Clint letter #29 - no letter just journal pages copied arrived 8/13/98
7/16/98
I lost my patience a little bit with my English class today. There are 25+ people that are just starting to learn English and they are all just being quiet and acting embarrassed when called upon to help. I gave them the “you must talk in order to learn “speech” and tried to encourage them to do their part. I started the class with “Head Shoulders Knees and toes” and could only get a few people like Sopeah, Chanteoun, and others to help out.
Hout is Vee’s friend who has committed to baptism but we haven’t been able to meet with him for over 2 weeks. I really feel he has been hit with temptations since the progress we made with him. Today we met with his Dad, Bunthau. He is really nice and welcomed us with a glass of water and the fan. We told him what we do as missionaries for 2 years and gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon. Later Hout came and his Dad kind of chewed him out, but hopefully we can get Hout studying again, also start his family.
7/17/98
When we asked why we pay tithing Sopawn answered, “ It is a test to see if we have a pure heart and want to follow God” Sopawn is so awesome. He asked us if we could change his baptismal date back to the 2nd of Aug. to make sure his family could attend. No problem.
English went well today as I tried to take it nice and easy and also spend a little personal time with each group.
We had a lot of help from District Missionaries today, 81/2 man hours. I had a thought as Vee Soknin and Sokein shared experiences and favorite scriptures from the Book of Mormon. The thought was this, it was neat to see the Book of Mormon change lives in another language.
My brain is just fried as I have been learning new words, and teaching like crazy. It is such good experience for me as we teach and teach.
Passed off the lst principle of the 5th discussion to Elder Fernandez.
7/20/98
“ Thank you for playing P-day, your time is now up,” said Elder Fernandez as the clock struck 9:00 p.m.
Today I felt good about getting Teedaa’s letter translated and sent off. I made a promise to do that and I have waited a month putting it off. I kept and fulfilled my promise today. It was good language practice.
I went on my first real split today with Bromuual. Elder Fernandez and Tal headed to Sophaal’s for inactive time and Bromuual and I headed to Chba Ampoa and scheduled again with Rolhaa.
Lucky’s was pretty empty today. Elder Fernandez says it is because of the election on Sunday. Also another meeting with the CPP “wagon train”. The line of campaign cars is 500 cars and trucks long. We cut through the first few cars so we could get home, otherwise home would have been on the other side of 500 people filled trucks.
7/22/98
Yesterday, I was so tired that I just went to bed. Again today for some reason Elder Fernandez and I are battling the tired thing.
Elder Heng is sleeping over tonight as his companion Elder Daniels is on a ZL split with my companion, Zone Leader Elder Fernandez.
I didn’t give a very good report of Somnaang’s baptism. I was a little disappointed to see that none of his family or friends were able to come. Vee was the person who baptized Somnaang and has been sitting in the discussions to fellowship. We practiced how to hold the hands, plug the nose, and bend the knees before the actual event. It was kind of neat as Vee and Somnaang looked at each other and got set up for a second before Somnaang went down into the water. I held the baptismal prayer card for Vee and also witnessed. I was real happy for Somnaang and also enjoyed his testimony afterwards. He really has been awesome to teach. Yesterday we met and talked about the Holy Ghost and also helped him make a list of family members and friends to share the gospel with.
Also yesterday we used splits again. Beang was my companion. I talked with Roath about the Holy Ghost and half of the first new member discussion. I also taught Somnaang #2 a referral from English. We finished up the 1st discussion. The pressure is on when I am alone teaching. The biggest thing I worry about is not getting to rushed or concentrated on what I am saying that I miss how the investigator is doing.
I met the Mayor of Phnom Penh ( Beang’s Uncle and Land Lord of House #21, = first branch)
for a second as he drove up in a big black Mercedes to look at the Cement work done on the opening entry I greeted him with the formal Cambodian greeting and proper salute.
I saw people riding on motos holding flags of their parties today. All the school kids were let out of school for this week and next until all the election stuff is over.
7/23/98
Another huge CPP ( Cambodian People’s Party = Hun Sen ) wagon train parade on Norodom this morning as we were making our way to the Church. I was with Elder Heng. I was pointing out the way to Elder Heng and ready to round the corner to the Church access road. There was tons of traffic and noise, people, police and everything else as the wagon train was going by. I was pointing to Elder Heng, watching the parade, and trying to turn right all at the same time. I began to make my turn and was hit by a moto passing on the right. I was going slow and just started to turn. The bike got knocked from under me as he went by. I caught myself with my hands on the street. I didn’t even get scratched up but it was scary.
I had a pretty good day and enjoyed working with Elder Heng. Elder Heng is Cambodian. His family left Cambodia when he was young. He speaks just like a native, sounds just like one and can really communicate with the people. He has family here in Cambodia. He is currently teaching one of his Uncles. He would love to lead the expedition to open the city of Battambang if that happens in the future. He has family in that city.
We had a great day with our new members. Somnaang met with us and we taught the first discussion for the new member. He really seemed to make friends quick with Elder Heng. At one point I watched as Elder Heng was sharing an experience, I don’t remember what he said but they were talking together like best of buds. Later, we taught Caan the 2nd new member discussion. A good big group discussion with Peevan, district missionary, Tal, ( DM), Chanteoun, Caan, and Sokhhom. Last appointment we taught a 5th discussion for new members to Tal. We had a great talk about temples, genealogy work, and preparing to go to the temple with Tal, and also Bromual and Kim Chae. Elder Heng and I let Bromual and Kim Chae do most of the translating from the English discussions. Also we gave the family group sheets and family tree charts to begin their genealogy work. A neat discussion with the future of the Church here in Cambodia.
7/24/98
Update. At 2 o’clock today Elder Madden and Elder Sober came to church with the news that we would split the area. I have been working in the South East. This comes in anticipation of the new fifth branch. The 1st branch will be split.
The south central and south west areas will be the new 5th branch. The south east is the 1st branch. We gave most of our teaching schedule to Elder Madden and Elder Sober.
7/25/98
The night before the big election. Today things are pretty quite as there was no campaigning allowed. Thursday and especially Friday were the worst in terms of parades, trucks full of people and blaring megaphones. Tomorrow church is scheduled as normal but we have not a single appointment in our area. Today I talked and met with Vee and Hout again after about two weeks. I tried to help him see that he had felt the spirit and that the Lord promises great blessings if we show faith and follow. We talked about baptism and how if we have the proper preparation is a remission of sin. We reset his date for Aug. 16th and will work towards that.
I then went on Viet splits with Elder Tolman. I didn’t understand any of the discussion, however saw more of the city I have never seen as we went clear up past the north bridge.
I also have a new assignment since the coming of Elder Brooking. Actually two. First I am the house kitty man who collects money from Elders and then coordinates with the maid. Also I have given up the nice bathroom to Elder Brooking and now shower in “ the hole”, using my 5 gallon bucket and scooper. I like it cause I take shorter showers.
7/27/98
Yesterday, Elder Fernandez hit it hard in the south end of Chba Ampoa, contacting. The people were gathered at the schools, wats ( Buddhist Temple), and other places for voting. We went by the school in our area and saw lots of people in line waiting to vote. After voting the right pointer finger was dipped in a dye to make sure that a person could only vote once. It was easy to see who had voted and who hadn’t just look for the purple finger. Everything was shut down and everyone pretty much took the day off for the election. It was good for us, we talked to a lot of people and scheduled appointments to teach first discussions. Many people were home and we were able to talk with them. We did contracting and talking to people until 10:00 in the morning. We then had made plans to go to Tak Khmao, but first we needed to get a message to Elders Madden and Sober because they did not know where their 11:00 a.m. appointment was. ( a little background 1st)
That morning my stomach was a little upset and also it was hard to be full of enthusiasm leaving the house with an empty planner. However I really wanted to hit the contacting hard. I had prayed hard for Heavenly Father to help us. Especially to lead us to those who were prepared. Elder Fernandez let me lead and so I felt that the pressure was on me to lead what street we went down and who to approach. I prayed again as I pedaled my bike down the road on the way out of the house. Again, we met good people. Then we needed to get this message to Elder Madden. We knew where his 10:00 appointment was and so we started pedaling North to meet them there. This is the opposite of the direction we wanted and needed to go. I felt that if we stopped at the office we would meet Elder Madden. We pulled into the office and about 2 min. later there was Elder Madden and Elder Sober. We gave them the message and then pedaled for 30 min to meet with So Teedaa in Tak Khmae.
Later in church there was 86 people in attendance, down from the usual 120-130. Everyone there over 18 yr. had a purple finger. The branch president was not there nor was his lst counselor . Bo Sunrith was running the show as the newly called 2nd counselor. He was a little unsure but did a great job. One thing not so good was he had the branch clap to welcome the new Elders Brooking and Sober. They also bore there testimonies. I can remember when I did that. Elders Brooking and Sober sounded good and have a good start.
7/28/98
Today has been kind of a crazy day as Elder Lloyd is sick. Because he is sick we had to do some major splits. I spent the day with District Missionaries Tal and Vee, Elder Fernandez went with Elder Sober in the upper half of the South East Area, and Elder Madden went to fill in for Elder Lloyd to help Elder Brooking. I had an appointment this morning at 8:00 a.m. and then another one with Hout at 9:30 a.m. Hout again missed and so from 9:30 to 11:45 I was contacting and looking for people to teach in our area. I went into standard contacting mode looking for families with older brother or Dad at home. ( We can not actively proselyte women) I then approach and talk about Jesus Christ, families, and give a first discussion pamphlet. I have also been asking about what they thought about the movie of Jesus Christ shown on TV.
7/29/98
Elder Lloyd is still sick and so again I was by myself and also had help from Vee and Tal. We taught a discussion to Mooree. We taught the 3rd discussion about the prophet. Vee shared his experience about when Pres. Hinkley visited Cambodia. He said as they watched him get on the plane the Prophet turned and waved. Vee’s little brothers and sisters cried and Vee felt like crying too. They did not want to see him leave.
Going on splits is difficult. Especially when contacting or seeking backup from your companion. Tal and Vee are great and are really willing to help, but the pressure is on me as Elders Fernandez and Elder Madden work with Elders Brooking and Sober in their other areas.
I tried to get some inactive work done today and was able to get 2 hours worth. I met with Sopee, Sopawn and Niang. Sopee is back from the Kaet after two months and now trying to get her job back at the sewing factory. I’m not sure what to do to help her as she doesn’t read the Book of Mormon or go to church. Also now she wants her sewing factory job back which does not allow her to stop on Sunday or allow her free time to meet with us or members. I visited Sopee and her house my first few days in the country. What a difficult life she has. The kids there in that neighborhood do not wear clothes or shoes. They are dirty and have sores on their skin. Also they are always hitting each other and crying. It is just a sad miserable situation, and there are many like Sopee won’t pray, read, show love for each other, or do the things that will help them receive blessings from our Heavenly Father. I really feel bad for these people and want to help them have hope through “ the plan”
7/30/98
Elder Lloyd and I were just in the kitchen and saw a big rat. Elder Lloyd screamed and grabbed me for defense. It wasn’t even coming at us, but Elder Lloyd was scared. Yea, by the way, Elder Lloyd is back in action. That means that I will have a companion tomorrow. It has been quite an experience going out the last three days on splits with Vee and Tal. Also we have been picking up the slack here at the house, as Elder Lloyd is the one who pays the bills.
What an adventure it has been. I think it has done a couple of things for me. First a little more intensity in my prayers. Second there is no better treatment to the fear of men or a comfort zone then heading out into an area to contact with a district missionary. Vee and Tal don’t like it. They dislike the crowed city and want to go to a different area. Third, I get lots of good language practice with those I meet and with these companions.
Tonight I was also teaching Kosal and then went to visit Kliang. Kosal is not yet a member but is very interested and on the second discussion. He asked if he could go with Tal and I to visit Kliang. So we had an investigator come help us fellowship a member. An unusual situation.
Also I have had the feeling a couple of times this week of wow. Here I am pedaling my bike with a member for a companion in a foreign land, using a foreign language, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Wow!
7/31/98
It was nice to have Elder Fernandez back today. The major accomplishment of the day was Sopawn finished the 10 commandments special and was interviewed for baptism. He will be baptized this Sunday. He told us about going to the Kaet to take the kids Book of Mormon reader to his family and also to meet with them. He told us about sitting around the table with candles reading together from the Book of Mormon. Sopawn also taught his wife and children how to pray. The story I liked best that he told us was this. His wife and children make and sell a type of pastry to make ends meet. Sopawn left to come to Phnom Penh and find the Church. Things are difficult for the family and it is important that they sell all of their pastries. Sopawn and family prayed together before heading out selling, asking that Heavenly Father would please help them sell the pastries. That day they sold them all. What an example of faith Sopawn is, also he asks all kinds of questions making sure he knows as we have talked about the gospel.
8/1/98
I met with Sopawn’s family today that made it in from Kaet ( similar to a state) What a cute family, especially the two boys age 9 and age 6. Also the wife and teenage daughter. I can’t remember their names. They will be able to attend the Baptism tomorrow. We hope the family will be able to move in closer to Phnom Penh so that they all can be united in the gospel.
Kosal committed to be baptized today. This is a neat young man who bakes bread during the day in Chba Ampoa. He was really excited to set this baptismal date today. I look forward to working with him.
I really got tired this afternoon. After fighting to stay awake in a 1:00 appointment, we had scheduled to go contacting. However Elder Fernandez and I were both struggling for ideas and energy. We felt like we should go to the church . There we helped translate, met Sopawn’s family, finished preparing the baptismal program, and most important we were there to meet Sophaal. Sophaal is the young man Elder Heywood and I fasted for to help gain a testimony. We haven’t met for over a month but he just showed up. He still has a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon and wants to be baptized. At first going to the church felt like the lazy thing to do, but a lot of good came of it.
8/2/98
This morning we were able to meet with Sophat sister of Sam Sophorn in the district presidency and Sam Sophal. She works in a sewing factory and has not been able to come to church. I have never met her, until just today. Another member who works in the dreaded sewing factory. There are big factories here where women work. Start at 7:00 a.m. to 11, 11-12 lunch, 12-4 work, and when things are busy also work from 5-9. Also they will work on Sunday if busy, but most pull the Sunday shift or work on Sunday for overtime pay. There are lots of women members who are on the inactive list because of these factory jobs. We also taught part of the 2nd discussion to Phully an active member who has asked if we could help her remember and strengthen her faith.
We taught a first to Ru Nay a man we met contacting in Chba Ampoa. He is a teacher and smart. There were 3-4 other young men with him from the English class. Ru’s reaction to the Joseph Smith story and picture was a yawn. I was praying in my heart as we talked that they would open their hearts and truly listen.
My purpose in fasting today is for Hout especially and also for the part member families in the area. Hout missed our appointment again last night. I worry about him. I saw his Mom and Dad encouraging him to study with us, they want the best for him. He continues to struggle between right and wrong. I sure hope he can see that he can be most happy as he obeys his parents and lives the gospel.
8/3/98
Sophon was baptized yesterday by Keyo, and Sophon’s family was able to attend. Also there were about 140 people jammed into our little house for Sacrament Meeting. We practiced with Keyo and Sophon about how to baptize and they did a great job. It is sure neat to see Sophan baptized and to see how happy he was. He was so excited that as he gave his testimony after being baptized he finished his testimony with a prayer. He is a awesome and simple man with a great faith and a prayer was how he choose to express his gratitude.
Last P-day night Elder Fernandez and I were invited to attend a dinner at Presidents house as he hosted the So Teedaa family. 9 people from Tak Khmao on 3 motos. Elder Fernandez and I and Pres. and Sister White. It was So Teedaa and her 2 other sisters and there kids. 8 girls and Kun a member with the 3 moto to get them there. The White’s invite them over every 3-4 months. I think. We were there to translate and to eat good food. The meal was great and the White’s are good hosts as we had salad, Chicken cashew stir-fry and rice, fruit, and brownies. Each time changing the plates and silverware. The guests didn’t eat to much and kept saying” we are full give it to the Elder’s” Also Kun taught me a funny thing. He said, “ This glass is really nice”, using Cambodian. I agreed and he started laughing as that is the polite way to say “ Can I please have some more water?”
After dinner, President played the piano as they sung a few Church hymns in Cambodian. Also translated as President and Sister White praised them for being good faithful members. It was a fun night.