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
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