Aug 31, 1998

8/31/98

Word to my Awesome Family:

        How are all of you? 

        I am writing to you from a new house, a new area, and with a new companion..  This week has been very weird.  Tuesday I spent half the day in my old area, then moved in the afternoon and went to one appointment in the new area.  It was time for me to hit the road againg as Elder McCormick was visited and observed by the zone leader for a day.  I left my suitcases packed at my new house and lived out of a smaller bag for two nights and a day at House 61.  I was companions with Elder Tolman.  Elder Tolman  and our zone leader speak Vietnemese so I was Viet Elder for a day.

        Thursday was my first day in my new area: the Kampuchea Krom Area.  It is big, thick city with lots of sied streets off the main roads.  I am pretty much lost right now.

        Friday we had a fun mission day.  We rented a bus, piled in , and left Phnom Penh.  We were told to leave the 28^th open on our planners but we were not told why.  We were thinking they had arranged for a service project of somekind.  Howerver it was a fun day.  We went 40 km to an old city called Udong.  It was the capital of Cambodia from 1618 to 1775.  It is two little hills that stick up in the middle of a flat.  On top is ruins of Wats (temples)  And stupas.  Stupas hold the remains of past kings, like a pyramid.  You will have to wait to see the pictures next week, also I will send my journal entry about the day.  It was weird to be a true tourist for the day.  The best part was just to be with President & Sister White, the couples, ans the other missionaries.  It was a fun day.

        Saturday we finished a 6^th discussion with Chun.  Chun is 20 and has been working with Elders McCormick & Folsom.  It was kind of a trade as in my old area Elder Fernandez and I have been working with Kosal.  Chun was baptized on Sunday and I hope down in the 5^th Branch that my buddy Kosal was baptized, I haven’t heard yet.

        As a new missionary it the 2^nd Branch I thought I would have to speak in Sacrament meeting, however I gave the Baptismal talk.  It is going to take some time to get to know all of the members, for them to know me, and know the area, like I do or did in the South.  Also Sunday was the last day for House #30, home of the 2^nd Branch, to be used.  Today they moved to a newer bigger home #13.  House #30 has been used since the beginning I think, it is also the house where tanks were fighting out front last year.  I was able to attend a meeting there one time.

        Today Elder McCormick and I have been busy paying bills and taking care of things like that, as we have just moved in to this House #17. One block north west of the Olympic Stadium off of Nehru.  I live with Elders McCormick, Heywood, & Hoare.

        We received a $800 check from the phone company and were taking it down to the mission office on our bikes.  When we got the office, Elder McCormick had lost the envelope.  We called the phone company and they hadn’t seen it.  So we pedaled North again to find the check or plead with them to cancel the first one and write another one.  Elder McCormick was upset at himself for losing it.  As we left the mission office, I said a little prayer in my heart asking for help to find the check or resolve the problem.  About halfway there, we say some papers that looked like a bill in the ditch.  We slammed on the brakes and sure enough there was the $800 check and other receipts,......... and we thought Rolaids spelled Relief.  There is so much trash and things on the streets an din the gutters it is amazing we found it, but we both saw it at the same time and knew.  I know the Lord hears those little thoughts and prayers we say in our hearts.

        Elder McCormick and I are going yo have to depend on the Lord and work hard to find people to teach this week.  They have just baptized some new people and we have to start anew in the finding and teaching department.

        I just finished my favorite chapter in the Book of Mormon.  Ether 12.  Check it out.

        Good Luck with school, work, and all that is going on back home.  Choose the Right.

        Love your son, brother, missionary,

                                Elder Rogers

Aug 24, 1998

Clint Mission #32                                                                                8/24/98

Word Family!

                It is going to have to be a quick one today.  I just got word that I am moving and so P-day has been pretty much shot.  I am moving North.  My new area will be Kampuchea Krom area with my new companion Elder McCormick.  They have asked Elders Fernandez, Ruden, and Fartin to go home early to make room for new Elders to come in.  Needless to say big changes.  They will go home Sept 30 instead of Oct 28^th.  I was just going to work with the new 5^th Branch and now we will be in the North part of the city, 2^nd branch.

                Elder Fernandez has had quite a trial this week.  His chin got infected from a razor burn, and began to swell up.  He looked like the guy on the one movie stung by a bee and had a allergic reaction.  We went to the doctor and they cut open his chin and removed a carbuncle which looked like the white innards of a zit.  It had gotten pretty infected here in Equator land.  I watched the whole procedure.  Today we went back again they cleaned it out.  I watched again and still have not decided if I want to be a doctor. 

                Sunday was an exhausting day.  We had 46 people attend the new 5^th Branch.  There should have been  a few move but there is kind of a group squawking about the change and went to afternoon church.  In the meetings I spoke, lead the music, played the piano, helped the Branch President conduct a priesthood worthiness interview, and we also had Tal baptize a young man 16 that Elder Fernandez and I taught, his name is Mory.

                Mory quote,” This is extra special, because I am the first in the branch to be baptized”. Another awesome young man who is excited about the gospel, and has joined the church. 

                In sacrament meeting I used 1 Nephi 17:15 :

“Wherefore, I Nephi, did strive to keep the commandments of the Lord, and I did exhort my brethern to faithfulness and diligence’. 

                And talked about how everyone needed to do their part in order to build the ship. 

                I still have to get packed tonight.  I will send pictures next week.  I have really enjoyed my time with Elder Fernandez and in the first branch.  I have learned so much in the last little while. 

                I am enjoying the work, and loving the people.

                Love you all,

                Your Son, Brother, Missionary

                Elder Rogers.

                

Aug 17, 1998

Clint mission letter #30                                                                       8/17/99

Dear Family,

                How is everyone doing?

                Here in Cambodia we just had Zone Conference.  The theme was on a balanced effort with special focus on planning and use of District Missionaries.  Also I took notes as Branch Elder on helping get the new members callings and running a better spiritual baptism. 

                There are 55 baptisms scheduled here for the month of August.  A total of 24 people received baptism in July.  The increase is a big part of the help from the District Missionaries.  It was announced yesterday officially in Church that the 1^st Branch will split in two.  A special meeting next Sunday, and the 5^th Branch will meet on Sunday the 23^rd. Yesterday there was 149 people at church and we thought 130 was too many.  The sacrament was blessed twice. 

                Also it was fun to see from the South Central Area, Sophauaarit receive the Aaronic Priesthood, and Luu Thom baptized a man I helped teach named Heng.  

                It is summer vacation here for the kids.  They have flocked to the free English class.  This past week over 150 people have been attending English.  I talked with and taught close to sixty people last Thursday.  You can’t really call it teaching.  I just mainly talk, answer questions and spell words for them.  We use all the folding chairs at the Church.  “You’re welcome as long as there is a chair. 

                One other fun part of Zone Conference was a trip to the Intercontiental Buffet as a mission activity.  Good eats.  I had a little pasta with shrimp, lots of mangos, some other oriental dishes, and cake and ice cream.  I just tried everything out, you should have seen some of the Elders who knew what they were after.

                We have also switched to a Siesta Schedule.  We now wake at 5:30 a.m. and leave by 7:00 a.m. after showering etc., ½ hour Book of Mormon Study and six French Toasts.  Lunch is 45 min plus 1 hour of companion study and personal study.  Proselyting again until 6:00 p.m. 9:30 lights out. Things kind of shut down here after lunch as everyone has there nap. 

                This week has gone by like a blur.  We have received a bunch of referrals from English and members. This week will be the first discussions with them and also we are trying to help Mory, Hout, and Kosal.  They continue to work towards baptism this month.  These 3 young men did not make it to church so we need to help them this week.  The first discussions are going to be a bit difficult.  We have run out of Book of Mormon’s again.  We are patiently waiting for more.  We had to copy 3 Nephi 11 and staple it together for them.

                I want to thank all of you for your prayers.  Sister White gave a talk in Zone Conference about prayers of the faithful in behalf of Cambodia.  We have certainly been blessed with peace and safety in this land and there has also been a boost given to us by the District Missionaries.  We are working hard towards our goal of 225 baptisms by the end of the year. 

                It seems I am never with my companion.  I spent 3 days this week without Elder Fernandez.  One day with Elder Williams, while Elder Fernandez went on a Zone leader training split.  I spent one day with Elder Harman as Elder Fernandez needed to do some interviews, and yesterday with District Missionaries as Elder Fernandez was sick.  It is kind of stressful which means it is good for me.  I am working hard on my language. 

                Well have a good week everyone!  I appreciate all of your love and support!

                Love ya and do good!

                Love your Son, Brother, Missionary,

                Elder Rogers 

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)

next page

                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. 

Next entry

                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. 

Next entry:

                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.

Next entry:

                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