Well, I haven't sent an email in a hot minute, and there is no point in trying to catch you up on what happened the last month because I don't even remember myself haha. I do want to give a special shoutout though before I start to first my mother. Please, everyone, give her some happy birthday wish (June 10th). Also, shout out to Mary for the big 20 (June 3rd) and shout out to Grace (June 7th) for getting married!
I sincerely apologize for not keeping you all updated. This week was very busy full of an exchange with Elder Jones (a Welshman from my MTC group), MLC, (mission leadership training) and new missionary orientation. We only got about one real day of full missionary work, but it's good to be busy and we saw miracles in the work.
A cool experience that happened this week: in our mission, we are trying to focus on expecting Book of Mormon miracles. While we were walking down the road, we decided we ought to try inviting those on the street to simply open this "manna from heaven" and we promised the first thing that they would read would change their life. Well, a few people said they weren't interested in opening the Book, but one guy said sure he would read it. I don't even remember the exact scripture that he read, but he simply looked up and started talking about how his wife is Christian and he would be interested to learn more about God. We gave him as a referral to the Elders in another area. I know that the scripture he read had POWER. That is what the Book of Mormon is all about! We should be having two people getting baptized this week, and they both have gained a firm testimony of the Book of Mormon. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith translated this Book by the power of God, but even more than that, I know that the Book has power. Power to change lives. It is more than just a book.
Last week we sent off my former companion elder tuft. Not gonna lie, standing in the line to check in his bag for 30 minutes or so kinda did it for me. I think for the first time in a long I got a little bit anxious because I feel like there is so much left to do here in Paradise and so little time. Shout out to that man Daniel Tuft though. That guy changed my life and he is my brother. People like him are just one more reason I am eternally grateful to be apart of the Cambodia Team. Better than the dream team if you ask me.
We got some good stuff going and lots of potential so I am really excited to see what this upcoming transfer has in store for us. We are teaching this guy named Phon who is way good at English and it has been a great experience. Last Tuesday we were really busy because of transfers, so we decided to teach him over Facebook chat cuz we can do that stuff now. The lesson went downhill when I asked him what he thought the word religion meant and he said "kinda like politics. Something used to get power and control over people." Well, not exactly the answer we were looking for. But we were able to meet him yesterday and iron that wrinkle out (pretty good at that after ironing my shirt for 2 years). It was a pretty cool experience because after we met him and helped him understand the importance of TRUE RELIGION he prayed, thanking God that He had sent the Elders, "his brothers". The bond that comes from this gospel is stronger than the Kawahii with his team on his back right now. I LOVE the verse in James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
We got some good stuff going and lots of potential so I am really excited to see what this upcoming transfer has in store for us. We are teaching this guy named Phon who is way good at English and it has been a great experience. Last Tuesday we were really busy because of transfers, so we decided to teach him over Facebook chat cuz we can do that stuff now. The lesson went downhill when I asked him what he thought the word religion meant and he said "kinda like politics. Something used to get power and control over people." Well, not exactly the answer we were looking for. But we were able to meet him yesterday and iron that wrinkle out (pretty good at that after ironing my shirt for 2 years). It was a pretty cool experience because after we met him and helped him understand the importance of TRUE RELIGION he prayed, thanking God that He had sent the Elders, "his brothers". The bond that comes from this gospel is stronger than the Kawahii with his team on his back right now. I LOVE the verse in James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
One of the coolest moments of the week was the opportunity that I had to go with the new missionaries and translate at the site where this country was dedicated a little over 20 years ago. It was amazing to read the sacred blessing that President Hinckley had offered to bless this special country. In only 20 years the small handful of members have become an army, preparing themselves for the coming of a temple. Looking over the riverside I felt so much gratitude that I had the opportunity to come to this country. I might be a little bit bias but I think this is the best mission in the world.
Funny experience:
- We are just chilling on the road trying to invite this one man to English class and all the sudden some random guy just comes up and starts wailing on my back. No joke this guy just goes all out Floyd Mayweather on me and I turn around just like "WHAT ON EARTH" and the guy proceeds to stick out his hand and ask for money. I was trippppin big time. It took me a second to realize that he was attempting to give me a massage! If only I would have known I could have maybe enjoyed it a little bit more.
- We were passing out english fliers and a car comes zooming by right as I was trying to give another guy on a moto a flier. I jumped out of the way before I become road kill. However, I jump back toward the sidewalk and just get nailed by another moto lol. Dangerous world out there. Thankfully I got out of it with just a bruise.
- Walking through the streets of Chatomok and I randomly ran into a recent convert from Siem Reap. He was on a quick trip to the city! What a baller! He is doing so great and it was wonderful to see him. Tender mercies like that are what make the world go round.
Sorry for the long email! I am so grateful to be apart of the Lord's army. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Everyone should go read the talk, "wrestling with comparisons" cause it is so fire it might singe your eyebrows. I love you all! Joy in the journey.
// Elder Gochnour
Hit by moto
