help push me and be my absolute best. 

It's been a tad slow working with our investigators. Either they've been sick or had stuff going on which is a bummer. But it's not a problem! We keep working to find Ghost who are prepared while we try to keep in touch with the people we teach. 

One thing that was a bit strange was that I had my final regular interview with President Randall. So now the next time we will talk one on one will be my exit interview. This has probably been the fastest transfer of my life. But I'm definitely enjoying the days as they roll on. We have Zone Conference Wednesday with Elder Kopeshke of the Seventy! No better way to end my mission than with another general authority visit. I'm excited what revelation I will receive when we go and meet him. 

The mission has been fantastic. I'm really learning who I want to be continually when I get back because I'm working hard now. It's definitely a blessing as I have been as diligent as I could be. I'll keep you all posted how the mission goes for me! Thanks for all the love and support.

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

The Golden Fire in Doylestown

Hey everybody!

It's been such a blast this week. So much has gone on and it's been great here to start off the transfer. 

It all started with transfers, I said goodbye to Elder Morton and I picked up Elder Smith (another trainer) and we went to work in Doylestown for a few days. They put us together because we didn't pick up the Goldens until Thursday, but it was so much fun. Elder Smith actually served in Doylestown for a while and is currently serving in Exeter, one of my past areas. We had plenty to talk about between our areas and actually worked pretty well together. We taught our investigator Aaron how to personally apply the Book of Mormon which was fantastic! The highlight of the exchange, however, was that I was able to talk to Melissa Maldanado, a Recent Convert I worked with. It was so great to catch up for 5 minutes or so talking about her and her family and said how much they all missed me. It was a special blessing of the Lord to be on that two day exchange.

But then the big day came on Thursday. We went to the Golden Meeting and they announced the companionships one by one and I met my Golden Elder West! He's such a great Elder. He's from West Jordan, Utah and is the oldest of 4. He actually came out at 19 so he's a bit more mature which is very great. All he wants to do is work hard and learn as much as he can as a missionary. Every trainer prays and hopes for such a strong missionary like Elder West. I'm so thankful he's my final companion that will be sending me home. I know we will have such an amazing transfer.

Speaking of that, we already started on the right foot! We found some incredible people this week. We actually met a man named Matthew on Saturday who ordered a Bible. He lives 3 minutes away walking distance from the church, so we had our lesson with him inside and it went so well. Elder West invited him to baptism! In just 3 days, Elder West is pretty much a natural at missionary work. Matthew said he would think about it, so we will keep working towards that goal with him. But it's been a blessing, we have been starting to find more people to work with which is so exciting. The Lord is blessing us so abundantly here in Doylestown. I'm so thankful for all the tender mercies He has given me. I have been able to see it so clearly this past week. From picking up Elder West, to teaching Matthew. There's always a way to see the Lord's hand in your life. I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for us this week!

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

One Last Adventure in Doylestown

Hey everybody!

There isn't a lot to update on since Friday but I do have exciting news regarding my last transfer. We found out Saturday night Elder Morton will be leaving for Maryland and I will be finishing my mission in Doylestown. What's even more exciting is that I received a call from President Randall last night and he extended the invitation to train for my last transfer!

I am so excited to finish my mission with this opportunity to be with another brand new missionary. I feel so humbled with how much trust the Lord has in me to start this new missionary on the right foot for his mission. 

I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for me these next 6 weeks!

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

PPM Forever

Hey everyone!

It's been such a blast this past week and 5/7's. Miracles have been wrought and the work continues to move forward in the Doylestown area. 

Last week, we found this girl in her mid 20's named Daisy. She's one of the most bubbly people I have ever met. She's very kind and willing to listen. We actually were knocking doors when we found her and she was so willing to hear us out. So we scheduled an appointment with her later in the week and took a member from the Souderton ward to come teaching with us. The reason being is that this member was Aaron Nelson, he left on his mission just this Tuesday and wanted to go out with the Elders so bad (Souderton only has Sisters). We had appointments schedule but then they would fall through, except for Daisy. It was a solid Restoration lesson where Aaron just bore a very tear filled testimony on the truthfulness of the Restoration through the prophet Joseph Smith. It was a tender moment for myself knowing I was in his shoes just almost 2 years ago. 

We have also been working with Skylar very well. We taught her family history and temple Work for her to be prepared as she does baptisms for the first time ever! We are so proud of her and the commitment she has to the Lord, really she is an inspiration.

Meanwhile, Elder Morton and I took our temple trip today. It was such a blessing to go and feel absolute peace and respite from the Lord. What was even more special was that my mtc companion Elder Maynard was also at that session with his companion so it was a blast to be able to enjoy the session together. At the end of the session we sat down together to talk briefly about the mission. We just can't believe how fast time has flown. It just felt so good to talk to someone else who knows where I'm at. It was a really tender time for the both of us in the Holy House of the Lord. We also had time to check out some sights since the city is now part of the Zone. From Reading Terminal Market to the Rocky Steps to Chinatown. We had a blast, we didn't see everything but there will be another opportunity soon enough!

I've really thought about the mission this past week. My buddy Michael finished yesterday and my former companion and dear friend Elder Neilson finishes next week. Then it'll be my turn soon enough. With this transfer coming to a close and my final one just around the corner, it really makes me appreciate how blessed I am to be a missionary of the Lord. Representing His Gospel and Mission here in Philadelphia. I'm grateful for the time I've had to serve and for this next 6 weeks coming up. No doubt I will push myself to the max, all the way until they out me on that plane home. I love this work, there's absolutely nothing like it. I'll be sure to keep you all posted!

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

Skylar

Hey everyone! 

It's been such a great week. This weekend had to have been some of the best days of my mission. There's a lot that can be said, but I want to focus on Skylar, our investigator.

We were privileged to see Skylar baptized on Saturday and confirmed the next day. I can't even tell you how strong the Spirit was in both of those instances. I couldn't stop smiling when she and Elder Morton entered into the font. She was happy the entire weekend, she knew what she was doing was absolutely right. It was a blessing to be the one to confirm her and give her the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I knew in my heart, that we accomplished what the Lord called us to do in this present time of our missions. It's been such an amazing blessing to work with Skylar these past 4 months. Her testimony has grown time and time again and in turn, she was fully prepared to enter into a covenant with the Lord this weekend. We have also seen ourselves grow in the Gospel as we have worked alongside her, we have repented and increased in our faith in Christ that this miracle was able to happen. I'm grateful, that after months of prayers, Skylar, and all of us were able to celebrate this special occasion.

I also had the special opportunity to talk to my family yesterday for Mother's Day! It was my fourth and final call of my mission and it was such a blessing to talk to them about the mission and about life back home. I have to say after the call, I just had gratitude in my heart for my family. I have such loving and supportive parents as well as such great siblings that will always forever be my closest friends. I'm grateful not only for the Gospel, but that I can see so many blessings that come to our family because of it. I don't know what I would do without my family, they mean the world to me. I'm especially grateful for my Mom during this Mother's Day as I am even year and every day. I have learned so much from her example and really started learning the importance Gospel at a young age because it was important to her. She has always been there to love and support me in every aspect of my life. She always knows what is best, even if there have been times here and there I thought I knew what was best. But she is always so willing to keep helping me out. She is the most compassionate person I have met and blessed to have in my life. I can never express enough gratitude to my Father in Heaven for being blessed to be one of my Mom's kids. I can say, like Nephi, I was born of goodly parents.

With these two events with Mother's Day and Skylar's baptism being connected this weekend. It makes me so happy and blessed to have such great people in my life, both on the mission, and back home. It really makes you think how well did we all really know each other before this life? I believe it was so much so, that the Lord put us in paths where we would come across those we love and who have changed our lives, whether that is family, friends, or people we are blessed to meet in the service of the Lord. I'm grateful I don't have to go through this mortal journey alone. I'm grateful for the Supreme Creator, who is God the Father, and His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. They have helped me change to become a better person my 20 years on this earth. I'm thankful for the Holy Ghost and gift it is to have Him as our constant companion. Truly, all of us are blessed with support from both sides of the veil.

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

Wedding #4

Hey everybody!

It's been such an amazing week here in the Lord's service. I can't even describe how it feels to know God just blesses you everyday while you're out on a mission. I'll forever be grateful for this time in the Lord's service. 

We started off the week by going on back to back exchanges Tuesday-Thursday. My first exchange I went with Elder Huber in the north part of Pennypack. It was our fourth exchange together and we had such a blast. We already knew how to work together and everything flowed so smoothly. We helped out one of their Recent Converts who was going through a lot of rough times. After we prayed in faith and shared an inspiring message, it was like her whole attitude changed. That's one of the biggest blessings I have seen in others, their whole attitude just changes into a more positive light. The Gospel certainly has power to calm the troubled storms of life.

The next day I went to the south side of Pennypack with my good friend Elder Libberton. Now, Elder Libberton came out with me, he's also served in Exeter and Moorestown. So, needless to say, we had plenty to talk about. Their area doesn't have a car, so they ride SEPTA, just because everything is so condensed and it's a little dangerous to be driving in the South Pennypack. But it was a pretty great exchange, we walked 10 miles and taught a good number of pretty humble people. One of the people was a woman named Denise who wants to be baptized, quit smoking, change her life around really. She got pretty excited as we taught the Restoration to her, of course it was the Spirit working through the Light of Christ she has. 

So after the exchange we swapped back late in the evening and had a lesson with Skylar to end the night. It was so awesome because we were going to set her with a baptismal date and she wants to be baptized the next Saturday! It was so amazing, Elder Morton and I couldn't believe it. We knew she wanted to be baptized we just got even more excited when she said how soon. So it's been a time of getting her clothes, scheduling the interview, and prep for the program. She asked if Elder Morton could baptize her and I could confirm her. It's going to be such a special time. This is Elder Morton's first baptism he's seen out in the field and I am beyond excited for Skylar. The Lord has blessed us beyond measure with the opportunity to work with such a special daughter of His.

Also on that high note, we went to a wedding for one of our less actives named Sister Bowes. She's been with her boyfriend Paul for 5 years and they tied the knot Saturday. It's pretty neat this is the fourth wedding I've been to on my mission. Apparently it's a lot because the other missionaries I've asked in the past week most say they've never been to a wedding on their mission. But it's always a sweet reminder of the importance of family when I go to a wedding. It makes me so thankful in my heart I have such a loving family now that I wouldn't trade for the world. 

We have a good amount coming up this week. Zone Conference, Skylar's baptism, and my 

last call home. It's going to be such a great week like every week in the service of the Lord. There's nothing like the mission that's for sure!

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Hey everyone! 

It's been a pretty good week for us here in Doylestown. I've learned a lot from what we had to endure from an unfortunate setback, but we keep going.

So Elder Morton and I have had to stay in for 2-3 hours a day because Elder Morton has been experiencing some pain in his leg.  So the mission nurse told us we could go out but when it starts to hurt to go back in and rest the leg. It's been humbling for me just in the fact at the beginning I was a little frustrated. Not at Elder Morton, but in the circumstances we were in. But as I studied and prayed to find some sort of counsel from the Lord it just came to me that Elder Morton and I needed to face this together. So it's been good to be able develop patience and faith regarding this situation. Because I don't think I'm an impatient person, but I feel like the Lord helps us develop Christlike attributes in different aspects in life. A medical situation is different than working with someone you may not get along with when developing patience. It's a blessing to really think how the Lord helps us develop in our individual lives.

Even though we have had our limitations, the Lord still blesses us with opportunities to teach. So in that Spanish development I was talking about in my last email, we went back and we found this really cool young guy. His name is Chris and he looks like he's in his young 20's. He is a recovering addict and just told us flat out he wants to come closer to Christ. So without hesitation, we taught and personalized the Restoration to his situation. It was really cool to see the sincere desire he has to change. We even had a kneeling prayer with him that he offered! We'll see where it goes from here, but I just felt so full of the Spirit when we were walking back in the car. I can't tell you in words what a blessing it is to teach and bear my personal witness of the Restoration. As I've reflected back on my mission, the Restoration has always been such a huge part of what I teach and experience. From the Book of Mormon to his last great dispensation, I know the words I speak of this message is absolute truth. 

We also started teaching a new convert that we received from the Philly YSA Elders. Long story short, the Assistants would drive from the city to Doylestown once a week to teach Tom Ashton and Tom would go to the YSA ward. But the Assistants got doubled out of the YSA so Zone Leaders took their spot instead. But since they have no car, we were referred to teach Tom. He's such a great guy to work with. He was baptized last month, holds the Aaronic Priesthood, and went to the temple to do baptisms for the dead. It's been a great experience for him so we are no doubt excited to be working with him. Teaching people my age has always been pretty fun. 

Skylar has also been doing very well. We are hoping to baptize her by the end of this month so that way she can go to the youth temple trip at the end of May. It's been a great experience going out and getting to work, especially in the Springtime weather. It'll be an exciting week this week as well! Two exchanges in Pennypack and interviews with President Randall. Believe me, you can't find anything else like the mission.

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

Standing Steadfast in the Kingdom of God

Hey everybody!

It's been such a good week here in Doylestown. A lot of blessings came our way this first week of the transfer. It was a reminder for me how mindful God really is with our situations. There's a lot on His plate to be mindful of, but at the same time He is so aware of our current situation. It's such a blessing!

Well, to start of the week, it was pretty slow the first couple of days. After we played soccer on P-day, Elder Morton had some pain in his leg. In fact, it's been around with him the past few weeks but not as aggravating as it was this week. So we talked to the mission nurse and it turns out Elder Morton may have tendinitis. So there have been times we've had to stop or even stay in because the leg was bothering him. But it was a good experience, to really learn from the Lord on the importance of patience. I know I don't have a ton of time left, but if the Lord wants us to be in here and there, I need to accept His will.

But there were still some cool experience we had in the week. For one, we had our first District Meeting with the new District. So the background about this is our Zone combined with another Zone to make a huge Philadelphia Zone. So the Philadelphia North Zone turned into the Doylestown District. So I was asked to be over 4 companionships this transfer, the biggest District I have ever been a part of. But it was pretty fun for a first District Meeting! With 9 missionaries, it's definitely not difficult to have participation going on. I have such incredible missionaries to work with in the District. Needless to say, I'm beyond excited for this transfer to work with this District. 

We also had this cool experience going to this ghetto Hispanic barrio with apartments all over. It was pretty shocking for both of us because Doylestown is a very wealthy area for the most part. So it was pretty neat to find this place of humble circumstances. I was able to use my limited Spanish for the first time in a while, since the good old days in Reading! But it was definitely a lot of fun talking to Hispanics, I haven't typically work with a lot on my mission, but they are such kind people.

The best part of the week was helping out Eugene. We did service for him for a couple hours cleaning up his backyard because he wants to start some sort of garden. So from getting rid of weeds, to moving giant pieces of stone, we got a good start on his backyard. It's always such a blessing to help Eugene. I always feel like Ammon who gave such loving service to King Lamoni when we serve Eugene. He really is doing well. He hasn't gotten to the point committing to baptism yet, but it's so amazing to see how much solid fellowship he's getting from the ward.

We didn't meet with Skylar this week because of conflicts with the families' schedule, but next time we are seeing her we will most likely have a date set for her baptism. It's looking like it's going to be a great transfer ahead!

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same

Hey everybody!

It's been a miracle of a week to end the transfer. Many blessings have come our way as we have labored with all that we have to give. Without a doubt, this Holy Week will be one I have to remember for a long time. 

It all started with a pretty good Zone Training. A lot was said regarding the Book of Mormon and how we should use it, which is one of my favorite topics to talk about in missionary work. But the part that really stuck out to me was that for a training, our Zone Leaders read our call letter we all received when we got our mission calls. It was a time to really reflect when I got my call during Spring Break two years ago and my whole family dropped what they were doing and we all came together to see where I would go for the next two years. I remember the Spirit just testifying to me this is exactly where I needed to go to serve my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. It was cool because the whole Zone seemed to have a revitalizing Spirit to go out and do the work. Little did we know in Doylestown much was going to come to pass.

Wednesday evening we met with one of our newer investigators, Guadeloupe. She is actually from Chihuahua, Mexico which was pretty neat to talk about since my Dad is from Mitchoacan. But her big struggle is she works a real heavy amount, especially on Sunday. We also just gave her a Spanish copy of the Book of Mormon. So it was pretty cool to go a little more in depth on what the Book of Mormon is about. But the best part is that her 17 year old daughter, Jocelyn, came right as we were starting to explain the Book of Mormon. So as we got to know Jocelyn a little bit, she expressed she wanted more faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ. You could tell Guadeloupe really appreciated us taking the time to see where her daughter was at. But they both have copies of the Book of Mormon so we invited them to read the first two chapters and to go from there. It was definitely a miracle how it all came about, we had no member available until the last minute someone got back to us which the Lord made it all happen. It was amazing. 

We also had a special experience giving a blessing this week. We were at a family named the Dalby's for dinner and Brother Dalby has been pretty sick. When I mean pretty sick, like something is wrong with his body. I don't know all the details, but I know his liver has been failing and he has been bedridden for so long, his eyes looked yellow actually. The doctors still have no idea what is wrong with him. Plus, it couldn't have come at a worse time, Brother Dalby just got called to be in the Stake Presidency just before he got sick. So a lot has been going on, and he had already received a blessing. But he said he'd feel great if we, the Elders, gave him one. So I was asked to give it and honestly, I felt a little inadequate. Me, a 20 year old Elder, giving a member of the Stake Presidency a blessing of comfort. But all those thoughts fled my mind as I put my hands on President Dalby's head. It was such a powerful blessing, I just knew it wasn't me giving the blessing, but the Lord. It reminded me that I act as the Lord's representative and He will always speak through me. President Dalby gave me such a big hug after it and I just felt God's love so strong in that moment. We didn't say anything the car ride home, it was such a sacred and special experience for Elder Morton and myself. 

We also met with Skylar Saturday night. Now, after our last lesson with her, we were a little stumped on knowing exactly what we should teach her next. However, through a lot of prayer, planning, and study, we felt that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is what she needed next. Boy, I have to tell you, everything went exactly the way it was supposed to. Looking back, you could tell the Lord was guiding the entire lesson. It was one of the best lessons I ever had as a missionary. The peak point of it all was when we read Alma 7:14-16, as Alma testifies of baptism. The Spirit touched her so strongly in verse 15

"Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism."

So at that point, we invited her to be baptized and she accepted!!! I couldn't tell you how much I appreciated the Spirit in that room in that very moment she accepted. Words just can't describe it. But after working so hard with Skylar the past 3 months and seeing such amazing growth with her, it was a testimony to me all that work paid off. We haven't set a specific date yet, she needs to talk to her parents with logistical things, but it'll most likely be this transfer. God is a God of miracles, that is for sure!

So after that, we had Easter the next day and it was such a blessed day. It was a nice 80 degrees, the sun was shining, there was a nice breeze, it was all you would want for a day to remember the Lord's mission. We actually had a miracle finding a family which was amazing! We tracted into this guy named Julio a few days before and he told us to come back Sunday when his wife would be home. So we went back and he, his wife Missy, and their two young daughters were all interested in what we did as missionaries. So we taught parts of the Restoration and gave them a copy of the Book of Mormon and we'll be seeing them in two weeks! It was a miracle finding such an incredible family. On Easter Sunday to make it that much better! Overall, one of the best weeks of my mission. I'm thankful for the Savior and His Atonement. His mission, gives me reason and purpose to live. It is no question in my mind I will live with my family forever, not just in this life. I know with my mistakes and faults, they will be cleansed every time if I come to Jesus with a broken heart and a contrite Spirit. One day, when it's all said and done, I will live with my Father in Heaven again and my Elder Brother, Jesus Christ. All wrongs will be right, Satan's influence will be no more, and there will be nothing but light and happiness that radiates through us all because of the Good Shepard, The Prince of Peace, and to me most importantly, my friend Jesus Christ. I'm thankful for His Gospel and the opportunity and privilege it is to share it with the world. It truly has changed my life for the better for that I will always be grateful.

So now, you might be thinking with transfers coming up, what's happening in Doylestown? Well, we found out, Elder Morton and I are staying together for a third transfer! So by the time our time is done together, we will have spent almost 5 months together as companions. I've never done 3 transfers with a companion, but hey, there's a first time for everything right? I hope you all have a great week in the Springtime! The Gospel is true always.

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

The Prince of Peace

Hey everyone!

It's been a pretty good four days since I last wrote everyone. The Lord has been blessing us with so many people to talk to. The main reason for that is the fact we have a new Easter video the church put out all centered on how Christ is the Prince of Peace. There was one day we went all out with finding on Friday and it was so cool to see people's hearts soften as they saw who we represent. We got a couple of return appointments which I was pretty excited about because typically it's a bit challenging to get a return appointment when you tract. It's really not that hard to look back on how blessed you were as a missionary in the daily life. There really is powerful peace that comes from being grateful.

I'm also pretty excited that it is Easter Sunday this weekend. Easter time has always been pretty special for me these past few years, even before I came on my mission. As I've learned more of the Savior's mission and His perfect Atonement, I have had such great inner peace that I could not obtain anywhere else. Probably the greatest blessing I will ever have had on my mission is really getting to know who my Savior is and how He is there for me every step of the way. I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that Jesus Christ did come to redeem all of God's children. He died and lived again so we may all return back to the presence of the Father. I'm thankful for the Easter season and the special meaning it has for all of us to celebrate all year round. 

In other news, this is the last week of the transfer. So Elder Morton and I are probably going to split since we've done 3 months together. The question is who's staying and leaving? I'll keep you posted what happens! I hope you all have a blessed Easter Sunday!

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

Elder Huber is such a talented sketch artist!

General Conference, Temple, What More Could You Ask For?

Hey everybody!

It's so good to be able to touch base with you all again. The adventures don't stop here on the East Coast that's for sure. We were blessed with exchanges, meetings, and a great weekend of conference!

We went on exchanges with the Zone Leaders and I was with my good friend Elder Huber in Pennypack. It was pretty fun to talk to so many different people with different cultures. One lesson we had, the woman we were teaching sang an African song before we started with a prayer. I always love coming down to Pennypack, you just never know what you're going to see. 

Conference was also so great. It was nonstop going to members homes, having a great meal, then being able to see the Lord's servants speak to the world. We had our investigators, Eugene and Skylar, watch as well and they had many questions answered. Without a doubt, Conference is such a powerful missionary tool. Also, it was a blessing for me to be able to learn from the Lord and knowing very clearly what I need to do at this point in my mission as well as in my life. 

We also went to the temple today for our P-day, which has been such a blast. Riding SEPTA is always a fun time. You just never know what to really expect from it. We had an interesting talk with a man who was reading the Bible in Hebrew for a performance for his church. It was cool just because he was curious about the book of Mormon and our missions. Then we got into the city and I just felt so good being there. It's like it's become my home! Or even a part of me. Philadelphia will always have a special place in my heart. The Temple was also so good to just be inside of. It's hard to explain, but you feel so renewed after spending just a few minutes inside. I'm beyond grateful for the many blessings in which the Lord guides and directs us each day. It is a comforting feeling to know we are not alone. God is with us at all times and it is so apparent today, there's just no way God couldn't be there. It's the same thing with the Savior Jesus Christ. Because of His sacrifice, He will never leave us in our time of need. He will give us the strength to overcome any obstacle in life. It's pure knowledge I'll never forget and strive to show others. 

I have such a deep love for the mission. There's no other experience that can compare, you really learn who you are these two years. For that I'm forever grateful. 

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

"But Behold, I Will Show Unto You a God of Miracles"

I have to say, this week was a pretty special one for me. I always say how great my week has been, and they are, but this week is definitely going to have a special place in my heart. I was reminded time and time again of the power of God and that He is mindful of our situations, that is partly why miracles come to us in our lives, Heavenly Father knows exactly what miracles need to happen and as we are faithful in His power, but also in His timing, we will see mountains move in our lives and the lives of those we love.

It all started Tuesday when we received a text from the Jarrettown sisters. Long story short, one of them got super sick and was quarantined in her apartment for the day but she needed a blessing. So they call us and head right over, now, this is bad timing for this Sister because she's an STL, which means she's in charge of other sisters, is giving trainings at Zone Conference and Zone Training, and planning a good number of exchanges that week with other sisters. So we gave her a blessing and it was amazing, she was feeling at 100% the next morning. Unfortunately, I caught what she did, but what mattered to me at the time was how powerful faith and the Priesthood really are. I've given blessings before and people have been healed, but it was a kind reminder from God how quick He can work

Zone Conference and Zone Training were such a blast. I saw old friends to catch up with as well as receive a lot of instruction from the Lord through President Randall. Hands down one of the most inspired people I met. At the end of Zone Training on Friday, I went on exchanges with Elder Haws (Etheiopian friend) in Doylestown. Honestly, I was so tired and sick I just had no idea how we were going to get work done. But I prayed to God I'd be able to finish till the end of the night. Which we made happen! We made solid contacts, did service for Eugene, and had a really good time. This is where it gets pretty intense.

So Saturday morning, we help Eugene move some large stones for a wall he's trying to build. Now, keep in mind, Eugene is pretty old and has had a back surgery and all this stuff. So he has no business moving any of these stones. So after Elder Haws and I help him and change, we get a call and he tried moving a stone by himself which landed on the side of his foot. Thankfully, no bones were broken, but there were some scrapes here and there. It's worse because he has some sort of blood arthritis in his legs so he has a struggle walking in the first place. So you can probably tell all of us are pretty worried. But we decided to give him a blessing as well. 

I was praying so hard for God to heal Eugene and I just had this feeling keep coming everything would be okay. So Sunday rolls around, and get this, here comes Eugene walking into church as if nothing happened. He had no pain in his leg or foot. It was as if he had no rock fall on him. I was just speechless, I couldn't believe it. The Lord just took it all away, it was gone in less than a day. What was the cherry on top was with the last speaker for Sacrament meeting, Eugene got emotional at the end and it was the first time I have ever seen him cry at church. We all felt the Spirit so strong, I just said a prayer of gratitude in my heart. It couldn't have been more of an answer to our prayers. 

Later that day, we taught Skyler with a member of the bishopric about the purpose of Jesus Christ and the Atonement. The Spirit was so strong, Skylar was understanding everything so clearly, especially with the fact on why He should matter to her. She's definitely growing in her testimony, slowly but surely. It has been such a pleasure to work with her these past few months, she's so brave for trying to find out what is truth for herself. 

I have to say, yesterday was one of the best days of my mission. Of course we don't see amazing powerful healings everyday. But when we do, we are reminded who has our back. I know God will not fail us as we strive to follow Him and do His will. He will provide away, it may not be so apparent right away, but the Lord will be there for us always. That is knowledge I am sure of and know will never be taken from me. May we help other recognize this important truth. God is waiting to help us, sometimes all we have to do is ask and have faith something will happen.

I hope everyone has a fantastic week!

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

It Doesn't Matter How Cold It Gets, the Love of My Redeemer Warms My Heart

Hey everyone!

It's been a pretty adventurous week full of improvised planning throughout the week as well blessings from being in the service of the Lord. All I can really say is that you won't get any special experience like this anywhere else. 

Well, to start, we were snowed in all day Tuesday. It was tough because we couldn't go shovel until later because it was snowing pretty heavily until Tuesday night. So because of that, meetings had to get moved around left and right. For District Meeting, it was my call to determine if I wanted to do District Meeting over Skype or move it to a later time. Well, I thought it would be cool to think outside the box and have District Meeting in the evening. District Meeting usually is at 10:30 in the morning, but we had it at 6:30 that night. Turns out, I was the only District Leader who had their District Meeting later that evening. It was pretty cool, just because it was so different. It was such a great District Meeting, this transfer is turning out to be a pretty great one with such amazing missionaries all around. We have people from Nevada, to Nepal, to Ethiopia. Probably the best part for me this time around being a District Leader is to see how everyone works different, but how it all goes back to their purpose as missionaries to bring others closer to the Savior. 

I also went on exchanges with my Zone Leader Elder Huber! It was such a blast to catch up from the Reading days. For a good amount of the day, we stopped by a few less actives from a list the bishop gave us. One of the people was a less active lady who was living with her active dad, brother Huber. Turns out, they're related, so we had a good conversation about that. Something Elder Huber is so good at is the ability to just relate to people and just be himself and tie it to the Gospel somehow. Whether it was knocking a few doors, or talking the people on the street, Elder Huber just went with it and played it very naturally. The Lord definitely blessed me to work with Elder Huber again, I have so much to learn from him!

It's been a bit slow trying to find this past week with the fact the streets were all covered in snow and everyone was staying inside and not even willing to open the door. But we did have a miracle happen in the weekend when we stopped by this older couple who the missionaries gave service to a few months ago and they were interested in having us back. It's pretty cool how the Lord always works by faith. Blessings never run out, they keep coming if we believe and expect something to happen eventually. Of course, tough times come to all of us, and it can be disappointing, but we can never let it lead to discouragement. Faith and doubt cannot coexist in the same person, at all times, we just have to fan the flame of faith. On Sunday, our investigator Eugene asked us if we could help shovel two of his neighbors out, one was sick and the other was older. Now, Eugene is a little bit old and has had back surgeries in the past, but he knows how to pack snow away like nobody's business. Not bad for being from California. But it was pretty neat to answer his questions about the church and the Gospel. It is one of the best feelings when you give service while teaching at the same time. You just know in your heart you are doing exactly what the Lord would want you to do. Well, later that day, he called us for like 2 minutes. This is how it went.

Eugene:"So hypothetically, if I got baptized in your church, would I have to wear a tie after I'm baptized ?"

Us: "No, you can dress however you want at church"

Eugene: "Okay, that's all I wanted to know. I'm not saying I'm getting baptized! I'm just saying if I did"

Us: "Okay Eugene, we gotcha"

The Lord is so good. I'm so thankful for all the people I have the privilege to work with. Really it seems I'm teaching investigators, but they also teach me. Just knowing the people I have helped work towards baptism or to the temple, whether they get there while I'm there or not, makes me want to be the best I can be. The Lord works through people all the time to help us along the path, I'm thankful for every single person that's done that for me. I love my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I know they love each one of us. No matter where we are at in the path of discipleship, the arm of mercy is extended to us at all times as it says in 3 Nephi 9:14. It really is true for me when I hear the phrase "Oh the joy this sentence gives, I know that my Redeemer lives". I will never let go of my relationship with Jesus Christ, it is my hope that none of us do, even when life is hard. He will pull us through sin and adversity and carry us home back to our Father in Heaven.

 Marching onward here in D-Town!

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA