May 31, 1999

Clint Mission 99 #22                                                                           5/31/99

Dear Family

                Hello and Word up from Cambodia!

                Clint says he finally received the packages of spices that I sent after Mother’s Day call.  Also I received a box of Twinkies from Grandma Talbot.  Thank you!  All ten were gone within 24 hours of receival.

                I have been very blessed this last week!  I was on pins and needles this past Sunday from 7:10-8:05.  I was standing out front greeting those who came to church yesterday, but I was waiting for our investigator family.  We stressed the importance of coming to church in each appointment with Sophon and his family this past week.  It was do or die Sunday.  I felt it.  I knew that future progress hinged on whether or not they came to church.  The Branch President started the meeting at 8:00 a.m. and no sign of them yet.  I knew that they were coming.  8:04-5 sure enough they came around the corner Sophon, Sovann his wife, Outtom their younger son, and on the other moto the oldest Linda.  4 out of 7.  Yet Sophon and Sovann, the Father and Mother the most important.  A good Sunday meeting.  Good talks.  After sacrament they wanted to sneak out yet we talked them into staying, for Sunday School and with no need of persuasion they stayed for the last hour.  Afterwards I talked with Sovann she said, “ Oh Elder I was so scared.  All the way to church I was so scared and even in the church.  But now I can do it!  I know that what is happening here is good and I can do it.”

                That afternoon we stopped in and sat down and finished “Their plan” Their plan is June 12, 1999 at 4:30 p.m. Sophon, Sovann, Linda, Lean, Petra, Outdong, Outtom. They all want to be baptized and we made the plan to get them all finished off.  It is truly a miracle!  The spirit is so strong with this family.  I can see the spirit changing them.  I think that they are so great!  I can not express how much I love them!  I am amazed at the faith Sovann has.  She told us about the day we met.  Elder Hoare and I had stopped at their neighbors house to use the bathroom and we had already laid the plan to contact the owner of the bathroom.  Sovann said the day she saw us ride by and stop at her neighbors, she woke her husband and said for him to go see what the “frenchies” were up to.  They said that they thought we might be trying  to deliver a letter from family in America.  After using the bathroom I intro-ed the owner of the bathroom but he was not interested.  Elder Hoare was talking to the guy ( Sophon) who walked up later.  As I turned back to Elder Hoare he said “ Hey this guy wants to study” that was in mid April.  Sophon likes to tell jokes and he said “ You know what, you did have a letter for me, a letter from God”.  We laughed a little but then quietly thought about the truth of what he had just said.  The letter to which he was referring to was the Book of Mormon.  Helaman 3:27-30  I read this this past week . 

                27 Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name.

Helaman 3:28

 28 Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God.

Helaman 3:29

 29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—

                Again it is a miracle!  A whole family!!! I hope and pray for their continued growth and happiness.

                The Lord is working great changes here in Cambodia. 

                All day Elder Hoare and I helped move the Elder’s out of 210.  We have found an office building 2 story which is going to be the home of the 2^nd branch also used much for many years by the church.  I remember one day out playing chauffeur for Sister White and office couple as we looked for houses with big rooms that could be used as a meeting house.  Disappointed at our finds on the way home Sister White says “ I wonder if we shouldn’t try to find a small office building. . . . .  About 2 days later a small contract was signed.  Pure inspiration!!!

                I too felt this, we had signed a contract for Elder housing.  Then all of a sudden the Land Lord brought the down payment back and said sorry I can’t.  As I prayed for help and thought about it, the night before we were going to look I remembered a house in the right area that had been for sell, and had the thought to go back.  I lead the group back to the spot.  The house was no longer showing a FOR RENT sign but as I asked the lady said , “ That house right there is for sale and pointed to a house two down but did not have a sign either.  They showed us through, we liked it, 2 days later we signed a contract.  Pure inspiration!

                The Lord is guiding each aspect of his work. 

                I love you all very much!!!

                Love your Son, Brother and Missionary

PS Please say hello for me to the June Royal Army, I’m out of time. 

      Thanks for the mail and packages

      The Cambodian Phnom Penh Mission baptized 45 for the month of May!!!  Church membership approaching 1,000!!!!!!

May 21, 1999

Clint Mission 99 #21

                                                                                                                5/24/99

Dear Family,

                Hello!  How is everyone doing? 

                Helaman 15:7-8 was the theme scripture for our Zone Conference held this past Friday. 

                Helaman 15:7

 7 And behold, ye do know of yourselves, for ye have witnessed it, that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth, and to know of the wicked and abominable traditions of their fathers, and are led to believe the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart unto them--

Helaman 15:8

 8 Therefore, as many as have come to this, ye know of yourselves are firm and steadfast in the faith, and in the thing wherewith they have been made free.

                We wanted a theme centered on building faith.  I actually suggested those verses.  They remind me of Cambodia.  A people gives up past tradition and grow firm and steadfast in the faith. 

                Elder Hoare and I focused our lesson on using the Book of Mormon, taken from verse 7.  Also taken from the desire Elder Hoare and I had to want to use the Book of Mormon more in our missionary work.  The Book of Mormon coupled with help from the spirit is the best missionary solution there is, the best faith builder there is for both member and nonmember alike.  While I am sharing scriptures with you, I can’t remember if I told you this before or not but Alma 28: 13-14 is the best description of Cambodia there is.

              Alma 28:13

 13 And thus we see how great the inequality of man is because of sin and transgression, and the power of the devil, which comes by the cunning plans which he hath devised to ensnare the hearts of men.

Alma 28:14

 14 And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing--sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto life.

                One of the great things I am learning from President White is about motivating missionaries.  President White has asked to give appreciation and special attention and praise to those who are doing well.  Sister White calls it giving A. I. R. ( Appreciation, Importance, Recognition) After this conference Elder Hoare and I were giving air to all who participated .  Elder Hoare is a good example of this.  Sometimes we split up and one will do touch up cleaning while the other makes food.  Elder Hoare always thanks me for whatever part I did.  Now before I wouldn’t have said thank you in this situation because we both did equal halves.  I might have said, “ Good work or that saved time”.  The positive good feeling of the conference was continued after the closing prayer because of our giving A.I.R.  to each of the missionaries.  I encourage all of us to give mere AIR.

                Let me start by saying Thank-you to my great parents and sisters and brother for being so supportive of me.  You are the best! Also Thank-you to all the great extended family and friends who are listening in.  You are all very important to me!

                Sophan and family are struggling a little.  We are almost done with the 4^th discussion.  Originally we set a date for May 23^rd but we have changed that to June 6^th.  Sophon, Sovann , the mother, Linda, Lean, Petra are all so great!  Linda has the strongest testimony. She comes each week, and doesn’t miss a seminary class.  Sophon has been to church but we have to get the whole family to commit to come regularly.  The goal this week is to address the church concern.  The mother missed the 3^rd discussion about church because of illness.  We are going to go teach it with her there so that she understands the importance of church attendance.  Then she will help the rest of the family get to church.  On Sunday we took Elder and Sister Call ( Bill and Mary) with us.  They followed us in the car to their house.  We were teaching Linda’s friend Sokun, a referral for us.  We invited the Calls because of the need of a fellowshipper to meet a female.  Linda’s mom sat in too.  We followed up on Book of Mormon reading and prayer.  As we talked about prayer Sovann = Linda’s Mom talked about one day she was mad at her kids, yet she didn’t want to be, she said a prayer and a few minutes later she felt a good feeling wash over her.  An answer to the prayer of the mother of our investigator family!  They are so close!  We are trying to do all we can, at church this past Sunday we arranged for members to come to each appointment, Elder Hoare and I have both prayed and fasted together in behalf of this family. 

                In the Sunday School hour of Church the past two weeks I have had the fun and demanding challenge of translating for the Temple Preparation Class.  It is being taught by a Brother Sturgis and his wife who are working for the U. N. The class is being taught to Melchizedick Priesthood and Relief Society age members.

                Just barely Elder Hoare and I made a calizone.  We usually buy them for $3.00 a piece from Happy Herbs who delivers.  But it is expensive.  Tonight we made our own from a bread dough recipe from Elder Brooking.  Bread dough folded over tomato sauce, green peppers, onions, cheese.  It was goooood!  The food is getting better.   ( If anyone has a easy recipe that can be cooked over a one burner—please send.  Clint is getting bored with the food.  Remember supplies are limited in Cambodia)

I forgot how yummy eyer kucken was.  This past week Elder Hoare and I got to get at the White’s house twice!!!! 

                I can’t get as much done in one day like I used to could, with all the duties. 

                I love you all very much!!! Until next week!!

                Love your Son, Brother, Missionary,

                Elder Rogers

PS I received copies from Fire-Bu and his Mom.  It was great!!! He is doing great things!!!  Please tell Mrs. Scott   Thank you!!!!

Where is Colby?

Thanks for the picture of the new cousin.   Tell Uncle Bruce and Aunt Beckie- Congrats!!

May 3 1999 and May 17, 1999

5/3/99

Dear Family,

                Well how is it going?  Sounds like we have had some auto problems.  Just like we tell the Khmaes when they ask why we don’t have moto’s or cars, “bikes are better”.  Although I have had a busy week of shuttle service, we had four Elder’s sick this week.  The good news is no traffic accidents, and all Elders are now well.  I spent quite a lot of time with Elder Burnham.  Tues. and Wednesday morning as his blood had to be tested both days.  They were monitoring his platelet count, worried that he had dangy fever.  The second day as the nurse was trying to get some blood she struggled a bit tried both arms.  While this was happening I watched as Elder Burnham, from Soda Springs, Idaho, fainted his face went totally white.  I told the nurse and she got a little excited and gave me the needle and tube of blood.  I then helped her but him on the bed.  Elder Burnham snapped  out of it kind of as I man handled him up on the bed.  His blood pressure was pretty low.  I was a bit worried, but then the doctor came in an nicely took care of things.  He started an IV and got a vein with no problem.  This was all taking place at SOS International Clinic where there is a real doctor from America and real equipment.  A small clinic but they even have ER stuff.  I still don’t like to see the pain caused from sticking needles and things, yet I know and see that it is necessary and beneficial.  I liked the way the doctor came in and there was no questioning his skills.  I had about 2 hours of nice quiet time at Elder Burnham’s bedside as he received 4 32 ouncers and slept while we waited for test results.  I read in Alma about great missionaries and faith.  Pres. White wants us to center May Zone Conference on building faith in Missionaries and Phnom Penh Members.  I thought about this, and said some quiet prayers.  I also talked with Elder Burnham lots to keep him company and I have built a good friendship with him. 

                We received a new office couple this week who are pretty wide-eyed at their new surroundings. 

                Sophan our golden family update: His wife’s father has suffered some heart troubles this past week which really scared the family and has delayed our progress.  We should commit them to baptism this week.   ---- The call told us that they had committed Sophan, but not the wife.

                Also out of the blue we received a message to come back and visit the husband of a member who has been approached before but now all of a sudden wants to study.

                I love you all.  I watched conference and the family messages caused me to think of my own

                Love your Son, Brother and Missionary,

                Elder Rogers

                                                                                                                5/17/99

Dear Family,

                Hello, Hello, Hello

                I have a good a good recommendation for a good video to watch.   It is called “ Where the Twain Meet”  a KSL Documentary of President Gordon B. Hinkley’s 18 day trip to Asia in 1996.  ( footage of Cambodia included.)

                Also June 12-15 our mission will be toured by a General Authority.  He is the 2^nd counselor in Asia Area Presidency H. Bryan Richards will be in Cambodia.  He will speak and preside at a June 12-13 District Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel and also has scheduled time to be with the AP’s and ZL’s.

                Today I had to do a major repair of the Japanese Red Rider.  I had to replace the bearings and sprockets in my rear wheel.  First major repair in 14 months of daily use.  Monkey boy took care of me. 

                I’m a little short on time, so I will tell you a story from this week.

                We have been meeting with Luau Thom and helped him learn more about giving a Priesthood blessing.  After this training we were visiting with another member Heang who said his wife was sick.  We talked about a blessing and the family requested a blessing. We scheduled a time to come back so that Luu Thom could join us.  Heang and his family live right on the edge of a lake and when we went back for the blessing it was the day after a big rain storm.  The Lake was much higher and there was 2-3 feet of water in their house and it was an island about 100 yards out in the lake.  The family is extremely poor.  The house is a one room shack and Heang, his wife, and two small cute daughters.  We waited one more day to see if the water would recede.  Nope , so we borrowed the neighbors little wooden boat and Luu Thom, Elder Hoare, and I headed out towards their house .  There it was on 3 feet of water or so.  The water was black and not healthy, so we road the wooden boat.  It was quite an adventure.  We were able to give the blessing and help encourage the family. 

                We continue to work with Sophon and his family,

                Love your Son, Brother, Missionary,

              Elder Rogers