January 12, 2009

If the delay between my entries is anything to judge by, our time in Cambodia is disappearing right before us...This is a time of mixed and tender emotions for us both.

In both of our branches we have preparations for the new year's changes- both in lesson materials, classes, and youth activities as we began a new Mutual year and theme. In addition, the Lord has continued to bless our branches with families that are being taught and we have loved working with our elders. We find particular joy in sharing our testimonies of the blessings that the gospel brings to families- for we can testify based on personal experience of these priceless truths.

However, we continue to be the ones blessed as we listen to, and watch in action, the faith and humility of these choice people. Last Sunday in our KT Branch we had a family of 5 confirmed. Our elders have encouraged the new members to invite our local Melchizedek priesthood holders to baptise and also do their confirmations. It is one of the most humbling and choice experiences of our mission to see a circle of Khmer brethren unite together and to hear a man who has only been a member a short time himself, have the courage and faith to open his mouth and seek revelation through the priesthood to confirm and give a blessing.... This is truly the work of God and not of man- and we can testify that we have seen His hand and His love in the lives of these people.

I am the organist in our KT branch and for nearly a year and a half now, I have sat to the side of the stand and tried to listen for the few words of Khmer that I know. As the months have gone by, I have finally become familiar with some of the words of the sacrament prayers and recognize them as they are spoken. Now, most of the children here have never seen or been close to an electric piano and it is a rare Sunday that I do not have a small group who come to sit beside me. Generally they leave for their seats as the meeting begins, but this past Sunday was an exception as I had 3 young boys stay and I didn't have time to use my limited Khmer to ask them to leave before the sacrament prayers began. None of these boys are members- they are neighborhood children who on their own initiative come to Church nearly every Sunday. Imagine the feelings of my heart as I heard the one closest to me whisper, nearly word perfectly with the priest, as he spoke the words of the prayer from the sacrament table. You simply can not experience these moments without knowing that you are on holy ground.

In the few weeks left, as we prepare to return home, we pray that the experiences we have had and shared with you, will continue to be a blessing to all of us. God truly is no respecter of persons, and in the days to come, when the Lord of Lord returns to rule and reign upon the earth, we know that these humble, child-like people will be among those whom He will call up and honor for their love and devotion to Him. It will be the challenge and opportunity of the rest of our lives, to remember and emulate the example these people have been for us.

As we have spoken with you, we know that the tender mercies of the Lord have blessed each of our lives, and may we always live to be worthy of and recognize His love for each of us.

All of our love,

Elder and Sister Dickerson- Grandpa and Grandma!