NAVY'S STORY

KONG NAVY'S  STORY

Jan. 15, 2026

Navy is a pioneer saint in Kampong Speu!  She is valiant and full-heartedly converted to the Savior and His gospel.  She is the foundation of our little group here and supports with her faith, her missionary visits, and her food contributions for every get-together.  

Elder Madrid wrote some of her life history.  With his permission, I am including his write-up!

Navy lived the first years of her life in a refugee camp in Thailand. Her family were devout Buddhists. However, there was a picture of Jesus Christ in the camp that she absolutely loved. She soon moved to Cambodia and throughout her childhood, she would often think back to that picture, especially when life was hard. She didn't know why, but she felt that Jesus Christ was real. She believed.

At age 16, although unapproved by her parents, she began to attend different Christian churches. She attended many different denominations. She was determined to find the church which truly belonged to and followed the Jesus Christ she saw in the picture in Thailand. She attended each church only once, for she felt unsatisfied each time.

Eventually, she attended a meeting held by the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The meeting was held in a small rental on the side of a busy road. As the opening hymn began to play, she knew she found it. She was certain. There was no doubt in her mind. She sought out the missionaries and was baptized three weeks later. 

After her baptism, her parents told her to either choose the church or her family. “There is nobody who can stop my faith.” says Navy. She chose the church and was kicked out of her home. 

Years later, she met and married Den. Den was baptized when he was younger. At that time, those around him were living in the world, partying and drinking. He chose to fit in with his friends and immediately went inactive after his baptism. When he married Navy, she brought him back to church and helped him to align his life with the Lord's commandments. He went on to serve in many callings, including a group leader, branch president, bishop, and stake high councilman. 

Navy and Den saved money for years to go to the temple. Navy remembers selling unused household items to scrape up just enough money to fly out to the Manila, Philippines temple. The worries of life, money, and unsurety weighed heavily on her shoulders as she made the trip to Manila. “When I entered the temple, I forgot about it all, Elder!” She told me. 

Navy had spent the time from her baptism until now doing family history work, preparing five generations of names for temple work. When she performed their baptisms in Manila, she saw her grandparents and ancestors dressed in white, standing and watching the ordinances, rejoicing! Her heart was filled with peace, but also pained that it took her so long to get to the temple when all of her family members had been waiting for her. 

She then received her endowment and was sealed to Den for time and all eternity. She has since returned to the temple twice more. There isn't a more excited member for the Phnom Penh, Cambodia temple. Her love for the temple is inspiring. I told her that within a one hour drive from my house, there are three temples. She seemed to almost tear up, and made me promise to never make excuses not to go. Some people say they are too busy to go to the temple. She was busy because everything she did revolved around getting herself to the temple. 

They are now the mother and father to a nine year old boy named Bodisak, who volunteered to give a talk, prepared it, and delivered it all on his own yesterday at church. They are one of the most united, bright, beautiful families I have ever met in Cambodia. I know that this is because of their faith and devotion to Jesus Christ. How great are their rewards in heaven. How great are their sacrifices made, all undoubtedly worth it. 

I will add an additional part to the narrative.  Their son Bodisak was a miracle baby.  They had many miscarriages and waited years for the blessing of being parents.  They continued faithful through the hardship.  Years and years past.  Then as Den served in church leadership, they were blessed with their beautiful boy.  They recognize sacrifice in service as a direct link to their most desired heartfelt hope.  Their story is much like mine, with my 8 miscarriages and 6 years of longing and waiting.  We were finally blessed with children when Jim served as the bishop.  The depths of heartache; the heights of great joy!