Week #31

Clint mission #31

                The letter to go with journal entries came today too. I am just going to share a few things that were not in the journal entries.

                                                                                                                                8/3/98

Dear Family,

                Wow, this has been one of the craziest and most challenging weeks of my life.  Elder Lloyd has been sick with bronchitis.  I am still not allowed to use a camera except at baptisms.  There are 6 Elders in my house now. House 43233, as this is best for our areas right now.  Elder Fernandez and I, Elder Madden and Sober, Elder Lloyd and Brooking. 

                The biggest thing that stands out in my mind about this week is Sopawn’s baptism and going out with a district missionary companion for 3 days in a row.  I would go out with Vee in the morning from 8:00-12:00 from 12:00-1:00 I would have lunch at the church with Bro. And Sister Olsen.  Bro. Olsen was my companion until Tal would come.  I then would work with Tal from 1:00- 6:00 p.m. Elder Fernandez worked with new Elder Sober in his area.  While Elder Madden filled in for Elder Lloyd in his area with Elder Brooking. 

                In all of this mess they decided it was easiest just to move in and that is the way it has stayed. 

                We are working with another good young man Kosal.  He is a friend of Tal and the gang.  He bakes French bread in Chba Ampoa each morning and has been studying in the afternoon with us at the church.  He committed to baptism this week for Aug 30^th.  He is excited and pushed his way up to have a front row look when Sopawn was baptized yesterday.

                Saturday the 1^st the young people who have been attending Seminary and Institute had a party.  Seminary and Institute are held each Saturday.  They study the Doctrine and Covenants in English and then talk about it in Khmae.  Most know quite a bit of English and help those who don’t.  It is taught by members who know some English too.  It is easier for me to speak English sometimes to these younger people.  They went to the Olympic Stadium to swim and then came back to the church for Pizza.  I heard it was really fun and most wore their T-shirt to Church on Sunday.  “Gathering of his Sheep “ C.E.S. Activity 1998  Asia.  ( Church Education System )

                I am working hard on my language skills.  I have started a new vocabulary book, and I am constantly writing new words.

                Dad I will send you pictures and a list of those I have baptized. 

                I am really busy and the weeks just sail by.  This week I did a lot of contacting by myself in this new area.  The people in this area live by the river.  It is also a busy small business area.  It was very difficult to find someone to listen.  Many Missionaries have this a lot, but it was a bit of a change compared to sitting at the church and teaching as fast as you can. 

                Most of these people have never heard of Jesus Christ.  I give them a pamphlet with a map to church, a simple testimony , answer a few questions and try to schedule an appointment.  A rare few are mean or rude, most just say too busy or are not interested.  Also lots are scared when they see this white boy in a tie pull up and start speaking Khmae. You can hear the people as we ride by they know who we are:  : Jesus Christ”, “Jesus Christ is coming” or for those who don’t know about the church “Frenchmen”, etc.  What an awesome responsibility!  I hope that many of those people that turn us down, that a seed has been planted for the future.

                It seems that we work hard like this for awhile not finding too much and then the Lord blesses with a couple of goo member referrals or someone who wanders into the church.  I know that Heavenly Father wants us to share the gospel with our brothers and sisters.  Especially when like me and our family -we are so blessed. 

                I love all of you, so much! Keep up the good work. 

                Love your Son, Brother, Missionary, and Best Bud,

                Elder Clint Rogers

Dear Family                                                                                          8/17/98

                It is official as of yesterday, there is a new branch in Cambodia, making a total of 5.  Yesterday we had a special Sacrament meeting where the boundaries were announced and also the new Branch President Nou Houn.  On your map everything east of Monivong Road  and south of Mao Tse Tong is the new 5^th branch.  I am excited and humbled to be able to help as the Branch Representative and help get this Branch going.  Often I remember something Bishop Jennings once said, “Make sure you young men watch how the ward works, because you will soon help a small branch somewhere on your mission.” Sunday the 23^rd we will meet for the first time, in the same building from 8:00-11:00 a.m.

                This week has been patience week for me.  I think the hardest lesson comes by way of Sopawn,  Sopawn likes to talk and tries so hard to answer questions right and things,  that you really have to concentrate to know what he is saying.  Then you have to jump on opportunities to speak.  The problem is this he has come from the providence to Phnom Penh in search of the Church and now as found it and is a member, but has no job and lives in a one room house.  I really want to help him get established with a job and things in order to bring his family in and unite them in the same house and in the gospel. 

                Sopawn has asked this week for a job and if he could live at the Church.  He thinks for some reason that he must be at the church studying.  Elder Fernandez and I have been trying to help him see how important it is for him to be a good father, and help them have a chance to study the gospel, and also that the church can’t support him.  The day most of this broke, I was on a split with a District Missionary as Elder Fernandez was sick.  I asked how it was going trying to find a job.  He is in a new city and has been praying hard but has not done any looking.  I opened up with him to Nephi 17 and we talked about Nephi had to do the work but Heavenly Father guided him to build the ship.  We compared this to him.  Also I had a decision to make because I was carrying the news of a job offer for his wife as a maid for a couple who are members coming soon to work for UN I decided not to tell him and still haven’t.  Maybe it is the answer to his prayers and ours but I didn’t feel right about telling him.  We continue to follow-up with him this week, no job yet but he is truly looking. 

                We made the Viel Shao run this week.  It is actually outside of Phnom Penh past Chba Ampoa. I put the old Japanese Red Rider on cruise control and made it in 30 minutes. 

                We met with a family who has not been met by the missionaries for awhile and come to church pretty good.  They were excited to see us.  However we felt like we were going to see the inactive people in the house.  It turned out that their older son came who is a member in another branch and Elder Fernandez knew him.  The Son was having a bit of a rough day and was also assigned to speak in Church.  He felt like going for a ride on the ‘ol moto and ended up at his mother’s house, while we were there.  He said it was an answer to his prayers, and we didn’t find any inactive members home. 

                I love to read my Book of Mormon each day.  I’m in Mormon close to finishing the book again.  I finished it once in the MTC.  I like building chains:  Listing scriptures that have the same promise or contain the same themes.  I will send you some when I am done.

                I have also been thinking a lot about the people.  There are lots of people over here who work hard to make ends meet.  They are stuck in the day to day stuff.  It is hard to get them to give you a minute and then even harder to help them glimpse the promises of the gospel that have been given to us by Jesus Christ.  But wow the change that comes to those who accept and want to know more like Luu Thom, and the faithful members here. 

                Hope things are well for all of you. 

                Sorry not much time today.  Love you all very much.

                Love your Son, Brother, and Missionary.

                Elder Rogers  

July 27, 1998

Clint mission #28                                                                                 7/27/98

Dear Family,

                After voting they dip your right pointer finger in an ink that won’t wash off for a few days to keep you from voting more than once.  Word from the land of purple pointer fingers! How is everyone doing?

                The big news is the election is over and we wait the results.

                Also 2 new Elders, Brooking and Sober made it here on July 23^rd.  I have never met or seen Elder Brooking before, however I know his Dad and brother and he knows Grandpa and Grandpa Hafen.  It is neat to see the addition and also to remember about my first few days and experiences here in the country. 

                They have had a good start in the language after 2 months with those great MTC teachers.  They were asked to bear their testimonies in church on Sunday. 

                Elder Fernandez and I split our area with Elders Madden and Sober.  This area the south East will be branch 1.  The Southwest and the old South Central will be the new branch 5, starting Aug. 16^th.

                Elder Fernandez and I gave up most of our good teaching contacts to Elder Madden and Sober and now concentrate our efforts on finding people to teach south of the southeast area.  The road that is the bridge, the middle painted lane is the divider.  I have the south part of the Chba Ampoa.  The girls club is in the North. 

We have 3 people with baptismal dates:

Sopawn Aug 2

Mooree Aug 9

Hout rescheduled for Aug 16^t

                       

                        After this it is time for finding new contacts.

                The time spent teaching at the church has really helped me with the language, it is now time to get out and get the south part of Chba Ampoa rolling. 

                I am going to now try to get my journal the rest of the way caught up and fill you in that way.

                Sorry so short.

                I love all of you and thank you for all of your love support and prayers.  I pray for you too.

                Love your Son, Brother, Missionary

                Elder J. Clinton Rogers

Journal pages #2

Clint letter #29 - no letter just journal pages copied                     arrived 8/13/98

                                                                                                                7/16/98

                I lost my patience a little bit with my English class today.  There are 25+ people that are just starting to learn English and they are all just being quiet and acting embarrassed when called upon to help.  I gave them the “you must talk in order to learn “speech” and tried to encourage them to do their part.  I started the class with “Head Shoulders Knees and toes” and could only get a few people like Sopeah, Chanteoun, and others to help out.  

                Hout is Vee’s friend who has committed to baptism but we haven’t been able to meet with him for over 2 weeks.  I really feel he has been hit with temptations since the progress we made with him.  Today we met with his Dad, Bunthau.  He is really nice and welcomed us with a glass of water and the fan.  We told him what we do as missionaries for 2 years and gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon.  Later Hout came and his Dad kind of chewed him out, but hopefully we can get Hout studying again, also start his family.

                                                                                                             7/17/98

                When we asked why we pay tithing Sopawn answered, “ It is a test to see if we have a pure heart and want to follow God”  Sopawn is so awesome.  He asked us if we could change his baptismal date back to the 2^nd of Aug. to make sure his family could attend.  No problem.

                English went well today as I tried to take it nice and easy and also spend a little personal time with each group. 

                We had a lot of help from District Missionaries today, 81/2 man hours.  I had a thought as Vee Soknin and Sokein shared experiences and favorite scriptures from the Book of Mormon.  The thought was this, it was neat to see the Book of Mormon change lives in another language.

                My brain is just fried as I have been learning new words, and teaching like crazy.  It is such good experience for me as we teach and teach. 

                Passed off the lst principle of the 5^th discussion to Elder Fernandez.

                                                                                                                7/20/98

                “ Thank you for playing P-day, your time is now up,” said Elder Fernandez as the clock struck 9:00 p.m.

                Today I felt good about getting Teedaa’s letter translated and sent off.  I made a promise to do that and I have waited a month putting it off.  I kept and fulfilled my promise today.  It was good language practice. 

                I went on my first real split today with Bromuual.  Elder Fernandez and Tal headed to Sophaal’s for inactive time and Bromuual and I headed to Chba Ampoa and scheduled again with Rolhaa.

                Lucky’s was pretty empty today.  Elder Fernandez says it is because of the election on Sunday.  Also another meeting with the CPP “wagon train”.  The line of campaign cars is 500 cars and trucks long.  We cut through the first few cars so we could get home, otherwise home would have been on the other side of 500 people filled trucks. 

               

                                                                                                                7/22/98

                Yesterday, I was so tired that I just went to bed.  Again today for some reason Elder Fernandez and I are battling the tired thing.

                Elder Heng is sleeping over tonight as his companion Elder Daniels is on a ZL split with my companion, Zone Leader Elder Fernandez.

                I didn’t give a very good report of Somnaang’s baptism.  I was a little disappointed to see that none of his family or friends were able to come.  Vee was the person who baptized Somnaang and has been sitting in the discussions to fellowship.  We practiced how to hold the hands, plug the nose, and bend the knees before the actual event.  It was kind of neat as Vee and Somnaang looked at each other and got set up for a second before Somnaang went down into the water.  I held the baptismal prayer card for Vee and also witnessed.  I was real happy for Somnaang and also enjoyed his testimony afterwards.  He really has been awesome to teach.  Yesterday we met and talked about the Holy Ghost and also helped him make a list of family members and friends to share the gospel with. 

                Also yesterday we used splits again. Beang was my companion.  I talked with Roath about the Holy Ghost and half of the first new member discussion.  I also taught Somnaang #2 a referral from English.  We finished up the 1^st discussion.  The pressure is on when I am alone teaching.  The biggest thing I worry about is not getting to rushed or concentrated on what I am saying that I miss how the investigator is doing. 

                I met the Mayor of Phnom Penh ( Beang’s Uncle and Land Lord of House #21, = first branch)

for a second as he drove up in a big black Mercedes to look at the Cement work done on the opening entry I greeted him with the formal Cambodian greeting and proper salute.

                I saw people riding on motos holding flags of their parties today.  All the school kids were let out of school for this week and next until all the election stuff is over. 

                                                                                                                7/23/98

                Another huge CPP ( Cambodian People’s Party = Hun Sen ) wagon train parade on Norodom this morning as we were making our way to the Church.  I was with Elder Heng.  I was pointing out the way to Elder Heng and ready to round the corner to the Church access road.  There was tons of traffic and noise, people, police and everything else as the wagon train was going by.  I was pointing to Elder Heng, watching the parade, and trying to turn right all at the same time.  I began to make my turn and was hit by a moto passing on the right.  I was going slow and just started to turn.  The bike got knocked from under me as he went by.  I caught myself with my hands on the street.  I didn’t even get scratched up but it was scary. 

                I had a pretty good day and enjoyed working with Elder Heng.  Elder Heng is Cambodian.  His family left Cambodia when he was young.  He speaks just like a native, sounds just like one and can really communicate with the people.  He has family here in Cambodia.  He is currently teaching one of his Uncles.  He would love to lead the expedition to open the city of Battambang if that happens in the future. He has family in that city. 

                We had a great day with our new members.  Somnaang met with us and we taught the first discussion for the new member.  He really seemed to make friends quick with Elder Heng.  At one point I watched as Elder Heng was sharing an experience, I don’t remember what he said but they were talking together like best of buds.  Later, we taught Caan the 2^nd new member discussion.  A good big group discussion with Peevan, district missionary, Tal, ( DM), Chanteoun, Caan, and Sokhhom.  Last appointment we taught a 5^th discussion for new members to Tal. We had a great talk about temples, genealogy work, and preparing to go to the temple with Tal, and also Bromual and Kim Chae.  Elder Heng and I let Bromual and Kim Chae do most of the translating from the English discussions.  Also we gave the family group sheets and family tree charts to begin their genealogy work.  A neat discussion with the future of the Church here in Cambodia.

                                                                                                                                7/24/98

                Update.  At 2 o’clock today Elder Madden and Elder Sober came to church with the news that we would split the area.  I have been working in the South East.  This comes in anticipation of the new fifth branch.  The 1^st branch will be split. 

                The south central and south west areas will be the new 5^th branch.  The south east is the 1^st branch.  We gave most of our teaching schedule to Elder Madden and Elder Sober. 

                                                                                                                                7/25/98

                The night before the big election.  Today things are pretty quite as there was no campaigning allowed.  Thursday and especially Friday were the worst in terms of parades, trucks full of people and blaring megaphones.  Tomorrow church is scheduled as normal but we have not a single appointment in our area.  Today I talked and met with Vee and Hout again after about two weeks.  I tried to help him see that he had felt the spirit and that the Lord promises great blessings if we show faith and follow.  We talked about baptism and how if we have the proper preparation is a remission of sin.  We reset his date for Aug. 16^th and will work towards that. 

                I then went on Viet splits with Elder Tolman.  I didn’t understand any of the discussion, however saw more of the city I have never seen as we went clear up past the north bridge. 

                I also have a new assignment since the coming of Elder Brooking.  Actually two.  First I am the house kitty man who collects money from Elders and then coordinates with the maid.  Also I have given up the nice bathroom to Elder Brooking and now shower in “ the hole”, using my 5 gallon bucket  and scooper. I like it cause I take shorter showers.

                                                                                                                7/27/98

                Yesterday, Elder Fernandez hit it hard in the south end of Chba Ampoa, contacting.  The people were gathered at the schools, wats ( Buddhist Temple), and other places for voting. We went by the school in our area and saw lots of people in line waiting to vote.  After voting the right pointer finger was dipped in a dye to make sure that a person could only vote once.  It was easy to see who had voted and who hadn’t just look for the purple finger.  Everything was shut down and everyone pretty much took  the day off for the election.  It was good for us, we talked to a lot of people and scheduled appointments to teach first discussions.  Many people were home and we were able to talk with them.  We did contracting and talking to people until 10:00 in the morning.  We then had made plans to go to Tak Khmao, but first we needed to get a message to Elders Madden and Sober because they did not know where their 11:00 a.m. appointment was.  ( a little background 1^st)

                That morning my stomach was a little upset and also it was hard to be full of enthusiasm leaving the house with an empty planner.  However I really wanted to hit the contacting hard.  I had prayed hard for Heavenly Father to help us.  Especially to lead us to those who were prepared.  Elder Fernandez let me lead and so I felt that the pressure was on me to lead what street we went down and who to approach.  I prayed again as I pedaled my bike down the road on the way out of the house.  Again, we met good people.  Then we needed to get this message to Elder Madden.  We knew where his 10:00 appointment was and so we started pedaling North to meet them there.  This is the opposite of the direction we wanted and needed to go.  I felt that if we stopped at the office we would meet Elder Madden.  We pulled into the office and about 2 min. later there was Elder Madden and Elder Sober.  We gave them the message and then pedaled for 30 min to meet with So Teedaa in Tak Khmae. 

                Later in church there was 86 people in attendance, down from the usual 120-130.  Everyone there over 18 yr. had a purple finger.  The branch president was not there nor was his lst counselor . Bo Sunrith was running the show as the newly called 2^nd counselor.  He was a little unsure but did a great job. One thing not so good was he had the branch clap to welcome the new  Elders Brooking and Sober.  They also bore there testimonies.  I can remember when I did that.  Elders Brooking and Sober sounded good and have a good start. 

                                                                                                                7/28/98

                Today has been kind of a crazy day as Elder Lloyd is sick.  Because he is sick we had to do some major splits.  I spent the day with District Missionaries Tal and Vee, Elder Fernandez went with Elder Sober in the upper half of the South East Area, and Elder Madden went to fill in for Elder Lloyd to help Elder Brooking.  I had an appointment this morning at 8:00 a.m. and then another one with Hout at 9:30 a.m. Hout again missed and so from 9:30 to 11:45 I was contacting and looking for people to teach in our area.  I went into standard contacting mode looking for families with older brother or Dad at home.  ( We can not actively proselyte women) I then approach and talk about Jesus Christ, families, and give a first discussion pamphlet. I have also been asking about what they thought about the movie of Jesus Christ shown on TV.

                                                                                                                7/29/98

                Elder Lloyd is still sick and so again I was by myself and also had help from Vee and Tal.  We taught a discussion to Mooree.  We taught the 3^rd discussion  about the prophet.  Vee shared his experience about when Pres. Hinkley visited Cambodia.  He said as they watched him get on the plane the Prophet turned and waved.  Vee’s little brothers and sisters cried and Vee felt like crying too.  They did not want to see him leave. 

                Going on splits is difficult.  Especially when contacting or seeking backup from your companion.  Tal and Vee are great and are really willing to help, but the pressure is on me as Elders Fernandez and Elder Madden work with Elders Brooking and Sober in their other areas. 

                I tried to get some inactive work done today and was able to get 2 hours worth.  I met with Sopee, Sopawn and Niang.  Sopee is back from the Kaet after two months and now trying to get her job back at the sewing factory.  I’m not sure what to do to help her as she doesn’t read the Book of Mormon or go to church.  Also now she wants her sewing factory job back which does not allow her to stop on Sunday or allow her free time to meet with us or members.  I visited Sopee and her house my first few days in the country.  What a difficult life she has.  The kids there in that neighborhood do not wear clothes or shoes.  They are dirty and have sores on their skin.  Also they are always hitting each other and crying.  It is just a sad miserable situation, and there are many like Sopee won’t pray, read, show love for each other, or do the things that will help them receive blessings from our Heavenly Father.  I really feel bad for these people and want to help them have hope through “ the plan”

                                                                                                                7/30/98

                Elder Lloyd and I were just in the kitchen and saw a big rat. Elder Lloyd screamed and grabbed me for defense.  It wasn’t even coming at us, but Elder Lloyd was scared.  Yea, by the way, Elder Lloyd is back in action. That means that I will have a companion tomorrow. It has been quite an experience going out the last three days on splits with Vee and Tal.  Also we have been picking up the slack here at the house, as Elder Lloyd is the one who pays the bills. 

                What an adventure it has been.  I think it has done a couple of things for me.  First a little more intensity in my prayers.  Second there is no better treatment to the fear of men or a comfort zone then heading out into an area to contact with a district missionary.  Vee and Tal don’t like it.  They dislike the crowed city and want to go to a different area.  Third, I get lots of good language practice with those I meet and with these companions.

                Tonight I was also teaching Kosal and then went to visit Kliang.  Kosal is not yet a member but is very interested and on the second discussion.  He asked if he could go with Tal and I to visit Kliang. So we had an investigator come help us fellowship a member.  An unusual situation.

                Also I have had the feeling a couple of times this week of wow.  Here I am pedaling my bike with a member for a companion in a foreign land, using a foreign language, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Wow!  

                                                                                                                7/31/98

                It was nice to have Elder Fernandez back today.  The major accomplishment of the day was Sopawn finished the 10 commandments special and was interviewed for baptism.  He will be baptized this Sunday.  He told us about going to the Kaet to take the kids Book of Mormon reader to his family and also to meet with them.  He told us about sitting around the table with candles reading together from the Book of Mormon.  Sopawn also taught his wife and children how to pray.  The story I liked best that he told us was this.  His wife and children make and sell a type of pastry to make ends meet.  Sopawn left to come to Phnom Penh and find the Church.  Things are difficult for the family and it is important that they sell all of their pastries.  Sopawn and family prayed together before heading out selling, asking that Heavenly Father would please help them sell the pastries.  That day they sold them all.  What an example of faith Sopawn is, also he asks all kinds of questions making sure he knows as we have talked about the gospel. 

                                                                                                                                8/1/98

                I met with Sopawn’s family today that made it in from Kaet ( similar to a state) What a cute family, especially the two boys age 9 and age 6.  Also the wife and teenage daughter.  I can’t remember their names.  They will be able to attend the Baptism tomorrow.  We hope the family will be able to move in closer to Phnom Penh so that they all can be united in the gospel. 

                Kosal committed to be baptized today.  This is a neat young man who bakes bread during the day in Chba Ampoa.  He was really excited to set this baptismal date today. I look forward to working with him. 

                I really got tired this afternoon.  After fighting to stay awake in a 1:00 appointment, we had scheduled to go contacting.  However Elder Fernandez and I were both struggling for ideas and energy.  We felt like we should go to the church .  There we helped translate, met Sopawn’s family, finished preparing the baptismal program, and most important we were there to meet Sophaal.  Sophaal is the young man Elder Heywood and I fasted for to help gain a testimony.  We haven’t met for over a month but he just showed up.  He still has a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon and wants to be baptized.  At first going to the church felt like the lazy thing to do, but a lot of good came of it.

                                                                                                8/2/98

                This morning we were able to meet with Sophat sister of Sam Sophorn in the district presidency and Sam Sophal.  She works in a sewing factory and has not been able to come to church.  I have never met her, until just today.  Another member who works in the dreaded sewing factory.  There are big factories here where women work.  Start at 7:00 a.m. to 11, 11-12 lunch, 12-4 work, and when things are busy also work from 5-9.  Also they will work on Sunday if busy, but most pull the Sunday shift or work on Sunday for overtime pay.  There are lots of women members who are on the inactive list because of these factory jobs.  We also taught part of the 2^nd discussion to Phully an active member who has asked if we could help her remember and strengthen her faith.

                We taught a first to Ru Nay a man we met contacting in Chba Ampoa.  He is a teacher and smart.  There were 3-4 other young men with him from the English class. Ru’s reaction to the Joseph Smith story and picture was a yawn.  I was praying in my heart as we talked that they would open their hearts and truly listen.

                My purpose in fasting today is for Hout especially and also for the part member families in the area.  Hout missed our appointment again last night.  I worry about him.  I saw his Mom and Dad encouraging him to study with us, they want the best for him.  He continues to struggle between right and wrong.  I sure hope he can see that he can be most happy as he obeys his parents and lives the gospel. 

                                                                                                                8/3/98

                Sophon was baptized yesterday by Keyo, and Sophon’s family was able to attend.  Also there were about 140 people jammed into our little house for Sacrament Meeting.  We practiced with Keyo and Sophon about how to baptize and they did a great job.  It is sure neat to see Sophan baptized and to see how happy he was.  He was so excited that as he gave his testimony after being baptized he finished his testimony with a prayer. He is a awesome and simple man with a great faith and a prayer was how he choose to express his gratitude.

                Last P-day night Elder Fernandez and I were invited to attend a dinner at Presidents house as he hosted the So Teedaa family.  9 people from Tak Khmao on 3 motos. Elder Fernandez and I and Pres. and Sister White.  It was So Teedaa and her 2 other sisters and there kids.  8 girls and Kun a member with the 3 moto to get them there. The White’s invite them over every 3-4 months.  I think.  We were there to translate and to eat good food.  The meal was great and the White’s are good hosts as we had salad, Chicken cashew stir-fry and rice, fruit, and brownies.  Each time changing the plates and silverware.  The guests didn’t eat to much and kept saying” we are full give it to the Elder’s” Also Kun taught me a funny thing.  He said, “ This glass is really nice”, using Cambodian.  I agreed and he started laughing as that is the polite way to say “ Can I please have some more water?”

                After dinner, President played the piano as they sung a few Church hymns in Cambodian.  Also translated as President and Sister White praised them for being good faithful members.  It was a fun night.               

                 

Journal pages #3

Journal Entries--- July 1998

                A few Saturdays ago, Elder Heywood and I had a great visit with Beang.  He is the Elder’s Quorum leader.  He told us about some of the Spiritual Experiences that he has had. 

                He had a dream one night about his sister.  She was in a forest near, the family home in upper Cambodia.  She was crying and needed help.  It was dark around her.  Beang said he wanted to help her.  He woke up crying and was determined to help her.  The sister had passed away a few years earlier.  Beang is going to get her full name and dates and turn them in for temple work.  He said that when he woke up from his dream he promised to help her by getting the Temple work information.  He has to wait until he can take a few days off and make the trip. 

                One Saturday a few weeks ago when it was really raining hard, full Cambodian cloud burst type environment, Beang was at the Church to unplug the drains and keep the Church from flooding.  He said that usually on my day off I want to take off and go somewhere but on that day I felt I should stay. 

                Also as he was making the decision whether or not to be baptized he had a dream where he was chased up a tree by a fighting water buffalo.  The master to the buffalo also was there and began to come up the tree after Beang with a knife.  Beang  was hanging up there in the tree, kicking at the Buffalo Master.  Beang was stabbed once and then he saw the two Elders who had been teaching him and a couple of missionaries come to help him.  After this dream he realized that the Elders and the Church were there to help him.

                The other dream he didn’t describe as well but I remember that it was about Beang and his Dad. They were climbing together up a mountain.  On the top of this mountain was a tree with white fruit that they ate. The fruit was very good but he said that he didn’t know what kind it was.  ( Kind of sounds like the Tree of Life to me. Maybe it’s the same fruit Nephi was talking about)

                I was really impressed for two reasons.  1) I almost understood everything he said and I could see these pictures in my head from his descriptions in a foreign language.  ( I think that this was also a gift of the spirit)  2) I was impressed with how the Spirit has been working on Beang.  To hear about each of these experiences had how they related to the gospel.  I had also heard that Cambodians have many dreams. ( In the MTC)

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                A good day of teaching, two discussions and two specials.  Met with Seeatua and taught a first discussion.  I felt a little rusty not having taught the 1^st in awhile.  We also finished the 4^th with Somnaang as he prepared for baptism. 

                Found Yarny Roath after missing him last week.  We have put together a plan to meet with him two more times on Saturday.  One to finish the 6^th and the other for an interview , and to baptize him this Sunday. 

                Caan also continues to prepare for baptism.  It has been difficult to teach her as she is shy and doesn’t know how to read.  I think the hardest part is the rough circumstances Caan, Chanteoun, Sokhoom, and the other members of the Chpam Pou Girls Club have to put up with.  Right now Caan and Chanteoun are upset and worried. Sokhoom’s parents don’t allow her to come to church anymore, and Sokhoom says she will commit sucide if her parents hit her again.  Hard to know what to do, and hard for Caan to concentrate.  We asked if it would help if we went and talked with Sokhoom’s parents?  Caan says that they want Vanah the Sunday School teacher to go.  Keep them in your prayers. 

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                Elder Fernandez had a meeting today with his Zone Leader responsibilities as I went into the area on a split.  I went with Elder Toleman who speaks Vietnamese.

                I went to visit Ming Sok tee Vii for an active visit and also taught most of the 4^th discussion to Sopawn.  It was lots of good language practice.  Vee was there to help me as a fellowshipper with Sopawn.  Also I had prayed that I would be able to find Tal ( Dale-this is his self appointed English name.) and he could come along.  A Great visit with Sok tee Vii as she was home, we had another male with us, Tal, and could enter the house.  We shared Helaman 14, what Samuel said on the wall, and talked about one of her friends that wants to study. 

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                Daily this town is getting ready for the Election.  We frequently see or better put hear cars and trucks with their blaring megaphones and campaign signs.  There are lots of signs everywhere.  I saw a poster in the office ( white house) the other day with the campaign slogans and picture of all 39 Campaigning Candidates. 

                We made a plan tonight to help the Chpam Pov Girls Club after Caan finished the 6^th discussion.  The plan is Elder Olsen and Sister Olsen and Elder Fernandez and probably Elder Lloyd ( I will be on a split because of the Baptismal interview.) will go to Chpam Pov and meet and talk with the parents of Sokhoom.  Hopefully help Sokhoom have permission to come to church but also help that family have a better feeling or love for each other.  Next talk to Chanteoun;s  Parents to see if they approve of using fast offerings to buy birth control pills for Chanteoun.  Chanteoun is really sick once a month with her period, hopefully the pills will help her.  I want over to go over to Chpam Pov with them but will be with the language master Elder Madden.

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                Today I ended up on splits with Elder Williams from the MTC as Elder Fernandez, zone leader, headed north for an interview.  We taught the 6^th discussion to Somnaang, who will be baptized tomorrow. It has been awesome to teach Somnaang.  Each time we commit him to one of the commandments he asks us back if we will agree to follow it too. 

                Had a good talk with Elder Heywood today about the changes and especially about the progress of people in the area.  Felt like I haven’t seen him for a few months.

                As we came over the bridge, Elder Williams and I this morning going to Chpam Pov, we ran into the “Cambodian People’s Party” wagon tram.  The same huge number of trucks with people packed inside.  One of the trucks was stalled on the bridge, so as we came down the backside we had to go right through the parade route and quickly turn off the main road.  Kind of scary to see all those people. 

Next entry:

                Busy Sunday.  Somnaang was baptized today by Vee. I am sitting in the kitchen eating ice cream after a good 1 hour weekly planning session.  Good Night  

                 

July 13, 1998

7/13/98

Dear Family,

                Hi, just came from the kitchen where we have been scrubbing Carmel off everything.  Elder Fernandez has a trick where he boils a can of condensed milk in the tin can for about a hr. We were all in the other room and came in and saw the huge mess.  Lots of things learned on a mission. 

                Yesterday was a great day ( as in lots of opportunity to see what can be improved) to start my Branch Elder job.  Only the President and I were here for the meeting before church, and so that day we were kind of hurting.  Yesterday I also had the great opportunity to baptize Caan, girl 15 and Roath 14 boy.  These two have been studying for a while and we were excited to see them baptized.  We went out to Chpam Pov (across the bridge of the Bassac) to talk with Caan’s friend Sokhoom.  Her parents were against Sokhoom leaving her job and also a Buddhist belief, in order to go to Church.  Sokhoom’s job is to peel the wrappings off of bulbs of garlic all day.  ( Kind of like the nut cracking projects of old, all day. ) 

We also sent the couple, the Olsens with a member to talk with the Parents.  Sokhoom came to the Baptism.  I hope that it was a special day for the Chapam Pov Girl’s Club.

                Routh is the 14 year old that said, “ I have been a member forever and still haven’t been baptized.”  Now he is a member.

                This week we have 22 scheduled opportunities to sit down and teach the gospel.  Not counting some active visits and things.  We continue to get goo referrals from the members and those who walk into the church. 

                Here are some numbers for you from this past week:

                8 full taught discussions

                11 partial taught discussions or specials ( reading in the scriptures)

                6 hours of inactive visits

                2 active member visits

                3 visits with the new members

                This is pretty busy.  However this week looks even busier.  With the people getting baptized we also have to teach them the new member discussions.  In order to keep baptizing we have to keep teaching.  We now have permission to go true splits with district missionaries.  This will be totally new.  We have a bunch of young men and women in the first branch who are ready and willing.  They are being set apart and the district has also bought a few bikes for those with no bike. 

                Elder Fernandez is wise and experienced, we both want to use these young people to help especially teach new member discussions.  We are going to have to, with 5 more people committed to be baptized in the next few weeks.  One problem is we do not yet have these new member discussions translated into Cambodian.  Some of these young kids like Tal know English better than I know Cambodian so that will help.  But we want to train and teach New Member Discussions at the same time.  Which also means I had better hurry up and learn how to translate these discussions. 

                Let me tell you a little about Sopawn.  He is 47, has family in Salt Lake City, who helped him find the church here.  Has such a strong desire to learn and has such faith.  He bikes 10+ km just to meet us and go to church.  He comes  ½ hour early so that he can sit down, stop sweating, and be ready to learn. 

                Sopawn heard something about fasting and so we found out through talking to him that he has been fasting every time he comes to church.  He just wants to make sure he is doing everything right.  He is planning and saving so that he can bring his wife and 4 kids in from the countryside for his baptism on the 26^th of July.

                I want to thank everyone for the letters, love, support, and prayers.  I am healthy and loving the opportunity to be taught, to serve, and to teach.  Elder Fernandez is a good example to me and good companion.  I am also the clock manager, so that when we are studying, planning, and going to bed we will be on time.  It is my job to sound the 2 min. warning. 

                Thanks to the Hammers for the pictures, candy and kool-aid. Awesome!

                I sure look forward to my E-mails.

                That is the bridge and my area Dad where the war was fought.  By the way, the river is rising like crazy.  A member told me the other day that with the way the river has gone up in the last week or two, flood season is going to be a good one.  Also the rain comes often in late afternoon or night.  When it comes your wet.  Often it is so loud in the house that you can’t talk to each other.  However this has only happened in a teaching appointment a few times.  Often we also study by candle light on the nights of heavy rain.  I bought another brush to brush the mud off the shoes each time I come and go from the house.  Lots of puddles and mud.  A little weather update for you.

                Thanks Lisha and twins for your letters, Love ya

                Bood, Jon, Mom Love you too!

                Love your Son, Brother, Missionary,

                Elder Rogers

                REMEMBER CLINT’S ADDRESS IS:

              Pouch Mail                      The pouch leaves Salt Lake on Friday so you should have it in the mail

                Elder J. Clinton Rogers     by Monday to make the pouch.

                50 E. N. Temple Street

                Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-0001   

June 19, 1998

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 27^th 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 19^th.

                This week I have really enjoyed teaching about Christ, at the start of the 2^nd 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 6^th 1998

Dear Family,

                Happy 4^th 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      

June 22, 1998

Clint Mission #23                                                                                6/22/98

Dear Family,

                I guess I’ll start my letter it’s P-Day, and we finished our last appointment and want to go else where but the rain is coming down and we can’t leave the church.

                Busy week.  We were visited this week by Elder Richard E. Cook. A general authority and his wife.  We met and had a great mission meeting with him.  It was like Dansie Ranch when Elder Kerr came, awesome to have a General Authority all to yourself. A General Authority and his wife, 20 missionaries, Pres. and Sister White, and 3 couples. He gave us constructive criticism and then really gave this awesome talk, and then we shared testimonies for an hour.  He also toured the mission, the property where the Stake Center ( the lst church building in Cambodia) will be built, and also our houses.  ( We had a clean-up day the day before) Elder Cook is now traveling with Pres. and Sister White as they visit the couples in Vietnam, Laos, and Burma.

                Elder Lloyd and I prepared a talk for the meeting with Elder Cook.  We talked about getting the new members callings in our branches.  We worked hard and had a good 15 min. talk prepared.  The night before the AP called and said our time had been cut to 5 min.  We felt bad because we had to use our personal study time to prepare and if we would have known we would have had more study time. 

                As Elder Cook shared with us stories about his Mission President experience in Mongolia, his testimony, and encouragement.  I was really impressed and like always with missionary work found myself wanting to be better.  Then we had testimony share for an hour.  I especially liked Elder Harmon’s testimony about the importance of finding families.  We had helped a family have their first Family Home Evening the night before.  When they got there the family had written out a program of who would do what, made a dessert and wanted to play a game.  Elder Harmon was really excited and saved the program made by the family.

                During this testimony meeting, I really felt the spirit strong.  It was a feeling in my heart, in my chest, the burning feeling of the Spirit.  As someone was talking I realized I was really feeling good and I stopped listening for a minute and thought about these feelings.  I felt the spirit again today and almost everyday as I share the Book of Mormon, Teach about Christ and bear testimony.  It is so awesome when your trying your hardest , the investigator is trying to learn, and the Spirit is there.  They get excited and understand!

                Yesterday at church I really tried hard to get all of our investigators a friend, someone to sit by, and feel comfortable.  I was really excited to hear that Luu Thom will receive the Aaronic Priesthood next week and baptize his 17 year old  daughter and his middle son.  It is so great to see this family from the first, to now be excited about the gospel.  Every time Luu Thom and I meet I just have the uncontrollable ear to ear grin. 

                We have also been working hard on getting maps of our area so that we are familiar with where everyone lives.  Each little area has a police station and we go find it and then try to motivate them into letting us have a copy of the map.  We usually have to grease the pump a little “ If you let us take the map and copy it we will bring you extra copies”. . . On one of these map missions we went clear out past Charum peav to a little town called Phum Cam to get a map.  Phum= city.  Cam=Islam.  Islam City and they have a India looking temple facing Mecca the works.  While we were there it was prayer time and all the men in the village were headed for the temple.  After copying the map, we both (Elder Heywood and I)

blew a tire on the rocky road.  We left our bikes with a guy on the side of the road fixing tires and walked to the map place and back.  It was quite an adventure but we got a really good map.  Hopefully no one will have to do that again. 

                We are trying a new food schedule this week.

                Breakfast = French toast

                Lunch = Rice with Cambodian style stir fry

                Dinner = 2 kinds of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, pineapple, bananas

               

                It is good healthy food and we won’t have to shop for much on P-day.  Today I bought ice-cream, orange juice, and a small thing of cheese.  Yesterday, Elder Lloyd, Elder Heywood, and I had the Rogers family “ Toads in the Road”  for Sunday Breakfast.  Please send me the recipe for eyekuken. Dad, I forgot!

                Hope things are well and everyone is enjoying the summer.  How is the pool? 

                One of the things Elder Cook left us with is the Gospel Works!  I too know this as I have seen my life change and lives of others here in Cambodia. 

                I think last week I reported we wanted 5 people to commit to baptism.  Well it was a difficult week.  Sophael was sick.  Hout went out of town.  The others we did not get far enough on the discussions.  We didn’t get any one committed.  We had a good planning session yesterday for this week and will go after it again.

                Thanks for the paper and English ammo, Mom!  I love all of you and thanks for the letters, and the good Lake Powell report!  I sure look forward to the E-mail. 

                Keep up the good work!

                Love your Son, Brother, and Missionary,

                Elder J. Clinton Rogers

                PS We are teaching a young guy named Somnang.  His name means Lucky.  Saturday afternoon while looking for Lucky, we found his friend’s named Sit ( Saturday) and Sitit (Sunday) and they want to study the gospel-----true story.