Hey guys!
Merry Day after Christmas! I had to say, this had to have been one of the most memorable Christmas I have ever had. Especially some of the events that led up to it was incredible. The Lord truly is good to us and his hand of mercy is extended to each one of us. My testimony in that principle was strengthened when we met a man who has changed our lives, Miguel Gomez. Miguel was a Bible Referral and when we first taught him, we got to know him and he told us he was trying to find truth and he's tried so many different times to be involved in church but he's never had the necessary fellowship to help him get to church or understand his relationship with God. As we testified of the Restoration, his eyes just lit up with so much interest and life in his eyes, as if he knew instantly that this is what was going to help him. The next day we taught him the Plan of Salvation and we invited him to baptism and he accepted right away. He told us we changed his life coming to teach and it was such a tender moment in my mission. I'm thankful the Lord blessed me to me a man as incredible as Miguel.
We also met with the Pierre Louis family (the Haitian Family) a few times this week and we found out Mariline (the Mom) was spending Christmas by herself while all the kids were going to New York to go visit their Dad. So we hopped on the opportunity to invite her to church and throughout the whole week she was on the fence about going. But finally, Saturday night, she said she wanted to come. So we figured out the ride situation right away and we got all set for Christmas by singing carols on Christmas Eve and the day before that. It was so fun to sing with 8 other Elders in the streets of Reading and to members of the Spanish ward. It was such a blessing to hear people tell us we were doing the Lord's work and light just came from our caroling. It was a ton of fun to provide such a memorable act of service..
Then Christmas Day came! We first went to church and saw Miguel and Mariline both at church. I sat with Mariline while Elder Baker sat with Miguel. By the end of the service, I asked Mariline if she felt the Spirit and she smiled and nodded. It was incredible because Mariline has had a hard time while we have been with her recognizing the Spirit testify what was true. And for us, we thought it was a huge breakthrough for her. Miguel also enjoyed it so much, it was a miracle for them to feel the Christmas Spirit. Later that day, I had the blessing of talking to my family. It was so great being able to just spend time with them. Every time I talk to them, it's such a special hour to just be with them. It makes me want to work even harder after talking with them. We also had great dinners at our Bishop's house and the Maldanado house too to close the night. I just have to say, I'm so thankful for every blessing I received this Christmas season out here. These gifts are what will last me a lifetime. I'm thankful to my Heavenly Father for changing my life and continues to through His Son Jesus Christ, who is the greatest gift of all. It's my hope and prayer we may receive our King on a daily basis and let Him make something more than we could ever do to ourselves. I love my Savior and my Heavenly Father, I love this Gospel, and it's such a privilege to be part of this great work. Have a great week looking toward an even brighter future in 2017!
Elder Cortes
Reading, PA
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