Clint’s Mission #17 5/11/98
Siesanbok! Soksbaay Tee?
How is everyone? Not a whole lot of time to report this week, but I sent some more pictures. This time I did a little better job showing you the house and the area I work in a bit also a little about how it is here in Phnom Penh.
Sometimes I really feel confident with my language skills and other times people have a hard time understanding me, and , I them.
Also it has been hotter than Toby this whole week!
We have been watching conference. I have seen Sat. Morn., afternoon, and Priesthood. We will finish up the rest this week. We have the video tapes from Salt Lake both in English and translated in Cambodian. The branches watched the Sunday morning session for Sunday School and Priesthood. Each house of Elders has been taking turns with the TV and VCR and watching the sessions. We have been watching the sessions in the evening instead of study. I have really enjoyed it. It is neat to watch conference, especially as a missionary. I was reminded of Pine Valley and the conference tradition at the cabin. It was weird to feel like we were in Utah watching conference when Phnom Penh was just outside. I really liked Elder Holland’s talk about teachers, it reminded me of some of the great MTC teachers I had. Also Pres. Hinkley’s talk in the Priesthood session did too.
A hard thing happened this week as we realized that Bunrith was not progressing and we could not continue going through the discussions. I bore my testimony again about faith and to open your heart. This is his major concern: He has studied many religions but he picks out the pieces he likes and then builds his own philosophy or “road” for life. The guy studies like crazy and is really good. However we had to explain to him our purpose which is to explain the gospel and invite him to make commitments. We told him we really liked him, liked meeting with him and stuff but that we couldn’t keep meeting him in order for him to pick out the best pieces. So we ended with prayer, and told him that we would come and see him in a few weeks, and He promised that he would keep studying and praying. We have planted a seed.
At one point in our discussion about the plan of Salvation ( 4th Discussion) he asked about the other religions and their Gods. He believes that there are many Gods and each religion has its own God. After he said this I said: ( Approx. this is how I remember it) Okay, you and I have the same goal. We want to go to heaven and we are looking at all these different choices of plans and Gods. I’m scared because I want to choose the right one? I set it up and personalized as I tried to get him thinking about all these choices. Then I said this choice and this fear of which one is right was just what Joseph Smith was feeling. We talked about his decision to pray and the vision. “Either Joseph Smith is a prophet or we are more confused than everybody else.” I said. Then I bore my testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that we do not have to be confused. Man my heart just burned in me as I said this. Bunrith has felt the spirit. He understands our testimony and that we are sharing our beliefs but can’t quit believe yet. I still have two years to keep dropping in on him.
Sophanaarit still going for the 24th but still hasn’t been able to get him to some to church. Pressure from friends has scared him a bit about not having friends and stuff. We are going to work hard with him this week.
Luu Thom is fired up. Bought a bike this week so he could go to church. Baptism is on the 17th.
Well I am out of time. One message I heard lots in Conference was families. I want you to know that I sure love my family. Do good and love each other. Also enjoy morning scriptures and things. Keep up the good work. I can’t wait to chat with you on the phone. Big world yet small.
Mom I especially want you to know I love you. Your such a great example of love and service for others. Thanks for preparing me so well for this mission since a young age. I really enjoyed coming home from Dixie College and having some time with you before everyone got home. I love you Mom !
Thanks for the letters of support and the distribution!
Love your Son, Brother, Missionary
Elder J. Clinton Rogers.