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.