Clint Mission 99 #22 5/31/99
Dear Family
Hello and Word up from Cambodia!
Clint says he finally received the packages of spices that I sent after Mother’s Day call. Also I received a box of Twinkies from Grandma Talbot. Thank you! All ten were gone within 24 hours of receival.
I have been very blessed this last week! I was on pins and needles this past Sunday from 7:10-8:05. I was standing out front greeting those who came to church yesterday, but I was waiting for our investigator family. We stressed the importance of coming to church in each appointment with Sophon and his family this past week. It was do or die Sunday. I felt it. I knew that future progress hinged on whether or not they came to church. The Branch President started the meeting at 8:00 a.m. and no sign of them yet. I knew that they were coming. 8:04-5 sure enough they came around the corner Sophon, Sovann his wife, Outtom their younger son, and on the other moto the oldest Linda. 4 out of 7. Yet Sophon and Sovann, the Father and Mother the most important. A good Sunday meeting. Good talks. After sacrament they wanted to sneak out yet we talked them into staying, for Sunday School and with no need of persuasion they stayed for the last hour. Afterwards I talked with Sovann she said, “ Oh Elder I was so scared. All the way to church I was so scared and even in the church. But now I can do it! I know that what is happening here is good and I can do it.”
That afternoon we stopped in and sat down and finished “Their plan” Their plan is June 12, 1999 at 4:30 p.m. Sophon, Sovann, Linda, Lean, Petra, Outdong, Outtom. They all want to be baptized and we made the plan to get them all finished off. It is truly a miracle! The spirit is so strong with this family. I can see the spirit changing them. I think that they are so great! I can not express how much I love them! I am amazed at the faith Sovann has. She told us about the day we met. Elder Hoare and I had stopped at their neighbors house to use the bathroom and we had already laid the plan to contact the owner of the bathroom. Sovann said the day she saw us ride by and stop at her neighbors, she woke her husband and said for him to go see what the “frenchies” were up to. They said that they thought we might be trying to deliver a letter from family in America. After using the bathroom I intro-ed the owner of the bathroom but he was not interested. Elder Hoare was talking to the guy ( Sophon) who walked up later. As I turned back to Elder Hoare he said “ Hey this guy wants to study” that was in mid April. Sophon likes to tell jokes and he said “ You know what, you did have a letter for me, a letter from God”. We laughed a little but then quietly thought about the truth of what he had just said. The letter to which he was referring to was the Book of Mormon. Helaman 3:27-30 I read this this past week .
27 Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name.
Helaman 3:28
28 Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God.
Helaman 3:29
29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—
Again it is a miracle! A whole family!!! I hope and pray for their continued growth and happiness.
The Lord is working great changes here in Cambodia.
All day Elder Hoare and I helped move the Elder’s out of 210. We have found an office building 2 story which is going to be the home of the 2nd branch also used much for many years by the church. I remember one day out playing chauffeur for Sister White and office couple as we looked for houses with big rooms that could be used as a meeting house. Disappointed at our finds on the way home Sister White says “ I wonder if we shouldn’t try to find a small office building. . . . . About 2 days later a small contract was signed. Pure inspiration!!!
I too felt this, we had signed a contract for Elder housing. Then all of a sudden the Land Lord brought the down payment back and said sorry I can’t. As I prayed for help and thought about it, the night before we were going to look I remembered a house in the right area that had been for sell, and had the thought to go back. I lead the group back to the spot. The house was no longer showing a FOR RENT sign but as I asked the lady said , “ That house right there is for sale and pointed to a house two down but did not have a sign either. They showed us through, we liked it, 2 days later we signed a contract. Pure inspiration!
The Lord is guiding each aspect of his work.
I love you all very much!!!
Love your Son, Brother and Missionary
PS Please say hello for me to the June Royal Army, I’m out of time.
Thanks for the mail and packages
The Cambodian Phnom Penh Mission baptized 45 for the month of May!!! Church membership approaching 1,000!!!!!!