The Best Two Years

Well, this is the last weekly! It's crazy to think how the time has just flown out here. There's a lot of mixed feelings going on right now, but I'm thankful to look back on my service to the Lord this past week or so. I have had so much fun learning from the Lord in so many different ways. It's been such a great two years to be here in this special part of the Lord's vineyard serving in 6 different areas with 15 companions that mean so much. Serving a mission has been the best decision I have ever made in my life that I will always be thankful to my Father in Heaven for. The people I have met have changed my life and I know the friendships I've made will last for a lifetime. I have really come to see my testimony strengthened through experiences that I will keep for the rest of my life. There is no doubt in my mind Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that the Book of Mormon is a witness of the Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm thankful to know who my Savior is and how much He loves me. He's helped me really see who I am and how I've become a better person by losing myself in this great work. I'm excited to see how my mission will play a role in all the different parts of my life. Thank you everyone for all the support you gave. It has been such a blessing to hear how all of you have been doing and to know that you all had my back back home and out here in the field. 

If there is anything you can remember from my emails it is that I am sure God lives and loves us always. He sent the Savior to help us become something more, I know we will return to God if we will follow the Savior and rely on Him. It's my hope we will all find happiness that comes from living the Gospel.

Love,

Elder Leopoldo Cortes

Doylestown, PA

Final Fourth Means Going Out With A BANG

Happy Fourth of July!

It's starting to get pretty real over here in the PPM. It's the last week of the transfer with a lot of stuff going on. But I'll get to that later in the weekly. We've had a lot of special experiences from this past week. 

Wednesday was jam packed with the Restoration Site up in Susquehanna. It was a three hour drive one way, but it was so worth it. They took two different groups up to the site so we had 8 missionaries in the van which was so much fun to talk about our missions and plans for life back home. Being at the site was pretty special since I hadn't been in 20 months, but every time you go, there's always a special Spirit there. It was neat because we had a specialized farewell tour of the site where they connected Joseph Smith's work, to the work we have done on our missions. It really strengthened my testimony just those few hours in the Prophet of the Restoration. I'm so grateful for the Restoration of the Gospel and that anyone can receive the blessings that have come simply because Joseph decided to ask in faith. 

After that, we have been finding people just left and right. Just one that sticks out to me is a man named George. He's 86 and had been married to his wife, who has passed, for 60 years. He's such a great guy and it was a great experience to testify of the Plan of Salvation. I don't know if I'll teach George again, but I'm thankful Heavenly Father continues to bless us with finding people who are ready to here the fullness of the Gospel. Even through time is winding down for me, I'm still seeing those blessings that come from being a missionary, which I am so grateful for. 

Sunday was also pretty great. I gave my last testimony as a missionary which was a pretty great experience for me to stand before such a great ward who is so caring toward the missionaries. Without a doubt, Doylestown Ward has a special place in my heart. The Galloways were also going out of town for a little over a week, so I said my goodbyes to them as well as Skylar. I feel so blessed to have been able to work with her and to see everyone's life change as she worked towards being baptized. Monday was also the last District Meeting which was kind of weird to think. Just a lot of lasts that have been coming up, but I'm always so thankful for these special times to really soak it all in. 

I'm very thankful that I'm able to spend one more Fourth out here on the mission. It's been great to really reflect how we are free both temportally and spiritually. You see it over and over the Book of Mormon prophesied this land as choice above all other lands. I'm grateful we get to celebrate the nation's independence and that the Lord has provided a place where the Gospel may grow and expand to the world.

Well, I'm in the home stretch. This week is going to go by like it's nothing. I have my exit interview with President Randall Thursday, departing temple trip Friday, P-day Monday, seeing the city Tuesday, touching down Wednesday. So I have plenty to keep me busy. I'll send out one final email Monday, so till next week.

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

PPM Forever

Hey everyone!

It's been such a blast this past week and 5/7's. Miracles have been wrought and the work continues to move forward in the Doylestown area. 

Last week, we found this girl in her mid 20's named Daisy. She's one of the most bubbly people I have ever met. She's very kind and willing to listen. We actually were knocking doors when we found her and she was so willing to hear us out. So we scheduled an appointment with her later in the week and took a member from the Souderton ward to come teaching with us. The reason being is that this member was Aaron Nelson, he left on his mission just this Tuesday and wanted to go out with the Elders so bad (Souderton only has Sisters). We had appointments schedule but then they would fall through, except for Daisy. It was a solid Restoration lesson where Aaron just bore a very tear filled testimony on the truthfulness of the Restoration through the prophet Joseph Smith. It was a tender moment for myself knowing I was in his shoes just almost 2 years ago. 

We have also been working with Skylar very well. We taught her family history and temple Work for her to be prepared as she does baptisms for the first time ever! We are so proud of her and the commitment she has to the Lord, really she is an inspiration.

Meanwhile, Elder Morton and I took our temple trip today. It was such a blessing to go and feel absolute peace and respite from the Lord. What was even more special was that my mtc companion Elder Maynard was also at that session with his companion so it was a blast to be able to enjoy the session together. At the end of the session we sat down together to talk briefly about the mission. We just can't believe how fast time has flown. It just felt so good to talk to someone else who knows where I'm at. It was a really tender time for the both of us in the Holy House of the Lord. We also had time to check out some sights since the city is now part of the Zone. From Reading Terminal Market to the Rocky Steps to Chinatown. We had a blast, we didn't see everything but there will be another opportunity soon enough!

I've really thought about the mission this past week. My buddy Michael finished yesterday and my former companion and dear friend Elder Neilson finishes next week. Then it'll be my turn soon enough. With this transfer coming to a close and my final one just around the corner, it really makes me appreciate how blessed I am to be a missionary of the Lord. Representing His Gospel and Mission here in Philadelphia. I'm grateful for the time I've had to serve and for this next 6 weeks coming up. No doubt I will push myself to the max, all the way until they out me on that plane home. I love this work, there's absolutely nothing like it. I'll be sure to keep you all posted!

Elder Cortes

Doylestown, PA

General Conference, Temple, What More Could You Ask For?

Hey everybody!

It's so good to be able to touch base with you all again. The adventures don't stop here on the East Coast that's for sure. We were blessed with exchanges, meetings, and a great weekend of conference!

We went on exchanges with the Zone Leaders and I was with my good friend Elder Huber in Pennypack. It was pretty fun to talk to so many different people with different cultures. One lesson we had, the woman we were teaching sang an African song before we started with a prayer. I always love coming down to Pennypack, you just never know what you're going to see. 

Conference was also so great. It was nonstop going to members homes, having a great meal, then being able to see the Lord's servants speak to the world. We had our investigators, Eugene and Skylar, watch as well and they had many questions answered. Without a doubt, Conference is such a powerful missionary tool. Also, it was a blessing for me to be able to learn from the Lord and knowing very clearly what I need to do at this point in my mission as well as in my life. 

We also went to the temple today for our P-day, which has been such a blast. Riding SEPTA is always a fun time. You just never know what to really expect from it. We had an interesting talk with a man who was reading the Bible in Hebrew for a performance for his church. It was cool just because he was curious about the book of Mormon and our missions. Then we got into the city and I just felt so good being there. It's like it's become my home! Or even a part of me. Philadelphia will always have a special place in my heart. The Temple was also so good to just be inside of. It's hard to explain, but you feel so renewed after spending just a few minutes inside. I'm beyond grateful for the many blessings in which the Lord guides and directs us each day. It is a comforting feeling to know we are not alone. God is with us at all times and it is so apparent today, there's just no way God couldn't be there. It's the same thing with the Savior Jesus Christ. Because of His sacrifice, He will never leave us in our time of need. He will give us the strength to overcome any obstacle in life. It's pure knowledge I'll never forget and strive to show others. 

I have such a deep love for the mission. There's no other experience that can compare, you really learn who you are these two years. For that I'm forever grateful. 

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

Holiness to the Lord, the House of the Lord

Hey everybody!

This may have to be a bit short because of the running around we have had to do today. But to day a few things, we found out Miguel won't be baptized this next Saturday, he wants more time to receive his answer. It was like that for a few of our investigators as a Zone, but to see the determination from the missionaries we are over is incredible. It was a real testimony builder for me that it will all work out for the people we love and cherish continue to work with.

But it's been a pretty great day I have to say. We went to the temple and it was incredible. The peace and the love you feel is so indescribable, so many answers were given, it was amazing. I definitely have a testimony that temples are a refuge. It was definitely a reassuring feeling and reminder how much love God has for all of us.

Elder Cortes

Reading, PA

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

Turning 20 in the Mission!

Hey everybody!

It's been a great week being trained and taught by the Lord and His servants here in the blessed city of Reading as well as in Philadelphia!

It all started on Tuesday which was a really great birthday. The morning started with my two amazing companions making me a special Hawaiian meal of spam, eggs, and rice. Later, I went to my good friend, Elder Jensen's district meeting which was really insightful about how we need to communicate as companions in all different phases of the work. Then for the rest of the day, I went on an exchange with one of the sets of Spanish Elders in Reading. So I went with the seasoned Elder Wasden (he goes home in 4 weeks) in his area. It was pretty fun being able to share the new Christmas video the church put out and to really feel the Spirit enter into people's home. I couldn't have really asked for a better birthday present than sharing the Gospel through the Christmas season. Probably the funniest part of the Exchange was a member told me I look 16 instead of 20. So rather than looking on the downside of it, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how young I look when I'm in my 50's or so.

Thursday was a blast being able to work back and forth between Pottstown and Reading and then later we had interviews with President Randall. Interviews with President has to be one of my favorite parts of my mission. We both had a great time to learn about the Savior and His Atonement. It was so amazing! 

The next day, we had MLC at the Vine Chapel across the Temple which was an incredible meeting. We had the Temple President of the Philadelphia Temple expounding on principles of the Pre-earth life and how the temple connects. Elder Crane also gave his last MLC testimony which really touched me and how I can never take my time in the MLC, or my time as a missionary, for granted. He is such a solid and consecrated Elder. I'm definitely going to miss him when he goes home next week. That's another hard realization is that Elder Crane will be headed home to Idaho. But we are definitely going to make the most of the time we have together with him. That is without question!

Sunday, we had an amazing miracle happen. We fasted and prayed for the Pierre-Louis family to come to church. They are a Haitian family we have been working with for two months, and they came to church for the first time. They all enjoyed it so much and it was such a blessing being able to sit with them and sing Christmas songs together in sacrament. 

The Lord has blessed us abundantly here in Reading. I have such a firm testimony in Fasting and Prayer, the Lord does hear our pleadings. If there is anything we are concerned with, we can always turn to the Almighty for strength and guidance. It's the last week of the transfer, so we will see what happens if I stay another here in Reading or if I'm heading off to a new area to harvest. A lot of Zone Leaders are planning on being called to train this upcoming transfer so anything can happen. I know whatever happens, the Lord will be with me always! I hope all of you have a great start to this Christmas season!

Elder Cortes

Reading, PA

Temple Trip #1

Hey everyone!

This is going to be a bit short, but our P-Day is really messed up for Halloween. It's been such a great week right before we head into a new transfer. Elder Martinez and I were able close off this week by going to the Philadelphia temple! It was great being able to go with so many of our recent converts who went for the first time. Being inside the Temple was just incredible. It was absolutely still and peaceful, you could just tell you were in the house of the Lord. It was special just to see everyone so bright and happy doing the baptisms. We also found out that Elder Martinez will be leaving and I will be taking over Reading for the next transfer. I can't wait for tomorrow! A new transfer with a good number of new Elders! I'm so grateful for the Gospel, I know it is true and I'm so thankful I am a part of it. I hope you all have a great Halloween!

Elder Cortes

Reading, PA

Crazy in Hazy!

Hey everybody! 

It's been some week that's for sure, there were a lot of monumental events that happened this week and I still can't get over it. The Temple Dedication was wonderful, and we also got transfer calls as well. We found out they are closing our Zone due to logistical stuff regarding stake boundaries. So Elder Neilson and I are doubling out of Hazleton! We head out tomorrow to our new areas, but the cool thing is that we already know where we are going since President told us our zone was closing. I found out I will be in Reading Zone serving in the Exeter Ward (but really it's Reading). It's exciting because I will be able to go back to Kutztown since it is a part of the Reading Zone. I never really thought this would happen to me on my mission, to be in an area for one transfer, but it's the Lord's will!

Since I have to pack and get everything ready for the new Elders to come in, this entry will be pretty short. But I do want to talk about the special experience I had with the Temple Dedication. It was incredible to see some of my favorite examples in the Gospel, Elder Christofferson and President Eyring, clothed in pure white in the Celestial Room. They both gave amazing talks, along with the Temple President and the Temple Matron. It was like watching a mini General Conference. Elder Christofferson testified that it isn't enough to just be in the Temple just like it isn't enough to be in a chapel for church. Like it says in 3 Nephi 9:19, Christ desires no more of animal sacrifices, but of us. When we go to the Temple we are the sacrifice to the Lord, who we are right now. Because all of us are flawed and imperfect, we should be willing to sacrifice those parts of ourselves and be willing to be instructed by the Lord in His Holy House. What touched me so much is that he bore witness that the sins that are alluring, attractive, and that so easily beset us will be come less desirable, and eventually, abhorrent. It's just so true, because as we go to the Temple, we become the celestial men and women God plans for us to be, little by little. He testified that Jesus Christ is the master builder of these men and women, that He is the Cornerstone of everything we do. President Eyring gave an exceptional talk as well explaining that instruction in the Temple is so individual and personal that God does know exactly where we are and what we need to do to progress. He humble spoke of our very natures being changed as we observe Temple covenants on a daily basis. Being a part of the Dedication was without a doubt, one of my favorite highlights of my mission. The music, the Cornerstone Ceremony, and the Hosannah Shout were incredible. The Dedicatory Prayer President Eyring offered was solemn and powerful. He blessed the surrounding area, the freedoms we have, the sealings and endowments that will take place, the city of Philadelphia, and so much more. I know for myself, that Temples truly are essential for our salvation. I remember when I went for my endowment and I left the Temple with a sense of enduring peace. I was with many of those I love, and I was especially with my Father in Heaven. It felt as though I was out of the world for the rest of the day. That's truly what the Temple is for, it is for us to change and become better men and women. It is to redeem the dead who did not get an opportunity to accept the Gospel but who would do anything for it, just like the Founding Fathers of our country, who created the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. They humbly asked a prophet of God to be redeemed, and they were, along with their loved ones. I'm grateful for my family and the covenant we are sealed under. As President Eyring prayed for the families to be sealed, I just thought of how great God's plan is for us as families. 

Well, I have to get going on my packing, I hope all of you have a wonderful week!

Elder Cortes

Hazleton, 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

"I Love to See the Temple"

Hey everybody!

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

Temple Open House = History in the Making

Hey everybody!

It's been such a fun week being able to have a lot of really neat
experience and to close it out with the temple open house. It was
definitely one of my best weeks in the mission for sure.

It all started when I went to in another Spanish area with my Zone
Leader, Elder Morgan, over in Vineland. It's really neat because Elder
Morgan was a French Horn major at BYU so we were able to click pretty
quickly. It was great because we taught a Spanglish lesson with this
woman named Rosario. We committed her to baptism which was great!
There was also a lot of Spanish and I could actually understand a good
amount I just couldn't speak it well. It was pretty neat because Elder
Morgan said my understanding was actually pretty good which was a
shock for me. But overall, it was a blast.

Thursday we went on another exchange with the English Vineland Elders
and Elder Beach came to Woodstown with me. It was great because we
were teaching lessons and having such a fun time together. We had a
miracle find with a couple from Chicago named Bobby and Ammie? At
first the Ammie didn't seem too interested, but then by the end of the
lesson she broke down in tears. It was such a spiritual experience. I
loved it so much. Elder Beach is such a great Elder.

Probably the biggest highlight was the temple open house. We went with
a member couple named the Coates and we picked up Deborah. Our
investigator Elizabeth couldn't make it but Stacey and Jeremy met us
up there! It was amazing, the Stake Center, the Temple, and the
Visitor's center were great. Being inside the celestial room felt like
absolute peace from the Lord. That had to be my favorite part of the
temple. But the baptistery looked great and the sealing room was on
the fourth floor of the temple which just looked absolutely pure
inside both. Deborah and Stacey both loved it. I can't describe all
the love and joy I felt being at the temple. I saw so many old
companions and missionaries I served around. It felt like an absolute
blessing to be there. The only thing that was missing was my family.
If they were there it would have felt like heaven on earth. I am so
thankful to be here in my mission at such a special time. I'm grateful
always to be here. It's an exciting time as August rolls along!

I hope all of you may feel the peace of the temple as I did. Truly,
that is how all of us may feel the fullness of God's love. I hope all
of you have a great week with the temple in mind!


Elder Cortes

Woodstown, NJ

Hot Summer Days in the Lord's Vineyard Speaking Spanish...Sort Of

Hey everyone!

It's been a great week doing the Lord's work. We had a few struggles
near the end of the week but we still worked as hard as we could,
which we were grateful that the Lord blessed us for our efforts.

On Wednesday, we had dinner over at the Whitfield's (Deborah was out
of town all of last week, so we didn't teach her. But she came to
church after her trip, read from the Book of Mormon, and kept other
commitments while she was away!) and we taught a friend of Sister
Whitfield's named Krista. Krista actually was really close to being
baptized a few years ago but it ended up not happening. It's always
the best when the members introduce the investigators because it flows
so smoothly right from the start. Krista told us she didn't have a lot
of self confidence in herself to be baptized. But we testified of the
power of the Atonement and helped her really feel the Spirit in really
feeling that she could actually do this. You could really see the
change in her countenance after the lesson, there was more hope
without question. I'm pretty excited to work with her towards that
goal of baptism! Anyone can get there, I have been a witness of that
for sure over my mission with doing interviews and helping my
investigators get to baptism as well.

Thursday was a blast! We had district meeting in Bridgeton (south of
Woodstown) which went so well. It was probably the best district
meeting I have ever conducted. It seemed like everything flowed and
everyone participated which make the District Leader's life a lot
easier because you can go off of insights others have instead of just
talking at everybody for an hour. After district meeting, we did an
exchange with the Bridgeton. Now, Bridgeton is a Spanish area, so it
was the first time since I was being trained I was in a Spanish area.
Fortunately, I had a good missionary back me up on my broken Spanish,
Elder Olvera. He's from Fort Worth, Texas and is Mexican, so we
clicked right off the bat with our Spanish heritage. It was an
experience for me because mostly all the lessons we taught were to
Hispanics who didn't speak any English at all. So I prayed a few times
in Spanish, I also taught in Spanish which actually didn't go as bad
as I thought. There were times where I just couldn't find the right
words, so Elder Olvera translated for me in some points of lessons.
But it went so well. We taught 7 lessons that day and everyone in
Bridgeton seems to be pretty humble. Those Elders actually have a
baptism this Sunday which I am very excited for! My hope is all the
areas in my District get one baptism this transfer. So far it is
looking like it will happen which is pretty exciting! But it back on
the exchange, I had so much fun being in a Spanish area for a day. It
made me really miss my Dad a bit, but it was a good kind of missing if
that makes sense.

Friday was an experience for sure. After we swapped back, we went to
take care of a member's front and back yard. Now, I was a little
nervous because I hadn't mowed a lawn in almost a year and Elder
Brewer had never mowed a lawn before. Also, these lawns were huge. But
it actually went pretty well, two hours later it was done and we
celebrated with some great chili dogs for lunch. Unfortunately, Elder
Brewer pretty much struggled the rest of the weekend with heat
exhaustion. We had to spend an extensive amount of time for him to
recover the past few days. It can be a little hard to stay in, but the
Lord was definitely building our patience as we stayed in. I was
thankful Deborah came to church is progressing very well in the
Gospel. Her baptismal interview is in about 2 weeks and her baptism
will be the first Sunday of August. I'm very excited and pray that
Deborah will be able to continue to progress towards baptism. We are
taking her and another investigator, Elizabeth, to the Philadelphia
Temple on Sunday. They have a special first viewing on Sunday for the
missionaries of the missionaries and their investigators. So Sunday is
going to be very exciting. We know both of them will feel the Spirit
within the building. It's going to be an exciting week!

I hope for all of you that you may truly take time to visit the
temple, even if it's just to visit the grounds. It truly is a place of
refuge from the world. I'm so excited to be inside a temple for the
first time in over a year. To just be inside even before it is
dedicated will be a special experience for me. I pray all of us make
take advantage of the special blessings that are given from these holy
houses of the Lord. May each of us find inner peace as we continue to
work towards returning to our Father in Heaven through the temple.


Elder Cortes

Woodstown, NJ

Another Transfer in the Books, and a new assignment in Jersey

Hey everyone!

It's been such a fantastic week working with a lot of Elders I love
and people who are progressing through the power of the Gospel. I
couldn't ask for anything better.

It all started on Tuesday night when we met up with Elders in Delaware
so Elder Yeates and another missionary going home can drive up to the
mission home to go to the temple the next day. So as a result, I got
to bring Elder Maynard to Woodstown for the whole day Wednesday! We
had such a blast.

We started the day out with going to a town called Salem, which is
probably the most ghetto part of our area. But we saw a countless
number of miracles just talking to people on the street.
The best part of the day is when Elder Yeates got home from the DC
temple because we had a great lesson with Jeremy and Stacey to end the
night because we committed Stacey to a date in August! We may have to
push it back because they still need to get married, but she's made so
much progress since I first met her. She has come to church the past 3
weeks in a row and she's reading the Book of Mormon 5 chapters a day.
It's such a blessing for sure.

Thursday we had our final district meeting by our great District
Leader Elder Nebeker. He's getting transferred, which is lame, because
he has been one of my favorite district leaders for sure. I also went
on an exchange right after with Elder Davenport, my Zone Leader! It
went so well because we taught 5 lessons. We got to see my favorite
member we are working with, Wayne Hoglund. We had such a powerful
lesson on how hardships and trials are a part of life. We testified of
the power of the Atonement which will strengthen us through our
hardships. It's also sad, but Elder Davenport is leaving the Zone as
well. But it's been such a blast working with such great Elders for
only 5 weeks.

Friday and Saturday were crazy with Elder Yeates wrapping up sending
stuff home, visiting a good number of members and investigators, and
who knows what else. However, Sunday we ended the transfer so strong
teaching 6 lessons. We ended the night at the Whitfields', and Deborah
is doing so well. She is reading the Book of Mormon and loves it! She
believes it to be the word of God. She's on track for baptism at the
end of next month, which I am so excited for.
I also found out that night I will be the District Leader for this
upcoming transfer, and it's going to be a 7 week transfer with
President Randall coming into the mission. I'm excited to see my new
District and to see the work just grow here in South Jersey. It truly
has become a special place to me. Lot of exciting stuff happening
tomorrow! I will meet my new companion and we are going to hit the
pavement for sure! May the Lord bless you in all that you do. I'm
seeing the blessings from serving and I just keep giving it my all.
This mission truly is changing my life. I hope all of you have a great
week in this heat!

Elder Cortes

Woodstown, NJ