Clint Mission Letter #24 and 24
6/29/98
Received 7/13/98
Dear Family,
Yesterday at Church was another great day. Luu Thom could hardly sit still all through Church. He received the Aaronic Priesthood and then baptized Luu Sokleeny (17) and Luu Kiet (15) his oldest kids. The family is just excited about the gospel, and they are already bringing friends to Church.
Saturday the 27th was also an awesome day. 2 of the 5 scheduled appointments did not show. Elder Heywood and I have been working on the Area Book and decided to go find some of the inactivies we haven’t met yet and things. Strangely enough we found Lena who was only in town for a few hours and had a good meeting with him. Also found Lida and she came to Church yesterday. Lida is one of the first 4-5 people baptized in Cambodia. Both of these people are “impossible to meet with” but we stumbled on to them. The purpose of the trip was mainly to get me familiar with these houses if I’m left in this area in a few weeks.
Saturday morning we met with the Elder’s Quorum president of the Branch, Beang. He also lives at and takes care of House 21. He must of felt like talking because he told us some of his experiences he has recently had where he has received help from the Holy Ghost and also 2-3 dreams that he has had. Saturday is his day off. “ Usually I’m out of here” he says but last week I just felt like I should stay. Later that afternoon a big storm came and some of the drains clogged. Beang waded in the water and unplugged these drains before water entered the church. I will write his other experiences in the journal and get you a copy next week.
Again missed appointments and other challenges have prevented our people from progressing.
(Kun=merit) committed to be baptized on July 19, today. He is an awesome guy who was referred by a member. He says “ When I read in the Book of Mormon, I just feel so good, I just want to keep reading and reading”.
Caan 15 walks to church each day with her other friends Sokhom and Chemteoun ( remember Chanteon is the leader and member missionary.) Will be baptized July 12. Roath 14 will be baptized July 19th.
This week I have really enjoyed teaching about Christ, at the start of the 2nd discussion.
Principle 1: Jesus Christ helps us overcome Physical Death. Principle 2: Jesus Christ -overcome sin.
I love to teach these two principles.
My language is getting better. As Beang told us all those stories and in church I understand so much. May not be able to answer back quickly or in a beautiful complete sentence but I understand lots.
Thanks for the great E-mails! Sorry I am a little short on time tonight for the big full report.
Love you all so much.
Your Son, Brother, and Missionary
Elder J. Clinton Rogers
July 6th 1998
Dear Family,
Happy 4th of July! At mission conference we had a cake decorated as the American Flag, one as a Australian Flag and one as a Canadian Flag.
My house went up to the roof and sang the national Anthem, but no fireworks. Sorry to hear about your hand Jon. We sure are blessed living in America. I have really found this in the land of no traffic laws and no real police, fire, or ambulance.
I was thinking about this today pedaling down the street how I feel normal and yet all around me is the wilds of Cambodia. The coolest part is I can talk with these awesome people, and see their lifes changed and blessed by the gospel.
This week I went on a sleepover with Elder Hoare. I went to House 39 for the night and then went out all day with Elder Hoare. He felt bad as it was one of those days when no one shows up for appointments. He is in the Central west area, on the map look for Olympic Stadium. We pedaled through a really pour street and just down a few blocks was the “Inter Continental 5 Star Hotel. Quite a contrast.
The big news is I have a new companion. Elder Jeff Fernandez from the State of Washington. He was born in “74 and has only been a member for a few years. He likes to cook and proven his ability at the mission breakfast last month. He is a “Star Wars” fan! He has already taught me an index card of new words in just 2 appointments today. He has the assignment of Zone Leader for the South part of the city and has 4 months left on his mission.
I too have a new challenge. I am the Branch Representative at the lst Branch. Which means I attend all the branch meetings and help the presidency run the show. It is quite a challenge as I am young in language and experience. My main job is shadow leader, translator, and coordinator between the mission and branch. Dad there is no mission leader. We are just getting organized member wise. A Native District President has been called and young men and women are being called as District Missionaries. Most of this was done at District Conference. President White’s member missionary force speech really caused a stir. I have had people who are not members of the church ask when can they become District Missionaries. “ You got one pull it up” Also we are soon going to start going on splits with these district missionaries. Before we haven’t been allowed except in times of sickness.
So lots of challenges and learning experiences coming my way. I would like to get Home Teaching going in the Branch.
Baptisms scheduled:
Caan ( female 15) July 12
Roath ( Male 14) July 19
Someung ( Male 30+) Aug 2
Committed this past week
Hout ( male 18) July 19
Somnaang (male 20) July 19
Sopawn ( male 47) Aug 2
Sopawn rides his bike 10+ km ( one way) from the bounies and back in order to meet with us and go to Church. He wants to learn so bad he at times tries too hard. We have to slow him down. Also he has bought us a pack of gum and coconuts.
Elder Heywood is now comp with Elder Hoare, and the Branch Rep. For Branch 4. Elder Fernandez was training Elder Hoare before me.
Lots of signs and posters here it is election time. Also cars decked out with signs and a megaphone. We are obeying all the rules, and also have a new rule: Can’t use cameras except for at the church and at home until after the election. Again, don’t know much about it other than hoping and praying for peace and what is best for this land.
I love you all.
Love your Son, Brother, Missionary,
Elder J. Clinton Rogers