June 21 1999

Clint Mission 99 # 25                                                                          6/21/99

Dear Family,

                Hello to all of you! Another Preparation Day. . . One week yet I feel that I have had a month’s worth of experiences.  ( I have got 40 min so no big intro just start writing)

                Monday morning we met with Elder Richard and Sister Richards.  We ( President White, Sister White, Elder Hoare and myself, and the 3 Zone leaders.  Each of us had to give a 7 minute presentation to answer the questions. )

1.       What is the character of the Cambodian Phnom Penh Mission?  Elder Hoare answered a bond of friendship amongst the missionaries and the members .  Intense work, conversion, retention, activation, training branch leadership, trust.  We can be trusted.

2.       What is CPPM known for?  Elder Rogers

                      Alma 28:13  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.

                        Bringing the glad tidings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ working together to accomplish a goal.  Exceed 1998 goal of 225.  Baptisms, finish with 257.  The District missionary program currently 40 people.

3.       History of Baptisms in the CPPM.  Elder McClain Viet Zone

        The first baptism was in 1994 this year it will exceed 1,000.

        Year to date 130.

4.       What are the challenges facing the CPPM?  Elder Folsom Zone 1

                     Khmae people have lack of example.  No traditions of righteousness, Lack of unity and love in the families and branches.

                        Training of our Priesthood leaders.

                What does the CPPM need right now?  Elder Sorber Zone 2

                        More translated material

                      More Training               

                         More families.            

                         Time for growth and maturity.

                               

After our presentations Elder Richards and his wife talked.  They were excellent.

                Sister Richards talked about pride from an article by President Ezra Taft Benson.  ( An area I could improve)

                Elder Richards drew this on the board:

_______________________________

Faith

Prayer

Obedience

hard work                                                    =  Focus =    Bring souls to Christ by baptism and                       

sanctification                                                                     confirmation

etc.

etc.

______________________________

His major message of his whole visit was don’t do anything that takes you from your focus.  He then talked about the atonement and the worth of souls to show the reasoning behind our purpose of missionary work.  We are a baptizing mission but we can’t be satisfied,  We have got to bring more souls to Christ.

                I can’t let anything get in the way of bringing souls unto Christ.  The Lord is speeding up the work here in Cambodia.

                Several times in the testimony of people speaking there was statements made which Elder Richards defined as statements made by the spirit of prophesy and revelation.  Here is three that I really liked.

                “ The fully translated Book of Mormon, when it is published is going to be to this people as was the plates coming out of the hill Cumorah by Joseph Smith to the rest of us. “  Elder H. Bryan Richards.

                “ There will soon be a temple here in Cambodia depending upon our preparation.”

                                                                                                     Nou Hoan 5^th Branch President

                                                                                                6/13/99 District Conference

                “ I am confident that some of you will return to Cambodia as mission presidents—Whether I’m here or on the other side I’ll help you and rejoice in the work that you do!!  I love you! I pray for you!”   

    President L. D. White speaking to the Missionaries of CPPM 6/15/99 Mission Conference.

                Elder H. Bryan Richards is my favorite General Authority.  He put his arm around me several times this week and filled me with desire to do better as a missionary and leader in the mission.  This work is fast and furious.  I love it.  Sophon and family were all confirmed and going strong. 

                Love your Son, Brother and Missionary

               Elder Rogers

June 14 1999

Clint Mission 99 #24

                                                                                                June 14, 1999

Dear Family,

                Word to all you sunburned “Lakers”! Sounds like you had a fun trip! Also seems like all of you miss me a bit more as you head out to the lake. Cause of all the fun we had before. Don’t worry Lucinda and I will be there in full form in 2000. Now back to the Spiritual stuff.

                The major news is that we had a successful baptismal service June 12^th. Twelve people were baptized, two families. Sam Sophon his wife and 5 children and Saom Soaphoun a single mother and her 4 children. It was a great service! We went to their house yesterday for a minute to schedule the new member discussions and they pretended they didn’t know us. The said, “ Since our baptisms yesterday we are all new people, and so have never met you.” Humor was an important part of building a relationship of trust with this family. I have such a love and vision for them as a family. I hope that they together can start a tradition of righteousness which can be passed on to friends , neighbors and posterity. Wow it was great to see them in white. Sophon went first followed by his wife and then from oldest to youngest. We tried to make their day special. The Spirit was so strong at the baptism. Elder H. Bryan Richards, of the Seventy and member of the Asia Area Presidency and his wife were there. It was really special. And I just can imagine how I’ll feel about it many years down the road when I look back on it, or in a few years when I see them go through the Temple built her in Phnom Penh. It is going to happen! The Lord loves these people and He pours his Spirit upon those who will read the Book of Mormon and have faith to live the commandments.

                The District Conference was a good success too. There were 654 people in attendance. The theme was Alma 5:33

                Alma 5:33

 33 Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.

 an invitation to Christ. Those who spoke did excellent, especially Elder Richards who spoke about what we could do specifically  to come to Christ.

                Daily Scripture Study

                Daily Personal Prayer

                Listen to the Prophet

                Prepare to go to the Temple.

               

                I sure felt the power and Spirit of the Conference and Elder Richards’ remarks.  I hope the members did too.  It is quite a production with 3 languages going at one time English, Khmane and Viet.  We have all been busy this week putting it together. 

                Well, I am about out of time.  I need to get caught up on my journal and get ready for tomorrow’s Zone Conference.  I will try to give you a better report next week. 

                I love you all!

                Love your Son, Brother, and Missionary! 

P.S. Elder Hoare and I purchased “Corn” flavored Ice Cream  I’ll let you know if it is good or not.  Doesn’t sound good, but had to try it.  

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