June 7 1999

6/7/99

Dear Family,

                A big fat hello to all of you! 

                6 Elders moved into a new house today, house 154.  I have enclosed a list of all the latest moves.  You will notice that our area switches from RM to TBL.  We split our area.  Also notice Elders Walker and Chean are office Elders.  They are going to come in part time and do some office work to free us up.  This past while has been fast and furious with all that we have been doing we haven’t had time for personal study and lunch so we are using the power of delegation. 

                Everything is falling into place for Sophon and family to be baptized on June 12.  Elder Hoare and I fasted this fast Sunday that they could all make it to church and be ready for the 12^th.  They were all there except Petra.  He was over at the school making sure his name was on the list so that he could take the test the next day.  Elder Hoare and I were worried.  He needed to be there the Sunday before so he could be baptized and we didn’t want to delay the baptism or baptize on separate days.  We went to their house after the 3 hr. block to see if he could make the afternoon branch.  He wasn’t home.  It just wouldn’t be as special to baptize the family except for one person.  ( comparable to our family making it to heaven all of us there except one. . . . it would be terrible.)  We taught our afternoon appointments on Sunday and didn’t know until Monday afternoon today but Petra had gone to the afternoon branch.  It was almost a test of faith.  Elder Hoare and I were cheering!!! June 12^th!!!

                Sunday was just a tough day.  Sometimes things run smoothly in the branch other times everything goes wrong.  You feel just like Joseph Smith back in the log cabin coaxing the church along.  Joseph Smith had to have great patience and an optimistic eye just like a Cambodian Elder.  It is the true Church of Jesus Christ.  Yet Christ loves us enough that he allows us imperfect people to learn, grow, and serve in his church and to help us become more like him.  We are building his church in Cambodia.

                I can’t wait to send baptism photos next week.

                Love your Son, Brother, and Missionary,

                                Elder Rogers

May 31, 1999

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 2^nd 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!!!!!!

May 21, 1999

Clint Mission 99 #21

                                                                                                                5/24/99

Dear Family,

                Hello!  How is everyone doing? 

                Helaman 15:7-8 was the theme scripture for our Zone Conference held this past Friday. 

                Helaman 15:7

 7 And behold, ye do know of yourselves, for ye have witnessed it, that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth, and to know of the wicked and abominable traditions of their fathers, and are led to believe the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart unto them--

Helaman 15:8

 8 Therefore, as many as have come to this, ye know of yourselves are firm and steadfast in the faith, and in the thing wherewith they have been made free.

                We wanted a theme centered on building faith.  I actually suggested those verses.  They remind me of Cambodia.  A people gives up past tradition and grow firm and steadfast in the faith. 

                Elder Hoare and I focused our lesson on using the Book of Mormon, taken from verse 7.  Also taken from the desire Elder Hoare and I had to want to use the Book of Mormon more in our missionary work.  The Book of Mormon coupled with help from the spirit is the best missionary solution there is, the best faith builder there is for both member and nonmember alike.  While I am sharing scriptures with you, I can’t remember if I told you this before or not but Alma 28: 13-14 is the best description of Cambodia there is.

              Alma 28:13

 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.

Alma 28:14

 14 And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing--sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto life.

                One of the great things I am learning from President White is about motivating missionaries.  President White has asked to give appreciation and special attention and praise to those who are doing well.  Sister White calls it giving A. I. R. ( Appreciation, Importance, Recognition) After this conference Elder Hoare and I were giving air to all who participated .  Elder Hoare is a good example of this.  Sometimes we split up and one will do touch up cleaning while the other makes food.  Elder Hoare always thanks me for whatever part I did.  Now before I wouldn’t have said thank you in this situation because we both did equal halves.  I might have said, “ Good work or that saved time”.  The positive good feeling of the conference was continued after the closing prayer because of our giving A.I.R.  to each of the missionaries.  I encourage all of us to give mere AIR.

                Let me start by saying Thank-you to my great parents and sisters and brother for being so supportive of me.  You are the best! Also Thank-you to all the great extended family and friends who are listening in.  You are all very important to me!

                Sophan and family are struggling a little.  We are almost done with the 4^th discussion.  Originally we set a date for May 23^rd but we have changed that to June 6^th.  Sophon, Sovann , the mother, Linda, Lean, Petra are all so great!  Linda has the strongest testimony. She comes each week, and doesn’t miss a seminary class.  Sophon has been to church but we have to get the whole family to commit to come regularly.  The goal this week is to address the church concern.  The mother missed the 3^rd discussion about church because of illness.  We are going to go teach it with her there so that she understands the importance of church attendance.  Then she will help the rest of the family get to church.  On Sunday we took Elder and Sister Call ( Bill and Mary) with us.  They followed us in the car to their house.  We were teaching Linda’s friend Sokun, a referral for us.  We invited the Calls because of the need of a fellowshipper to meet a female.  Linda’s mom sat in too.  We followed up on Book of Mormon reading and prayer.  As we talked about prayer Sovann = Linda’s Mom talked about one day she was mad at her kids, yet she didn’t want to be, she said a prayer and a few minutes later she felt a good feeling wash over her.  An answer to the prayer of the mother of our investigator family!  They are so close!  We are trying to do all we can, at church this past Sunday we arranged for members to come to each appointment, Elder Hoare and I have both prayed and fasted together in behalf of this family. 

                In the Sunday School hour of Church the past two weeks I have had the fun and demanding challenge of translating for the Temple Preparation Class.  It is being taught by a Brother Sturgis and his wife who are working for the U. N. The class is being taught to Melchizedick Priesthood and Relief Society age members.

                Just barely Elder Hoare and I made a calizone.  We usually buy them for $3.00 a piece from Happy Herbs who delivers.  But it is expensive.  Tonight we made our own from a bread dough recipe from Elder Brooking.  Bread dough folded over tomato sauce, green peppers, onions, cheese.  It was goooood!  The food is getting better.   ( If anyone has a easy recipe that can be cooked over a one burner—please send.  Clint is getting bored with the food.  Remember supplies are limited in Cambodia)

I forgot how yummy eyer kucken was.  This past week Elder Hoare and I got to get at the White’s house twice!!!! 

                I can’t get as much done in one day like I used to could, with all the duties. 

                I love you all very much!!! Until next week!!

                Love your Son, Brother, Missionary,

                Elder Rogers

PS I received copies from Fire-Bu and his Mom.  It was great!!! He is doing great things!!!  Please tell Mrs. Scott   Thank you!!!!

Where is Colby?

Thanks for the picture of the new cousin.   Tell Uncle Bruce and Aunt Beckie- Congrats!!

May 3 1999 and May 17, 1999

5/3/99

Dear Family,

                Well how is it going?  Sounds like we have had some auto problems.  Just like we tell the Khmaes when they ask why we don’t have moto’s or cars, “bikes are better”.  Although I have had a busy week of shuttle service, we had four Elder’s sick this week.  The good news is no traffic accidents, and all Elders are now well.  I spent quite a lot of time with Elder Burnham.  Tues. and Wednesday morning as his blood had to be tested both days.  They were monitoring his platelet count, worried that he had dangy fever.  The second day as the nurse was trying to get some blood she struggled a bit tried both arms.  While this was happening I watched as Elder Burnham, from Soda Springs, Idaho, fainted his face went totally white.  I told the nurse and she got a little excited and gave me the needle and tube of blood.  I then helped her but him on the bed.  Elder Burnham snapped  out of it kind of as I man handled him up on the bed.  His blood pressure was pretty low.  I was a bit worried, but then the doctor came in an nicely took care of things.  He started an IV and got a vein with no problem.  This was all taking place at SOS International Clinic where there is a real doctor from America and real equipment.  A small clinic but they even have ER stuff.  I still don’t like to see the pain caused from sticking needles and things, yet I know and see that it is necessary and beneficial.  I liked the way the doctor came in and there was no questioning his skills.  I had about 2 hours of nice quiet time at Elder Burnham’s bedside as he received 4 32 ouncers and slept while we waited for test results.  I read in Alma about great missionaries and faith.  Pres. White wants us to center May Zone Conference on building faith in Missionaries and Phnom Penh Members.  I thought about this, and said some quiet prayers.  I also talked with Elder Burnham lots to keep him company and I have built a good friendship with him. 

                We received a new office couple this week who are pretty wide-eyed at their new surroundings. 

                Sophan our golden family update: His wife’s father has suffered some heart troubles this past week which really scared the family and has delayed our progress.  We should commit them to baptism this week.   ---- The call told us that they had committed Sophan, but not the wife.

                Also out of the blue we received a message to come back and visit the husband of a member who has been approached before but now all of a sudden wants to study.

                I love you all.  I watched conference and the family messages caused me to think of my own

                Love your Son, Brother and Missionary,

                Elder Rogers

                                                                                                                5/17/99

Dear Family,

                Hello, Hello, Hello

                I have a good a good recommendation for a good video to watch.   It is called “ Where the Twain Meet”  a KSL Documentary of President Gordon B. Hinkley’s 18 day trip to Asia in 1996.  ( footage of Cambodia included.)

                Also June 12-15 our mission will be toured by a General Authority.  He is the 2^nd counselor in Asia Area Presidency H. Bryan Richards will be in Cambodia.  He will speak and preside at a June 12-13 District Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel and also has scheduled time to be with the AP’s and ZL’s.

                Today I had to do a major repair of the Japanese Red Rider.  I had to replace the bearings and sprockets in my rear wheel.  First major repair in 14 months of daily use.  Monkey boy took care of me. 

                I’m a little short on time, so I will tell you a story from this week.

                We have been meeting with Luau Thom and helped him learn more about giving a Priesthood blessing.  After this training we were visiting with another member Heang who said his wife was sick.  We talked about a blessing and the family requested a blessing. We scheduled a time to come back so that Luu Thom could join us.  Heang and his family live right on the edge of a lake and when we went back for the blessing it was the day after a big rain storm.  The Lake was much higher and there was 2-3 feet of water in their house and it was an island about 100 yards out in the lake.  The family is extremely poor.  The house is a one room shack and Heang, his wife, and two small cute daughters.  We waited one more day to see if the water would recede.  Nope , so we borrowed the neighbors little wooden boat and Luu Thom, Elder Hoare, and I headed out towards their house .  There it was on 3 feet of water or so.  The water was black and not healthy, so we road the wooden boat.  It was quite an adventure.  We were able to give the blessing and help encourage the family. 

                We continue to work with Sophon and his family,

                Love your Son, Brother, Missionary,

              Elder Rogers  

April 26, 1999

 Clint Mission 99   # 17

Dear Family,                                                                         4/26/99

How is everyone doing?  Thanks for the good reports.  I’m glad to hear Elder North had a great farewell.  Missionary #2 has now entered the field.  Tell the extended family if they have to make a choice whether to write Missionary old or Missionary new, send to Elder North.

Well, after today I am about to have a come-a-part.  The AP’s played taxi service for two sick Elders and other missionary doings.  AP is great to be able to work with President White and to be heavily involved in the mechanics of the mission.  AP is also tough as we are always on stand-by, and it is very difficult to keep things going in the area.  It is great to serve in the thick of things.  Fast and furious. 

We continue to work with our Golden family.  If we are doing anything good in our area right now it is with Sophon, Sovan, and their daughter Leinda, the other kids we will round up later.  They have struggled a bit with understanding in their B of Mormon reading, it has slowed us down a bit.  We are at 2.4 finished faith and repentance.  Tomorrow we meet again for Baptism and Holy Ghost. Our goal is to have them committed to baptism and finished with both the 2^nd and 3^rd discussions this week.

I was hit by a moto again this week. However I was driving the van. I was turning into the Doctor’s office making a right hand turn and the moto tried to pass me on my inside. Good thing the rear view mirrors swing around when hit. He bounced off the side of the van. No harm done to the van or him. I was barely moving as I slowed to shift down to first to climb the lip of the driveway. However it was still scary.

                Today we showed a video to a great young guy in his early twenties. He is a great guy but all we can really do is smile at each other. He has come to church the last 3 or 4 weeks in a row. He speaks very little English or Khmae but perfect Chinese. We showed him “Our Heavenly Father’s Plan” which was translated into Chinese. (The guy with the horse in the mountains is the video.) He was glued to the screen. A Chinese Book of Mormon is on order and will be here soon. He just keeps coming back. He could be the start of the Chinese program here in Cambodia. There are lots of Chinese here.

                I’m out of time. Thanks again for the good report.

                                Love your Son, Brother, Missionary            Elder Rogers 

April 12, 1999 and April 26, 1999

4/12/99

Dear Family,

                You ask about my schedule as AP –let me take you through last week. 

                Tuesday morning started with a meeting from 7-9 a.m. with President White and the 3 zone leaders.  The official title is ZLTM ( not to be confused with DDM, MSF, ZCPM, other mission code words)  zone leader training meeting.  In this meeting we plan zone conference.  A lesson to the zone leaders, and President White had a few thoughts for all of us Alma 7: 21-25.  After meeting Elder Sober was sick so he became my companion and Elder Hoare went with his companion up north.  Elder Sorber stayed and rested while I worked on membership records. And then after lunch I went with the Fowlers to tie up the deal on a new house rental agreement.  I was translator.  From 3:00 on I went to appointments and switched back with Elder Hoare. 

                Wednesday I went on a split with Elder Brooking.  Things are a little slow in his area and we wanted to help him get reexcited about the work.  I feel like I know Elder Brooking pretty good and asked if I could be the one to go.  I set some goals first.  I wanted to find two families ready for the discussions.   We didn’t have the whole day.   We did find and teach the first discussion to a family.  They were real poor.  They told us how the rain from the night before leaked through the roof.  The father really listened good and asked good questions.  We scheduled some other appointments with people that we found for later in the week.  I tried to get him fired up in our study after lunch.  I felt pretty good about the split.  I just wish I could have done more to jump-start his area. 

                Thursday Elder Hoare and I worked in the office.  Then at 11:00 President and Sister White returned from the airport with 4 new Elders.  2 Viet speaking ( Elder Burhnam, and Davis) , and 2 Khmae Elders ( Elders Park, and Miller) , also that same morning 2 native Khmae Elders joined the force ( Elders Chin, and Nou.) There are 34 elders right now.  That will change this week.  We will lose Elders Gray, Heywood, McCormick.  We will gain Elder Richardson.  Total will be 32 until June.  At least 6 more coming in June. 

                We joined the new Elders for lunch then took their bags to their houses in our 5 speed mini-van while they went and bought bikes.  It is exciting to see new Elders come.  Friday we conducted the orientation from 7:30-12:00 talked about mission policy etc. 

                That evening was the branch New Year Party.  We attended with the Father and 3 kids of our “Golden family” .  His name is Sophen.  We met with him today and had a great appointment.  He really liked Mosiah 2:17----When your in the service . . . He said he really liked the verse and that it really stuck in his mind.  We made appointments to go back on Wednesday the 14^th and teach the whole family the 2^nd.  Our goal is to commit them to baptism this week. 

                I must tell you that Elder Hodson has taken off in the last few months.  We helped put together the comp. Assignments and we had put Elder Hodson as a Senior comp.  President White talked with us again later and after prayer felt like not only should he be a senior but that he should train Elder Park.  It is been a great learning experience for me to see the Lord, and President White work with Elder Hodson.  I know that Elder Hodson will be a great trainer.  Also Elder Park has the makings of a good Elder already. 

                This morning was really fun.  This last week that Elders Gray, Heywood, and McCormick are here they are conducting MTC for Elders Nou and Chin.  Elder Hoare and I translated as President And Sister White opened and welcomed, then Elder Hoare and I each taught a session.  I took the first 15 pages of the Missionary Guide and taught the Purpose of Missionary Work.  I enjoyed teaching .  I focused on Heavenly Fathers Plan and Conversion, and the why of missionary work. Because we do not have all the scriptures translated and this young men are young in the gospel it is fun to expound on their knowledge of the plan.  This is something you can’t do down in the original 6 discussions.  Elder Hoare was next with “ Christ like Attributes”.  I hope the lessons were not overshadowed by the peeled, sliced, chilled mangos served as a midmorning snack!!  J

                Thanks for all the good letters!!

                Love your Son, Brother, Missionary,

                Elder Rogers

P.S. Take ice water squeeze lime into and add sugar to your taste!  This is a great thirst quencher!!

                4/26/99

Today’s letter mostly answers questions that we have asked over the last while--- kind of a catch up letter. 

He includes some journal entries – I will type them at the last. 

                Also this week Elder Hoare and I went and rescued 4 Elders.  They were moving from house 17 to a new smaller house, house 2B.  Elder Hoare and I went up town and found a truck and 3 bored Cambodians and paid them to help us move.  2 trips in the big truck was all it took.  It was the New Year, they helped us and we gave them some money and so we both left with smiles. 

                I am so excited for Mitch!!  Elder North is going to do great!  I tried to write him a good letter last week.  Send him my love and encouragement. 

JOURNAL ENTRIES:

                Right now we are working with a guy named Sophon.  He has 5 kids and it is a real nice family.  We found them one day at his neighbor’s house as Elder Hoare needed a bathroom stop.  He has twin sons. 2 other sons, and a daughter.  He told us a funny story of when the twins were young one of them was sick.  Sophon was preparing some medicine and the sick twin left the room and the healthy one entered.  Sophon made the healthy twin take the medicine.  The mother, Sophon’s wife heard the healthy one complaining and crying about having to take medicine and informed Sophon of his error.  We had a good laugh about this.  I told them about Ang and Anne but his twins are identical.  We have just finished the first discussion with just him.  We are struggling getting the 2^nd started with him.  We have missed him a couple of times………..

2 events are historic today.  The first was Elder Suy, the first Khmae returned missionary, who returned today from an Idaho, USA mission.  Historic because he is the first to return.  He is in a difficult situation because he wants to return, someone has agreed to pay for his education at Ricks college.  However he comes home with no job, family, or place to go.  He is staying with Pres. White right now. 

I also received a letter that I wrote to myself at the MTC over 1 year ago today.  Seems like yesterday.

Sophon and his family came to the Branch New Year Party.  I introduced him to everyone that came in.  He sat at a table with Luu Thom and some of the other priesthood holders and families! 

Friday we were really impressed with the branch leaders and their families, as they planned and ran the show for their party.  Today there is no Sunday School teacher and only a few to church.  The leaders decided to show a video to everyone. 

I must tell of an experience that happened last week.  We met with Sophon and his wife, daughter, and other family members.  We told them before that we wanted to come and teach the 2^nd discussion.  They were ready.  Sophon prayed to start and Elder Hoare and I started teaching.  We answered a few questions that Sovann, Sophon’s wife, had from the Book of Mormon.  Then we began the second discussion.  The first principle about physical death went great as they really listened yet were puzzled and unsure what they were hearing.  They asked great questions.  This is fun to teach,  person who is willing to listen yet weighing and judging and asking questions. When it all finally clicked and they understood about resurrection, as they thought about the idea that all will be resurrected, Sophon smiled and said “ that is deep”.  Just as we were starting the second , a pick-up truck with police painted on the side came to a quick stop outside the gate.  Out jumped the fattest, biggest Cambodian I have ever seen.  He was wearing a gun and came right up motioning for Sophon to come.  I could tell that he was drunk.  He said he came to bring Sophon to a New Year’s Party with all the boys.  We asked if Sophon could wait and finish the discussion and then go, but he said he didn’t have a ride and the fat guy was incredibly persistent.  Sophon was gone and we all sat there wondering what had happened.  ( This is kind of what happens with the phone at Family Home Evening)   The wife and family lamented, they didn’t want him to go.  I said, “ We had such a good feeling here, but now it is gone.”  They agreed. We didn’t finish the discussion because the spirit was gone. 

                I was stunned the discussion was going great, then the fat guy came.  I have never seen such a direct opposition from the adversary.  An opposition that blatantly destroyed a discussion.  We need more prayers and help from Heavenly Father to help this family. 

                I need to record some of the events from yesterday.  We had a great Zone Conference on the theme of steadfastness. Mosiah 5:15.  Elder Sorber conducted.  Sister White talked about the Pioneers who crossed the plains and their steadfastness came from their temple covenants. 

                Elder Hoare and I gave our lesson on prayer and said “look-up” to God for personal help, help to convert others, and give gratitude back.  It was a great district conference. 

                After Zone Conference on Friday , we were out and about and scheduled with our new member Chany Hang Bo.  As we were visiting with him we asked him what he had been doing for New Year.  He said, “ Oh not too much just stayed home and drank sour tree juice and stuff.”  Sour Tree Juice is fermented sugar plum tree juice.  We knew before from a member that Chay Hang Bo had been drinking. 

My first thought was oh, no, we need to have someone talk to him about drinking again.  I made a mental note to tell a member.  Then I thought no, I need to be true and just tell him.  So I asked him, “Does Sour Tree Juice have alcohol in it?  He answered no but then we talked about how it was fermented and that was against the Word of Wisdom.  He said he knew it was wrong or thought that it might be wrong.  A member friend had told him it was wrong to do it.  He told the friend that he would ask the Elders.  He talked about his plan to say what he had been doing and see how we the Elders responded.  It was a test!  And I almost failed!  We had a good talk about repentance and from this point on----- NO MORE SOUR TREE JUICE!  It was a great experience.  It took place as we stood by our bikes.  A five minute scheduling visit, turned in to a great spiritual growth experience for all of us.  Especially I think for Bo as we handled his problem in a spirit of love and trust and honesty.  Elder Hoare and I talked afterwards.  We were glad that I popped the question.    

April 4, 1999

4/5/99

Clint Mission # 14

Dear Family,

                Well, it has been a crazy week.  The Johnson’s flew home to Spanish Fork, Ut.  Pres. and Sister White went to Vietnam.  Fowlers and Calls went on a day trip to Angkor Wat.  That left Elder and Sister Blodgett her in charge.  Elder Hoare and I played taxi to the airport in our 5 speed Toyota mini-van 3 times.  The best was picking up President White and his wife and getting a full report on their Vietnam trip.  They went to meet the couples there. 

                Also we have been playing real estate agent here trying to get a new house for four Elders.  Two or three times I have been calling people on the phone, asking about their houses and scheduling times we can go through it.  At the end of the phone conversation one lady asked what nationality I was.  So I don’t sound like a native, but she complimented me on my language.  She told me my language was good.  It is fun stuff!!

                Dalyyaa, the sounds of Sunday lady met with us again and it was pretty rough.  She said she prayed but didn’t have any answer.  Also she told us she is a teacher at her church and she couldn’t accept Joseph Smith and that we should spend our time with those who don’t know Christ.  We are still friends but she does not want to study with us .

                However we must have gotten her thinking as she had been to talk to someone up higher in the church about Joseph Smith, Baptisms for the Dead, and Eternal Families.  They won’t except these.  Again she praised us for what we were doing, but. . . .

                The high light of the week was Sunday Marin and his wife and four children all came to church.  They sat down before I saw them.  I only saw the Dad and was in the process of inviting him to sit by some members then I saw the rest of the family sitting down.  It was great to see the whole family.  They have finished the first discussion and seemed only so-so interested.  We decided to test them and said, “ We invite you to church”.  They all came and the kids really had fun in the Primary Class.  

                Busy, busy here!  Thanks for all the letters, and pictures.  Nick Hammer you have grown 2 ft.!!!

Can you dunk yet?    Awesome!!!!

                I’ve got to run!!

              Love your Son, Brother, Missionary,

                Elder Rogers