3/17- 3/29/1992

March 17, 1992

It happened! This is the kind of thing that I have been waiting for and hoping for my entire life! Tonight Tooj Khwb said that he would be baptized on the 22nd of this month. His wife and daughter are very excited! Also his brother is going to be baptized with his wife and daughter. Tuam Lis and Tsav Lis are also getting ready to be baptized the beginning of April, along with Amos Xyooj and her kids. I can't believe how much the Lord has blessed us here. I love to be a missionary. I can't even express in words how excited I am! This is the greatest! The Lord has really blessed us. I hope and pray that the Lord will continue to allow things to progress here. A love being a missionary!

Elder Reeser is doing well. He has really been successful at keeping his head in the game this close to the end of his mission. I'm really proud of him for that. Things are great!!!

March 19, 1992

We talked more discussions today than I have ever taught in my whole mission. I simply can't believe how much the Lord has blessed our work in this area. I am really tired tonight. Elder Clark, who is one of the new A. P.'s, went on team up with us. It was really fun. I think that things here will probably get moved back into a zebra with the lao elders as soon as Elder Reeser goes home. I wish that we could stay in a companionship here, but I don't think it will happen. We are just going to have to get by on what we have. For some reason, we just aren't getting enough hmong speaking elders. Salt Lake just isn't sending enough of them through the MTC. Anyway, I'm sure that the Lord knows what he is doing. I'll just have to trust in that. My mission is drawing ever closer to an end. Every time I realize that, it scares me more. I hate seeing the end come, but I also look forward to seeing my family and also being able to tell the Lord that I did my best. The church is true.

March 21, 1992

It just seems to get harder and harder for me to find the time to write in my journal.

Yesterday Npliaj Xab and his wife decided to wait for a while before they get baptized. That is alright, I guess, but I wish that they would have been baptized tomorrow with Tooj Khwb and his wife. Anyway, We did the baptismal interviews and stuff yesterday for Tooj and his wife, daughter and nephew. They will all be baptized tomorrow. I can't wait! I think it will be really cool for elder Reeser to see that family be baptized right before he goes home.

In conjunction with his going home, Elder Reeser went to the temple today. As a result, I teamed up with Elder Ehlert and Kester. It was a pretty good day.

We went and taught Mao Xiong and her kids today. It went really well. She said that she wants to be baptized on April 4, so I am excited about that too! I love teaching the gospel I really can't believe how much I enjoyed being a missionary. I always envisioned my mission as being a lot of work, but I never envisioned by mission be so much fun. I really love it. It is just awesome.

March 23, 1992

Yesterday was awesome. We had more people at church then we have had since I got here in Merced. At 6 PM Tooj and his wife, nephew and daughter got baptized. It was so awesome! I got to baptize him, after that we got out of the baptismal font, spread some towels on the ground, and gave him the Holy Ghost and the aaronic priesthood

And made him a priest. After we did that, he baptize the other members of his family. It was so awesome! It seems like every baptism that we have is special I love being a missionary!

Today was kind of a drag. We spent all day saying goodbye to people for elder Reeser. I just feel like we spent a lot of time accomplishing little. It also makes me realize how much I don't want to go home. I can't believe that I'm going to be going home so soon. I can't imagine what life would be like if I hadn't serve my mission.

March 26, 1992

Well, Elder Reeser is home by now an elder Badel is my companion again. He will be my companion until April 11. After that, I won't really have a companion for two weeks. I'll just spend most of my time teamed up with different missionaries and members. I am really excited to have Elder Badel as my companion again, but I am not very excited about sending two companions home only 2 1/2 weeks apart. Oh well, I will do whatever the Lord wants. One thing that is kind of interesting is that Elder Badel  is now only working with the hmong people. It is really going to be fun. I love having companions that are go-getters. It always means the risk of more companion conflicts, but Elder the Dell and I have had a lot of success together. I love companionship's that are like that. (I find that very interesting, because your dad and I were like that. Most marriages both people aren't type a personalities because there are more potential conflicts, but at the same time I think there is more potential growth and more potential success when you yoke yourself to someone who wants to go as fast as you do.)

Things with our other investigators continue to go well. All of those families are very close to being ready for baptism. I can't wait. This area it will really be a good area to work in for a long time to come as long as we are obedient as missionaries. I really hope that the Lord will continue to lead these families to baptism.

March 29, 1992

Today was awesome! We scheduled Tooj'sBrother and his family for baptism on 4 April. I sincerely think that Mos Xyooj is the most spiritual investigator that I have ever had the chance to teach. She is so awesome! Space she has totally committed herself to living the Gospel. Today she totally describe the change of heart that is talked about in Messiah. She told us tonight that she has experienced a change of heart and that she doesn't want to do anything bad again. She is awesome!

3/9-3/16/1992

March 11, 1992

Once again, it is been far too long since I wrote in my journal. Today my companion fell off his bike and twisted his knee really hard. We went to the hospital to see how extensive the damage was. He seems to be alright. He apparently strained a ligament, but the doctor didn't think that it was torn. Nonetheless we spent most of the afternoon in the hospital.

Tonight, Elder Jensen and I went and taught tooj lis and his family. The discussion went really well. We talked a lot about the way in which the hmong customs relate to the Old Testament and the law of Moses. The discussion went awesome.

About 10:00 PM, Elder the Badell and his companion. Called and asked us to go get them and take them to pick up their bikes. We went. Pres. Bott called us to talk to Elder Badell after we left. When I got home, we gave Elder Reese are a blessing for his knee. Pres. Bott called me and reprimanded me strongly for being out late and finding excuses to break the rules. He was mad, but he is the president. I won't be late again.

March 12, 1992

Pres. Bott called this morning to apologize for being angry last night. Today has been awesome! One of the best days of my entire mission. All of the trials of the last week we're definitely worth it! Tooj lis said that he wants to be baptized! I am so happy. I cannot believe how much the Lord has blessed me! I am so happy that Elder reeser is going to be able to see an entire family get baptized before he goes home. Also his brother wants to be baptized as well. What's more, his nephews want to be baptized. They wanted to do it tomorrow, but we couldn't have everyone ready by then. I am really psyched! I can't wait. I hope and pray that the Lord will allow all of this to come through for them. I love to be a missionary!

We also picked up a very good couple today I am so happy I really love to be in the service of the Lord!

Letter from Elder Jason Ehlert written in dad's journal:

Well, Clarke today was my P-day - 18 months man – I don't think I've ever been so scared – I love my mission serving the Lord. Surely there is nothing better-I know that you know that-I love this gospel and I love my savior, I wish somehow I could express my love for the savior perhaps are dedicated work here is the only way we can truly show that love – bringing souls to Christ. There is no greater joy. We really become good friends this last couple of months. We have a lot in common and most importantly our love of missionary work and I really think it will be great to grow together after our missions. We have a great capacity to do a great work whatever it is.thanks for the example you have set for me as a missionary and as a leader. You're a stud – love your stealthy brother, Elder Jason Ehlert

March 13, 1992

Half – mission conference

Sister Bott's talk – Alma 26:3

The field is white and ready to harvest. To harvest, you need a sickle. There are different kinds of sickles that accomplish the same thing. Be the instrument in the Lords hand that you can be. Don't try to be a different kind of sickle then the Lord intended you to be.

Faith is the handle of the sickle. You can't let it go. Hope leads to belief which leads to knowledge. Charity and love lead to an eye single to the glory of God.

You don't know what part of a sickle needs to be sharpened and hound, you must use it. Always keep Christ before you as your supreme example. Being humble means being honest in your evaluation of yourself, both strengths and weaknesses.

If everyone works together and does their job, the sickle combines and makes A combine.

Pres. Bott – how to protect your agency from the attacks of the adversary

Agency is not called "free "agency ones in the standard works. There is always a price.

Moses 4

Satan desires to control our agency. This is the point of the ongoing war. Satan deceives, blinds, and leads captive all those who refuse to hearken unto the Lord and keep his commandments. Don't be idle! D&C 58:25-30

Meet – desirable, necessary or prudent..

We can only be guided if we have velocity. We build up the speed and let the Lord guide our direction. 2 Nephi 2:26–27

Act for themselves and not to be acted upon. It is easier for the Lord to tell us which direction to go when we are moving. Move!

President Groberg –

99% of the promptings of the Spirit is simply the feeling that we should do what is right and the confirmation that we are doing what is right. You cannot raise people to higher ground while mouthing them behind their baths.

Set goals in –

1. Strict obedience

2. Number of people you talk to an contact

3. Number of discussions to teach

4. Baptismal goals

Hey Missionaries job description is basically to talk to people.

Elder Christiansen-

Someday, what you've become is going to meet what you could have been. If what you have become is different than what you could have been, you will experience hell. If what you have become is the same as what you could have been, you will experience heaven.

March 14, 1992

Today was a rainy day both weatherwise and work wise. It just seems to be a hard day to catch people at home. I'm not too concerned about it because everyone has days like these, but it just seems to make the they seem long. Elder razor is doing fairly well as far as chunkiness goes, but he just seems like he is not all here. Sometimes he just seems to space off

We picked up a new family today. The mothers name is Mao Xiong. She has five or six kids – all boys and seems to be really receptive. She wants to know about the church and wants to know which church is God's church. She is going to pray about it tonight and go to church with us in the morning, so we will have to see how it goes.

I am really excited about this area. There is just so much going on here that I can't hardly believe it. I love being in the Lord service. I am really trying to do all that I am supposed to do. I hope that my efforts will be excepted will be for my Lord and my redeemer. I don't need to please anyone but him, but I sure hope that he will be pleased with the effort that I am putting forth. My uttermost desire in my mission and in my life is to serve the Lord, my God.

3/1-3/8/1992

March 2, 1992

I took a two-hour nap yesterday and finally got some sleep. I have felt a lot better ever since. Saturday morning Tsees got baptized. It was so awesome. His mom came to watch and everything! He has a ways to go yet, but he is doing really well. After his baptism, the guys had a basketball game against one of the word from Atwater. They almost one, but they just couldn't hold out

Yesterday, we finally got back into doing missionary work after our early-morning fiasco on Friday. It really felt good. We didn't fast yesterday because we just didn't feel good after the mess. We'll fast next week. That way we can make up for it.

I called Pres. Bott Saturday and ask if I could stay out until the June transfer. He said I could, but I would have to clear it with my parents. I called home and mom and dad really frowned on the idea. I guess I'll have to quit being a missionary someday it might as well be in May.

Some hmong people came down from Stockton to go to church with us on Sunday. It was sure good to see them. They are planning on going to the temple in July. My parents said that I could go back and go to the temple with them then. That is going to be really cool.

March 4, 1992

I am so excited about this area right now but I can hardly stand it. We just finished teaching Me xiong and her children. They are seriously considering baptism again. Oh! I wish that we could get them over the edge so that they could receive the blessings of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. That is such an awesome family! My heart just aches for them. I wish that their dad would just get a grip on life. It is really sad to see what he has done to his family. Anyway, they are getting really close to being ready for baptism. The wisdom of the Holy Ghost would really help them a lot at this point.

The other families that are getting close are Tooj Lis and Npliaj Lis and his family. If they would just take the time to honestly pray about it, I know that they would be ready to be baptized soon. If only I could make these people see how many blessings the gospel would bring into their lives. If only I could make them see how much their father in heaven loves them. I just wish that I could somehow open their eyes, I guess I should be content with the abilities that the Lord has given me, but I know that there must be something else that we could do to help us be more effective. We have so many precious family's investigating right now. There must be something more that we can do to help them.( this was the impression that came after I read that. Your dad wanted you to have something else that he did not have on his mission. He knew you could be more effective if he and his grandpa were on the other side helping you. He knew that those close bonds would give you access to their spiritual gifts as you became one with the Savior and with them.)

March 7, 1992

Well, today was kind of an up-and-down day. We had a baptismal service for tou lee's wife. It was definitely the up part of the day. It was really neat to see him baptize his wife. He had to do it twice because your name came up, but it all worked out fine. I was really stressed before the baptism because of the fact that everyone came late and she forgot to bring a towel and dry underwear. She had to go back home and get it. Anyway, we started about an hour late, but we got the job done. I got to confirm her. During her confirmation, I was really impressed with the fact that she and her husband will be blessed with eternal posterity and growth. 

The hmong guys played an awesome basketball game and one right at the end. What an awesome game. Those guys were so happy. It was great to see.

Tonight I found out that Ker lee and his girlfriend didn't come home last night. Downside of the day. Tonight all of her parents and family are trying to make him marry her. He took off and now nobody knows where he is. It reminds me of something I was once told. You can choose your actions, but you can't use the consequences of those actions.

2/16-2/28/ 1992

February 19, 1992

           Today we were able to get back on track and get back to teaching a lot of our investigators. Between Sunday, P-day and D. D. M. And branch presidency meeting on Tuesday we don't seem to be able to do much on those threedays. Besides that, we went and helped arouny ( a Lao member that we have been working on reactivating) move into a new house that she bought. Anyway, we didn't get much done over the last three days. (remember, when you feel like you're not getting much done that things like helping people move and branch presidency meeting do good in ways that you cannot predict. Serving in the church as a missionary or not is not about just doing the job assignment outlined in the calling, it's about being Christ hands with everyone that you come in contact with. Sometimes that requires us to do things that we don't see the benefits of)

We went to and taught tou lee and his wife today. She said that she wants to be baptized on March 7. That will be cool for elder Reeser to have a baptism so close to the time he goes home. We also taught tooj khwb Lis and his brother today. Those two guys are the coolest! I hope and pray that we will be able to act as instruments in the Lords hands in bringing those two into the waters of baptism as well as their families.

Things are going pretty well with elder Reeser. We have some things to work on, that we are doing well. One of the key things for us to work on is his motivation.

February 25, 1992

One of the Lao families that Elder Badel and I taught together got baptized. That was cool. I got to confirm the youngest boy.

I got an interesting call from Elder Sorenson today. After talking about a number of things, he told me that I am being released as a leader and that elder Reser is going to be called to replace me. He also expressed how much I would need to help Elder Reeser as the zone leader. I just don't get it. I have been a zone leader for only three months. I finally feel like we were starting to get this down going the way that it should be going. I really enjoyed being a zone leader. I wish that Pres. Bott would allow me to continue in that position for a while. I wonder what he really thinks of me. I wonder what's up. Can you tell me how much leadership ability I have and how well I am doing and then promptly releases me. I guess that sometimes you just have to have the faith to keep going. Elder Sorenson says that they are relying on me to lead and guide my companion as the zone leader. I just don't get it at all. I'm sure that the Lord has something in mind, I just wish that I knew what it was. ( The Lord does not call the most qualified people to positions in the church, he calls those that need the experience of the position. Dad didn't need that experience anymore, but dad needed a little dose of humility. Dad needed to learn how to influence people from a supporting position. He already knew how to influence them from a leading position. We can't always be leaders, but we are always supporters.)

February 28, 1992

We got a call from Pres. Bott this morning about 2 AM. He said that an elder had turned up missing any thought maybe he had come to Merced to see a divorce lady who is a member of the church. Anyway, Pres. ask me and Elder ehlert to go find him. We went and picked up Elder Enos, from Hawaii, and he took us to the apartment. We went to the door and knocked. After a pause the door opens wide-no lights were on in the house. When the light came on, the sister was standing at the door and Elder Taylor was sitting on the couch. I said "put your shoes on and go get in the car." He said that he hadn't brought any shoes, so I said, "then go get in the car. "I then drove the car that he brought back up to Oakdale and the other two elders went back home to sleep.

Elder Taylor and I drove back to Oakdale, packed all of his stuff up, and he went down to Fresno for president to decide if he should be transferred out of the mission or send home dishonorably. The whole thing is really sad. I hope that Elder Taylor can get a grip on things and try to get back on track.

It is 2:30 PM now, I haven't been to bed yet, and I have an appointment with the stake president at three then we have appointments until 9:30. I pray that the Lord will give me the strength to do the things I need to do today.

I feel good that Pres. Bott called I need to deal with that problem. It makes me feel better about being released. One thing that I am concerned about is that presidents never talked to Elder Reeser about this. I guess I will deal with that tonight.

2/8-2/15/1992

February 8, 1992

We have some free time this afternoon, so I thought maybe I would write in my journal really quickly. I had an interview with Pres. Bott today. Maybe my last interview with him before I go home and have my exit interview with him. He told me some interesting things. He said that he wanted me to know that he would have made me his AP but that others needed that leadership experience to develop their leadership skills. I didn't in his estimation. He also told me that I need to work on the way that I suggest things to others. He said that it is no big deal, but that because of my intelligence and talent I need to be less intimidating to those who are in positions of authority over me. I don't know if that means that he has been intimidated or my zone leaders or what. Actually that is nothing new to me. I have been dealing with that problem for my whole entire life. However, Pres. Bott gave me some excellent ideas about what to do so that I can avoid that.he also told me not to change my exactness, intelligence, definite nest, or my application of myself and my dedication. He said that the only thing I should try to change as far as this is concerned it's the way in which I suggest things. I'll keep working on this, as I have for a number of years, but I think that was some of his suggestions how I can be more successful.he also made me realize that this is something that I will have to consciously try to avoid for the rest of my life.

February 9, 1992

Quite a busy day for a Sunday. Last night I interviewed Elder Geronimo. He is one of the new elders in the zone he is from Bolivia. We had been somewhat concerned about his level of pride. Anyway, we talked quite a bit about how people perceive the things that he does and says. In the final analysis, he is a very good Elder with a great deal of potential. I think that he will do very, very well.

Elder Jensen was interviewed by Elder Badell, and we feel better now about how he is doing. He had been having some problems with riding home on days other than P-days, as well as calling home. Anyway, Elder Badell  has talk to him and he is doing well now. Yia came to church again today. However our appointment with him fell through tonight. I hope and pray that he will be able to be ready for his baptism on Saturday. We really have a lot of work to do.I hope that we can find time to do it all. Well all we can do his trust in the Lord and keep our nose to the grindstone.

February 16, 1991

Time warp! I'm not sure why I didn't write this earlier, but I didn't. On Wednesday elder Badel and I got new companions. Elder Reeser came to live in Merced to be my companion. It is sure nice to have a hmong speaking companion and to be able to concentrate on just seeing hmong people. Elder Re ver is a quiet guy, But he is super nice. He is really a good elder. He has made some key changes lately that have really helped him to improve. He goes home on the march transfer, but he is determined to work hard right to the end. It will surely seems strange to be with someone during his last month.

Today, we had six investigators at church  including yer lee The president of Lao  family community. It was great! Tweets Lis told us that he is going to get baptized on the 29th. I really hope that things work out. We have an appointment to see him on Tuesday. We have also started teaching Tou lee and his wife. Tou is a member already, but his wife isnt.

We moved into a new apartment, so that is nice. We had a baptism yesterday for the chantwing Family that Elder Badel and I taught together. Awesome!

2/1-2/7/1992

February 3, 1992

Today was a pretty good day. Yesterday was elder Badel's birthday. And today we took almost a whole p-day, so the past few days have been pretty relaxed.

Tonight we went to see me and her kids. It is really sad to see her family in that kind of shape. I sure wish that there was something that I can do to help them. I can't believe that her husband could just run out on them like that. I wish that he would just hurry up and divorced her so that she can get on with her life. I am sure that theLord is allowing this for a wise purpose. I just wish that I understood a little more about what that purpose was. ( God can't intervene when people make bad choices, but he can use those circumstances for our growth. Just because something bad happens because of sin or others bad choices doesn't mean he wanted it to happen but he can use it. Because heavenly father foresees he already has contingency plans put in place.)

I am really concerned about Elder Jensen. He is a new Elder from Idaho in our zone. He seems to be quite homesick. He has a girl back home that is making things pretty tough on him. I am concerned because I think that he is entertaining the thought of going home. We will interview him tomorrow and see how he is doing. Elder Enos is his trainer. So he definitely has good supervision and help. Will just have to pray for him and try to help.

Yesterday, Daniel and his wife threw a surprise birthday party for my companion, so that was fun.

February 5, 1992

Today was really a good day. We were able to teach about five discussions and really had fun. Something really funny happened. See, Friday when we had our baptism, Elder Jensen who has been out of the MTC now for one week confirmed Pa A member. The funny part came when he went to give her the Holy Ghost. He said "we say unto you, receive the priesthood." I had to correct that and we went on as usual. He was really embarrassed.

The funny part came today when we went to teach her a new member lesson. She said, "I have the priesthood "that was hilarious! I didn't realize that she had even caught it. She was just kidding of course, but it was really a surprise to me. It was a riot.

The Lord is blessing our work here more than I ever dreamed was possible. We have been working hard. Really hard. I love it.

Elder Patel's dad called and wants him to go home in March instead of April so that he can go on a family vacation. That is causing Elderdale to do a lot of serious thought.

Well, I need to go to bed. Zone conferences tomorrow so I need to get to bed.

February 6, 1992

I am finally getting used to writing 1992 on the tops of my journal entries and on my checks. It's about time!

Sound conference today was nice. It is always good to have a chance to hear Pres. Bott talk. He has a great understanding of the Scriptures. I hope that one day I will be able to teach from the Scriptures the way that he does. I will just have to pay the price of years and years of gospel study.

I learned when really interesting thing today. Pres. Bott define the word covet for us in a way that I had never heard before. He said that to cut that something was to desire a certain thing without wanting to pay the price to get it. For example it is not wanting something that is a sin. The city comes when one is unwilling to pay the price for what ever it is that one wants. ( that is a very interesting thought to me because you could covet spiritual knowledge and gifts if you desire then but do not have the intention to work and to use faith to get them. Seeking for answers to just be told you without proper study prayer and fasting would be coveting. In a way Oliver Coudry was coveting the gift to translate because he did not seek to study it out in his mind he suppose that it would be given him. We should not desire things without the intention of doing the work to acquire them- mom)

He also stressed the importance of taking a P-day. He said that is something that he has a hard time doing, but we all have to do. Elder badel and I have committed to try to do better at that. ( today I was teaching D&C 88 and we were talking about the school of the prophets. In there several times it says the purpose of the school was to prepare them to be able to share the gospel. Your preparation days are to prepare you to have the spirit with you for the rest of the week. There are temporal things that you must do so that you can set them aside and focus on spiritual things the other days, but the purpose of a preparation day is to prepare you for the rest of the week not for vacation. There is appropriate rest though that is required so that we can be strengthened and do your duty.)

1/22-1/31/1992

January 23, 1992

Today has been a pretty good day. We went this morning and talked to Daniel's wife. It was really a good discussion. Talk about a golden investigator. Her husband is an elder with a strong testimony, she is interested, studiesThe reading assignments that we give her in three different languages to make sure she understands well, and is very eager to learn. Anyway it is truly a pleasure to go And see them.  It is really fun to teach someone so eager to learn.

I use my one free call per year today to call my mom and wish her happy birthday!it was really good to talk to my mom. Things at home seem to be about the usual. Although I still dread the thought of my mission Andy, I am beginning to look forward to seeing my family again. That at least keeps me from feeling as though I have been kicked in the stomach every time someone mentions going home.

I got a letter from Shane Dunaway yesterday. He hasn't changed even a little. I am planning on living with him next year at BYU, but will have to see what happens.

January 24, 1992

Good day today! We got a baptismal commitment from Lila and Gaoly Naopao. They are the girls who are staying with Paul Lee, Our branches second counselor out in Atwater. They have been in America now for about six months. They speak very little hmong, and speak English with a French accent. Anyway, we are really excited about baptizing them on the 31st. I really hope and pray that everything will pull through. It seems like lately all of our baptisms have been falling through at the last minute. I hope they make it.

I am really excited about our area right now. It seems like it has been right on the edge of exploding for a long time. It keeps getting closer and closer. I really hope we can push it over the edge. We have so much work to do that it seems like we can't even keep our heads above water. We have been trying to get this area going for a long time. The Lord has blessed us with some very golden contacts. I hope and pray that I will be counted worthy to act as an instrument in the Lords hands as we try to bring these people and to Jesus Christ. I know the church is true!

January 29, 1992

What an awesome week. We are planning to baptize Lila and three others on Friday. The Lord has blessed us so far beyond measure that it is just unreal! I love to be a missionary! Lila and Gaoly  have an understanding of the gospel that far exceeds anyone that I have ever had the opportunity to teach. Mai is doing great she studied the book of Mormon daily and she prays often. She will be a true strength to the relief society. I am still a little concerned about Pa's testimony. I know that it is there, I just don't know if it is strong enough yet. It is just that I'm afraid that if she doesn't do it now, she will never do it. I hope that we will have a chance to really teach her tomorrow to help her get ready.

I know that the church is true! I hope and pray that the work will continue to go forth at this rate or a greater rate.

Things in the sound have truly improved likely. I love being a missionary in the latter days.

January 31, 1992

Leaders meeting in Fresno was really good today. It is always nice to see all of the other elders. We talk today about a way to try to get more hmong elders both here and in Fresno. I sure hope that works out.

Tonight was our baptism. The disappointing part was that Lila and gaoly's dad didn't give them permission to be baptized. They are moving to Fresno tomorrow. I talked to Elder Davis who is down in Fresno about it. He is going to go and teach the whole family tomorrow. I hope and pray that their family will be receptive. I hope that they can join the church. They have such strong testimonies.

Pa was baptized along with Mai . I baptized Pa and Daniel baptize his wife and sister Sarah. Yesterday we took Daniel and his wife to get a marriage license. Baptisms are awesome. I hope we can get another one soon. I love being a missionary!

1/11-1/21/1992

January 11, 1992

Yesterday was one of those days that you don't get a chance to sit down. I love days like that. I think that yesterday was one of the most productive days that we have had in a long time. Today was also a good day. This morning we went to the grape vineyard that is owned by the church. We "tied the canes quote for about two hours. Talk about cold hands! Anyway, there were about 15 hmong people there. We were able to do our work assignment about twice as fast as any of the American wards. Hmong people just plain were card. It was kind of a fun thing to be able to spend some time working with all of them.

We went to see Me Xiong and her kids tonight. It was a good chance to talk to them all. We had them practice being baptized. Me is kind of nervous that maybe she will get baptized and then Chi will come home and be angry because she has gone to church. Anyway, I will fast for her tomorrow and pray for the whole family. I'm confident that everything will work out the way that the Lord has planned.

I also talk to Pres. Davis about Ker receiving the aaronic priesthood right after he is baptized. That will enable him to baptize the rest of his family. That will be awesome! I hope that it will all work out.

January 15, 1992

Boy! The word busy does not even begin to describe these last few days. This is the first chance I've had to write in my journal lately and I am doing so well sitting on the toilet. We have been very, very busy.

I am quite concerned about me xiong. She is still worried about what their baptism will do to her chances of Chi coming back. She committed to pray tonight and find out whether or not she should get baptized on the 18th. I hate the way Satan gets investigators to second-guess the answers that the Lord has given them. I suppose that there is a great lesson to be learned their concerning the answers that the Lord gives to me.

Elder Badel and I are still getting along great. I am really quite surprised that we are getting along so well. I guess that it just goes to show that if you are both focused on bringing souls to Christ, then personalities do not even matter. It's not that Elder Badel is a bad guy. It's just that I was concerned about how compatible we would be. Anyway I am really learning a lot from him and enjoying it a great deal.

I wonder at this point how many of the lessons that the Lord has in store for me during my mission have been learned at this point.

January 17, 1992

Today has been really hectic. We decided yesterday that she wanted to wait and see what her husband was going to do before she and her kids get baptized. Bummer!

We have been going like crazy all day. Something happened today that really disappointed me. We ask a guy for some help to get some keys out of a hmong  families car. He said if they were Hmong he wouldn't give them the time of day. I said "that's too bad. " he said, "why is that? "Elder Badel said, "they are very good people. "Anyway, we got this story about Vietnam and all of that. The end of the whole thing was that he said that he hoped he had shot one of the people I know fathers. I told him, "I hope you did so you can go to hell for it! "I can't believe that came out of my mouth! I just turned around and walked away. I feel awful about that, but he really ticked me off. He was so ignorant of the situation that I couldn't believe it. Anyway I guess I have some repenting to do tonight before I go to bed. I guess that it sometime I will have to learn to keep my mouth shut.

January 21, 1992

Writing in this journal has come to denote the passage of time. As a result, I have come to dread riding in this book. Today I received for letters, all of which mention the fact that I would be home soon. I have not had such a sinking feeling in my stomach since I went to scout camp and 11-year-old. I don't know what to doabout it, but it is something with which I will soon have to cope. (I suppose you feel that way too, although I am excited to have you home and to see what the next phase of your life will bring. Be excited the Lord has been training you for two years and you are prepared for what comes next.)

Tonight we taught a fireside to the American youth at church on hmong culture. I could not speak English to save my life. I suppose that is a problem that I will have to deal with when I get home.

As usual, we have been extremely busy. Things here are getting close to popping, but we have as of yet been unable to light the fuse. I know that there is so much potential here, but we just haven't been able to tap it yet. I'm tired and going to bed!

1/4-1/9/1992

Jan 4, 1992

Today was really a good day.  We taught 6 discussions and just had a good all around day.  I am really tired.

I have been giving some thought lately to what I want to do for a living when I get home.  I’m not so sure that I want to be a doctor anymore.  I’m not at all thrilled with the idea of doing the same thing every day for the rest of my life.  If I go home and go to work with my Dad, I might have a little more mobility.  I guess I’ll just have to wait and see what happens when I get home.

Jan 5, 1992

Well we are staying in Los Banos for tonight. Tomorrow morning President Bott and the AP’s will be picking us up to take us up to San Bruno to get some newly purchased cars.  We will be driving up together and then driving  back in separate cars.  From now on we will have a car for the Asian Elders in Merced. That is probably happening just in time for me to get transferred.  Anyway, it will be nice to have a car for a while.

Today at church was awesome!  Me Xiong and her children came to church today.  We had six investigators at church today.  We also had a really good lesson in Priesthood meeting.  The only thing that went wrong was that during Sunday School Blong Lee was teaching the class out of the Jehovah’s witness book.  It took all of the energy that I had to keep the lesson doctrinally correct without offending or embarrassing the teacher.  Afterwards Blong and I had a really good talk.  We are feign to meet with long later this week and we will get him some better books to read.  I guess I better get going.

January 7, 1992

Yesterday was great! We rode up to San Bravo with Pres. and Sis Bott. We had a good talk with them. On the way home, we had permission to stop at the Stanford bookstore at Stanford. It was really fun to go back there. I am really glad that I decided to go to BYU instead of Stanford. That is a neat school, but I don't think it is a very good place for A single LDS person.

Today was kind of slow. I had a chance to talk with sub Lis. That was a pretty depressing. There isn't much chance of him going home. That is really a sad situation, but it surely makes it easier for his wife and children to get baptized.

Tsees Lis is getting further and further away. Ever since he decided to not get baptized, he has been drifting farther and farther off the path. I don't know how to help him. Tomorrow is the phone conference with Pres., maybe I'll get some good ideas then.

January 9, 1992

Today was a pretty good day. It really felt good to get back into the routine of teaching again. Between going to Modesto yesterday and San Brunel on Monday, I feel like we haven't accomplished much at all this week. Anyway, today we were able to teach a lot of people.we spent a lot of time working with Lao  people today.

Tonight I went with Lou Mona to see Me Xiong and her children. It went really well. I absolutely love to teach the gospel to people. It is so amazing to see the countenance of others change as they feel the influence of the Holy Ghost during the course of a discussion.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true and living Church on the face of the earth today. I know that God lives. I know that Jesus Christ atone for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day! I know that the book of Mormon is true. I know that Joseph Smith, was a prophet of God.

I know this more firmly than I have ever known this in my whole life. I love to share the gospel I have a burning desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I write these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

12/24- 1/3/1992

Dec 28, 1991

I certainly haven’t done very well lately at writing in my journal.  We just got back from Hmong New Year in Fresno.  We were there yesterday and today.  it was so much fun.  I have never felt so much the center of attention in my life.  What we would do is this.  we would walk around in our native Hmong costumes and talk to everyone in Hmong.  It usually didn’t take too long for a crowd to gather. Then I would talk to everyone e and goof off for a while.  Sometimes I would sing a Kwv txhiaj.  I would ask them who knew about the Mormon church.  I would explain what we do as missionaries and ask them if they wanted to know more about the church.  I would ask those that did to give their names and addresses to me or Elder Badell.  It was a very good way to get referrals.  Their usually were 2 or 3 people in each crowd that wanted to study.  we ended up with about 45 referrals.

It was so awesome to see everybody again.  i got to see all of the people from Stockton and Fresno that I used to know.  It is strange how close I feel to the people that I helped teach and baptize.  There is a  bond between us that I can’t explain. 

Dec 30, 1991

Today was really a great day!  We were able to see and tach 5 families.  It is so awesome to be able to spend all day long teaching the gospel.  I love it!

Lou Lee told us today that she was 4 months pregnant and she wants to wait to be baptized until her baby is born.  we asked her to pray about being baptized on the 18th of January.  I hope that she will receive an answer to her prayer and decide to be baptized soon.

Last night Chi Lee’s (Cib LIs)  wife called us on the phone and said that he had left her to go find a new wife.  I don’t know how a guy could possibly leave his wonderful family that way.  We went to see them tonight and we gave his wife a blessing.  I hope and pray that he will have a change of heart and go back home.  his wife is just a wreck.  I don’t see who in the world a guy could leave his family and still be able to live with himself.

We are sure teaching a lot of people now. Ii only wish that we could get some of them to be baptized.

Elder Badell and I are getting along pretty well.  He is really a good guy.  It is really nice to have a companion who wants to wrk hard.  I hope that the people we are working with will soon want to be baptized.

Jan 1, 1992

I can not believe that it is 1992!  I can’t believe all of the growth that has taken place in me in the last year. Wow!  I can’t believe what the next year holds in store for me.  I am really scared to have to go home.  To think that this year I will complete my mission, reenter college and be home at this time next year absolutely blows my mind! This mission is going by way too fast.

Today was supposed to be a P-day but it didn’t quite end up that way. We went this morning to take the Lee kids to the park to get them out of their mom’s hair for a while.  After that, we just seemed to find one thing right after another that needed to be done all day long.  As a result, we didn’t have any time for a preparation day.  Next Monday will come soon enough.

We did take a break tonight to watch the Orange Bowl.  Nebraska got kicked around by Miami :(

Yesterday we had a butt-chewing session for the whole zone.  I think that we finally suceeded in waking some of these Elders up.

Jan 3, 1992

Today has been a pretty darn good day.  We have made some good contacts,taught some good discussions, and had an overall good day.

We have so many people to teach now that it is really hard to get to all of them.  There just isn’t enough time in the day.

Me Xiong is doing a lot better today than ever,  She has got a good hold on what’s going on and her children are coping well too.  i sure hope that they don’t end up giving any of the children to CIB.  That would be a shame.  There is still the chance that he will come home, but with each passing day it grows smaller and smaller.

Lou Lee has had an answer to her prayer and wants to get baptized.  The only problem is that she wants to wait until her baby is born in May before she is baptized.  I sure hope that she wil change her mind.

It is funny how people don’t have time during school due to all of the activities associated there with, yet, they don’t have time during vacation because of all of the things they want to do before school starts again.  The Church is still true.

12/16-12/23/1991

Dec 16, 1991

I am dead tired.  We steam cleaned the carpets in two apartments this morning.  That is a lot more work than I thought it would be.  Anyway, we spent a long time cleaning this morning.  it was kind of interesting to see the way that different Elders reacted to the task.  Some jump right in and get to work, some wait to be asked for their help and thereafter work hard.  Some wait to be asked, work for a short time, and then find an excuse to quit or go do something else.  Then there are even some that don’t ever help at all.  i am really grateful for the fact that my parents helped me to learn how to work. I also realize how important it is for me to teach my children how to work.  The same Elders that rolled up their sleeves and got to work are the same Elders that are the really good Elders.

I really wish that I could shake this cold.  I am sick and tired of being sick.  It’s not that I have been a ll that sick, it’s just that the constant cold is wearing me down.  i have a hard time with the cold weather too.

Dr. Agarwall sent me some more medicine for my knees today, so that was cool.  At least now the cold weather won’t make my knees hurt.

The Spirit has been really strong lately.  I hope I can continue to be worthy of the accompaniment of the Holy Ghost.

Dec 17, 1991

Where does the time go?  I can’t believe that 1992 is only 14 days away.  It seems like I have all ways planned on going home from my mission and going on with life, but never until 1992.  !992- that is so far away.  Go back to school?  Yeah- but not until 1992.  What a wreck- I can’t believe it is nearly here!  My mission is now 18 1/2 months old.  i have so much more to do.  I can’t believe it.

Today was one of those days that I have occasionally.  I spent all day working and got little to nothing accomplished.  We did get to teach Cib Lis and his family.  They are the greatest.  I really hope that we can get that family to be baptized.  The oldest boy, Ker, has been playing hookey and causing his parents more stress than I can imagine.  Anyway, it went well and I hope they will get on the ball.

Dec 21, 1991

Well, Elder Jeppson was transferred on Thursday.  My new companion is Elder Badell.  i lived with him for a while in Stockton.  he is a pretty good guy.  He is a little overbearing at times, but he want to work hard and he is a good missionary.  he is also a Z.L., so he can help me to deal with all of the problems that arise.

My parents sent me a very nice 18 Karat gold Raymond Weil watch for Christmas.  it is really nice.  The only problem is that I am not sure that I can wear it anywhere but to church.  I guess I can find out when I call home at Christmas.

The missionary work here is going fantastic!  Elder Badell speaks Lao very well, so he is able to translate well enough that he is fun to teach with.  The Hmong families that we are working with are coming along really well.  We are working with Cib Lis Neeb Lis, Niam Kaim Lis, and Niam Vaj Khwb Lis the most right now.  Khul Lee’s wife told us Friday about a dream she had in which she saw her entire body glowing.  She felt that was an answer to her prayer about whether or not she should be baptized.  She says she wants to get baptized, so that is awesome!  We are going to try to set a date for after the end of the year tomorrow when we go see her and her husband.

Dec 23, 1991

Today was Hmong New Year in Merced.  It was really fun to get all dressed up in Hmong clothes and go see all of the Hmong people.  Hmong people are the best!  They absolutely love you just for being you.  That is the best.

Yesterday was the Christmas program at church.  We met with the Americans for the program.  i can honestly say that it was the most spiritually uplifting sacrament meeting that I have ever attended.  it was awesome.  it felt so good to feel the Spirit so strongly.  I was absolutely overwhelmed to sit there and contemplate the sacrifice that Christ truly made for me.  i was absolutely flooded with love. The love that the Savior has for each and everyone of us is incredible.

I know that my Redeemer lives.  I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior.  He atoned for my sins and was resurrected that all might be raised from the dead to meet Him at the great judgment bar.  I look forward to that day.  i still must do much preparation before that day, but I look forward to the day that I will be able to enter into the rest of my Father.  i write this in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

12/8-12/15/1991

Dec 10, 1991

At the start of my mission, it was really easy to find time to write in my journal.  now it seems like I never have time.

These past few days have been quite hectic.  Yesterday, for my birthday, we cooked the steaks that Mom and Dad sent.  They were really good.  It made me realize how much I miss Mom’s home cooking.  I really miss eating the kind of food that I can’t afford as a missionary. 

Chao Chi Ly is still planning on being baptized this Saturday.  I hope and pray that everything will come together.  Being a missionary is really fun, but sometimes not knowing for sure if things will work out or not is kind of stressful.

Being a zone leader is kind of fun.  The only complaint I have is that I spend 90% of my time dealing with 10% of the Elders in the zone.  I wish that we could spend our time working on ways to improve our effectiveness instead of working on getting Elders to just get their head into the ballgame.

I got a bunch of balloons and candy from Kristin yesterday.  I really wish she would just leave me alone.

Dec 11, 1991

1/2 Mission Conference

AP’s Talks-

Elder Barclay- What is real strength?

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is STRENGTH!

Priesthood is STRENGTH!

Prayer is STRENGTH!

Testimony, service, humility are Strength.

Our Savior Jesus Christ is strength!

Feeling the Holy Ghost’s presence is strength

Only those who rely on God are able to posses true strength.  

Companions generate strength.

Elder Elmer-

The birth of the Savior Jesus Christ is the single most important event ever.  

There is a difference between focusing in Christ and focusing on Christ.

We must focus our lives in order to have an abundance of the Spirit.  EYE SINGLE TO THE GLORY OF GOD.

Sacramental Prayer-

Remember Him, Keep His Commandments,

Willing to take upon me His name

So I can always have His spirit to be with me.

Mosiah 18- Stand as a witness at all times and in all places.

**Create and keep a lasting Vision- in yourself first- then in your investigators

Always focus discussions on Christ so investigators will feel the Spirit.

Continue on in the way of the Lord.

Elder Sorenson- Service

If Christ, whom we call our God, could spend His life in our service, then how much more we should serve on e another.

Motivation for acts of service is Key. 

Serve your companion.  

Have I done any good in the world today?

President Bott

Christ suffered all D&C 19

‘Young man, most of the work in this world is done by people who don’t feel very well.” Harold B Lee

It is through small acts one gains salvation.  The little, daily things one does add up to salvation.

Matthew 25:35-40 (sep vs 40)

Hungered- 2 Nephi 32:3, Matthew 5:6

Thirst- Joshn 7:37-39 (satisfied or quenches only through revelations of the HG.

Stranger- Eph 2:19-20, Moro 6:4-5

Naked- Eph 6:11-18, D&C 27:15-18

Sick- World of Sin.  Mosiah 27:29

Prision- Habits, Sin, Unbelief

John 16:33, Alma 37:34- Be cheerful in tribulation.

D&C 76:5-15 Reward of tribulations endured.

Dec 13, 1991

Well, I forgot to write in my journal again yesterday.  Chaos Chi Ly decided not to get baptized tomorrow.  After he was interview, he said he wanted to wait for a while.  i’ not too sure why, but he said that he wasn’t ready. I’m not sure what he things he has to do to get ready either.  He says that it’s personal, and he can’t talk about it.  I guess we’ll just have to keep working with him.

Today was a pretty good day.  I have really been tired today.  IT seems like every night I just barely lay down and the alarm immediately goes off. I don’t know where those seven or eight hours go to, but it doesn’t seem like I get to sleep very long.

I went with Yang Xiong today to teach Chi Lee and his family.  I love that family so much.  They are just awesome.  I hope and pray that we can work things our with their relatives so that they can all be baptized.  We’ll just have to keep working and praying.

I had a notice in the mailbox tonight that I Received a package tomorrow.  I’ll find out who it is from.

Dec 14, 1991

Yesterday, some people left some toy dart guns on our proc as a Christmas present.  Even as I write, darts are flying about the room.  The Elders are really having fun.  My gun broke already :(

Today has been a pretty good day.  Tonight I taught a discussion to 3 Hmong teenage girls who just got here from France.  IT was really fun to teach them.  They are living with Paul Lee (Their uncle) Who is the 2nd counselor in our Branch Presidency.  It was really fun to teach them.  I had to teach in black Hmong and English and then let them discuss it in French and explain it back to me.  I thought it would take forever.

Being the zone leader is fun, but it is also rather frustrating.  I wish that I could make the other Elders realize what it is that they are about.  I wish they could see how urgent their hob and message are.

I have really notice lately that as I explain things to the Elders or teach them, I often learn as I help them,  It is really amazing to me how that works.  I a quite often amazed at the words that come out of my mouth.  As long as I prayerfully consider my responses, I find that I am taught from on high as I tach.  That is really an awesome feeling.

(Dad has discover the secret of being enabled with knowledge… it comes easily when you are trying to help someone. :)