Clint Mission 99 # 25 6/21/99
Dear Family,
Hello to all of you! Another Preparation Day. . . One week yet I feel that I have had a month’s worth of experiences. ( I have got 40 min so no big intro just start writing)
Monday morning we met with Elder Richard and Sister Richards. We ( President White, Sister White, Elder Hoare and myself, and the 3 Zone leaders. Each of us had to give a 7 minute presentation to answer the questions. )
1. What is the character of the Cambodian Phnom Penh Mission? Elder Hoare answered a bond of friendship amongst the missionaries and the members . Intense work, conversion, retention, activation, training branch leadership, trust. We can be trusted.
2. What is CPPM known for? Elder Rogers
Alma 28:13 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.
Bringing the glad tidings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ working together to accomplish a goal. Exceed 1998 goal of 225. Baptisms, finish with 257. The District missionary program currently 40 people.
3. History of Baptisms in the CPPM. Elder McClain Viet Zone
The first baptism was in 1994 this year it will exceed 1,000.
Year to date 130.
4. What are the challenges facing the CPPM? Elder Folsom Zone 1
Khmae people have lack of example. No traditions of righteousness, Lack of unity and love in the families and branches.
Training of our Priesthood leaders.
What does the CPPM need right now? Elder Sorber Zone 2
More translated material
More Training
More families.
Time for growth and maturity.
After our presentations Elder Richards and his wife talked. They were excellent.
Sister Richards talked about pride from an article by President Ezra Taft Benson. ( An area I could improve)
Elder Richards drew this on the board:
_______________________________
Faith
Prayer
Obedience
hard work = Focus = Bring souls to Christ by baptism and
sanctification confirmation
etc.
etc.
______________________________
His major message of his whole visit was don’t do anything that takes you from your focus. He then talked about the atonement and the worth of souls to show the reasoning behind our purpose of missionary work. We are a baptizing mission but we can’t be satisfied, We have got to bring more souls to Christ.
I can’t let anything get in the way of bringing souls unto Christ. The Lord is speeding up the work here in Cambodia.
Several times in the testimony of people speaking there was statements made which Elder Richards defined as statements made by the spirit of prophesy and revelation. Here is three that I really liked.
“ The fully translated Book of Mormon, when it is published is going to be to this people as was the plates coming out of the hill Cumorah by Joseph Smith to the rest of us. “ Elder H. Bryan Richards.
“ There will soon be a temple here in Cambodia depending upon our preparation.”
Nou Hoan 5th Branch President
6/13/99 District Conference
“ I am confident that some of you will return to Cambodia as mission presidents—Whether I’m here or on the other side I’ll help you and rejoice in the work that you do!! I love you! I pray for you!”
President L. D. White speaking to the Missionaries of CPPM 6/15/99 Mission Conference.
Elder H. Bryan Richards is my favorite General Authority. He put his arm around me several times this week and filled me with desire to do better as a missionary and leader in the mission. This work is fast and furious. I love it. Sophon and family were all confirmed and going strong.
Love your Son, Brother and Missionary
Elder Rogers