The Golden Fire in Doylestown

Hey everybody!

It's been such a blast this week. So much has gone on and it's been great here to start off the transfer. 

It all started with transfers, I said goodbye to Elder Morton and I picked up Elder Smith (another trainer) and we went to work in Doylestown for a few days. They put us together because we didn't pick up the Goldens until Thursday, but it was so much fun. Elder Smith actually served in Doylestown for a while and is currently serving in Exeter, one of my past areas. We had plenty to talk about between our areas and actually worked pretty well together. We taught our investigator Aaron how to personally apply the Book of Mormon which was fantastic! The highlight of the exchange, however, was that I was able to talk to Melissa Maldanado, a Recent Convert I worked with. It was so great to catch up for 5 minutes or so talking about her and her family and said how much they all missed me. It was a special blessing of the Lord to be on that two day exchange.

But then the big day came on Thursday. We went to the Golden Meeting and they announced the companionships one by one and I met my Golden Elder West! He's such a great Elder. He's from West Jordan, Utah and is the oldest of 4. He actually came out at 19 so he's a bit more mature which is very great. All he wants to do is work hard and learn as much as he can as a missionary. Every trainer prays and hopes for such a strong missionary like Elder West. I'm so thankful he's my final companion that will be sending me home. I know we will have such an amazing transfer.

Speaking of that, we already started on the right foot! We found some incredible people this week. We actually met a man named Matthew on Saturday who ordered a Bible. He lives 3 minutes away walking distance from the church, so we had our lesson with him inside and it went so well. Elder West invited him to baptism! In just 3 days, Elder West is pretty much a natural at missionary work. Matthew said he would think about it, so we will keep working towards that goal with him. But it's been a blessing, we have been starting to find more people to work with which is so exciting. The Lord is blessing us so abundantly here in Doylestown. I'm so thankful for all the tender mercies He has given me. I have been able to see it so clearly this past week. From picking up Elder West, to teaching Matthew. There's always a way to see the Lord's hand in your life. I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for us this week!

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

Skylar

Hey everyone! 

It's been such a great week. This weekend had to have been some of the best days of my mission. There's a lot that can be said, but I want to focus on Skylar, our investigator.

We were privileged to see Skylar baptized on Saturday and confirmed the next day. I can't even tell you how strong the Spirit was in both of those instances. I couldn't stop smiling when she and Elder Morton entered into the font. She was happy the entire weekend, she knew what she was doing was absolutely right. It was a blessing to be the one to confirm her and give her the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I knew in my heart, that we accomplished what the Lord called us to do in this present time of our missions. It's been such an amazing blessing to work with Skylar these past 4 months. Her testimony has grown time and time again and in turn, she was fully prepared to enter into a covenant with the Lord this weekend. We have also seen ourselves grow in the Gospel as we have worked alongside her, we have repented and increased in our faith in Christ that this miracle was able to happen. I'm grateful, that after months of prayers, Skylar, and all of us were able to celebrate this special occasion.

I also had the special opportunity to talk to my family yesterday for Mother's Day! It was my fourth and final call of my mission and it was such a blessing to talk to them about the mission and about life back home. I have to say after the call, I just had gratitude in my heart for my family. I have such loving and supportive parents as well as such great siblings that will always forever be my closest friends. I'm grateful not only for the Gospel, but that I can see so many blessings that come to our family because of it. I don't know what I would do without my family, they mean the world to me. I'm especially grateful for my Mom during this Mother's Day as I am even year and every day. I have learned so much from her example and really started learning the importance Gospel at a young age because it was important to her. She has always been there to love and support me in every aspect of my life. She always knows what is best, even if there have been times here and there I thought I knew what was best. But she is always so willing to keep helping me out. She is the most compassionate person I have met and blessed to have in my life. I can never express enough gratitude to my Father in Heaven for being blessed to be one of my Mom's kids. I can say, like Nephi, I was born of goodly parents.

With these two events with Mother's Day and Skylar's baptism being connected this weekend. It makes me so happy and blessed to have such great people in my life, both on the mission, and back home. It really makes you think how well did we all really know each other before this life? I believe it was so much so, that the Lord put us in paths where we would come across those we love and who have changed our lives, whether that is family, friends, or people we are blessed to meet in the service of the Lord. I'm grateful I don't have to go through this mortal journey alone. I'm grateful for the Supreme Creator, who is God the Father, and His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. They have helped me change to become a better person my 20 years on this earth. I'm thankful for the Holy Ghost and gift it is to have Him as our constant companion. Truly, all of us are blessed with support from both sides of the veil.

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

Wedding #4

Hey everybody!

It's been such an amazing week here in the Lord's service. I can't even describe how it feels to know God just blesses you everyday while you're out on a mission. I'll forever be grateful for this time in the Lord's service. 

We started off the week by going on back to back exchanges Tuesday-Thursday. My first exchange I went with Elder Huber in the north part of Pennypack. It was our fourth exchange together and we had such a blast. We already knew how to work together and everything flowed so smoothly. We helped out one of their Recent Converts who was going through a lot of rough times. After we prayed in faith and shared an inspiring message, it was like her whole attitude changed. That's one of the biggest blessings I have seen in others, their whole attitude just changes into a more positive light. The Gospel certainly has power to calm the troubled storms of life.

The next day I went to the south side of Pennypack with my good friend Elder Libberton. Now, Elder Libberton came out with me, he's also served in Exeter and Moorestown. So, needless to say, we had plenty to talk about. Their area doesn't have a car, so they ride SEPTA, just because everything is so condensed and it's a little dangerous to be driving in the South Pennypack. But it was a pretty great exchange, we walked 10 miles and taught a good number of pretty humble people. One of the people was a woman named Denise who wants to be baptized, quit smoking, change her life around really. She got pretty excited as we taught the Restoration to her, of course it was the Spirit working through the Light of Christ she has. 

So after the exchange we swapped back late in the evening and had a lesson with Skylar to end the night. It was so awesome because we were going to set her with a baptismal date and she wants to be baptized the next Saturday! It was so amazing, Elder Morton and I couldn't believe it. We knew she wanted to be baptized we just got even more excited when she said how soon. So it's been a time of getting her clothes, scheduling the interview, and prep for the program. She asked if Elder Morton could baptize her and I could confirm her. It's going to be such a special time. This is Elder Morton's first baptism he's seen out in the field and I am beyond excited for Skylar. The Lord has blessed us beyond measure with the opportunity to work with such a special daughter of His.

Also on that high note, we went to a wedding for one of our less actives named Sister Bowes. She's been with her boyfriend Paul for 5 years and they tied the knot Saturday. It's pretty neat this is the fourth wedding I've been to on my mission. Apparently it's a lot because the other missionaries I've asked in the past week most say they've never been to a wedding on their mission. But it's always a sweet reminder of the importance of family when I go to a wedding. It makes me so thankful in my heart I have such a loving family now that I wouldn't trade for the world. 

We have a good amount coming up this week. Zone Conference, Skylar's baptism, and my 

last call home. It's going to be such a great week like every week in the service of the Lord. There's nothing like the mission that's for sure!

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

Determined in Doylestown

Hey everyone! 

It's been such a great week and a half since I last wrote. So much so, that I can't write all that happened (like it says over and over in the Book of Mormon). But I will cover a few highlights that really strengthened my testimony. 

We went on one last exchange with the Zone Leaders for this transfer and I went back to Pennypack to be with my other Zone Leader, Elder Haws. Elder Haws has such a cool story, he's from Ethiopia and immigrated to Idaho 5 years ago. He used to be Muslim but had such a powerful experience with The book of Mormon and knew as he read, that Christ is the Son of God. It was really inspiring for me because it just showed me how much a person can change from the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I mean, I got to be with such a close friend for a day because of it. But our day in Pennypack was so amazing, we prayed consistently that we would find new people to talk to and it was so cool to talk to so many different people with different cultures. We talked to a woman who was Russian and a woman from Ghana, and people from Brooklyn throughout the day. It really was a lot of fun.

We also saw Skyler later in the week and we felt prompted to ask her how she has felt with the discussions so far and it's made such a huge difference for her. She said since we met, she starts to see how the Gospel can apply to her personally. It been such a great transfer to see her conversion process, she is gaining her testimony slowly but surely, it's so amazing.

A testimony builder for me this week was that the Souderton Sisters had a baptism this past week. Now the reason why I bring up their baptism is because both Sisters have been out less than 6 months and they are working so hard in relying on the Lord. It has been so cool to see the fruits of their labors, the baptism being the highlight for them this transfer. It just showed me that this is the Lord's work because there is no way we would be able to see the success we see in the mission unless He was involved. 

As for the work, it has been coming along so well. We have had a few people drop for one reason or another, which is always heartbreaking of course, but we never give up or complain with what happens. We're just thankful for every blessing we have and continue to ask the Lord for more people to teach and it happens. We just find people out of the blue, it's so incredible to see the Lord answer prayers. He really has been with us in Doylestown, as with the rest of my mission. I'm thankful for His love and His willingness to be with us at our side in the work. I couldn't ask for anything better.

We also had the special opportunity to go to the temple just now. It was such a blessing to not only go, but seeing so many members from past areas like Kutztown and Woodstown. It was a sweet reminder for me I am in the right place because my friends are with me. I have learned so much in my time receiving revelation from the Lord in His Holy House. It is such a blessing to be able to have a temple in our mission. Temples truly are a beacon to the world, I know because of the simple fact that I turn to the Lord every time I go. Well, it's the last week of the transfer! We find out what happens with transfers this Saturday, I'm probably staying since I just got to Doylestown but the Lord has proven me otherwise!

 Keep the Faith,

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

Living the Trio Life... Part 3!

Hey everyone! 

I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving and a great weekend as well. Although it has been 3 days, much has happened. First and foremost, I got my new companion Elder Crane! He is from Bear Lake, Idaho and goes home in two weeks. So this will be the fourth companion I will be sending home so far on my mission! He's a great Elder, full of charity and love for others. We picked him up from the mission office on Friday morning and have been running around between our area in Reading and his area in Pottstown. We only teach one person in Pottstown because it wouldn't work trying to go back and forth between the two areas, but we are excited for Pottstown because the one investigator, Jasmine, is getting baptized December 10th which is pretty exciting! Along with that we also go to church in Pottstown as well, so that's a total of 6 hours of church on Sunday which is unheard of in the mission unless you cover a YSA. But it's definitely a blessing being with the Pottstown members as well as the members in our area. Definitely unexpected blessings from this brand new trio.

Something else is that I was a part of the Spanish Elders baptism in Reading this past Saturday. 

So, it was for a 9 year old kid named Miguel (he speaks English). I interviewed him earlier in the week and it was pretty funny because while we were there and about to leave, they asked Miguel who wanted to give the talks and he pointed at me to give the talk about baptism. So that's exactly what happened! I gave a talk about baptism that I think only 4 people could understand what I was talking about. But it was a really neat experience being able to see Miguel be baptized and to be fellowshipped by the entire family (and this family was huge!). I was also so happy for one of the Spanish Elders since that was his first baptism on his mission and it really meant a lot to him after really searching and praying for someone he could baptize and bring into the fold.

But other than that, everything else has been going very well! Our investigators Tiyanna and Yanna (age 13 and 14) came to church this past week and are planning to be baptized on December 10th. The Lord is just providing so many blessings this holiday season. It's crazy to think there's only 2 weeks left in the transfer, but I'm excited to finish strong with these two great Elders! May the Lord continue to bless us all as we head into the Christmas season, probably one of the most special times anyone can feel for the Savior's love. Continue to keep the faith!

Elder Cortes

Reading, PA

"Live in Thanksgiving Daily" (Alma 34:38)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

It's been such a fun day for us over here in Reading! It's been dinner appointments and a fun Turkey Bowl with the Reading Zone. Without a doubt, this is a Thanksgiving I will not forget I had on the mission.

A few other things have happened and are happing, it's never a dull moment in the fantastic land of Reading. Probably the biggest thing that happened was that we had three baptisms this past weekend. Anthony, Dakota, and Chanel. It was a special baptism because we had so many special appearances from the Assistants, (we had an exchange the day before) and Elder Martinez. It was so great being able to see all three of them get baptized and then all three of them be confirmed the next day. To have the privilege to baptize Anthony was so great. The Spirit was just so strong being able to see all three baptisms happen. 

Elder Baker and I have just been having a blast here in the late fall. The winter is coming quick with 40 degree weather with wind chill that makes it feel like 20 degrees. We have just been having great laughs about it and finding great joy in the work. Another thing that is happening is we will be getting a third companion tomorrow who is Elder Crane. His companion is going home and he will be going home in two weeks so this will be the 4th missionary I have sent home which is kind of crazy but fun at the same time. 

To close this entry of the mission, I just want to say how grateful I am for so much that has been given to me by my Heavenly Father. I'm thankful for my family first and foremost. My parents are incredible and my siblings mean the world to me. It brings so much peace that I will spend all time and eternity with them. I'm thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge that I know to be true which brings me a lot of happiness. I'm thankful for prophets and apostles (both ancient and modern) who have priesthood authority to guide the people of Zion to the strait and narrow path and to help us stay on it.

There are two unique things I have learned and have appreciated more since I have been on my mission. I'm thankful for my mission as a whole. I'm thankful for the people I have met, especially all my companions. Learning from all 12 of them has meant the world to me and to keep learning is such a blessing. I'm thankful for the good times and the bad on the mission. It isn't always easy to be out here on a mission. But the hard times that have made me uncomfortable, I know are making me grow. I'm thankful I have two years to represent the Lord Jesus Christ as an authorized representative to preach His Gospel. I have teared up one time or another to really think this will all be over. But I'm grateful for the time the Lord has and is giving me now. I have been blessed so much with my mission. I love my mission with all my heart, no matter what. 

The second thing I am eternally thankful for is my Savior Jesus Christ. I have always known His sacrifice and that He is the Messiah. But I just grow my personal relationship with Him more and more as I continue on in my mission. I love the Lord, probably the biggest blessing is seeing my relationship with Him grow while I am out here. I become more committed, dedicated, bold, and consecrated in doing His will. 

I'm thankful for all of you who read these weeklys. You all mean a ton to me and I hope all of us may continually remember what we are thankful for everyday, not just Thanksgiving. As we do, all our doubts will flying and we will be singing as the day goes by. 

Have a great Turkey Day!

Elder Cortes

Reading, PA

A Weekend with a General Authority

Hey everyone!

I hope all of you have been doing great so far in the wonderful month of November. The mission has been fantastic! We have had a lot of laughs and instruction by the Lord. It has been a great week here in the mission field. 

It all started on Tuesday when we had Zone Training. So usually, we have Zone Training at the Stake Center, but we found out the entire building was rented out for voting for the election... so we had to improvise and do Zone Training at the Centro Hispano at 5th and Washington. It was a lot of running around, but it was so great! The Spirit was so strong in really guiding the discussion on our Trainings. It had to be the best Zone Training I conducted! I had so much fun with it, and we have one more this transfer in December which we are very excited for. 

Later in the week, we had Elder Cordon of the Seventy train us Thursday and Friday. Thursday as an Mission, then Friday for the MLC. It was incredible to just see his training and his personally really connect with the missionaries. The biggest impression I took out of that whole training was that you can live your mission as a son of man or a son of God. As we find out who we really are, we find power in our identity. It was such a blast. Then, if we weren't blessed enough, we had stake Conference this weekend and the guest speakers were President and Sister Randall, and of course, Elder Cordon! So Saturday night and Sunday morning we were instructed even more. What was also neat was that I saw so many members from Kutztown! It was great seeing the bussiere family and the O's. What was hilarious was I just happened to sit right behind the O's Sunday, and they had no idea and then brother O looked back and I winked at him. Then he whispered to Sister O, then she turned around eyes all wide and just so excited to see me. She told me she just pulled out the vase Elder Thielen and I gave her for Mother's Day. I just felt the Spirit so strong seeing them again, it truly is a blessing to have all these friends on the mission, it's so great.

This Saturday is so exciting, we have 3 baptisms coming up and Elder Martinez is come back up to see it. The Lord blesses us everyday out here. What a blessing it is to be a part of this great work. 

I hope all goes well for you all this week! Remember that you are a child of God, although we are children of men, our divine heritage cannot be denied. 

Elder Cortes

Reading, PA

A Week of Memories in the Mission

Hey everybody! 

It's been an incredible week. I have learned so much and over and over the Spirit testifies to me that the work is true. As the leaves change color on the East Coast, so does my mission. Probably the biggest blessing I have seen is Heavenly Father's love for me and for His children we are working with. 

You see it in the small things everyday, on just how the Lord supports and sustains us. It's incredible what blessings do come as you are obedient and doing the Lord's will. Saturday was the highlight of the week. We had 3 baptisms in the morning, Keishla Colon, Debbie Ledford, and Dominick Murphy. All of them have very different backgrounds, but all of them are just so changed by the Gospel. It's just incredible. We also had Elder Lynn G Robbins speak to us later that day as a mission. He was incredible. To see a general authority in person was amazing. He taught me a lot on how to be a successful missionary, to be a great companion, and to continually build my faith in Jesus Christ. We sang so many songs as a mission, especially the mission hymn, and to sing it as a mission for the first time for me, I just felt so much love and comfort from Heavenly Father. It was incredible, all of it. I just feel so blessed to be exposed to so much that a lot of the world doesn't really see much. I consider my family and the Gospel and how I truly know I can be happy, and how I can help others be happy as well. 

But with all that in mind, I'm moving forward to becoming someone better! This is the last week of the transfer, so probably my last week with Elder Martinez! I'm just thankful for him and what he stands for. He's really opened my eyes and helped me in so many ways. I love him and I love you all. May the Lord bless you as you change for the better.

Elder Cortes

Reading, PA

The 2 Mexicans That Can't Speak Spanish

Hey everyone!

It's been such a blast, so much that I didn't even send my weekly last week... That's my bad, it was a lot to do my first week in Reading. It's been so busy, probably my busiest area I have had on my mission. It is just nonstop appointments and picking up members. But I'm getting used to it.

My companion is Elder Martinez! He's from San Bernardino, California and has been out 18 months. He's such a great missionary. He has probably the most fire I have seen for the work. If he is in the zone you best get out of the way. He's also Mexican, but ironically, he does not speak a lick of Spanish. I'm glad I'm not the only one! It's been good though, we have had many good talks and learned a ton from each other.

Reading is so great! It was the Zone Leader area when I was in Kutztown so to be in the area with all the missionaries I look up to is so exciting. We are teaching a good number of people who are planning on being baptized this coming month. We already had a baptism my first weekend here which was pretty cool to walk into. Her name is Melissa who is such a solid member. All she wants to do is to be a better example for her family and teach the Gospel to her family. I can't wait for her to get to the temple. We also had MLC which was incredible, seeing my good friends and President Randall was incredible. The Spirit of unity was there, I was just so grateful to be a part of it.

What's super cool this week was that we had General Conference! I'm grateful for such incredible leaders in the church. The Prophet and Apostles just taught with such power and authority, you knew what they said was true. I'm grateful for a Heavenly Father who blessed me with answers to questions in my heart through his servants. I'm especially grateful for President Thomas S Monson, who had so much courage to teach on the Plan of Salvation. Truly I'm grateful for my mission. It's such a great time to serve. I'm changing everyday and I'm so thankful for Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. It's a scary thought to think I only have about 9 months left. But I'm definitely going to make the most of it. I hope all of you have a great week!

Elder Cortes

Reading, PA

Living a Dangerous Life in the PPM

Hola a Todos!

It's been a crazy week full of blessings and miracles. There was a lot
of driving involved, not a ton of proselyting happened, but all of our
time was filled with cherished memories.

Tuesday was probably the only normal day of the week. We found a part
member family named Gregory and Ashley. It was great because Gregory's
parents were visiting and his whole family are members. They are
Dominican so they spoke some English but they helped out so much. We
taught on the Book of Mormon and everyone testified to Ashley the
truthfulness of it which made her interested to set up a return
appointment. It was a miracle because if Gregory's parents weren't
there, we felt like we would not have made it inside the house. It was
definitely a blessing from the Lord being at the right place at the
right time.

On Wednesday we went to the Temple Open House with a part member
family named the Kuhns. We meet with them once a month because they
live almost 40 minutes away and Sister Kuhn is going through chemo
battling cancer. But it was a really great experience for both of them
and for us. What's really neat is you learn something new or feel
something special every time you go. The Philadelphia Temple is
incredible! Words can't describe the beauty and the majestic glory of
the House of the Lord.

Thursday was my first Zone Training I conducted. We planned for it the
free time we had the few days before but I was a little nervous. It
all went so well when the Lord gave me comfort as I prayed for
strength to be a strong leader for the missionaries in the Zone. It
went so well, the trainings Elder Neilson and I did together were
great and the Zone responded very well to it! After Zone Training, I
went to Lehighton on exchanges with a missionary named Elder Thompson.
It was cool being in one of my old companion's old areas and meet the
people he worked with.

Friday we swapped back and we headed down to the temple one last time
with a less active we are working with named Fabio. It was a struggle
because he had 4 opportunities to go with the branch and he always
dodged it. He always wanted to go with us, so we set it up for the
final day of the Open House! It was crazy because we left at 2:30, and
it took us 4 hours to get there because of traffic. We didn't leave
until 8:30 and got home by 11, which is past our curfew
unfortunately... But we did repent and we hope the Lord understood our
circumstances! But it was so special to go to the open house one more
time. Especially at night. To see the Temple and the city of
Philadelphia was incredible. I'd never seen the city at night, I just
loved it all. I was so grateful to go to the open house four times
with people I cared about. I was so grateful the senior couple, the
DeSpains drove us each times. It was crazy they drove to the temple
almost everyday last week. It was so great to see their dedication and
love for the people here in Hazleton.

Saturday was full of taking care of administration stuff for the next
transfer (talking to District Leaders, the Assistants, etc.). But it
was cool because we saw Ashley and Gregory later that night and taught
the whole Restoration which went so well!

Sunday was a great way to close the week! We had two baptisms with Bob
and Alice. We don't have a font in Hazleton and all the fonts around
the zone weren't working, so we had to ask permission from President
Randall to go out of the mission. Ultimately we had to get permission
from Salt Lake to go to the Pittsburg Mission to use the font in the
Berwick. So I guess you can say I was living life to the extreme at
that point. It was such a great service, I actually got to conduct
which was pretty neat. Bob and Alice enjoyed it all and we were just
so glad with all the progress they made. Baptisms are without a doubt,
one of the favorite parts of my mission. Not because I got a baptism,
but because people are changing and are committing to follow God. I'm
just so glad Elder Neilson and I were able to see a few baptisms
together. Next week is transfers and we don't know if he will leave or
stay, but he's been one of my favorite companions to work with. It's
such a blessing to work with such a great Elder.

I'm so blessed with the temple open house and these baptisms. The Lord
truly is blessing us with special experiences here. This Sunday is the
Philadelphia Temple Dedication which we are all excited about. It's my
first one, which will be pretty special. I'm grateful for the Lord
blessing me with such a great mission. I can't wait for this Sunday!
Hope you all have a great week!

Elder Cortes

Hazleton, PA

Leaving Woodstown on a Good Note

Hey everybody!

It's been such a busy week to end the transfer, but like always, it's
a pleasure to be in the service to the Lord. Like the title of this
week's update says, I am leaving Woodstown which was pretty shocking
for me. But you know, I went out of New Jersey with a bang which I'm
so thankful for.

It was really busy Tuesday as we had a few lessons, had coordination
meeting, and had a baptismal interview for Debra! It was a blast
because we had dinner with our ward mission leader and the Zone
Leaders which was such a fun time. After that, my Zone Leader, Elder
Uriostegui, interviewed Debra at the church and she passed! So we were
excited to get everything ready for her baptism.

Wednesday, we taught Krista, who we hadn't seen in a week, but it was
just between me being sick and her with a work schedule thing. But it
was so great this week, we taught her 3 times this week on the first 3
discussions and she is understanding it all very clearly. She is also
keeping commitments on reading and prayer. She's been marking in the
Book of Mormon, so you can just tell she is set on having the Gospel
being a part of her life. She has a date for the 28th and is
progressing very well towards that. We also had dinner at the
Whitfield home which was a blast. Debra made pork chops and red velvet
cake for all of us and Brother and Sister Whitfield. It was definitely
a fun time as we kept preparing her for her baptism.

Thursday was a pretty crazy. At Zone Training we were doing trainings
in preparation for using Facebook as missionaries. It was pretty much
how to keep your purpose in mind as you always use Facebook. It has a
lot of really cool safeguards on following the spirit, being
disciplined, being united as a companionship, and always keeping the
missionary purpose in your heart. There are actually a lot of really
great ideas in using Facebook. The best part is that you know how to
use it effectively, especially in missionary work. Back home, it was
easy for me to just mindlessly scroll through my news feed, now I'm
going to be productive on it, especially in missionary work, which is
so exciting. It'll be cool to see when I get back home how my use of
social media will change compared to when I used it before my mission.
After Zone Training, we went on an exchange with Vineland because I
needed to do a baptismal interview for them the following morning. It
was a blast being with Elder Beach again in Vineland. We found a
pretty good amount of new investigators and taught pretty powerful
lessons in unity. That's the best when you just click with members of
your District and the Spirit and the message we share don't skip a
beat. It was the best exchange of the transfer I have to say because
Elder Beach and I had some pretty heartfelt moments and it was just
great. He's actually going to be the District Leader over here which
I'm pretty excited for him and the District in general. All of us have
been working hard here in the Cherry Hill South Zone which is awesome.

Friday, I conducted a baptismal interview for the Vineland's
investigator Kevin and he passed! Later on we swapped back and taught
Debra! We were also looking for baptismal clothes and usually you wear
the thin jumpsuit, but they didn't have any of those kind of
jumpsuits. So Debra wore for her baptism a thicker material. But it
was fun we got her program all set and the baptismal clothes as well.

Saturday was pretty standard until the end of the night. After we
taught Debra and a few less actives, we went home and waited for
transfer calls. It was strange because we didn't get them until 10:15
at night but when we got them, we found out Elder Brewer was staying
in Woodstown and I was leaving which was the surprise for the Zone.
Mostly everyone stayed, it was just two other Elders leaving.

So with that in mind, we went to church and let everyone know I was
leaving. It was pretty tough because I have made such great friends
here in Woodstown. Yesterday was so bittersweet. It had to be the most
bittersweet day of my mission. It was a pretty powerful testimony
meeting and the baptism was fantastic. I'm grateful I was there that
Sunday because Sister Whitfield bore her testimony for the first time
ever being a member of the church for 4 years. Her and Brother can
Whitfield bore their testimony and were just saying how much they
loved Debra and she was sitting next to us and was crying because the
Spirit pretty much got her so strong. At the end of the meeting, the
three of them hugged and it was probably the strongest feeling of love
I have seen with that family. Brother and Sister Whitfield are
currently trying to be reactivated, quit smoking, and be sealed in the
temple in October. So to see the progress with all three of them is
amazing. At the baptism. it was so special. So many people came and
such heartfelt talks were given for Debra. Brother Whitfield gave his
testimony and a prayer and he couldn't stop crying. It was amazing
because Brother Whitfield is a big tough guy who grew up on the
streets. But for him seeing his sister baptized just touched his heart
so strong, it really showed me in person another witness of the
truthfulness of the Gospel. It was great, I baptized Debra and I
didn't mess up with it being my first person I baptized. Later that
night, she said she felt a lot better when she went out of the water.
It was a great service. We found out from our Bishop it was the
first baptism Woodstown had in 2 years! So it was a great day for the
Whitfields, the ward, and just everyone pretty much. To end the night,
I got a call from President Randall and he asked if I would accept the
assignment of being a Zone Leader! So I'm pretty excited with good
things to come working with a new Zone. I'm very grateful for the Lord
and what great miracles I saw in Woodstown. It's hard to say goodbye
to this area, an area that a few missionaries considered to be "dead".
I'm just grateful for the gems I found here, I know that this has
prepared me for my next area and my next assignment. What's comforting
is that no matter what, the Gospel is still true wherever I go. I
can't wait for tomorrow with my new companion and new area! I hope all
of you have a great week!


Elder Cortes

Woodstown, NJ

Thanksgiving and Birthday!

Hey everyone!

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! We sure did. It was a good

week overall. It was a little tough on lessons because almost

everybody went out of town, but it's okay! We still kept busy like we

always do.

So, for the entire week were helping out this family who have been

investigators to the church for years. They were moving out today and

they needed so much stuff done last week. We helped take down a $7000

playground set, moved out boxes and boxes in the garage, and took out

a lot of furniture. We were so grateful to help out the Kings, almost

every day last week for a few hours. But it finally got done and they

were so relieved and so happy about all the things we were able to

move out. It's always so great to give service like that, because

seeing people happy and glad stuff gets done is a blessing.

Tuesday, we were able to see the Bramhalls, a really great family in

the ward. Their kids gave us 10 or so bags of candy with turkey

drawings on them. They asked if we can give them to people we see and

we were like "of course!", because who's going to turn down candy from

kids right? We already have passed out a good number of bags already

and got great turnouts from it.

Wednesday, we had District Meeting because we usually have it on

Thursday. We had two new missionaries in the Zone. One of them is the

new District leader, named Elder Chapman,for the other district, and

I'm pretty excited to work with him. The other missionary is Sister

Eckman, which I was pretty glad about. She was a Restoration Site

sister when she came out on her mission. But with the winter, a lot of

the Restoration Site sisters go into the mission to proselyte because

they don't get many visitors at that time. So this is her first area

pretty much! It's cool because we flew on the plane to the mission

together so it was pretty great to have friends like that you serve

around. She asked me to give her a blessing right after District

Meeting which I was more than happy to. It was probably the most

powerful blessing that I have given. I will be honest, it is such a

blessing to hold the Priesthood because you feel so good after using

it to help others, to act in the way the Lord would act. After that we

were able to see a few less actives we never met before which was

pretty nice. We were able to set up a few appointments with them this

week so hopefully I'll be able to talk about it next week!

Thanksgiving!!!!! Wow, it was so much fun. We started off by getting

up at like 5:00 a.m. to drive to Cherry Hill to have a big breakfast

and play in the Turkey Bowl (football) with all the Elders in the

Zone. We were there for probably 4-5 hours just having a great time

playing football. Except one Elder had cleats and the field was really

wet, so all of us were slipping except him. I'll be honest, it's been

a long while since I played any football, but I did pretty decent a

few TD's and a pick! But it was so fun having that quality time with

the other Elders. When we got home, we cleaned up and went right to

visiting as many people as we could. We visited Bishop Poaletti and

his wife, the Walches (two of my favorite people in the ward), David

Garduno, and so many more! It was so fun being able to just go and

visit so many different families and we ended the night having a huge

meal with the Davis Family! Oh my gosh, there was so much food

everywhere we went and the Davis' had the most. What was a downer was

I didn't feel all that well after we left the Davis' at 8. We had a

few more people to visit but my stomach had other plans.... So that

was pretty sad we didn't see 1 or 2 more families. But I was really

glad with all the visits we were able to make.

Friday we helped out with service with the Kings then we went to

Cherry Hill again at the end of the night because I needed to do a

baptismal interview for an investigator who was getting baptized the

next day. His name is Tunde and he is from Ethiopia! He is a

professional soccer player who plays in Europe Leagues. But it's great

to interview these brothers and sisters who are ready to make that

sacred covenant of baptism. They just have a special countenance about

them and you can just tell this is something they truly want. By the

time we were done with the interview, it was too late to drive back

home so we stayed the night with the the Zone Leaders.

The next day we decided to come to Tunde's baptism and it went so

well! Of course it's always so neat to see someone get baptized and to

see the difference in them. After that, we got back and did some more

service and went to Spencer and Rebecca's place for dinner! It was

great to sit down with them because they have all these different

goals they plan on reaching like being sealed in the temple, getting

temple recommends, getting patriarchal blessings, and so much other

stuff! They both already got callings, which I thought was pretty

great. They really are doing well for themselves and I'm going to have

such a party when they get sealed next year wherever I am in the

mission.

Sunday was really great! It happened to be my birthday which I thought

was pretty cool. We also had testimony meeting this week because of

Stake Conference next week. It was the first time having that on my

birthday, a lot of good testimonies were given and the chapel is all

set for the holidays. I also got a pretty nice tie from the Davis',

it's solid teal. Everyone loved it! Sara was so happy when she saw me

in it, it was such a great day. Nothing super different, we just went

out knocking on doors and visited people, but I was glad to see tender

mercies on my birthday.

Well, I just got done taking my first full trip into Philly. The Zone

Leaders showed us around for my birthday! There's really so much you

can do over there, I really do hope I get to serve there at one point.

But now we are getting ready for Christmas! There's a new video on

LDS.org called A Savior is Born. We are planning on showing that to as

many people as we can. But I want you all to know I am grateful for

you and I'm grateful for this mission. I have learned so much about my

Savior Jesus Christ, and I continue to do so. It is my hope and prayer

you all have that chance this holiday season. Have a great week! Oh,

it's below 30 degrees now, no snow yet, but it'll come!

Sincerely,

Elder Cortes

               (Leo with Sara Davis & her husband)      

Busy Cold Days and a Baptism!

Hey Everyone!

Time just doesn't stop, that's for sure. I have just been going

nonstop this week, but that's a good thing. I can't even imagine

wasting time on the mission. I hope you all are doing great! I'm sure

you're a all excited for the holidays. I know I am. Thanksgiving and

Christmas are going to be so fun here! But anyway, I'm excited to

share my experiences this past week with you, there's a lot of good

ones.

Tuesday we drove to Broomall, PA for Elder Harris' Golden Retraining.

It was really great! They talked about the same things for the most

part when I went to my retraining, but I learned so much more. It was

like the Lord just always has something to teach me, which I am so

grateful for. I also got to do a role play of a street contact with my

Mission President which was pretty fun and different at the same time.

All of us had such a blast, trainers and Goldens. I really loved

getting to know the trainers and seeing good friends, like my friend

Elder Drake, who is serving in Pottsville. I'm also glad my son, Elder

Harris, did a great job (trainers are dads). He's doing a good job so

far in his mission, I can tell he really does care and is progressing

very well. Also, traffic to Broomall is insane. We went on the road

call Roosevelt Lane, which has six lane and a divider between three

lanes. It's one of the most accident prone roads in the country and it

was just so crazy. But on the way home we drove through center city,

and it was so amazing. There were all these murals and endless amounts

of people. I just want to stay there the rest of the day and do street

contacting. But I'm not worried, I'll get there one day!

Thursday, we went to Zone Training and had a really fun time. Elder

Bowman and Elder McCarthur did a great job with the training. We also

met some mini missionaries (16 year olds who are with missionaries for

a few days) from Delaware and the North Jersey. They were pretty smart

in the gospel, I'm just grateful the youth understands the importance

of preparing now for a mission. After Zone Training, I did a two day

exchange with Elder McCarthur, we went to Cherry Hill the first day

and Moorestown the second. He's been my Zone Leader ever since I have

been out on my mission, so needless to say, it was pretty nice to

spend two days with him just working together.

Sunday was pretty much the best part of the week. All week we were

getting ready for Spencer's baptism (interview, the program, etc.) and

to finally see him be baptized was great. His wife, Rebecca, was

sitting next to me and she was just beaming constantly. I was just so

happy for her, it was her first time seeing a baptism besides her own.

She gave the closing prayer and was so nervous, but it was pretty

powerful. I truly did feel the spirit as she prayed. The end of the

night was pretty much perfect. We taught David, who we have been

teaching for months. When we got there, he had almost finished 1st

Nephi and just wants to do everything he can to strengthen his faith.

He had all these questions written down and we just had a great

discussion with him. At the end of it, he gave the prayer and was so

emotional, I was so happy with the progress he is making to get back

to being active.

It's constant 40's over here but that doesn't bother us. We just keep

on moving, because that's all you can do. Anyway, I hope all of you

have a great week. I truly do love you guys and I do love the gospel,

may we all be strengthened in the Lord and His everlasting grace. Keep

being great!

Elder Cortes