Dec 1999

Dear Family,

                                May I quote a favorite hymn #266-

                The time is far spent there is little remaining,

                To publish glad tidings by sea and by land,

                Then hasten ye heralds; go forward proclaiming

                Repent, for the kingdom of heaven’s at hand

                Repent, for the kingdom of heaven’s at hand

                Well it has been an interesting week. Lots of success balanced with a few trials.

                                First the trials: Tuesday and Wednesday I was slowed down a bit by a conjunctivitis infection in both eyes, another name for it is good’ole Pink eye. Both eyes were bloodshot and irritated. The winter breeze is blowing and it kicks up dust. It wasn’t much fun. Especially because I couldn’t do anything but close my eyes. I was so restless, it felt good to get back out proselyting. A busy missionary is a happy missionary.

                The other thing was they shut our electricity off to half the house and we had to take care of it at the power company.  Turns out there is 2 lines and we had only been paying the bill on one line. In this country if you don’t pay there is no grace period, it goes black.

                Success is this week we should baptize ‘’ Grandma” our 64 year old widow friend. Other exciting things are we are working with 3 fathers who are working on obtaining a  testimony and will lead their family along behind.

                Sister White has got her Christmas tree up. It looks really good.

                I don’t remember if I told you about Thanksgiving Dinner? I sat at a table with Cambodians and laughed at their comments and helped explain the tradition. A Thanksgiving I will never forget.

                Alma 12: 33-34, 37

                                               I am going to use and enjoy every minute as a missionary ! See ya soon!

                                                                                                                                Love your,

                                                                                                                                                Son, Brother, Missionary  

Nov 1999

Dear Family-

                Thank you so much for the Thanksgiving card and the pictures! Things are going great here, in fact, this may have been one of the fastest weeks of my mission. It just zoomed by I guess. President White and Sister White are returning from Vietnam tonight which will not be here to pull off the E-mail. I will get it later this week but will take the opportunity to tell you some more about Elder Hoffman and I and what we have been doing in the Kampuchea area.

                Remember the man Bunthaa his is the guy we gave the 2 plans too for baptism and we went to help him get his family. He’s kids ages 5 and 7 like us and joined us to see pictures and hear stories but his wife is not yet wanting to join in. We continue to pray for her and will continue to try to get them together.

                Tov Tun is 60 year old lady who is cute enough to hug but we refrain due to mission policy. She was introduced to the church by her son who came all the way from Fresno California to show his mother the true church and gather names so he can prepare them for the new Fresno Temple. She hasn’t missed a day of church since the visit of her son, and only struggles because she can’t read. She gets so frustrated with herself that she cries. We have recruited help from District Missionaries, 2 young woman who go and help and read to her. Rumor has it that she knows how to pray and will be baptized soon, probably Nov 28 or Dec 5.

                We have been pounding the middle streets in our middle class target area and have family men, who drive cars and good jobs. One of them came to the full 3 hour block this Sunday, he seemed to be hanging on every word said. He asked afterward, what is the priesthood? We continue to meet both of them this week and want to get going on the discussions.

                On the way to an appointment on Saturday, Elder Hoffman and I cruising down the road and I saw a guy coming out of his house, who was heading back to work, and he looked at me and I looked and him and seemed somewhat puzzled at what we were doing. Well I peddled on one or two more cranks and said wait we got to talk to that guy. We flipped the brakes and did a full u turn and headed back to the guy who was already in his car getting ready to go and we pulled up alongside of him and introduced ourselves through the window of this car. He nor us had time then, but he accepted a return appointment. It was great. well the next day was fast Sunday and during the last hour of the day our original plan fell through and we made a couple of  back up plans on a curb side planning the discussions together, but nothing really felt good and physical energy was low. As we started off with the intent of the backup plan, I was praying. Who could we go see? I started saying names through my head , after 1 or 2 attempts a name came into my head. I asked Elder Hoffman and he said he felt good about it too, the name was the same guy that we introduced ourselves through the car window. We were planning on Wensday but we thought we would drop in and sure enough he was home and free and we taught him and his 3 sons the first half of the 1^st discussions.

                I really enjoyed working with Elder Hoffman. We are trying to get him ready. In the discussions he teaches 2 or 3 paragraphs to my one, as discussion material is what he knows best and this is his greatest opportunity to speak! He is a great companion!

                I have already enjoyed the conference report. I try to read a talk a meal as that this is the only time slot to work it in. as a missionary, if you are not thinking constructively, even at meal time,  you feel like your wasting time and have to do something. These talks are tremendous!  Let me recommend one for a family home evening. “One link still holds” Vaughn J. Featherstone.

                Love you all very much, until next week. Love your son, brother and missionary,

                     

                                                                                         

Nov 22, 1999

Dear Family,

                Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.  3 Nephi 5:13

                This was the theme of this past week’s Zone Conference and it was a dandy!  It just happened to be my last therefore I was invited to give a closing testimony.  It was pretty hard to know what to say because I don’t feel like it’s over so I just gave everyone a little pep talk about becoming that missionary that you want to become, shared Alma 36: 24-25 and left them with my testimony.

               

Alma 36:24

 24 Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Alma 36:25

 25 Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors;

                President White gave a great talk on the Atonement.  It was incredible!!  He did a scientific analysis of  why it is necessary and he will  continue to talk on the Atonement next month. 

                Sister White is sick with the shingles.  She has a band half way around the middle of her body and she is in real bad pain.  I had no idea until she told us in her talk at Zone Conference.  Yet she still spoke with great power, and then went home from the conference early.  She is amazing!!  Please keep her in your prayers. 

Elder Hoare, Elder Williams and I are starting a movement tin the mission.  We have raised the Title of Families.  We have been invited to meet with the Zone leaders, Assistants and President White to discuss our proposals and then will possibly speak to the entire mission after Thanksgiving lunheon on Thursday.  Both  converts and Branches need the benefits of family support. 

                Speaking  of families here is great news.  Sam Sophon is going to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood this coming Sunday!  I may sneak down to see that.  He and his family have been members for 5 months now and very faithful! 

                At this point let me express that I am very thankful for:

                Jesus Christ  His love, and Atonement for me, and each of us individually.  His mission is all part of our Father’s Plan to provide means for us to become like him through faith and repentance. 

                2 Nephi 2:7

 7 Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.

2 Nephi 2:8

 8 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.           

                What gratitude and thanks I owe and desire to express to my Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ.  And the perfect plan for us!

                I am thankful for my great parents.  Who are working servants of the Lord and who are a loving companionship of 22 years ( and many more to come) and who lead their family by love and example.

                I am grateful for Lisha, Bood funk-a-rama, Ang, Ani, and Jon .  Each of you are my good friends and great sisters and brother.

                I am thankful for great love and examples in my extended family on both sides and for good heritage. 

                I am thankful for my name Jeffrey Clinton Rogers. 

Helaman 5:6

 6 Behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the commandments of God; and I would that ye should declare unto the people these words. Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good.

Helaman 5:7

 7 Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them.

                I am thankful, oh so thankful for the white envelope I received by revelation which allowed me the opportunity, privilege and blessing to serve in the Nation of Cambodia amongst a people who I love with a gift to speak and understand them.  I am grateful for President and Sister White and all others who have influenced me since day 1 in the MTC.

               

Alma 26:35

 35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.

                I am greatly blessed and thank the Lord for the many blessings I have received.

                Have a great Thanksgiving

                Don’t forget to count your blessings!

                Love your Son, Brother and Missionary,  Elder Rogers

Lisha thanks for the good e-mail, good to hear from you. ( NA sounds like lots of fun!)

               

Nov 8, 1999

11/8/99

Dear Family,

                This past weekend was a huge event, we were very blessed to be visited by President Kofford and his wife, along with Sister Sherri L. Dew and Sister Larson, who were the visiting dignitaries for a great district conference.  The Sunday general session was attended by approximately 850 people a new record.

The first District Conference I ever went to had an attendance of about 450+ people.  The International Hotel was packed to a brim.  This time next conference will probably have to be split sessions.  I saw a lot of good friends, especially all of the first branch people I just left.  Elder Hoare and I guarded the same door for most of the meeting.  President White spoke first followed by Sister Larson, Sister Dew, Sister White, Sister Kofford, President Kofford.  President White really knows how to build esprit de corps. ( It means righteous pride or a good feeling about your team, mission, ward, etc.) in the members.  He continued the tradition and had all District Missionaries stand and thanked them for all of their service.  ( 3 conferences in a row that he has made them stand.  ( President White taught me the word esprit de corps)  We were able to have 13 investigators there.  We were thrilled

                They also called on Sambo from the first branch to give his testimony.  He was incredible.  He told about how his life was dark before the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

                Later that day we had a missionary only meeting with our guests.  The highlight was a strong narrative of the events in the final days of the life of Christ.  It was so good.  It really made me think of the Savior.  Sister Kofford said something which really hit me, “When you get home you will be called “Returned  Missionary”  you make that true in every sense of the word by obedience,”

                The highlight of proselyting this week was committing a man by the name of Buntha to baptism and then as we talked about what day, we presented two plans.  Plan 1: You could be baptized in a few short weeks.  Plan 2: You and your whole family could be baptized in December (wife and 2 kids) He grinned from ear to ear and said he would like Plan 2.  We supported him in this.  We are going back to follow up on the plan.  He has taken the weekend to talk to his wife and try to plan a schedule to meet for the discussions.

                Several members have made the comment that me and the Elders of my group are the last of the oldies.  We are the bridge between 20 to 48 and it is a time of growth and change in Phnom Penh.  Elders Folsom and Heng go home this week.

                The work is true, Jesus is our Savior

                Love your Son, Brother and Missionary, Elder Rogers.

PS I finished the  translating Melchezidek Priesthood Section today. It is 61 handwritten pages. It is double spaced in Khmae. 

Nov 1 thru 9th 1999

                11-1-99

Dear Family,

                We have been trying hard to sort though our investigators.  We can finally see who is serious and ready to progress and those who are struggling.  We are trying to make some plans.  Some are not ready and have made a decision to wait. 

                When we meet a new family we try hard to meet the entire family.  Sunday was a great example.  We were approached by two younger people who wanted to study and we said we would love to teach them.  We said, “  Let’s go to your house and meet your whole family.”  After meeting the Father, Mother and Sister we began the first discussion.  We visited and got acquainted with the family and we plan to go back this week and finish the first discussion.   This is a confidence and a focus that I did not have in my missionary work before becoming an assistant.  Elder Richards and the great success we had with Sam Sophon expanded my vision. 

                I hope that Elder Hoffman will be able to carry this principle with him his whole mission.  He is going to be a good Elder.  He struggles with the language right now, but he has the skills and attributes.

                Well sorry so short, but got to run!!!

                Love your Son, Brother and Missionary,

                Elder Rogers

Clint mission letter #42                                                                        Nov. 9^th, 1999

Dear Family,

                Well I am going to be a slacker this week.  We are just going to set here and watch a mission approved video.  “Disney’s Alladin”

                Last wee I was a little frustrated as we spent lots of time getting moved.  We are now settled in and Elder Brooking and I had a very productive week.  Things just really went well.  Most of my letter is journal entries.

                In the first of these entries I talk about a man named Luybanny.  He has been suffering this past year from kidney failure.  He had to go have his blood cleaned twice a week.  It was quite a shock to hear today that he died on Saturday the 7^th.  In copying tonight I realized this was my last visit with him.

                Sorry I didn’t get a full letter done.  I haven’t received e-mail because Pres. and wife are out of town. 

                Have a great week

                I love you all

                Elder Rogers

#1            After almost two weeks, 3 trucks loads of hauled water. A trip to the water company, and communication by telephone and by meeting with the landlord, water was restored to our house today.  They put a new water line in and out our old attachments until the landlord paid for the new hook-up. The bad thing was no one told us a thing it just happened.

                Tuesdays are frustrating because of the D.L. work which cuts out of proselyting time.  Even with this non-proselyting work the Lord is always helping me.  On the way to the office I went across Shinock and down Noradom instead of the side streets like most other times.  On the way I noticed that side street was blocked off because of construction.  I also felt like we should hustle right back instead of doing another errand.  Sure enough there was the landlord. 

                We were filling the generator and talking about oil and stuff, Sokhom our guard, Elder Brooking and I.  I asked in Khmae the dumb question why does the machine need oil?  Sokhoom asked back why do we drink water? 

                We watched a satellite broadcast from the MTC tonight. 

#2

                Met with Luybanny today and had a neat visit.  Luybany’s kidney’s have failed and he must go get his blood cleaned twice a week.  This gets expensive.  I know he was upset with the Church because the Branch Pres. hasn’t been able to support Luybang, like Luybanny wanted.  However as we met today he told me he wasn’t going to go to church anymore, because the members of the branch don’t have the love of Christ and lack of faith.  He felt he could just stay at home.  He has strong faith in Jesus Christ and an Atonement.  His biggest struggle is his health.  We talked about how the church was moving and this would be a new start, a time for all of us to recommit to building the Branch.  I asked him not to give up on us but to come and help and be a good example. 

                We have electricity back on tonight and the AC is going.  Boy Oh Boy is the AC nice. 

#3

                We slept outside on the deck last night at house 17 because of lack of power.  It was our last night at 17.  Elder Brooking and I are now in House 210.  It was fun to camp out.  We worked like crazy today moving.  It was a long sweaty day.  Our stuff was a piece of cake but all the stuff that goes with the church and the Johnson’s made it a long day.  The Johnson’s run the canning and other charity projects plus President Johnson is the District President.  Sister Johnson also does genealogy work for the members.  They do lots of good work and they have lots of good junk.  Sister Johnson reminded me a little of Aunt Natalie today as we were moving all the stuff.  Elder Brooking and I ran stairs with a full handful of stuff, or desks, or beds, or cabinets, all day long.  We were pretty dirty, sweaty, and pretty much beat.

                Last night we saw fireworks from the top of the house.  They were shouting them in honor of the 45^th year of King Shinock in power as King.  The streets were decorated with flags/banners on the light poles as the water festival starts this week.  From what I hear the town is shutting down for a week of vacation. 

#4

                For Halloween this year I attended the moving of House 30 to House 210.  It was scary.  I am exhausted again today after more moving, cleaning, and set up in preparation of church tomorrow.  I am excited to see everyone come to the big fancy new room.  The room is great for Sacrament Meeting and is probably the nicest feature of the house.  I am tired and feel like I am living in a hotel room.  All of the house opens onto decks and so it feels like we are in the Budget Inn.

                Today I met with Piaree, the lady who I interviewed last week and was unsure on the Atonement and the Law of Tithing.  We started and read Mosiah 3: 7, 9.  We talked about these scriptures. 

                Then, she reminded me that she needed to report what she had learned and without any other questions from me she explained about the Atonement and the Law of Tithing.  I asked her if she felt that she was prepared, she replied yes.  So did I

                Fast Sunday tomorrow I am fasting for:

1)       A fresh start and commitment for the 2^nd branch.

2)       Help for Rith and his family

3)       Help for Elder Brooking with the language and more love and patience for me.

#5

                I have been reading in the Book of Mormon about the people who listened to the final words of King Benjamin and by the power of the Holy Ghost received a change of heart. A change that made them lose all desire to sin but to do good continually, Mosiah 5:2.  I want to bear witness that I have this change of heart in my life.  I remember getting ready for this mission.  I prayed hard for a remission of my sins, I read my scriptures every night and I looked forward to that time at the end of each day.  I began to change.  I have a warm happy feeling each time I make a good effort to read my scriptures or pray.  My heart beats quicker and I really feel at peace.  I know that these are feelings and changes that come from the Holy Ghost.  I have had them with me and also a strong desire to good and not sin ever since I began to use my faith, pray, and read my scriptures everyday, and feed on the goal of being a worthy missionary.  I had to do it myself.  I had great encouragement, exhortation and examples, and support and love from my parents.  But I finally had to decide to do it on my own. 

                I see it now with my investigators.  Those who read and pray and come to church gain strength and begin to “catch on fire” or become really motivated and hungry for the gospel.  It is because of the light of the gospel.  As we follow we receive more light and want to continue to receive.  We are willing to promise Mosiah 5:5 and take upon us the name of Christ and through faith an his name become his sons and his daughters, Mosiah 5:7

#6

                First meeting this morning in the new 210 building.  The big meeting room is fantastic!  We had a pretty good Fast and Testimony meeting.  Danit a district missionary gave a good testimony about repentance.  He had stole some pens and things and then confessed to Sister Johnson.  He talked about how he felt before and after.

                Met with Saran today at 4;30, he also came to church.  Sarum is the father of our Golden Family .  We are only able to meet once a week.  He reads most of Alma this week and really understands the doctrine about accountability and needing help from Jesus Christ.  He told us today that he has received the ability to see clearly between right and wrong.  He said he knows that what he is doing is right as he talked about studying with us and reading, praying, and going to church.  I am excited for this family.

#7

                We bought a sweet Whirlpool refrigerator for the new House 210 today.  Rith, Elder Brooking, and I went shopping for it.

                I have wanted to go to the water festival ever since I first heard about it.  We pushed our way through the crowds and watched the boats come down the river.  The boats were pretty cool but the mess of people was difficult and kind of scary. 

#8

                We received the video’s of Conference and watched the Saturday afternoon session.  It was great.  There was 2 main emphasis family and the importance of a prophet.  Much was said about our great Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley.

                Because of the holiday we were able to find Saran and his family home and meet with them.  We usually can meet only once a week.  We caught Navey, the wife up to the rest of the family as she was absent.  I love meeting with this family. 

#9

                Today as we taught Seethaa the fourth discussion and about the Word of Wisdom we asked him how he felt about it.  He said “ I praise God for it “ and will follow. 

                A difficult visit with Klock Saat today.  Saat is the father of Phet and Uncle of Snaa our new members.  He hasn’t been to church in a long month or two.  He did come to Phet and Snaa’s baptism but haven’t seen him after that.  I didn’t really know what to say.  We pulled up as he was smoking a cigarette with his relatives from the Kaet or providence’s.  He certainly  has a large family and trying to support them all.  They run a little neighborhood restaurant and most of the customers are leaving I owe you’s that are not getting paid.  I listened hard so that he could  tell me all of these things.  I just listened and focused to understand, I don’t think Elder Brooking understood much.  It is difficult for him to listen for a long time.  After listening I just wanted to cry.  Truly many difficult struggles.  Yet in my mind I could see his family kneeling in prayer with all these problems swirling around them.  I tried to leave this picture and encourage to pray, read, and go to church.

                Water festival is like Christmas, the biggest Khmae Holiday.  

#10

                Last night I stood outside and watched a big Thunder Storm instead of writing in my journal.  Wind, rain, and so awesome Thunder and Lighting.

                Met with En Khon yesterday.  He referred himself after watching members come to church.  He decided that he wanted to come see too.  As we shared the Joseph Smith story with him I had a good feeling in my heart.  He kept talking about the picture and things.  I asked him okay aside from the picture what about in your heart is there anything you feel in your heart? He said yes there is a good feeling.

#11

                A great day today!!! My only regret is was Elder Brooking was kind of lost all day when it comes to language.  Had three great visits I felt the spirit.  In all three of these visits I felt the Spirit.  It was so fun to see Rith get excited about the Plan of Salvation and see the wheels turning in his head.  Elder Brooking and I talked about how pure in heart he is also he is very dramatic, it is obvious when he is excited or confused.  We talked tonight about doing baptisms for the dead and Rith said that he was the only one in his family that was a member.  We talked about him being able to do the work for his ancestors.  I almost cried as I told him that he would not be the only member after doing the Temple work.  It hit me strong as I thought about the uniting of his family through the temple. 

                We pedaled all the way to Stung Mean Chey only to find that Sopiap and Naroo weren’t home.  Sopiap’s wife Srey Mom asked if we could meet with her.  I kind of knew that Sopiap and Naroo wouldn’t be there and I was kind of upset at myself for even going that far.  However , we sat outside and talked to Srey Mom.  We caught her up as she was unable to join in the last time that we met.  We talked about the Atonement.  She told us that she had really been trying hard to read and to pray.  She believes Heavenly Father has helped her already as she had prayed for her baby who was sick and is now doing better.  Her baby is so cute!  A fat baby boy who usually just wears a shirt and has the biggest brown eyes,  He laughs when we come.  I was again almost brought to tears as Srey Mom talked about her mother that she never knew, and we talked about the resurrection. 

                    

October 5th, 1999 and Oct 25, 1999

Clint Mission 99 # 42

                                                                                                10/11/99

Dear Family,

                This past weekend has been a holiday it is called Pheum Ben.  It is 15 days when the souls of those who have not made it to heaven are released from hell.  The tradition is that at this time food is taken to the Pagodas and given to the monks.  In the case of food, the monks eat the food and then chant prayers to the ancestors of the givers.  According to tradition if you don’t give food your ancestors will haunt you or make your life difficult.  I talked to a guy who took food to both the monks and his extended family out in the Provinces.  He said he had a hard time believing that giving food to monks helped and so also gave food to the poor people in the Provinces. He also expressed a desire to learn more about the teachings of Jesus Christ, Elder Stewart and I placed a Book of Mormon and signed him up. 

                I had an adventurous week too.  We finished up the housing and the changes in the information packets we give to the mission leaders.  With the addition of Elder Haban’s group which will be here in two days from now, we have changed the leadership of the mission.  Each house has a new houseleader who conducts the schedule of the house and the physical duties.  A district leader has 2-3 houses in his district who he meets with weekly to skill train and also conducts a monthly split we each companionship.  This takes the pressure off the Zone leader who supervises the District leaders in his Zone.  The assistants will have a half-time area again and use the other half-time as splits/other assignments, office, etc.

                I am enclosing a copy of the moves.  I am staying with Elder Hirst right now and Elder Pruett and Nou until Wednesday when I will meet my new companion.  Elder Hoffman from California.  Elder Badger will train Elder Haban.

                Let me call attention to Elder Brookings new assignment.  Elder Brooking has the ability to tackle a project and solve a problem. ( Like the time when he rebuilt the pump and water system on a P-day afternoon in 210)  Elder Brooking has been struggling a bit, but as we talked about who should go to Ta Khman, I proposed that maybe we should give Elder Brooking the project.  President White said he had been having the same idea.  I drew a map for Elder Brooking stapled some business cards of people we had met and shook his hand.  He is excited about it!!!  Remember him in your prayers!!  The goal has been issued for him to find enough families to start a branch. 

                I am going back to 2^nd branch.  If I had my choice it would have been 2^nd branch.  Kampuchea Krom Area.  I’m already thinking of re-activating some of those who are struggling and Mak Saran and family studied up to the 4^th discussion.  This is the family Elder Brooking, Badger and I taught every Sunday night from Sept 98 to Jan 99 but they were busy.  Sarum the Father and his wife have testimonies I know it –We have to help them take the time.  I left my house early to allow the new assistants to plan together and I spent a day with Elder Springer.  We found a family and a younger man and taught great first discussions. 

                Well I will have much to report on next week.  I have been trying to study Mormon and the last ¼ of the Book of Mormon.  I feel like I don’t know it as well.  I like Mormon 7 often Mormon has to speak directly to the reader because things are so bad around him his only hope is that the record will be kept and brought forth to reclaim his people and the Lamanities of future generations.  It has been brought forth!

                Love Your Son, Brother and Missionary,

               Elder Rogers   

10/25/99

Dear Family,

                How is everyone? 

                I want you to know that you might have received my release letter, but it is not over until I am setting on that plane and hear those engines roar.  Then my mission is not over it is just another change.  I will begin to prepare myself to support a family and continue to live, teach and spread the gospel. 

                The rainy season is  here.  I remember from last year .  There is an unbelievable loud clap of thunder  that signals that the rain is done, it is the warning to fish, crabs, and frogs etc. to find a wet hole and climb into it, so I am told by the Cambodian people. It is the most incredible thunder I have ever heard and If I remember it right. . . it’s about that time.   I’m excited to hear it again. 

                Sunday was a rainy wet day and Elder Hoffman and I didn’t mind because we had an afternoon of appointments.  Well every single appointment fell through, but one.  Standing there in the cold rain with thoughts of numerous “ defeats”, after trying all plans and back up plans it could been pretty easy for us to get discouraged.  I’ll admit that the thoughts started to creep in.  But we said “ Oh Boy, It’s opportunity time!”  Well we went forth with no other plan but to knock doors find the people inside and share our message of  truth.  After being let in a few times by people who felt bad for the wet “ Frenchies” but had no real desire to study.  We saw a doctor standing out front of his clinic.  Turns out he is a Psychiatrist..  He intently listened and wants to hear the first discussion.  Things were going great.  Elder Hoffman liked the opportunity to put the discussion memorization he has been working on into use.  Trouble started to threaten again in the 5^th principle about the Book of Mormon as his attention span was getting short.  He flipped casually in the Book of Mormon and it fell open to the picture of the Rogers’ Family glued in the front.  Puzzled he began to ask questions I bore testimony of the importance of the Book of Mormon in our family and again we got his full attention.  ( I had been saving this copy for a rainy day)  We finished the discussion, committed him to read and pray and scheduled a return appointment. 

                We were blessed to find a discussion and a great contact, as we shook off discouragement and physical discomfort and stayed focused.  It turned out to be a pretty good day.  I love the work and I love all of you.  Keep up the good work at home. 

                Love your Son, Brother and Missionary,   Elder Rogers

PS I am helping to translate the Church handbook of Instructions—Melchizedick Priesthood Section

Oct 4, 1999

10/4/99

Dear Family,

                Well I was sitting in President White’s office this morning and he had Elder Folsoms and I proof read a letter he is going to send to the Area Presidency requesting 50 more missionaries to be added to the mission compliment.  I remember back in the days of 20 when 50 sounded like an amazing jump.  2 more months and 50 will be a reality.  But things are going well and there is so much work to be done here that we need more help.  Cambodia is one of a few Asian countries who have no religious laws. . . we can do what we want here.  Unlimited Religious Freedom.  By 2001 there will be a Stake in Phnom Penh and outlying branches in Kompang Cham, Ta Khman and plans being made for Sihanoukville, Buttambong, Siam Reap etc.  100 missionaries in 2001.

                Thanks for your thoughts about ponderers and thinkers.  Elder Folsom is a ponderer and thinker .  I can get a head of him if I am not careful to communicate or explain what I am thinking.  If I do get ahead of him we are no longer a companionship and it doesn’t much matter what else the two of us are doing it is less effective.  I develop communication, patience, and long suffering when I have been teamed up with a ponderer. When teamed up with another organizer like Elder Hoare we barely had to say anything to each other cause we always knew what the other half was thinking.  If I have learned one thing on my mission about companionships it is probably this unity = success and aid of the Spirit.  If you are not unified change yourself.  Hopefully I can follow this. 

                We signed the contract on House 83 this week.  Then this morning helped Elders move from the Dr. Woolely condemned house to a nice new house.  Next week we will send 4 Elders to officially open Ta Khman . Elder Folsom and Elder Rogers are going to go try to meet the Mayor this week and move into house 83 and that should close out the housing seen until Feb 2000. 

                We also finished up another project this week.  When the District first started here there was a focus put on Leadership in the Church and financial and membership records got put on the back burner.  This was not necessarily wrong but just needed to be taken care of before it got out of hand.  To make a long story short. . .   In May Elder Hoare and I started a drive to gather information from proselyting area books of all members who for sure had moved, died, or were lost.  We collected all that in about a period of 2 months.  Then it took another month to compare the information to both the mission list and the Thailand Records list. ( all our records go to Thailand)  Well the hard part is the Thailand and the mission list are not the same.  There was 125+ members that we can not confirm that are moved out, lost or dead. 

                So this week we were visited for the 2^nd time by Thailand area people and they saw the work that we had done and then had us draft a letter that explained our circumstances.  They are going to take it to a higher level requesting a PBO officer in P.D. to handle records, some translation, etc.

                So in summary the District is getting close to being on its feet both temporally and spiritually getting ready to be a stake.  We are meeting ( Elder Folsom and I ) with the local District Clerk, newly called, we have almost fixed the mess and now we are going to help train him so we can do it right from here on out too.  I trained myself to be a membership clerk too. 

                Why records?  Alma 5:58

58 For the names of the righteous shall be written in the book of life, and unto them will I grant an inheritance at my right hand. And now, my brethren, what have ye to say against this? I say unto you, if ye speak against it, it matters not, for the word of God must be fulfilled.

                Well this is my final week as an assistant and the week after that I will be training a MTC missionary probably up in 2^nd branch.

                I love you all very much and want you to know that I have a testimony of Jesus Christ and that we are fallen and lost without him.  2 Nephi 9. 

Love Your Son, Brother and Missionary,

Elder Rogers 

Sept 27 , 1999 Oct 5th 1999

9/27/99

Dear Family,

                Wow, thanks for the great fishing pictures!  Looks like some L.T.M. action Grandpa!  Huge, Huge, Gators.  They are too big to be fish!  I am glad that you don’t plan to tell too many people about your spot at Cree Lake.  When I saw Mike and T suddenly I remembered. . . FAMUNDA! 

                (Clint sent a good batch of pictures with commentary)

                This week we interviewed each missionary in the mission.  We followed up on past goals, helped them set new goals, and reminded them of our Zone Conference Lesson.  For our lesson Elder Folsom and I committed the mission to share at least one scripture from their morning reading each day with their companion and a member investigator.  To remind them and show the effectiveness of doing this.  We shared a different scripture with each missionary.  One of us would write down the goals and the other would try to think of a scripture that would be good for them. 

                One of my favorite was one Elder Folsom shared with an Elder who was struggling with wanting to do less-active work, 3 Nephi 18: 32

 32 Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out of your synagogues, or your places of worship, for unto such shall ye continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them.

                Each time we shared a scripture we did it with power and it increased all of our desire to be good and scriptural successful missionaries.

                We signed a contract this week on the TA Khman House.  Then after going over the information from SLC about incoming Elders I drew up a housing plan that will finish off housing needs until Feb 2000.  The result of my planning was that we need one more house and then we can coast until Feb.  We saw some today and hope to sign this week. 

                Elder Folsom and I have set some great goals for ourselves this month.  We have a big assistant goal of completing the instruction packets for leadership positions in the mission.  Everything has changed so much that they all need to be changed and updated.  We hope to meet with Mayor of TA Khman as a pre-proselyting good will visit before we come 4 Elders strong next month. 

                We are studying each night the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

                I have focused on two scriptures that I want to really work on spiritually to better.  John 17:3 and D & C 121: 45-46.

                John 17:3

 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

                D&C 121:45

 45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

D&C 121:46

 46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.

                I also have a goal to finish the Khmae Book of Mormon.  I am on 3 Nephi 17.

                I had my bike overhauled today, new tires, and a chain, preparing myself for the burst into the proselyting seen.  We do a half-day split with about 3 to 4 companionships each week.  We get to have good contact with Elders and proselyte but not like having an area. 

                I was told in my Patriarchal Blessing to study the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and I found a great scripture that really summed it up.

                D&C 132:32

 32 Go ye, therefore, and do the works of Abraham; enter ye into my law and ye shall be saved.

                I love my Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ.  I love the scriptures, and to quote from them.  I love my family.

                Love your Son, Brother and Missionary,

                Elder Rogers

               

Clint mission #38                                                                  10/5/98

Dear Family,

                Is it really October?

                Another Good week with Elder Brooking.  Also another busy P-day.  This letter may be somewhat short and a little sloppy as I am short on time.  It is hard to find time even for journal writing as I am either worried about the next days plan or taking care of house stuff like locking doors, talking to the guard, or stuff.  Today I tried hard to get all my house stuff and employees taken care of so that I don’t have to worry about anything Tues.- Sun.  I like talking with them and taking care of these things it is just time.

                Pres. called us in for a quick l hour meeting on Saturday.  We went over the document about “Converts at Friend, calling, Nourishment with the Word”, talked about the roles of us as Elders, the Branch Presidency, and District Missionaries.  We are trying to keep good retention of our converts.  Also talked about having us as Elders only meet once a week with new members, and have the District Missionaries visit 1 or 2 more times.  Saves us time and increased fellowship.

                Elder Brooking and I had a good time and good success showing the seminary video about the life of Christ called: “To this end was I born”.  It is the one we saw in San Diego as a family.  We invited active members to come to our house and watch the video with their non member friends.  It resulted in a younger brother of a member wanting to study about Jesus Christ, another non member agreed and came to church yesterday, and the Mom and Dad of an active member who were not members now know more about the church.  The video is in English.  There is more music and pictures than talk.  Also we use the Khmae Bible to help us translate what they say.  It is powerful!  I especially like it when Christ enters the spirit world and the scene ends with someone giving Christ a hug.  They learn about the life of Christ plus feel the Spirit.  I think I get just as much out of it as the investigator.  I especially like bearing testimony at the end, I especially help them try to remember the feelings they had as they see Christ enter the Spirit World with triumph after fulfilling his mission.  Can’t help but not be touched.  It strengthened my testimony.  I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and loves each of us.

                I want you all to know I love you.  Have a great week!

                Love your Son, Brother, Missionary ,

                Clint

Lisha and Bood- sorry I didn’t get you a return letter,  Thanks again for the goood letters!!!!! 

Sept 99 Journal Entries

Journal Entries:

                Today I attended a District Development meeting.  Elder Williams my MTC roommate was teaching the lesson.  The lesson was on enthusiasm.  As a missionary that is really important.  In his lesson he made a statement, Paraphrasing D&C 4, he said “ Can we serve with all our heart, might, mid, and strength if we do not have enthusiasm? 

                No! You can not.

                Sister White talked a little in Zone Conference about the word enthusiasm.  The meaning of the word in Greek mean “ God in you” A great definition!

                The past 2 days President White and Elder Folsom and I have been interviewing all missionaries.  The interview is broken up into two parts.  Performance and proselyting skills is talked about with the Assistants, personal and attributes are talked about with President White.  Each session is 15 minutes. And scheduling interviews 15 minutes apart we are able to do the whole mission in about a day and ¾.

                When we interview a missionary we first sing one verse of an enthusiastic Missionary Song.  Last month the song was “Called to Serve”, this month our song was “Go Forth with Faith”.  We then kneel in prayer and one of us Assistants says the prayer and makes a point to pray for that missionary.  We follow up first on past goals and they score themselves and then we help them set new goals for the coming month.  Goals include: Discussion, proselyting skills, language acquisition.  This past interview session we tried to ask every Elder two questions:

1)      What proselyting skill do you want to focus on this month as a result of zone conference?

2)      Do you make your bed each morning?

We found that  75% of the mission  did not make their bed.  Some missionaries need a little

 persuasion but most committed themselves to make their bed each morning on their own. 

               

                Two very historic events took place yesterday.  The first one was a special assignment from President White.  President White ask us to choose 6 or 7 members and have them come to the office.  We are in the final stages of buying land for a stake center.  However foreigners can not be the owners of Cambodian land.  A corporation must be formed of shareholders on paper the church will own 49% and 3 Khmae citizens of the church will be shareholders of 17%.  They volunteer to be shareholders so the church can build a stake center.  They don’t make or loose ant money only serve the church.  Those in attendance were: Chan, Soriya, Chany Hang Bo, Phanith, Pen Vibol, Peeh Sophouk, and Um Son.  I think that some were a little puzzled about it but they were all so excited to hear that we are working towards building a stake center. 

                The other major historical event was Elder Folsom  and I took the car down to Ta Khman to scout out possible proselyting Elders moving there in October. It was hard to see the layout of the city, just by car we needed a map, but they didn’t have one for us.  We went into a government building.  I think it was the bureau of Land Titles or something and we sat down and talked with two nice older men.  The one guy was all rushed and gave us some statistical information but we explained that we did not come for stats.  Elder Folsom led the way in a good conversation about why we were there and why we hopefully plan to be in Ta Khman.  Elder Folsom astounds people with how clear and well he speaks Khmae.  He sounds just like them and has an amazing  vocabulary.  I realize I need to work harder on my language. 

                We are not sure that we are ready to head off to Ta Khman with 4 Elders.  We felt just like we were in Phnom Penh while we were there, just father away and the attitude of the people is more relaxed.  We have to ponder and pray about weather or not it is time to go.  Before the trip yesterday in my mind I was saying yes go, but I didn’t feel strongly either way as we were down in the city yesterday. 

                We met with President White yesterday to discuss what to say at Zone Leaders Leadership training meeting.  He told us to be careful and avoid the shotgun effect.  The shotgun effect is hitting lots of little points but not developing any of them, the result is those in the meeting don’t benefit from what is said. 

Sept 13 and Sept 20 1999

9/13/99

Dear Family,

                Wow it was good to hear from you, sounds like you are all excited about the Dec15th and also the results of the Canada fishing trip. Dad and Jon, thanks for the good written report but now I want pictures. I didn’t hear anything about the food there, that is an important detail, how was it? I am assuming not as good as what’s her name in Alaska, because I haven’t heard anything at this point.

                Mom and Dad your travel plans sound great! Bring an “elephant pattern” street tie from Thailand for the 50 Elders who will be here for Christmas. Please tell President White of your travel plans. Please refrain from any time countdowns in letters. That’s all I have to say about that.

                I have enclosed what I call my masterpiece, my final Assistant’s message for this month’s Zone Conference. It is going to be held this week and will be my final Zone Conference today as an Assistant to President White. I talked with Elder Hoare today, he said it is great to just sit and listen in a Zone Conference. Just some background on the A.W.A.K.E. acronym. We were trying to think of an acronym which would capture some of the traditions and attitudes we wanted to have in the Mission. That was a month or so ago. The theme for this week’s conference is Alma 7:22-23.

Alma 7:22

 22 And now my beloved brethren, I have said these things unto you that I might awaken you to a sense of your duty to God, that ye may walk blameless before him, that ye may walk after the holy order of God, after which ye have been received.

Alma 7:23

 23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

At the end of a companionship planning session this past week as Elder Folsom and I kneeled in prayer.  I had this idea about AWAKE from verse 22. As soon as the prayer ended I jumped up, grabbed the marker and wrote on our tile wall. A. (AIR) W.(Work) A. (CRA) K. (Kindred Dead) E. (ESP).   I can’t force a Mission motto on anyone nor do I think that we necessarily need one but I sure liked my acronym for the message and as a way to put into words how I fell about this mission and the work here.

                Elder Folsom was busy most of the day with our other big project. We had the assignment to fix the translation of the document, The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Elder Folsom did most of it as he is the language champion. But I helped. An earlier translation had been done by someone in SLC but it was not quite good enough. Elder Folsom and I fixed it up because it is going to be presented to the King of Cambodia by President Creel L. Kofford and President White when they visit him this Saturday. President White secured the visit through one of his connections we have over here. President Kofford will be in Bangkok already so will swing over for a good will tour. President Kofford will be coming back to Cambodia Nov. 6-7 for District Conference. He is the only one of the Area Presidency we haven’t personally met yet.

I want to share a scripture with you to close. First the background info. We had a run-in with the land lord at one of the houses. It was the very first house I was ever involved in, and we chose to exercise after 6 months the termination option in the contract. Well after doing so to make a long story short they were not expecting it and were upset. I thought we had lost all hope of maintaining a good relationship and the good name of the Church with them after our first visit about the problem. Well I prayed about it for extra help before our next meeting. Alma 33:4

Alma 33:4

 4 For he said: Thou art merciful, O God, for thou hast heard my prayer, even when I was in the wilderness; yea, thou wast merciful when I prayed concerning those who were mine enemies, and thou didst turn them to me.

Turns out that we cut a deal with them by paying some money, and got things smoothed out. They were happy and so were we. ( Dr. Woolsy from Hong Kong had condemned the house due to bad living conditions, it was a little older but had a great location.) However better than that the landlord asked me where does your church get its money? Well I took this question and ran with it and Elder Seare, a senior missionary, helped me out. Before we knew it the Spirit was there and we were bearing testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon as a Second Witness. I guess I just lack faith as this was a different outcome than what I had expected. A great blessing came as an answer to prayer. We placed a Book of Mormon with them this week. I found Alma 33:4 after and thought it really applied. See also Alma 33:8

Alma 33:8

 8 Yea, thou art merciful unto thy children when they cry unto thee, to be heard of thee and not of men, and thou wilt hear them.

Thanks for all your prayers.   Love your Son, Brother Missionary

PS Dr. Woolsy is a former OB/Gyn Doctor from SLC.

Dear Family,                                                                         9/20/99

                I just got back from down the street.  Remember the little Mormon Community we set up on our street here?  Well Elder Sorber made a big pot of curry today and invited us down for a little sampling.  It was good and fun to have a little get together.  It reminded me of the Sunday curry we used to have back when we had maids.  Also he made a pot of a Cambodian banana dessert.  Good stuff! 

                Hello to all of you!  Sounds like everyone is good and busy with school.  Thanks Dad for the good report on the trip.  Maybe we could meet Dr. Woolely in Hong Kong.  I’m pretty sure his name is Woolely.  He has been here twice.  The first time he came and looked at Health Care facilities like the hospitals and drug stores.  He then gave his approval to Pres. White.  Recently he viewed all missionary housing and then went to Siam Reap to evaluate the medical stuff there.

                The Family Proclamation took us about 1 and ½ to 2 days.  We did not translate it cold.  We took the Salt Lake Translation and helped it then we had local members proofread it.  It was still quite a project and Elder Folsom is mainly responsible.  But it is a big event for us too.

                By the way the visit to the King was a success!  President Kofford flew in and he and President  and Sister White went to the Palace Sept 18^th.  They were meet graciously by his majesty and the Queen of Cambodia, Norodom Sihanouk. They were met by a big Royal group and the King and Queen rushed out to greet them.  And surprisingly enough, both King and Queen can hold there own quite well and need no English Translator.  They visited for almost an hour in a state room, and exchanged gifts,  President White and Sister White received a 3 piece silver vase dish thing in a Royal Blue Official Royal Seal box. 

The box is cooler than the vase . We gave the King the Family Proclamation, Bronze Wagon Sculpture, Book of Mormon and an inf. book on the church.

                The King reassured our representatives that the Church would always be welcome.  Sister White said that at first it was very formal and hard to know what to talk about, but she said later the Spirit came in and the tightness and uneasiness was gone.  They describe the King and Queen as very sweet. I watched President White study the Family Proclamation a little this week.  I’m sure he quoted a bit.  President Koffard talked with the King about his health and also explained about the Priesthood.  Then asked the King if he would like a Priesthood blessing.  The King replied, “I honor your God . . . .” but then declined.  President White and Sister White received pictures from the King’s photo people today they were fun to look at.  President Koffard, President White, and Sister White with the King and Queen.  President White is very curious and wants to know why we were not allowed to come and why were they so gracious?  Another interesting thing was the King and Queen were familiar with the history of the church.  Also the King didn’t read the Proclamation right then and there.

                Other news of the week was two great Zone Conferences.  Elder Folsom and I taught our lesson about personally preparing to accomplish our duty as per Alma 7: 22-23

Alma 7:22

 22 And now my beloved brethren, I have said these things unto you that I might awaken you to a sense of your duty to God, that ye may walk blameless before him, that ye may walk after the holy order of God, after which ye have been received.

Alma 7:23

 23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

                We talked about 3 area’s of Personal Preparation 1) Weekly District Meeting ( skill train)  2) Splits with Zone leaders 3) 30 minutes of Book of Mormon study each day.

                We are planning for October.  We are sending troops to  Ta Khmane today met with the Land Lord for the house of the Ta Khmae .  Today we met with the Land Lord for the house of the Ta Kamane 2 companionships.  That will go into effect come October as the new Elders get here.  Plans include a smaller proselyting area for the Assistants now that expansion is less hectic and splitting of two area that are big in size and investigators.  We passed a rule this week that no more English will be taught by Elders at the Church.  We are working on getting all survive out in the communicating focusing on family people not sponsoring youth club.  The calls are supervising daily seminary classes which help provide for the social and spiritual welfare of all our youth .

                The youth hear are a chosen generation and are the strongest part of the church here.  Reports are that seminary in Cambodia has the best results in the Asia Area.  When I say chosen generation I mean you can see how righteous they are, you can see the light in their eyes, and they will marry and have church families and will be the foundation upon which the Lord will build stakes and a temple here in Cambodia.

                I have been teaching and helping to train the teachers in both Primary and the Deacon’s Quorum.  I can’t wait until October when I will be out on the front lines again.  I have learned so much and put so much effort into this Assistant stuff.  I love it, but feel like all this physical stuff is not like teaching not bringing souls unto Christ and long to be out in the middle of  an area, any area will do.  Put me with someone who wants to work and lets go work.  I’m good at handling all these physical details and my memory is amazing sometimes, i.e. I can tell you all house numbers, companionships, area, phone numbers, etc.  BUT  I want to be more spiritual and want not to be so caught up in the physical.  Sometimes it is hard to slow down the mind to ponder and pray.  Yet I am happy and love to be surrounded and engulfed in Missionary Work.  Remember Mosiah 3:17.

Mosiah 3:17

 17 And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.

                Love your Son, Brother, Missionary,

                Elder Rogers

Letter #36

Clint Mission 99 #36

Dear Lisha,

                 Word, thanks for the E-mail last week I received after preparation day so I was unable to answer back.

                It was really good to hear a first hand report.  Sounds like you are struggling a bit but it will be a good growing experience for you.  No pain, no gain right?  Elder Folsom my new companion is very great and very spiritual.  I excel at the physical details, his strength is spirituality.  Anyway we were talking one time and said it would be awkward to get married and never have been on a mission because we have learned from both good and bad times how to live with a companion.  ( Reason # 1097 for why to serve a mission) I have had to learn to be a better communicator.  I use to like to walk around the house and not say anything.  As an assistant we are always planning or teaching together as a team and it requires constant open communication. 

                Elder Hoare is training Elder Kieng in the middle of the city.  It is a tough area and Elder Kieng  is having a hard time adopting to missionary life for lots of reasons but Elder Hoare is just what he needs.

                I’ll share a secret with you. You asked about homesickness. After the first Mother’s day phone call, after I hung up the phone and let the tears flow a bit and in the MTC I was so worried about it I was righteous enough to be a missionary that I didn’t worry about home. I think it would be easier to go on  a mission then to leave for school. The spirit helps us so much when we lose ourselves in the work that I don’t think much about home.

                Also to answer your question I know Maron Christenson and remember her. I consider her a friend. We talked often back in the Middle School days.

                I include you in my fast Lisha, to help you settle in. have you received any special help? I love you and know your doing great. keep it up. Here are some scriptures for you. Doctrine and Covenants 122:7 and 123:17

                                Say hi to Melanie, Megan and Ashley for me!

                                                                                                                Love Clint.

Dear Family,

                Hello to my dear family! How are all of you? Bood-funk-a-rama congrats on the big royal promotion. I never did hear who your date was. I’m sure you’ll tell me in the letter your going to write soon. Dad and Jon, I want to hear all about it. Mom Thanks for the good education week notes and good E-mail earlier in the weekend you probably had a busy one. I will try to have my collage stuff sent next week. Thanks again for all the support from home! Sounds like the Habans are a neat family. Ang and Ani, Wow I got some 1^st day of school pictures. Nice new clothes, fashionable haircuts and works! 8^th Grade. I would like to hear about your teachers and classes and other events. Good luck.

                Well let me tell you a little about my week. As I think back there are the 2 major events. First it has been kind of a tradition that when a assistant leaves Pres. and Sister White take him out to dinner as a reward, appreciation, and Thank you. We went out this past week. Pres. and Sister White, Elder Hoare, Folsom and I. We had a great evening. Good company and good food. However the best part was at the end before we left the hotel  we went outside down on the lawn where Pres. Hinkley dedicated the land of Cambodia. We just stood there and quietly enjoyed the peace and calm of the night and the significance of the spot. Then Sister and Pres. White began to tell about some of the blessings they have seen come as a result of that prayer. 2 blessings were the stabilizing of the political situation and out growing missionary and member force.

                If I could, I would describe  a little of how Pres. and Sister White  are in a social situation. In the car or around the table Sister White is the person who creates conversation or leads out with a good question that gets a good conversation going. She is very good at it. Pres. stays quieter but he adds comments or answers questions. Sister White is an incredible hostess. She guides the conversation so that we learn more about the guest of honor and makes the guests feel good.

                The 2^nd event of the week was an opportunity to use the priesthood. I was on a split with Elder Hoare  for the afternoon. Elder Hoare was asked by a woman  in the 4^th Branch to come and give her niece a blessing. I was Elder Hoare’s companion and was able to go. we went to the hospital  that was built by the Russians. (Hospitals in Cambodia are a sad story and so many people are sick) we went right up to the 3^rd floor and into the Intensive Care Unit. There we found the sister of the 4^th Branch member who was standing at the bedside of her daughter who was in a coma. The daughter was a young 14-16 year old teen whose name is Meav Vichakar. To be honest, she looked scary she was so sick. I don’t think I ever seen someone in a coma. She was sick with a fever before, the tripped over or just collapsed  one day and was in a coma ever since. Well needless to say the mother was almost with out hope and she had faith in the Priesthood. We talked to the mother who is not a member or Christian but explained that the blessing was dependent  upon out faith in God. She desired the blessing and said she had faith. I had anointed the Elder Hoare scaled and confirmed the anointing and gave her a blessing. It was a special experience. Elder Hoare blessed her with a miracle and that she would be healed and she would have faith in God and always remember her miracle. Afterward we visited for a minute or 2 and gave the mother a Book Of Mormon and encouraged her to continue to talk to her daughter.

                I didn’t realize that we were in the intensive care unit until after we walked out and I looked on the wall. I was surprised with the ease with how we just walked right in and it hit home again the severity of her condition.  I included Meav Vichalkan in my prayers and also my fast after proselyting on a split Sunday I came home and got a call from Elder Hoare “Hey Elder Rogers she come out of the coma, she’s not all the way better but she came out of the coma” Wow what power there is in faith, prayers and the holy priesthood. The phone call made my whole day!
                Well that’s about it for me. We made the decision to go to Ta Kaman so this week Elder Folsom and I will head down to find a house for the 4 missionaries who will serve down there. (south of Phnom Penh)  Thanks again for the good letters and pictures. I got pictures of Home Sweet Home in Cedar City. It looks really nice! Have a good week and Much love from your son, brother and missionary,

                                                                                                                                                Clint

                Thanks for the good missionary stories last week dad!

                also mom, Elder Forsom and I really enjoyed the Tuna

                Pasta this past week, which I was saving for a day

                                 it didn’t rain. Thanks.