Missions are Meant to be Cherished

Hey Everyone! 

I hope all of you have been doing well so far in this great year of 2017. We have had ups and downs, days turned inside and out, but through it all, our testimonies of Jesus Christ and His work have never been stronger. How it should be for a missionary!

Throughout the week, we helped out Elders with sicknesses, car accidents, you name it, we faced opposition left and right. But the work still continued to progress. We continue to teach Miguel who is doing incredible. He is now trying to gain a testimony of President Monson which is so exciting to just see him strive to learn what is true as we teach him. We are really praying and hoping Miguel is able to be baptized next weekend! It would be the perfect end to a great transfer here in Reading.

We also have a special experience to go with a recent convert for her endowment this Saturday. She was baptized in the Exeter ward the same time I came to Kutztown a year ago. It's going to be so exciting for her and for all of us. Elder Holden (Kaleb) will be coming back from Utah and spending the weekend here which we are so for! It will also be special for me because I haven't done an endowment session in the temple in 18 months, so I know it will be a life changing experience for me which I am excited beyond measure for. So to let everyone know, my P-day will be this Saturday instead of next Monday since I'm going to the temple. It'll just be a one time thing. 

But I have a testimony of facing opposition with hope and patience. It is because of our faith in Christ that makes it even possible for us to hope for a better world, for a better day. I know everything will work out for the best because Jesus Christ lives, and that is the knowledge which I cherish most in my life. I love my mission, it really is indescribable to learn and develop new feelings of the Gospel. I'm thankful Heavenly Father watches over all of us in our time of need. You know, I know I don't have the most time left on my mission, but I'm thankful for everyday Heavenly Father gives me to be a Missionary. It really is a life changing experience. 

Elder Cortes

Reading, PA