3/7/98
Dear Family,
How is everybody? I can’t wait to see you and give you a big hug! I keep very busy but every now and then I wonder what life is like in St. George.
Let me tell you about my week. Elder Hoare and I taught the lst discussion in Cambodian in the TRC this week. In 40 min. We talked about the plan of Heavenly Father , Jesus Christ, and kind of combined Prophets and the B. of Mormon. As the bell rang we were asking if they would or should I say “will you” read the Book of Mormon? We only took our scriptures and English test discussions in with us. We read the discussion from English ( more like remind ourselves of the ideas ) then translate as best we can to Khmae. Next week we will do feedback, which means we just listen and won’t teach . So I am done with TRC. The TRC is great practice and helps me want to know the language better. Also the TRC helps to make the discussions real. It also helps to practice answering questions from investigators, and the whole experience keeps me on my toes.
Tuesday night Elder Woodbury came around and offered Elder Hoare and I a back massage. He wants to be a doctor and has taken a few physical therapy classes. He says he has perfected the back message. And so we took him up on it and it was great!!!
We are always talking about our families and the gospel. What life was like during pre-mission and how our families could do better. Elder Reimschussel has two older sisters , who still life at home with their parents. ( Back ground inf. ) He told me earlier in the week that he wished his family would just have family prayer. He prayed that they would have family prayer. About 2 or 3 days latter he received a letter from the family and it was reported that they were having family prayer. Elder Reimschussel was very happy. I though it was a neat story and glad he shared it with me.
How are you doing with morning scripture study and family prayer? I hope really good! I know it is important and that we will be blessed for our effort to get up on time and meet together.
I also just read 1 Nephi 22:30
“Wherefore, my brethern, I would that ye should consider that the things which have been written upon the plates of brass are true; and they testify that a man must be obedient to the commandments of God.”
where Nephi testifies that the plates help you to be obedient. I add my testimony to Nephi’s that if daily we read the Book of Mormon and think about the plan, we will be obedient. I think that this is the power that comes from the Book of Mormon. I read it, I feel good and I want to do good. Everyday before my mission since graduating from high school I have made an effort to read the scriptures. I finished it here in the MTC and have started over. I know that it is true, and I know this because the Book has encouraged me to do good and feel good when I read it. I know that these good feelings comes from the Holy Ghost and from Heavenly Father, ( Moroni 7:12-13 )
“vrs. 12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is the enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.
Vrs. 13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good , and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.
Try it you will like it!
I promise that things will go better for you if you read from the Book of Mormon and try to do good like the people in the book.
I really feel good about my experiences here at the MTC. It has been great to work hard, struggle, learn Cambodian, strengthen my testimony, learn more about the gospel, meet new people and friends, ( I just met another bunch of Elders that I know from Boy’s State, I saw J.D. Carter this week, and I also saw some other St. George Elders and Sisters. ) and prepare to go to Cambodia. My comfort zone was shattered coming here to the MTC, but now I have settled into the MTC life and enjoy it here. It is time to shake things up a big again with a trip to the wilds of Cambodia. I am scared and know that it is going to be tough but I am also excited and I can hear the streets of Phnom Penh calling to me.
I think that I told you about the welfare meetings that we have been attending. We concluded those this week with a video. Always we talked about how the Savior is the best example of a missionary and taking care of others needs. The video is the same that I saw twice in institute during pre-mission, we also saw a part of it at the San Diego visitors center , on the streets of old town. It’s powerful! Every time I see it reminds me of the great love Jesus Christ has for all of us. Thursday night was a powerful night for me. Just before we went to see the movie about Christ we were talking about examples of how important work is. The examples set by parents and grandparents, who had taught us about hard work and then finishing what we have started. Then talked about the example of Jesus Christ. I instantly thought of a scripture that I had to share. This happens a lot to me as all of a sudden I remember a scripture that goes perfectly with a situation. D & C 19: 18 and 19
“ Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink----
“ Nevertheless, glory be to the Father , and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.”
I am thankful that Christ finished the toughest job there ever was. He did it perfectly and out of love for us. I was feeling good after sharing this and then went and watched the movie about Christ. I am grateful for Jesus Christ, and I know that he lives and provided a way for us to repent and be like him.
I just played the piano in Priesthood.
I just came from a great gospel study meeting taught by President Pinegar. Wow what a great talk. He talked about the Fall and the Atonement.
“When you truly understand about the atonement your attitude and behavior will change”—President Pinegar.
He also talked about choices, we can choose good and be happy or choose wrong and be miserable. This is so true.
Also today we met in the bathroom with hymn books and sang hymns. It was great! The sound echoes off the tile and we have some Elders good with choir that got us organized into parts. The hymns are powerful, I got chills several times and all the Elders on the floor came and poked their heads into see the district 39 D men’s choir .
Thanks for all the letters and treats.
Be sure to tell the Wintch’s thanks for the letters and pictures.
Well I really must wrap this epistle up. I want to do some more study today. Grandma Hafen thanks very much for your pictures and the pictures to give away. Also Grandma Talbot I enjoy hearing from you. Thanks for all your efforts. North and Hammer family thanks, keep up the good work!
Here are some things I have enjoyed this week:
Last 4 verses of Hymn # 85
1 Nephi 17:15
1 Nephi 17:3
1 Nephi 17:40 - He loveth those who will have him be their God.
1 Nephi 17:21 - Many times we wish for other things instead of enjoying the now.
1 Nephi 8:12- I partook of the fruit then desired that my whole family could partake of the fruit.
Love Elder J. Clinton Rogers
PS I read through this and my language skills are going not to good. Hopefully you can tell what I’m trying to say.
The foreign language stuff is making him though his adjectives around. I tried to correct some.
Also : Clint wants some stories of his family - pioneer and faith promoting of his ancestors. I will send him some, but if you have a good one please send it along.
PS-PS: This is for the Snow bunch that this letter goes to. I am wondering if we should establish a family mission fund. There might be some upcoming missionaries that could use some help from the family. The $375.00 a month could be a real burden for some families. What do you think?