It's been such a great week here in Hazleton. We have seen so many
miracles and had too many great miracles to count. Elder Neilson and I
have been so blessed as we continue to just work hard for the Lord and
for all the missionaries we serve.
A really cool experience was that Elder Neilson and I went to the
Temple Open House again with a few investigators. Our Senior Couple
Drove us down with two investigators, Bob and Alice, who are going to
be baptized this Sunday! It was amazing to see the temple again and to
just take in how magnificent this Holy House of the Lord is. Elder
Neilson and I were also able to see members from past areas and also a
few Sisters we have worked with in the past. But it was incredible,
Bob and Alice both loved the temple and want to go back to do
baptisms! It was worth driving a total of 5 hours for them to really
feel the Spirit and love of God.
Another cool experience was that the Assistants to the President
doubled in and we went on exchanges with them. They came from a
funeral so it was more of a 3 hour exchange, but it was probably the
one of the best exchange I have had on my mission. I was with Elder
Oldroyd and it's his first transfer being an Assistant, but I gotta
say, he's such a strong leader. I learned so much and felt the Spirit
in abundance throughout the time we had together. We taught a less
active member, Brother Hornick, who only comes to sacrament meeting.
But we taught with such unity and testimony it must have really
touched him because he came to Sunday School for the first time since
Elder Neilson or I have been here! I learn so much on exchanges, but I
especially learned from this one in a special way. We even talked
about what we saw. Elder Oldroyd and I never looked at weaknesses or
flaws, but how we can learn and improve from one another. That, I
believe, is a true sign of unity. When you and your companion or
leader are striving to learn and apply the best that you have, that is
when we are one. That is when we strive to become like the Savior
Jesus Christ. I love the Assistants so much, Elder Weisler, the other
Assistant, was so great too. All of us had such great conversations at
the end of the night. It was so real and mature, I just was on
overload with the Spirit that day. It was awesome! I know without a
doubt the PPM has the best leaders in the world. My Mission President,
the Assistants, my companion, all the missionaries I serve with, all
of them are leaders in the Gospel. How grateful I am to be led
personally by such great examples. It makes me think how grateful I am
for the Prophet and Apostles of the church, they are incredible
leaders ordained by the Priesthood of God. I know as we follow our
modern day leaders in the Gospel, we will never be lost. I know that
without doubt or uncertainty.
One last thing, this past Sunday was so great. We had 50 people come
to our tiny strip mall building which was awesome! When I first came
here, there were 30 people, but now we have had 4 less actives, two
investigators, and a new family that moved into the ward coming. Elder
Neilson and I are just so excited for the work that is moving forward
here in Hazy! The Lord is sustaining us as we go, it's incredible to
see how much He does for us daily in our missions. I realized now,
that the mission is my way of life. It's always been that way, but I
just see the blesses that come from living and serving as a
representative of Jesus Christ. I have been set apart to help others
strengthen their faith and come closer to God, which I have seen
countless times on my mission. Truly there is no greater cause to be a
part of. It the "Cause of Christians" (Alma 48:10) that makes this
work divine. There is no other calling I love more than being a
missionary. It is who I am and who I will always be. For that, I'm
grateful to my Father in Heaven and the Lord Jesus Christ who bless me
and strengthen me to be the disciple I need to be. May we all remember
what cause we are in and press forward against any opposition that
would come our way. I'm thankful for my family and for my friends,
both at home and in the mission. I love each and every one of them,
these relationships are for the eternities which I will always cherish
forever. May the Lord bless us all this coming week!
Elder Cortes
Hazleton, PA
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