Evangelistic Camp

From August 16-18, we had our very first joint Evangelistic Camp. We were all thrilled to have seen 831 people gathered at the Rawlings Institute Campsite. This is a unique camp as about 65% of the participants were unbelievers some of which have never ever heard the Gospel from anyone before. Needless to say, we have run into some difficulties as we were prepared for a maximum of 600 campers only. However, the difficulties vanished when we saw over 300 souls saved and over 100 baptized at the camp swimming pool. We can not express our appreciation enough for the efforts and labor of love done by our friends from Community Baptist Church in Pasig City, Philippines under the leadership of Pastor Greg Lyons in helping us both in the preparations and in the actual execution of the programs during the camp.

Youth Camp 2006

The Annual National Youth Camp last August 9-12 was attended by about 380 young people from different churches. The speakers at the camp challenged the young people with the theme of "Cambodia for Christ". Many souls were saved and many young people committed their life to be faithful in serving the Lord through their home churches while many others surrendered to go to Bible College.

CBBC Graduation 2006

Last July 6, we had our 5th Commencement Exercises at Cambodia Baptist Bible College. Dr. Billy Wood of Grace Baptist Church, Powder Springs, Georgia was guest speaker for the occasion. Four ladies and 13 men walked the platform to receive their diplomas. Two of the men who graduated are members of Grace Baptist Church – Phnom Penh. Bro. Siem Bunthol is now ministering in a pioneering work in Kandal Steung. Bro. Sophea, the salutatorian of the graduating class, is our assistant pastor at Grace Baptist Church – Anlong K’ngan. Most of the other graduates are helping in their respective churches with some of the men preparing to start new churches in the countryside of Cambodia. We are so thankful for your faithful support for CBBC these many years. Your prayers and financial support is being multiplied several times over through the graduates coming out of Cambodia Baptist Bible College.

Courageous Creativity!

Part of the thrill of being a missionary is being able to observe other people’s strange ways of doing things. Some of their unusual ways here are driving their motorcycles on the opposite side of the road. In the market you spend time trying to look for items you need and the salesperson will insist to you that the product they have is just as good or even better than what you are looking for, even when it is obvious that it isn’t and sometimes it does not even come close to being similar with the item you wanted. Often when you ask someone to do something for you, the instant answer would be “I’m sorry, it can not be done.” or “It’s not possible.” What they actually mean is; “We’ve never done it that way before.” or “We’ve never seen it done that way before.” Honestly, at times when the flesh kicks in, these could become excuses for irritation!!!

On the other hand you can observe unusual ways that often strikes you with wonder. Sometimes you find yourself saying; “Wow!” Cambodians are very creative and in the name of survival more courageous than most of us. On the roads, at least, courageous creativity is a way of life in this country! Just look at the pictures!

P.S. - Please don't misunderstand me as saying; this is how we go to the market or transport things ourselves. We haven't acclimatized ourselves that much yet! Who knows? Maybe in time we will!!!

Father's Day

How many children do you have to have to be a father? The more, the merrier, maybe! I think this is the case with us here at Living Waters Children's Home. Including our two biological children who are still with us, we have 16 children from age 4 years old to 20 who greeted me Happy Father's Day last Sunday. Our home is filled with children's noise from early morning till sleeping time. There is plenty of little boys' yelling, girls' giggles, children's fights and a lot of times unending reporting of this guy did this and that guy did that! There is also the unending competition of the little ones for attention from Papa and Mama. Taking care of these many children has definitely added to our daily work load but the added dimension has become another avenue of joy and fulfilment in our lives and ministry.