It's been a very busy week and these last two weeks of the transfer
are going to be even busier! But it was fun being able to have a lot
of great experience with new friends, other missionaries, and miracles
from the Lord.
So for Memorial Day last week, we ate at a members' named the
Steckers, whose son was visiting from Philadelphia (pro cook). We
couldn't stay long, but we had the best bison burgers I have ever had.
It was so great!
Wednesday was such a powerful day to see the Lord's hand in all
things. At the beginning of the day, we saw Matt, who had been doing
well reading and praying every day for a month straight. It was crazy
because we decided to visit him even though he didn't confirm if it
was okay to come over. He had made a minor mistake and felt like all
the progress he had made in gaining a testimony was gone. But we
testified of the reality of repentance and the redemptive power of the
Atonement. It was so good to feel the Spirit just back up everything
we said, because we felt it just touch his heart. He was so intent on
listening to everything we said, it was such a great experience. At
the end of the appointment, he asked us if there were any appointments
he could come out with us that night, which we did. We later found out
he had been really pondering if he should go on a mission this past
week. So he took us to see Jeremy and his wife, Stacey. Jeremy's son,
Clayton, was also there and we taught the beginning of the Plan of
Salvation and Matt helped out so much! At the end of the lesson,
Clayton came outside to talk with us and Matt and he told Matt he
didn't know why he was telling him this, but he said that he can
overcome any sin or hardship he was going through. It was so great
because the Spirit just hit Matt like a wall. He was floored and
really couldn't stop thinking about it. The Lord definitely had a hand
in all of the events of that day, ultimately to strengthen Matt's
testimony that God does live.
Thursday we were in Vineland for Zone Training and it was great to see
and meet great missionaries representing the Lord in the rest of South
New Jersey. Later, President Sikahema (my Stake President in New
Jersey who I haven't seen since I was in Moorestown) and his wife came
to feed the Zone lunch which was a great time. After all that was
over, I did an exchange in my area with my District Leader, Elder
Nebeker. Without a doubt, Elder Nebeker has to be on of the best
missionaries I have served around so far in my mission. He's only 6
weeks younger in the mission than I am, but we just clicked so
perfectly. We visited this man named Wayne Hoglund, who hasn't seen
the missionaries in almost two years! We just called him up and asked
if we could meet him and he told us that would be great. He was
baptized in Rhode Island and moved to a town close to Woodstown named
Salem. He lost contact with the church 4 years ago when he moved here
and had no idea where the church was. He's had a good number of
struggles, but wants to come back slowly but surely! It was a tender
mercy to meet a man like Brother Hoglund.
Saturday was a bit of a struggle at first because I experienced a
little heat exhaustion after street contacting and talk to former
investigators in Salem. But after I recovered from that, we went to go
see Tara and Sister Whitfield at the Johnson's home. It was such a
great lesson filled with the Spirit. The best lessons are the ones
where they are at member homes because they feel the Spirit so strong!
We also got an unexpected call from a former investigator who is
interested about learning about the Gospel and going to the temple
open house! The closer the temple is being done, the more people
become interested. Such a tender mercy from the Lord.
Unfortunately, we met with Tara last night at the Whitfield home and
it was disappointing because Tara had not been living certain
commandments to prepare for baptism, which she was not truthful about.
She ultimately wasn't ready and moved out of the Whitfield home today,
which was very sad to hear. It just goes to show the result of those
who do not keep the commandments of God. We will continually be happy
if we keep the commandments (Mosiah 2:41) This is so fundamental to
our happiness in this life. Some may think that commandments are
restrictions, but in reality, they are counsel given to us by a loving
God. Although, it broke our hearts, it does not break our
determination to make this area grow. We know the Lord will provide a
way for us to find the elect. As long as we do our personal best, the
Lord will bless us for our efforts.
To close, I just wish to acknowledge the passing of a good friend this
past Monday. Brother Bill Mellyn was my teacher, my friend, and a
great example of living the Gospel. I am so privileged to have had
such a close association with him at school as well as in my home
ward. There were a few times this week where I wish I could have gone
to the memorial service or the tribute at Mountain View. However, I
knew time and time again this is where I need to be and focus all of
my energy on. I have a firm testimony of the Plan of Salvation. I know
that life does not end after death. Knowing Brother Mellyn, I know he
is providing a great work for the Lord Jesus Christ on the other side
as he did on earth. It is my testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God and all of us will return to live with our Father in Heaven
because of the Savior's atoning sacrifice. All we must do is follow
Him. If we do, as Brother Mellyn did, we need not fear death, for we
will know where we are going. I hope all of you have a great week in
this great month of June!
Elder Cortes
Woodstown, NJ
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