LONG TIME NO SEE

I am sorry for the long time it's been since I sent an email.  I hope you know I think about you all and pray for you!! Coming back to BB has been an amazing experience!! I can't describe to you all the feelings I had and the joy I have felt at being back but they are real and they are good. 

It's been kinda weird winding down my mission and I have had a lot of things running through my head with thoughts and feelings. The other day I was riding my bike down the rode in the forests of Battambang, and I had an interesting thought. I was really concerned about if I had done my best and had a successful mission. Had I really worked my hardest? Had I really helped as many people as possible? Did I really give my all to the Lord?  And on and on.

I realized I was really focused on the past and what I HAD done. I think I had a little bit of a moment where God gave me a friendly nudge and told me "it doesn't matter what you have done before, all that matters is what you are doing right now." I should not be dwelling on all "the would have's" and "could have's", but I just need to focus on the things that I AM doing and WILL do to serve the Lord and help others come unto Him. Don't live in the past! Just do as much as you can right now to make the most out of these last couple of weeks. I'm grateful for God and nudges. 

As far as missionary work goes things are going pretty good! This week we were able to help some less actives make their way back to church. The first guy was a kid named Rithi who is a 17 year old that just need some friends and encouragement and the other guy also just needed someone to vent to. He is a little different but they both went to church and seemed happy to belong. It's been a good reminder that we ALL just kinda want someone to reach out to us and let us know we are loved, so why don't we just take them time to be those people who are doing the reaching out to and the listening and make this world a little bit of a better place. 

We have found a lot of new investigators, but the hard part is getting them to church. That seems to be a common problem in this country. I guess you cant blame a country of people who have never gone to church except to the local Wat (buddhist temple monastery thing) on holidays. One cool short miracle that happened: we are teaching this guy named Ra and he showed up to the church to learn in english class. We also asked him if he wanted to learn about the church and he said he was interested but the only problem is he didn't have a phone. Well we said "okay if you can we will meet you tomorrow at 5" and he said "yeah" as all unsure and unpromising 16 year olds do. The likelihood of him actually going to the church was about 1 in 1,937,493,840 because no one ever just does that. But HE CAME! And now he is progressing and has a date and always comes to church. So yes miracles do happen and I love the tender mercies in the mission. 

I have had some amazing personal studies lately and I wish I could share everything I have learned, but have no time. Here are a few short ideas:

I read in Jacob 5: 71 and I am grateful for the opportunity that I have had  to labor with the lord of the vineyard and for this last time that I get to go and see the fruit in His work. 

I read a talk yesterday by Elder Bednar which talks about having the faith not to be healed! He says it much better than I do so give it a read. It is called "That We Might “Not . . . Shrink” (D&C 19:18)" and it is a CES devotional. It was something that really helped me understand what true faith is.

Finally, I had the chance to attend my last zone conference and give my last testimony. Here is a quick quote "I don't know if any of you have heard this song which was one of my favorite songs in high school. I think the song is by Big Sean. It's called 'one man can change the world,' after serving here in Cambodia the song has kinda taken on a different meaning.

One man has changed the world . And his name is Jesus Christ. 

He changed the world for all of us and everyone in Cambodia too.  It's been amazing to be in a country so different from back home but yet so similar too. Similar because through Jesus Christ they can have the same hope that I have. They can receive the same strength that I have received. They can feel of the same love that I have felt. His gospel and especially His sacrifice has no bounds nor borders. It doesn't conform to countries or languages. It is universal. And because He sacrificed His life I have the privilege of helping these beautiful people realize that their lives can be saved. I will never fully be able to know what it is like to put on my sun hat and harvest rice. I will never be able to fully know what it feels like to work construction while only making $5 a day. I will never know what it is like to have your whole countries history scared by the past and to have your grandparents tell stories attempting to flee their own country to escape a genocide.  There are some things I cant ever feel that these people have felt, but luckily there is someone who can. He really did change the world forever. 

Well that's all I got this week

We found a guy gutting a snake to eat for dinner this week which was interesting. 

Love you all

Elder Gochnour

The Fairy-Tale Ending

Well, I guess every fairy-tale does have a happy ending. Except that this time it isn't a fairy-tale, it's real life and happy is an understatement. For those who don't understand what I am referencing: transfers happened this week and I will be going back to Battambang, the place where it all began. That is where I started my time in the mission field, only a short 1 year and 9 months ago. It will be my last transfer and I will be with a native Cambodian named Elder Se. He is a character and a hilarious guy, and I actually filled out his mission papers when I was serving in his ward a year ago, so lots of really cool connections. Almost like a coincidence? Or maybe just God having a perfect vision of everything that has ever happened and will happen and preparing the circumstances accordingly? One of those two....

Anyway needless to say I am very excited to get out into the province, put all other distractions away and not have to focus on anything else besides good old missionary work. With that being said I will miss my time here in Chatamok. I have had the two best companions a missionary could ask for and I will always be grateful for them. The branch made some large steps and even a few leaps over the course of the short 12 weeks here. Quick example: at the beginning of the transfer in ward council we pretty much just sat everyone down and said we HAVE to start ministering in this ward. The members need it.  Ministering here is pretty much just a group of members getting together as a squad and going to out to visit. They willingly started and we set a plan to go every other week.That way we would be consistent, avoid having to go visit people on fast Sunday, and not get too burnt out from going all the time. We have had some amazing experiences which I won't get into and a lot of LA (less actives) have started to make their way back. 

In light of that, this week was supposed to be our off week. 'Just take a break and enjoy fast Sunday', but a lady in our ward called me on Friday and said, "Elder! Who are we going to visit this week??" I was a little taken off guard and then responded something like "Oh it's not a big deal. We were just planning to go next week because this week is fast Sunday." then she firmly replied, "NO Elder, we NEED to go this week!" Well long story short we ended up going and it was great haha. That was so cool. She even showed me up and felt the need to go help out and strengthen other members. I really respect the members in this ward so much. That story is pretty much the best way to sum up how dedicated they are and willing to follow God even if this Gospel is so new to them and so different from their culture. We could all do a little more and follow their example in our own daily life. 

The investigators here are doing great and I could spend time talking about every one of them, but we will postpone story time for now, until I can just bore you all by talking your ear off at home. This week should be busy with transfers, but I will talk to you all next week. I am just lucky to be able to do this every single day. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Elder Tuft sent me an email that stuck out to me, "Keep up the good work, make every second count this last transfer. It will mean so much to you"

I have been reading through the Book of Mormon the last time before I end my mission and I am astonished by the things I learn every time I read it.

"It's not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the straight and narrow path. The scriptures are called the words of life, and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after these words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance." 

Also, everyone do COME FOLLOW ME! It comes from God. 

I love you all!

Elder Gochnour

P.S. None of you have to read this, but this was sent from my sister, Grace a few months ago in my mission and it has been a theme for me as we all go through the storms of life. Give it a read if you would like. 

Elder Holland:
“May I just share one biblical account with you and have it count as my testimony today? We’re not on the Sea of Galilee—you can picture yourself there if you want—but it’s a lot less sunny where we are and the seats are a lot better.


This account is from the earliest hours of the ministry. Christ had been teaching to a large crowd, and when they were alone, and the crowd had backed away, He expounded all things to His disciples. He taught the big group for a while, and now He’s teaching those who would be the twelve. “And that same day, when then even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.”


The minute you say that line you know you’re reading from the gospel of Mark. Mark is the oldest of the gospels and the shortest and has more detail per sentence or per parable. It is only Mark who would say there are other little ships with the ship that Jesus was on.


“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow…” I don’t know whether you ever think of God or of Christ or of angels or of prophets or apostles getting tired. But they do. I can’t speak for the heavenly beings, but here’s a heavenly person in his mortal moments and He’s exhausted. Absolutely exhausted. If you’ve lived here long enough, you’ve seen the storms on the Sea of Galilee, and you know how vicious they can be. Literally and truly, this boat is taking water.


And who’s on the boat with Him? Who are the men who are afraid? The most seasoned fisherman on that sea! Peter, James, and John, and half a dozen others (half a dozen of the twelve were fisherman from Galilee). They’ve been on it since they were four. They fixed their father’s nets when they were six. They started running their own boats when they were eight, or nine, or ten. They’ve lived here, they’ve seen this. Nothing scares them, nothing bothers them, and they’re terrified.


This is a real storm. And Christ is asleep. I’m not sure how tired that is, but it’s tired.


I wonder if we might do more to relieve the burden of even heavenly beings. I testified in conference that I thought our new ministering effort was a way to help God our Father a little in helping answer prayers and dry tears and strengthen feeble knees. And maybe the Savior is just weary of drying tears and strengthening feeble knees, but He’s asleep in the hinder part of the ship on a pillow.


Again, a Markan distinction that he would note that He had a pillow. But I can’t help but be grateful that He did have a pillow. Who would have thought, in all of their taking, in all of their swarming, in all of their “Bless me! Bless me! Hear me! Dry my tears! Help me! Strengthen me! I’m the blind, I’m the deaf. I’m the lame”—which we would all do, and I’m sure I would do it and say it if I were there. But in all of that give me, give me, give me, someone had the sensitivity to give to Him a pillow for that trip across the northern part of the lake. And He looked so tired that He would need the benefit of a pillow. Undoubtedly, a sister was sensitive enough to give Him that.


Well they don’t know what to do but they’re terrified and the boat is taking water and going down. So, they wake Him and say “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” They must have argued amongst themselves about “dare we even nudge Him,” or “dare we even say anything,” but they knew “we’re in trouble here and the boat’s sinking.” And with or without the better part of wisdom they say, shaking a shoulder, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?”


He arose. I’ve often wondered how He looked at them as He arose. I’m sure lovingly—He wouldn’t have done anything but lovingly and gently and sweetly. No one in my lifetime does that better than Russell M. Nelson. Never irritable or irritated. Never unkind. But He might have just looked at them without saying anything. Something that conveyed “Did you really need to wake me up for this?” But He doesn’t say it.


“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” But He’s not finished rebuking. He rebukes the elements of the earth, the sea, and the wind, all of which He created under the direction of the Father. He’s the master of all of that. He knows everything about the sea and everything about the wind. It’s a relatively easy business for Him to still the waves and calm the water. But He’s not through rebuking.


He turns to these disciples, particularly the core of the twelve, who have to get this. Those people on the seashore? Maybe they’ll get it, maybe they won’t. Those people on the mountain? Maybe they’ll get it, maybe they won’t. We certainly know that there were big crowds for a while and at the end there weren’t any crowds at all.

But this group, this little band, they have got to get it. He has to teach them. Whether the others quite absorb it or not, He has to teach and He teaches with some force here. Having rebuked the wind and the sea, He said unto His disciples. “Why are ye so fearful?’ How is it that ye have no faith?”


Is that fair? Is that fair? They had every right to be fearful! The boat was going down. These are fisherman. They wouldn’t have been frightened much along the way. It’s only in the end, in real jeopardy that they are afraid. Is it fair to say “Why are ye so fearful?” That you have no faith?” He might have said that you don’t have enough faith or that you don’t have as much as you should. Yet He says “have no faith.”


The next line is one of those little scriptural ironies. Then “they feared exceedingly.” He’s just asked them not to be afraid and they’re terrified but of Him. They’re not worried about the boat anymore. “And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”


Do we remember that they are three months out of Judaism? Do we remember that they are six or eight or fifteen weeks out of knowing nothing of what would be the gospel of Jesus Christ that they would live and die for? Did they have any idea what was going to happen to them over the next 36 months or so? And that the Savior would leave and they’d be here to carry on with their own little shoulders, their own little weaknesses, their own little peccadillos and infirmities? I don’t think they knew any of that. I think they just knew they had a great new teacher that they loved and wanted to hear from, and now He’s telling them that they’re too fearful and don’t have enough faith. What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?


Well, I hurried over the first line of that story because I didn’t want you to dwell on it. I think the reason He says “why are ye so fearful” and “how is it that ye have no faith” is because they did not hear the first sentence I read to you. When He had finished with the big multitude and He is separating out the disciples to teach them, He said “Let us pass over to the other side.”


And I testify to you that if the living son of the living God says “Let’s pass over to the other side,” then we’re going to pass over to the other side. “Go in, take a nap, take a break, give me a pillow, we’re going to go to the other side!” That’s the part where He said “listen to every word I say. Pay attention to every lesson I teach. I’m not going to waste anything. I don’t have time to spare or energy to spare or mission to spare. We’re going to put you on a 36-month, rigorous, graduate education course and you’ve got to be ready. And when I say to you lovingly and gently “Let’s pass over to the other side,” don’t think the boat’s going down. I don’t care how much water is coming up. It doesn’t matter how big the waves are. We’re going to go to the other side.” And surely, the God in heaven who loves us all and loves this Son most of all is going to make certain that that boat did not go down.

That’s the faith they did not yet have. It isn’t so much that they didn’t have the faith, it’s that they didn’t think that way. They didn’t have that mindset. They weren’t aware of the company they were keeping. It’s understandable. I’m perfectly understanding of their fear and their fright. I’ve been there and still am. I’m trying to grow the way He wants them to grow.


But they just need to have a different way of looking at things. They need to have a different way of hearing things. They need to listen to every word that is uttered by the living God and His living and beloved son. They need to take their faith and offset their fear with those words and those promises and not be afraid that that plan and mission that was not yet complete would be interrupted by a little rough water on the Sea of Galilee.

I speak to all of us now, whatever our age and experience. You’re going to have some windy days and some high waves. We’re all going to have a boat that we’re a little insecure about—maybe not as fancy and not as expensive and not as new as the neighbors. We may be out on those high seas in a rickety craft and we may feel like we’re taking water. We may feel like we’re in real trouble.


Well, you’re not in real trouble—EVER—if you’re on board with the promised Son of God, the Redeemer and Savior of the world. You’ll never be in danger if you’ll sail with Him and ride with Him and listen to Him and believe in Him. And even if you are fearful, be mindful that He isn’t. There is going to be a safe arrival in a safe port and those winds are going to be stilled and those waves are going to be calm.


I testify that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. The Father and the Son rule and reign over our lives. They know our hard days. They know our good days. They know when the wind blows.  They know when the waves are high. They know when there’s trouble in a marriage. They know when there’s trouble with a child. They know when there’s economic challenges. They know when an education is hard to get. They know all of that.


And they still utter the promises, the words and declarations these prophets say by which we can live our lives, honoring and sustaining every word. We must live by every word that preceedeth forth from the mouth of God. It is the only safe formula I know for time and eternity.


I testify that Jesus is the Son of God. A favorite title for me of late is Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. The start and the finish. He was there before we undertook all of this and He’ll be there when we get to the finish line. He’ll be with us to walk with us and talk with us and ride with us in a leaky boat all along the way. He is Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. The great I am. He is always with us, first, last, and always. And for that, I am eternally grateful. I declare His name and His divinity in this, His holy city. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”

🇰🇭

My sincerest apologies to you very few and faithful readers of my attempt to give you a piece of Cambodia in these emails. It's been three weeks since I last emailed and a lot of miracles have occurred! Here are the updates. God be thanked for this time I have to serve here in Cambodia. 

• We had two baptisms two weeks ago! They were amazing and spirit filled. The funny thing was that both our investigators were supposed to get baptized at the same time before church on Sunday, but Vuth didn't show up until sacrament so we had a baptism before and after haha. A long day at the church! Sopheap was baptized before church and it was an amazing experience.

• Pu Tum Vuth is a very strong christian and has believed in christ for almost thirty years. Ever since we met him and taught him the restoration he continues to proclaim that this church just feels right and he believes in the Book of Mormon. The most solid foundation of testimony that we can have. He has had diabetes but after he was baptized and confirmed he has said that his health has gotten significantly better and he really loves God. Anything that happens in his life he always manages to say, អរគុណព្រះអង្គ which means thank you God! He is an optimist and has faith to move mountains. I can't wait for him to be a holder of the priesthood and strengthen our ward! He also spoke this week in sacrament and for lack of a better word it was flames!! He even talked about agency and shared from 2 Nephi 2. It was cool to see him already having a big influence in our ward. He is one of the many reasons why I feel that these are the best people in the world.

• Sopheap is a very meek and humble person. She was married and has a child, but her husband passed away. Ever since then she has been searching for some hope and some purpose and she found it when we explained the Plan of Salvation to her. Although she is super new to Christianity and believing in a living God, I can see that she can feel the truth of it in her heart. She has been welcomed by the amazing relief society in our ward and loves going to church. She also has already entered the Isaiah chapters in second Nephi! Champ!

Both of them continue to read the Book of Mormon and build their testimony on the truth found in its pages. I am grateful for the most powerful tool we have as missionaries, this special 

We had the chance to spend a few hours doing missionary work with an Area 70 from Thailand named Elder Khanakham. It was amazing! I loved to see a 68 year old guy more excited and more eager to preach the gospel than two 20 year old young men. He was excited! Whatever words left his mouth were full of power and pure love.

Recently, I just have realized how LUCKY we are coming from America and especially Utah, to be taught and to believe the gospel. Sometimes we are too lazy to even follow God when nothing is holding us back except ourselves. As of late it seems I have seen a lot of people not be able to learn because of parents, family, culture or their bosses not letting them. They want to believe but sometimes they just can't. Pretty sad stuff and makes you grateful for the easiness of the gospel back home. That being said, it has been amazing to see the faith of some of the people we are working with to stand strong and raise up their light even when darkness is all around them. That is true religion and true courage. 

I think over the past three weeks I have a million things that I could share spiritually with all of you about justice and mercy, the power of the Book of Mormon, the final events of the Saviors life and on and on and on. But I think even better than me sharing a scripture or quote is just telling you all that I know that God does live. Jesus Christ is His Son. And the Holy Ghost is the way to truth and light. I would just like to echo the humble words of 

Nephi 16 And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?

17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.

It was crazy today to see the prison where 20,000 prisoners were kept during the Khmer Rogue. Those were some horrifying and heavy times in this countries history. The good news is this gospel is the means to light and hope and forgiveness. It has been amazing to share that light to these people that need it so much. 

Sadly this will probably be my last week in the heart of the city, but I am excited to see where the Lord wants me for the last 6 weeks! I can't wait to go forward with faith and leave my heart and soul on the field (the fields of Cambodia). I also am excited to make 1 Nephi 4: 6 the focus of my mission and my life because I love that scripture. 

Sorry I forgot to put any humor in this email. But today I ironed my shirt with the iron off and that probably will make someone laugh

Love you all

Elder Goc

Book of Mormon Miracles

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.

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

His Vineyard

HELLO PEOPLE!

I didn't have the chance to send out a weekly email last week but I just wanted to start by giving a special shout out to my special mom. She is the bomb! I am so grateful every day to have a mother that pushed me to be independent and follow God because that makes all of the difference out here. I love you Jeni B Gochnour. Thanks for everything. 

Other than that A LOT has happened since the last time I emailed all of you so I don't even know where to start. The good news is that we are doing awesome and this is truly the Lord's work.

The big thing that happened last week was Elder Homer came and visited. It was amazing to be in the presence of a general authority and learn from him and his wonderful spirit. I had the chance to be interviewed by him and I asked him a question, and I will never forget how he responded. At the end of the interview I asked him, "How do you define success, Elder Homer" His response was simple, but profound, "Success is becoming the person that God intended you to be." He didn't expound, he didn't clarify, just simply left it at that. Success is becoming the person that God sent you here to be. 

I think that simple phrase describes my mission so well. You try so hard to be successful by teaching repentance and baptizing converts. As a missionary that is what we are called to do. Numbers represent those converts and are important in how we measure the success we have had in accomplishing our purpose. But all in all, success is becoming who God intended us to be. Over my mission I have learned that every person, area, situation is different. Sometimes you work so hard and have not much success. Sometimes you work not as hard and it seems that everyone wants to learn. But that success is temporal and will change with a new transfer, a new area, a new companion. 

Permanent success is heeding to the promptings of the spirit and becoming and doing the things that God asks of us. We are sent here for a purpose and sometimes we let grades, money, numbers and everything define us, and cloud that purpose with mists of discontent and confusion. Please remember that God is the one light of truth and he had a purpose for sending both me and you here. Find out what he intends you to be and then do it!

Anyway sorry for the rant. I have no time to email and then I just spend it all ranting over some random topic haha. The work in our area is doing pretty well. We had a disappointment thing week when our investigator named Sokona was unable to get baptized. We planned for him to have the chance to receive an ordinance of salvation this past Sunday, but when we taught him the law of tithing this week he was simply unable to accept. I was heartbroken. The hard thing is that I actually feel for him. He is an older man who has a wife, kids and grandkids that he has to provide for. If only he could truly understand in his heart the blessings that we receive from following the commandments. It was disappointing, but from that  disappointment I also learned of the love that I have for him and these people. I think that if I didn't really care about him it would have been easy to forget about it and just move on to a new investigator, and forget about this loving old man. But that is not what God wants us to do - he sent us to LOVE one another.

In terms of our area we have a family that lives across the river and we have to take a ferry over every week to teach them. They were able to come to church and we had an awesome lesson on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love teaching them because it means so much to them and I think they can understand why it means so much to us! Other investigators are doing good, just keep on keeping on!

A funny experience of the past week or two: We planned to have a ward clean up activity at the church in order to get the front of our building looking nice and clean! The members worked really hard and made some amazing food and then as soon as we were getting ready to start cleaning up, it started drizzling! Well the clean-up was not happening with grey clouds above, and a tiny bit of rain. They just decided to stay inside and eat the food, and postpone the cleaning till next time! We should have more clean up activities like that back home.

Sorry that wasn't even that funny I think my perception of funny has just changed over the past few years so forgive me if my jokes are horrible. 

Anyway the moral of the email is that the gospel can change lives and Jesus is the Christ. What a joy it is to be a laborer in His vineyard. May I end with a quote from Elder Holland, out of the Come Follow Me book, (which I love and it is inspired and you all better be doing it) 

"My beloved brothers and sisters, what happened in this story at 9:00 or noon or 3:00 is swept up in the grandeur of the universally generous payment at the end of the day. The formula of faith is to hold on, work on, see it through, and let the distress of earlier hours—real or imagined—fall away in the abundance of the final reward. Don’t dwell on old issues or grievances—not toward yourself nor your neighbor nor even, I might add, toward this true and living Church. The majesty of your life, of your neighbor’s life, and of the gospel of Jesus Christ will be made manifest at the last day, even if such majesty is not always recognized by everyone in the early going. So don’t hyperventilate about something that happened at 9:00 in the morning when the grace of God is trying to reward you at 6:00 in the evening—whatever your labor arrangements have been through the day."

I love you all! Keep on laboring in the vineyard and remember the reward waiting for us at the end.

Elder Gochnour

JACK AND THE BEANSTOCK

I would like to sincerely apologize for not writing a weekly letter for the past two weeks. Things just get really busy and I will see you all in about 3 or so months anyway so I will just talk to you then.

Jokes jokes! Well there is no possible way I can update you on everything that has happened for the past three weeks but here are some highlights of this week!

The first big news is..... we are getting SMARTPHONES! Who would have thought that the Kingdom of Cambodia of all places would now be on the internet! I guess it makes sense because some people can't even afford a house over their head, but yet somehow they have a smartphone so I guess we better hop on the bandwagon! We had a two-hour face time conference with the missionary department and the phones will roll out in June for our whole mission! The good news is we get to be the ones that test the phones so we will be getting smartphones this week! I guess that means catch me on Facebook lol.

Other than that I was able to go on an exchange with Elder Bailey and Elder Cope the last two weeks. I think one of the biggest lessons I have learned on my mission is how cool everyone actually is if you just get to know them! Literally, this world is just filled with cool amazing people and we can learn so much from them if we just take the time to get to know them.

The work here is going awesome! I love our branch so much. Over the past couple of years, it has been struggling, but the small band of members (especially the relief society) are some of the strongest I have ever seen in my life. I could write an individual email about how faithful every single one is, and they are so willing to serve and help. I love Cambodia. We set a goal to try to get 70 people to a sacrament meeting this transfer and we got 65 yesterday which was a miracle! 

The work is rolling forward! The title of this email is in reference to how we proselyte every day! Our area is just full of huge tall apartment buildings that are so run down. Picture walking down a hall in one of those haunted houses that have like a run down bus station room or like an insane asylum room and that is kinda what all of the buildings look like and we just climb endless amounts of stairs, but then rather than having creepy dressed up characters there are just God's children waiting for us! Fun stuff. Not sure I painted that picture very well?

To end I would just like to share something that we come across every day as a missionary in this country. Most people we talk to always give an excuse for not learning about Christ by saying "all religions are the same and they all teach us to do good deeds and to not sin"  

They believe that both Christianity and Buddhism just encourage us to do good deeds. However, what they don't understand is the fact that GOD lives and without following Jesus Christ we have no chance at salvation, or as the prophet said recently exaltation. How important is it to live with your loved ones again? How much does that mean to you? I wish it meant more to these people sometimes. But for me it means everything. I love my family and I love the chance, that because of Jesus Christ, WE CAN BE EXALTED! Sure all religions are good, but only one religion paves the path to heaven. 

President Nelson said it best, "They need to understand that while there is a place for them hereafter—with wonderful men and women who also chose not to make covenants with God—that is not the place where families will be reunited and be given the privilege to live and progress forever. That is not the kingdom where they will experience the fulness of joy—of never-ending progression and happiness.  Those consummate blessings can come only by living in an exalted celestial realm with God, our Eternal Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and our wonderful, worthy, and qualified family members."

I love you all! Thanks for your love and support. Joy in the journey

Elder Gochnour

Bye Jockland

After four months of witnessing miracles in the beautiful province of Siem Reap, I will be leaving. I once heard someone say that the mission is just 2 years of goodbyes, and after so many bitter sweet separations from those I love so much, I can see where they are coming from. I will be going to Chatomok which is in the dead center of the city of Phnom Penh so it should be a big change! (From the forests of Siem Reap to the concrete jungle (in a sense...) of Phnom Penh) The best part about it is that I am getting the most handsome companion in the mission, Elder Enloe! I am very excited. 

I have SOOOOO much to say, but no time, so I want to just end today, by sharing something short that really stuck out to me this week: THE HOPE WE HAVE THROUGH THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST. See true to the faith: The word hope is sometimes misunderstood. In our everyday language, the word often has a hint of uncertainty. For example, we may say that we hope for a change in the weather or a visit from a friend. In the language of the gospel, however, the word hope is sure, unwavering, and active. I love the scripture in 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, A LIVELY HOPE! We know that because of His Resurrection we can all have a lively hope that we too will be resurrected, and we too will be able to dwell in His eternal mansions above. Take a second to reflect about His perfect eternal sacrifice and His victorious resurrection from the grave!

I will write a better email next week, but all is well! Joy in the journey. I love you all

Elder Gochnour

FLOOD

So much stuff happened this week and I am sorry, but there is no way that I will even be able to write a portion of what happened. I feel kinda like the scripture in 3rd Nephi 26:6 "And now there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people;" Replace people with Elder Gochnour and that pretty much describes my mission.

One thing that should be mentioned though was the FLOOD! We got a call at 9pm on Saturday (our bed time is 9:30pm) telling us that the church had been flooded! Someone had turned on the  emergency hose and left it on in the gym.... The water flooded the whole gym and the whole sacrament room. We got permission from President to go help and it was a mad house haha. Members were using plates, dust pans, wood planks and everything in between just to get the water out of the room. I decided to take more of the primary kid approach and just turn it into a water slide while I tried to take the water out with me! Fun times. The closest I have been to swimming in a good year and a half. The water might have ruined the carpet, but I think all the members had a good attitude about it and those are the things that you just have to smile and enjoy the moment! We got all the water out and made it to bed at 11pm. The next day sacrament meeting was held and the leaders sat on the stand while everyone else sat on the pews in the gym haha. It was a long walk over the wet floor from the pews in the gym to the pulpit, so shout out to all those that bore their testimony.

Other than that the work is moving forward! We are currently teaching the son of one of our recent converts and her husband and they are both doing awesome. The little kid always kisses his hand then slaps me on the face haha.  We have a lot of other cool people are progressing, but my favorite part is that all of them are just friends or family of members and it makes the work so much more enjoyable. 

Well no need to bore you all with the other little this and thats of missionary life, but to keep this email short I just want to say that I love God with all of my heart and I am so grateful for His perfect Son, Jesus Christ. My favorite thing I read this week was in 2 Nephi 4. Nephi who was one of the better men to ever walk this Earth, and a prophet of God says, 

19 "And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.

20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep

26 O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?

27 And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?

28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.

Like Nephi, I can say that even though I am SO far from perfect and the natural man is so easy to get a hold of me, I KNOW IN WHOM I HAVE TRUSTED! He will deliver us!

I haven't watched General Conference so sorry that I can't bear my testimony about how much it means to me yet, however I will say this. Everyone was worried about the NEW, BIG CHANGE, that was going to happen this General Conference. From what I have read so far I think that the message that our beloved prophet wants us to understand is this: it doesn't matter what the new big change in the organization of the church. What does matter however is how we are CHANGING our own hearts to better follow HIM!

Some food for thought as we reread and study the talks. I love you all!

Elder Gochnour

The Chains are Unleashed

Hello everyone!

Let's cut to the chase and skip my sad excuses for jokes: 

We were able to be a part of some baptisms this week which is always an amazing experience. Quick explanation of those that were baptized: Srey Nong and her brother Nathan are children of a part member family. Their mother was just baptized recently and the kids loved going to church with her and had a chance to get baptized! 

Heab is the daughter-in-law of a member and we had the chance to teach and baptize her son two transfers ago. By a miracle she was able to get her marriage certificate and her little cute family is my favorite. 

Sokhun is our golden investigator that I have talked about recently and she is one of the most prepared people I have ever met in my mission. It is amazing to see how far she has come from about 2 months ago when we first talked to her on the side of a dirt road, and see the hope and joy she has in this gospel. Whenever she had doubts or questions or was hesitant she always would say, "I always had a feeling of warmth inside, and that's how I know it is true." 

And then lastly was this younger girl named Kimleang who is the niece of a really strong member. Her mom was hesitant about her joining the church, but because God is a God of miracles he was able to soften her mother's heart and allow her to get baptized. 

It was an amazing day and maybe one of the most spirit filled days of my life. 'These are days never to be forgotten.' I think my favorite part about the whole thing was that it wasn't just about us and the investigators, every one of the investigators had a direct relation to a member except one, Sokhun, and for her, she had the best member relations out of any investigator I have ever worked with. It felt like the baptism service was just a big happy party. Just like one big family of members welcoming in those they love and care about so much. Welcoming the lost sheep into their fold of the meek and loving members. I think one of my favorite moments of the day was when Heab got up to bear her testimony she started crying a lot. She is a very humble, and reserved person, not to mention that crying publicly isn't much of a cultural thing here. It was so touching how much this gospel means to her and to her little family. Our other investigator Sokhun got up and hugged her, and it was one of those moments where everyone in the room just kinda says, "aww"

I apologize because that paragraph does such a poor job of expressing how amazing it was to be apart of all of that, and it does a poor job of expressing how much I love this work. I can testify with all my heart that I do love this work with and I know that it is the work of the Lord. I know that it is all because of God that amazing things like this happen. I was studying a little bit about the mercy of God recently and I came across something that stuck with me. It comes from the True to the Faith book, "Every blessing you receive is an act of mercy, more than you could ever merit on your own.

Mormon taught, “All things which are good cometh of Christ; otherwise men were fallen, and there could no good thing come unto them” (Moroni 7:24). 

For example, you are a recipient of divine mercy when Heavenly Father hears and answers your prayers, when you receive guidance from the Holy Ghost, and when you are healed from sickness through priesthood power. Although all such blessings come as results of your obedience, you could never receive them through your efforts alone. They are merciful gifts from a loving and compassionate Father"

I am so grateful for the Mercy of our loving Heavenly Father, especially that He was merciful enough to put me here in this country and to be serving these people. They mean so much to me. I am so grateful that He was merciful enough to allow us to be apart of this week. May we all be a little bit more grateful for the mercy of God.

I love you all!

Elder Gochnour