Sept 24th, 2008

Well hello again,
This has been another miraculous week in Cambodge (cambodia). First, I have a funny story to tell. The other week we were teaching one of our better investigators, Tuen, the lesson on the restoration and the Holy Ghost. We encouraged him to read and to pray about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. We then brought up the idea, well what if Joseph Smith wasn't a prophet? Tuen had a startled look on his face, "but he is a prophet." We responded that we knew he was, but what if he lied. "But he didn't lie, the Book of Mormon is true." He didn't quite understand, we had to calm him down and explain to him that even though it was true, he needed to gain a witness for himself. He still had some difficulties recuperating afterwards. :) I was afraid I was only going to have difficulties to write about this week. We had a lot of investigators ditch us and not be able to meet us. We had to ride a couple of 25 mile bike rides out here, which also wasn't terribly fun, especially when the investigator doesn't show up to those appointments, but we had a miracle a few days ago. The Branch President asked us to do him a personal favor and to visit a family who was preparing for the temple. We agreed, and after a few days of putting it off, we decided to go visit them. We found out they had two amazing refferals for us. They're names are Maly and Sipaeng. They are the most interested investigators I think I've ever seen. Maly is about 25 years old and runs a hair palor, if you can call it that. But she is the guardian of 14 year old Sipaeng. The reason being is that Sipaeng's very wealthy parents were murdered. It was one of the saddest stories I think I've ever heard. She lost all of her wealth and her 4 brothers and sisters are now living with all different relatives. I however, was able to bear my testimony, that no matter what happens, through this gospel, we can have our families again. And all our losses will be made up, if we will but faithfully follow Jesus Christ. They have now been to church twice and have prayed, and they are progressing very quickly. I'm teaching them again tonight so I'll let you know how that goes.
The other day, we were talking to some of the branch missionaries parents (all the branch missionaries here are under 27 years old), and the mother told us, that during the Khmer Rouge her mother, father, and 3 brothers and sister were all executed because they were half-Indian. She explained that she watched as the military officers hit each of them hard on the back of the neck and then buried them. We were able to testify to her that even though these horrible things had happened, that she could have her family again, once again emphasizing the atonement. She opened up a little bit more to the gospel after that discussion, but she's still not quite ready. These experiences are awful, but how lucky and blessed we are for an All-knowing, and All-Loving Father in Heaven, Who sent His Only Begotten Son to ransom us all, and to bring us peace and comfort in this life. I can testify that no matter what the problem, pain, heartache, or trial may be, that Our Savior, Our Redeemer, Our Advocate, and Most Personal Friend can understand and can give relief. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Elder Ormsby