COME COME YE SAINTS...

this is the state of all my shirts!

Another great week in Paradise! I love Cambodia and serving the Lord!

A week ago on Monday, I had a primary miracle that I figured is worth a share. I got home from emailing and playing soccer and my head was just pounding. I thought a migraine round two was coming and I was not excited about it. After an hour or so of trying to just suffer through it and sleep, nothing was changing or getting better. I just kinda sat there for a minute and then just asked myself, "Why have I not said a prayer." I got on my knees and said a simple prayer and then just got up and decided I was gonna be fine. I didn't feel any pain in my head the rest of the day. Miracles really do happen and prayers are answered. 

I had an exchange with Elder McFarland this week and it was an absolute blast! We had some good lessons and some funny times together. The most hilarious thing happened when we passed out English class fliers on the road. Everyone drives a moto in this country so it is an easy way to hand them out as they drive by and hopefully find some people that are interested. Well we were in front of the church waiting for one of our investigators so we decided to fill the time by passing out some English fliers! While we were in the process of doing that, there was an older gentleman and his wife who rode past. While riding past the lady put her hand up like she was going to take the flier, but as soon as Elder McFarland tried to hand it to her she just SWATTED the flier out of his hand and slapped his whole arm haha. Straight Rudy Gobert on him! It was definitely a foul, but she just denied the flier so hard and then just let out a cackle as she rode away. Needless to say, we took a break from fliers. You gotta love all the funny random moments as a missionary.

The highlight of the week was the two baptisms we had! Surprisingly everything went smoothly and we were able to get our two investigators (Sam and Ponluu) baptized.

Sam is a 14-year-old guy who is a baller! He always gets first place when he tests in his class and is a super smart guy. He rides his bike to church and to meet with us and is one of the most humble and meek people I have ever met in my life. He really just wants to do what is good. I really am inspired at how meek he is and how it really is the meek who will inherit the earth. I was happy to see him enter the waters of salvation

Ponluu is a 30ish-year-old, who is kinda a single mother right now because her husband is in Korea working. She was a former investigator that we called and she really had a desire to be baptized. Her only limitation is taking care of her one-year-old son who is crazy! But everything went smooth and she was able to keep him under control for all of church and her baptism after. Awesome! 

Anyway, I don't have much more time, but it was pretty awesome to see both of those people change as they were influenced and felt the love of the Holy Ghost. I know that both of them our pioneers in their lives, both being the first to accept the gospel in their family. Pretty cool to be able to play a part in modern-day pioneers becoming saints in Zion. Me being a somewhat festive person, I tried to focus more on pioneers this week in my studies as Pioneer day approaches. It was pretty hard to find any reading material on the subject, so I wasn't able to get much out of it, however, I loved reading D&C 136 and rereading the words of the sacred hymn, "Come, come, Ye Saints."

Let me share a few of my favorite lines: 

 Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;

But with joy wend your way.

Though hard to you this journey may appear,

Grace shall be as your day.

Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?

'Tis not so; all is right.

Why should we think to earn a great reward

If we now shun the fight?

Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.

Our God will never us forsake;

And soon we'll have this tale to tell--

All is well! All is well!

 D&C 136:31 My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom.

Please take a few minutes to read those two sources and have a little bit of gratitude for the pioneers in your life. I have been extremely blessed because of the courage of the early saints. I feel equally blessed to be able to be a witness of the love of their Heavenly Father to those who are currently paving the way for the gospel of Jesus Christ to enter into their lives. This work is special and elect!

Like the hymn says it best, "With joy wend your way!"

Good luck to all the boys getting home from the mission. Remember who you are and what you stand for. And good luck to all the boys leaving. This is a glorious work.

Love,

Elder Gochnour