Working on in the Community

The recent "no evangelism" ban has been a real reminder that the door is open today but could be closed at any time.

But we continue to witness everyday in other ways. Our home has become a make shift clinic for some local kids. When they get injured they come to our house to get fixed up. It has been a priviledge to care for them. This boy burned his leg while riding a moto. It was starting to get infected when he came to our house. He came by a few days later to show us how well it was healing!




I continue to teach the book of John 3 days a week. About 75% of the students are not believers yet, though I see signs of repentence and fruit in some.



Please pray for us as we teach and care for the Cambodians. Pray for our students as they hear the Gospel call.

God Bless,
Bill

Evangelism Banned in Cambodia

I am sad to report the Ministry of Cults and Religion has made a new directive banning all public evangelism. Including door to door witnessing, passing of tracks, and open air broadcasts. We are still free to worship and preach inside the church property.

They have released numerous radio and TV broadcasts in the last week to make the public aware. If churches continue to evangelize they will first be warned. The second time the church in violation could be closed.

Here is a bit of the news;

"All public proselytizing activities are prohibited. Christians are not allowed to proselytize citizens' houses by knocking on doors or waiting for them, saying "the Lord is coming" which is an interruption to daily life or may intrude on privacy in the community."And then: "Teachings of religions must respect other religions and avoid insulting and degrading each other, especially Buddhism, the state religion.

"Minister of Cults and Religion Chea Savoeun said last week that the new directive is a prudent move. "People have complained a lot to the Ministry of Cults and Religion over this issue," he said, adding that some Christian groups have been accused of "looking down" on other religions and disturbing people in their homes.

Chheng and I though saddened by this are encouraged by God's providence. Our afterschool teaching program draws in about 150 students per day. We preach the gospel to them daily. The Lord lead us to start this program before any of this happened with the government and we are thankful for His provision. Here is a link to the whole article that summarizes the ministry's position. Please continue to pray for Cambodia.

http://www.camnet.com.kh/cambodia.daily/selected_features/enva.htm

Bill

House Construction Photos

Here are some current photos. The house will be about 1100 Sq/ft total. God Bless!

Bill

It's a baby girl!!!

We wanted to let you guys know that we are having a little baby girl. We have decided to name her Katherine Elaine after my grandma and Jennifer's mom. Thank the Lord for his kindness to give us a little girl.


God Bless,
Bill

We almost have a house now!

Hello all! Here are some recent photos of our home construction. The workers are doing a great job. Please continue to pray the Lord will provide for the building. We have had some cost overruns. I'm sure this happens to many people that build a home. And this too we know is providential.

God Bless,
Bill

Hello from good ole Cambodia

Hello to everyone! We have been really swamped lately and have not had much time for blogging. But just in case you thought something was wrong we have included a few recent pictures of us as proof that we are doing well. Enjoy!

God Bless,
Bill and Jennifer

Our 1987 Toyota Camry

We are happy to tell you that we have successfully acquired a car to drive around in. The best feature is the air conditioner! It is an old car but it still runs good and will be much better for Jennifer and the baby than the moto. Thank the Lord and those who have helped with gifts.

The rains have really started coming down now. For the past week it has rained everyday. The roads are getting really messy. But we are glad to see some cooler days. Jennifer and I are doing well. Jennifer had a checkup the other day at the SOS clinic in Phnom Penh. The Doc says she is doing well and we were able to listen again to the baby's tiny heart beat. It is truly an amazing thing! Please continue to pray for Jennifer and the baby.

God Bless,
Bill

The Baby Begins To Show Itself

Jennifer is now entering her 16th week of pregnancy. Everyone has been clamoring for a picture of her growing belly. So here it is… enjoy. She is doing really well.

We both continue to feel the Lord’s blessing upon us. No doubt we also sense your prayers for us. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer.

We press on to that great destination of Holiness and Godliness. This is our goal in Cambodia… to discipline ourselves for the purpose of Godliness (1 Timothy 4:7) and to teach others to do the same. To read the Word of God daily, to pray without ceasing, to be faithful in attending public worship, to receive communion, to share the Gospel in the community. It is a most difficult task but one that in the end will yield its good fruit.

God Bless You All,
Bill

“I must take care above all that I cultivate communion with Christ, for though that can never be the basis of my peace—mark that—yet it will be the channel of it.” – Spurgeon

Laying the Foundation

Last week was very busy on the building front. We finished what we needed to finish on the wall so we began adding the dirt. At present we have added 282 trucks of dirt at $3 each. We estimate we will need about 100 more before we are through. This area is a bit low so we needed to raise it up. This morning the foundation crew started hammering in the concrete piers that will be the beginning of the foundation. Each pier will be hammered into the ground 4 meters deep.

After these guys get finished up with their work (later today hopefully) the builders will start on the foundation work. After that they will start laying the bricks. The materials needed for such a small project is tremendous.

Some of the materials used so far:

100 pounds of 1mm steel ties
770 pounds of 6mm steel
100 pieces of 10mm steel at 12 meters each
18 pieces of 12 mm steel at 12 meters each
4 tons of concrete
6 tons of sand
2 tons of small rock
22000 bricks

Please continue to pray for the work on our home. Jennifer and I feel it will firm up our presence in the area to have our own place. And it also put us in a better position to raise our family. May the Lord bless this home to be a home that will serve Him.

Peace,
Bill


1Co 3:11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

The Internet is up and running!

I am glad to say that the Internet was successfully installed at the church today. We went with a company called camshin which offers a satellite option. The price was less than we had thought it was going to be...$59 per month with no equipment charges or deposits. We got the 128 k version. We still have a power limitation because the power is not on until 6:00 PM but as the Cambodias say, "step by step."

Many thanks to FBC Parker for providing the funds for the internet. This is a real blessing for us out in the country side.

God Bless you all,
Bill