Greetings from Japan!
SOWING AND REAPING IN CAMBODIA
Cambodia is among the poorest countries in Asia, both materially and spiritually. Forty years have passed since Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge killed more than two million people in an attempt to establish a Communist agrarian utopia, but the legacy of those holocaust years can still be observed in a severe lack of infrastructure, education, opportunity, and hope. Fewer than 1% of Cambodians know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
In September, Russell helped organize and lead a ministry team to Cambodia to hold a series of medical clinics in several villages. Team members came from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Japan, and the Philippines.
Medical Clinic
Reading Glasses
The conditions were often rustic as we held clinics in village churches. In one location, we were forced to shut down by local officials. The authoritarian Buddhist government closely monitors and sometimes restricts the activities of Christians.
In other villages, the authorities sent local police and doctors to observe us, but these came away impressed by the expertise and kindness of our team. They even joined in the work, and invited us to come back!
Young mothers were grateful to receive vitamins and medicines for their children's illnesses, while the elderly were overjoyed to receive reading glasses. In addition to offering basic medical care and words of hope and encouragement, team members also prayed for the patients who sought their help. Prayer is the best medicine of all!
Prayers for Patient
Along with medical personnel, we were blessed to have a contingent of outstanding young folks to minister to the children in every location. We are proud to say that our grandson Alex was a part of this dynamic team!
The children enjoyed playing outdoor games, making crafts, listening to Bible stories, learning gospel songs, and just having fun! Best of all, the children learned to pray to Jesus, and had the opportunity to offer their lives to Him!
In years past, we have invested time, effort, and funding in similar trips, aiding pioneer works and digging wells for villages. On this trip, we were especially gratified to see the fruit of these investments in the form of thriving new church plants!
Children's Ministry Team
Children at Prayer
POINTS FOR PRAYER
• Pray that the churches in Cambodia will not be oppressed and restricted in their activities, but have freedom to worship and spread the gospel.
• Our churches are helping the youth in their communities by teaching English and offering computer training. Pray that the youth will be equipped to serve the Lord and bring prosperity to their nation.
• Pray for the missionary who leads our work in Cambodia, Rev. Merlen Lamanilao from the Philippines. Pray for her financial support and for her teenage daughter who will soon graduate from high school.
• Pray for upcoming trips to Thailand and Nepal, for safe travels and effective ministry.
• Our financial support has fallen off, hampering our ability to travel and minister. Please pray for our support to increase, and consider helping to answer to that prayer.
Thank you for your partnership in the gospel!
Russell & Sandra Board
