Friday, September 25, 2015

Monday, Sep 21, 2015

ជំរាបសួរ!,
      Welcome back to my weekly e-mails / blog! I hoped each and everyone of you are still doing phenomenal as I continue to serve in Kampong Cham Branch 2 in Cambodia! Last week's been a fun week even though it's been super rainy this past week... gotta love the rainy season! Well here's this week's update of how'd last week went!:

      Last Tuesday: So after District Meeting, me and Elder Hunt and a member help continued to visit Bong Ni and her son Sal as they're continuing to investigate the Church. As we kept asking about how's she and her son's been doing on her reading in the Book of Mormon they've been taking time to read it. It's amazing because Bong Ni says that usually she does read the scripture while she's in her job. She's been asking really good questions as she's been reading the Book of Mormon, so she can understand clearer about what she's been reading, and on top of that we'd taught them about the commandments such as Praying often, Reading the Scriptures, and Obedience. Later on we took a visit to Look Poo Cia a less active, and taught him about Temples! After that we were teaching Look Poo Pan's 3 Grandchildren about Tithing and Fasting - Kids aren't really easy to help them get super focused but hey... they're kids on the brightest side Look Pan helped his grandchildren stay as focus as necessary about helped one of his grandchildren pray as we close the lesson! Lastly, we just visit an active member Bong Pheap and shared scriptures we loved that stood out with me and Elder Hunt.

     Last Wednesday: We visited Bong Nani and his family and taught with them about a important moment or miracle in the Holy Bible where Christ stood/walk on water and when Peter wants to approached to him on water, but got afraid because of the storm and cried for Christ to save him. After we visit Cho Ra and helped him be prepared for his Baptism coming up! Then we met with Look Poo Hiab and shared with him a couple scriptures in Mosiah 4:9-10, and explained the importance of maintaining our belief in Heavenly Father. Lastly, we kinda had REAN English Program... we prepared so much for the English Class re-opening it since last week but not so many people attend except a bit of members. So we just alternate the time of English Class into playing an activity of UNO. Hopefully, this upcoming Wednesday there will be more attendees coming in on time and so we can share an English Lesson and spiritual thought! 

     Last Thursday: After weekly planning, me and Elder Hunt continued to visit Bong Ni and her son Sal learn more of the commandments by explaining the Words of Wisdom or what we usually call it for Khmer to English the Health Law and also the Law of Chastity. Then we visit a less active couple that work a lot at a Bus Stop and shared some scriptures in Mosiah 4:19-21 extending invitation for them to pray often, and read scriptures to build stronger faith and hopefully they can make time in a Sunday to come back to church. Lastly, on this day we met RITH or better known as  រីទ្ធ as from an old post or two as I serve here teaching him in English, and now I sometimes just speak Khmer just because I am just comfortable teaching anyone in Khmer even though my vocabulary's not that big. (As I typed that I am just saying the languages still growing I can never know enough of Khmer! I always I want to push myself to know Khmer. Even to the point that I can't even tell that I am speaking fluently.) So anyways, on that time I took time to share along with Elder Hunt about Temples and why its so important really reading the Book of Mormon for himself. So the case is he's a strong Baptist and has strong belief that's based on what he know since he became baptist 2 years ago. So I shared with him one of my favorite scriptures specifically from 2 Timothy 3:16-17 a highly recommended from me to up and ponder about. Knowing that he loves the Holy Bibles just as me and Elder Hunt does. We just took time to let him know he needs to try and it's worth the time doing so. 

     Concluding that appointment he said right off the bat "I'll join this church as soon as I know that the Book of Mormon is true". (This will take a whole lot of patience.)

     Last Friday: It's pretty much the same idea  as last week except with successfully visit both of the families! Treading through super muddy pavements on the island! We shared with all of them scriptures from Alma 32:22-23. That's just basically reminding them that God loves and he's very merciful. I love visiting Look Poo Kon and Look Poo Piara! They're super decent semi-active member as usually all the way from the island of Kampong Cham within me and Elder Hunt's area! Later on we met with Bong Sovan who's a recent convert a really nice guy, we just helped him remember simply about the importance of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After that we met with a kid named Mang Chang and taught him the Plan of Salvation along with his mom's help. Lastly, we met up with Kim, Rong's little brother and taught him about the Law of Chastity and Words of Wisdom. I love serving in this area so far!

     Last Saturday: On this day we visited Cho Ra and reminded him simply to read from the Children's Book to learn from the Book of Mormon along with his older brother then we checked to make sure if he's ready for his moment to become Baptized! (Now the honest thing add up is he's the Relief Society President's son so he's isn't actually a investigator but she wants us to help him learn clearly about the church simply before he becomes baptized and so we did as much as we can and as necessary.) Before the baptism we visited Look Poo Hiab (recent convert FYI) about Temples! Similar lesson as of teaching Look Poo Cia however, we just want to uplift him also and keep extending invitation to attend the Temple someday either the Phillipines or the Hong Kong Temple! Then moment of truth Cho Ra finally received his baptism! Was an awesome moment to see him finally receive his baptism as become a member of the church in "tomorrow" as coming into "Yesterday"!. 
      
     After the baptism we lastly meet up with RITH again... he wanted to meet up with us because like before teaching him he needs a little help on some job applications... so we help him for a little while and then we share scriptures from the Book of Mormon about how God the Father and Christ are part of the God head... then challenge him to read the references we gave him that talks about the God head... Yep. (Soon,perhaps we would just keep helping him have a "desire" to know for himself than being afraid to know because of his experience as a Baptist.) I love teaching him even though it's a lot of conversing over doctrines over though. Really awesome guy! I love serving all I have the opportunity to serve as I continue to do so! 

     Yesterday: In the morning me and Elder Hunt visited Bong Nani and his family again to share very important scriptures where Christ appeared in ancient america in 3 Nephi 11:3-17! And we remind them that God loves all of us and so he provided us a savior named Jesus Christ so we can all conquer death after this life! Plus, we can keep conquering our obstacles we go throughout our lives just as long as we maintain our faith in Jesus Christ! Church's been wonderful! Lots of members were asked to give brief and simple talks about some Gospel topics from the Branch Presidency, their talks are wonderful! After the 3 hours of church, we tried to visited a investigator that I've never met yet, however he was busy lately... however we just visited Look Poo Pheap's family and taught his son about the Plan of Salvation and simple as necessary.

      So at this moment I like to bare testimony that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is TRUE! I know that God loves us and so we have the restored Church of Jesus Christ today! I've seen miracles as I've been taking time to serve here and helping my heritage come unto Christ! I know I've been very repetitive on typing this but I truly mean it! The gift of tongues has been truly helpful to me and my companion(s) as we continue to serve in the Cambodia Phnom Penh Mission! Serving a mission is truly one the best choices I chose to do ever in my life! Despite hardships, I still just kept going and just give all I could to keep inviting anyone to Christ. I honestly had came across times when some people in this mission that bluntly tells me that I don't speak clearly when I do... but you all know what ...I still keep striving to improve everyday to become a instrument in God's hand! Doing missionary work is what had kept a smile on my face although sometimes I take missionary work seriously sometimes as necessary but that's only because I always love to do what Jesus would do. Yes, I had stumbled with some mistakes at times as I serve here (but that's why we ALL have the atonement of Jesus Christ),  I just keep it just being there for anyone I come across to serve with Elder Hunt! With God all things are possible.  I LOVE SERVING IN THIS MISSION!

     Oh yeah everyone! General Conference's coming around the corner (in about 2 weeks) please don't forget to watch it soon! I testify to you all that, you'll all receive very important counsels that can help each and every one of us in our lives from anyone that that speak throughout each session!: https://www.lds.org/church/events/october-2015-general-conference?lang=eng

     I am eternally grateful for each of you who's kept me in your prayers and rooting for me as I serve here, you guys have been awesome seriously! Well, this is all I had to share for this week! Will be posting next week... so each of you stay fantastic! (And blessed!)


    សូមជំរាលា!, 
-អែលឌើរ រស់ (Elder Ros)
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." - Romans 1:16
“I have often said that one of the greatest secrets of missionary work is work! If a missionary works, he will get the Spirit; if he gets the Spirit, he will teach by the Spirit; and if he teaches by the Spirit, he will touch the hearts of the people and he will be happy. Work, work, work—there is no satisfactory substitute, especially in missionary work.”  - Ezra Taft Benson

After my travels on the island throughout the last Friday morning through muddy pavements. (Could really use a new pair of shoes because they're utterly destroyed...not sure if I can find a shoe repair in this area.) Hahaha! (They're some hole and big damages of the shoes so... they're not in the best condtion unfortunately Hahaha! *sigh*) 😅

Cho Ra's Baptism from last Saturday! 😁

Narak and his older brother Naruan trying out our glasses... Hahaha! (The kid on the left Narak's always super energetic to meet us everytime we visit Look Poo Pheap.)

Us and Look Pheap's family! Next/Behind Elder Hunt is one of our investigators which is Narin!



Monday, Sep 14, 2015

ជំរាបសួរ!,
     Hope that everyone's still doing fantastic! This week's been another interesting one as I continue to serve in Kampong Cham in Branch 2! Wednesday and Thursday I had to go to Phnom Penh from Wednesday to Thursday because my companion's got important meeting to attend as he's district leader. So I had a slight exchange with Elder Slavens and Elder Medley for a day. During that period of time we just took time to help members and those attending REAN English class learn some more English for a bit. So just want to explain that out about what I've been doing in this week!

     
     Last Tuesday: Me and Elder Hunt visited Bong Ni and Oon Sal and explained about the Plan of Salvation with them along with Look Poo Pheap! Then we visited a Look Poo name Cia to remind him of the importance of the atonement and lastly we visit Bong Pheap and her family about the importance of scripture reading!
 
     Last Friday: We went to the island to visit the same members we visit unfortunately to visit Ohm Piara, but he wasn't there as we tried to visit him, and tried to find my old Cambodian Planner I accidentally left on the island... couldn't find it so that's forever. Hehe

     Last Saturday: Had Zone Training which was wonderful knowing what we need to do help our areas in our Zone. After that me and Elder Hunt attend 2 Saturday Night Sessions of District Conference. I've hearing wonderful remarks about the importance of the Priesthood in this conference and how much it blesses families in this life.  

     Yesterday: On that was a huge District Conference tons of members in Kampong Cham attended the conference! After that we visited visited Bong Ni and Oon Sal to explain to them what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is along with Bong Pheap's brother! 


     So, just to let everyone I am doing great! Wasn't a SUPER busy week, but I am doing great! I still keep hastening on the Lord's work! I still love this mission even though it's not that easy! It's been fun! I am just still willing to keep it up.... Yep! Hahaha! I love you all! Stay blessed and fantastic! Sorry I don't have too much time to type all I want to type in this post but I am still doing all I could in Cambodia as I continue to serve here! (I may re-update this post if possible! We'll see next week!) 



    សូមជំរាលា!, 
-អែលឌើរ រស់ (Elder Ros)
"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shallprepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." 1 Nephi 3:7

Serious Missionary work throughout week after week! ...This is my serious face along with Elder Hunt and the former Branch 1 and 2 Sisters of Kampong Cham!
(As in Sister Harris on the right is currently training a new Sister in Branch 1 and 2 and Sister Sheffield on the right's currently with Sister Ren in Branch 1! )

Elder Gardiner before we got to English Class with him on a exchange with Elder Slavens and Medley! (Broke the key of as he was unlocking it... woops hahaha!)
Oh on the right's formerly Elder Ty who's now working as a guard! 😁

Welcome to Kampong Cham Elder Hall! (He's companions with another Elder in our MTC District ....Elder Slavens...Awww snap!) Hahaha!

I don't always enjoy eating Khmer Deserts, but when do I just ... simply enjoy them. (Num Korms anyone? Banana Leaf wrapped sticky rice with... sweet ingredients! Mmmm ឆ្ងាញ់!)

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Monday, Sep 7, 2015

ជំរាបសួរ!,

     What's good everyone!? It's been another fun week working and serving in Kampong Cham Branch 2! I'll be as brief as how'd this week went: 

     After P-day time: Me and Elder Hunt went to a Look Poo's home to teach his 3 grandchildren about the 10 commandments, kid's payed better attention this time blessedly. Then after that we taught Rong's little brother named Kim about the The Plan of Salvation simply and taught him how to pray and encourage him to along with his older brother!       

     Last Tuesday: After District Meeting me and Elder Hunt taught Cho Ra about the Law of Chastity and the Words of Wisdom simply, the later on this day we visited a referral! Who's interested in the gospel named Sal who's 13 years old, we had members tagging along with us to help him learn about the church! What's more awesome is as we found him his mom wants to learn as well! So we just took that time to introduce them about the Restoration and taught them how to pray! After that we visited Meeta and taught him about the atonement with him. Then lastly,we visit an active member named បង ភាព (Pheap) who works at a laundry shop to teach her and her brother about serving a mission and encouraging them serve one soon!  

     Last Wednesday: This day's interesting so supposedly, in the morning we're expecting to find some less actives that បង ភាព had in mind to show us, but then turns she needs some service by having us help her lift dirt..... or moving dirt from one place to another around a big plot of land. We done that for a while and then visited បង Nani and his family to teach them about Eternal Marriage at the temple. The family's super nice over there. Love them so much! Then we visited a Look Poo name Hiab and taught him the significance of receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood!  After that we visit Cho Ra again to teach him simply about tithing and fasting! After lunch we just continued to do service for បង ភាព and her family by removing more dirt. Hehehe.   

     Rean English Class's interesting in the province because as I said from last post there isn't that many students that attends English Class, however it's been fun, Elder Slavens and Elder Beacco took their turn to teach English and share a spiritual thought about The Gospel of Jesus Christ! Then after that we taught Kim about the Restoration simply with him and gave him a Book of Mormon! 😊      

     Last Thursday: After Weekly Planning!, we visited Sal's and his mom's place when we're about to teach them about the Plan of Salvation, but the mother has a lot of good questions about faith and know how develop faith in God and Christ, so we took the time to share her and her son some scriptures from the Book of Mormon that relates to her questions! They're committed to coming to church as we invited them! Then we taught with Meeta about the Restoration again so we could help him understand why's the church's so important today!  
 
     Last Friday: We took the time in this day to visit the island along with the sisters to visit who we usually visit to help uplift and inviting the members over there! Then later on we visit some members near បង ភាព's place to familiarize ourselves with them! Then lastly, we just read scriptures along with Kim and his older brother help him get started on reading the Book of Mormon! 

     Last Saturday: On this day we took time to fast for an investigator named Rith so  he can have help from Heavenly Father to recognize for himself that The Book of Mormon is true and another word of God! We visited Look Poo Hiab to uplift him by sharing a scripture from Jacob 7:25 and share testimonies that if we keep building our faith in God everybody we'll continue to maintain peace and happiness in this life! Later on, we attended a Baptism for the Sister's investigator! I was asked to give a talk about the gift of the holy ghost! And so I done so and showed how the Lord's happy with her decision to be baptize and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost! After the Baptism me and Elder Hunt visit Look Poo Pan and the Neakming and taught to them how important it is to teaching there own family about what they know about the gospel so that they feel the blessings from sharing what they know about the church! We taught them so they can at least understand why we kept inviting them to help teach their grandchildren! Lastly, we met with Rith and taught him about the Great Apostasy and the restoration! We truly invited ounce more to start or keeping reading in the Book of Mormon from the beginning or even where we invited him to read in Alma Chapter 5!  

     Yesterday: Church's fantastic, kinda crazy with children roaming around the church a little during and after Fast and Testimony Meeting, but... it's been great fantastic. I had felt the spirit a whole lot hearing some wonderful testimonies from some members. I even bore testimony honestly, about how the gospel has taught my family how to more caring and loving for each other! Then me and Elder Hunt visited Look Poo Pheap and his family and taught him about Daniel and the Lion's den!

        So basically, I am still doing excellent! Had received transfer calls but turns out I am still companions with Elder Hunt! There's some changes going around the Kampong Cham District but me and Elder Hunt remains with me as this transfer call comes in! So hopefully, I can solidify how much more I need to know about this area as me and Elder Hunt serve with each other serving in this branch! I love serving this mission! I know that this Gospel has importance for everyone in Camboida so this is why I even bother spreading it and sharing it with Elder Hunt so much often as I could! I need to blast though! I love you all! I appreciate each and everyone of your prayers! អែលឌើរ រស់'s still living and pressing forward with faith! Stay faithful and blessed everyone! (I would probably be sharing more simpler posts often soon or otherwise I will still have the opportunity to keep posting like this!) 

    សូមជំរាលា!, 
-អែលឌើរ រស់ (Elder Ros)
"And now, behold, I say unto you, and I would that ye should remember, that God is merciful unto all who believe on his name; therefore he desireth, in the first place, that ye should believe, yea, even on his word." - Alma 32:22
Shout out for លោកគ្រូ Sorensen! Hehehe!

Mango Leather anyone? Love it! 😁

The 1st Family (ឱម Kon's) I visit in the island throughout my time serving in Kampong Cham Branch 2! 😁 

Selfie before leaving out of a appointment with the 2nd family (of ឱម Piara) on the island! 😁