End of December 2024 Update
Remember this? https://youtu.be/HCTunqv1Xt4?si=XY9_OeRgSZpeK91m
When I was 17, the Beatles’ hit had us all humming… “Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m sixty-four?” I remember wondering, “Will I even be alive at 64?”
But this year, impossibly, Peter and I have been married 50 years…and, yes, I’m still needing/feeding him! To commemorate our (golden) anniversary, I received a gorgeous gold pendant, with “50” engraved on one side and a train engine on the other (we met on a train!)…a truly romantic and thoughtful gift from my truly romantic and thoughtful husband.
And Peter’s gift? I got him a food chopper. In fairness, that IS what he asked for. (That may possibly be because I’ve told him he’s never more attractive than when cooking!)
My semester of teaching Academic English to seminary students has ended; I remain in awe of these young people who tackle the Herculean task of studying theology in a second language. The obstacles they face are daunting; persecution for their beliefs, separation from families and friends, lack of finances, a poor educational foundation, and now studying tertiary theology in English without adequate linguistic preparation! Always grateful, they are quick to remind me they are the fortunate ones… as so many from rural Cambodia/Vietnam/Laos will never have this opportunity.
Apart from celebrating our anniversary (which we managed to stretch out over several delicious meals), completing another series of disciple-making trainings in the province, finishing English teaching, and several Sunday sermons, the rest of December was devoted to fundraising and planning for Children’s Christmas Outreaches with five separate missions in four countries, each with several celebrations. Frequently, the celebrations were no more elaborate than a native language coloring book, colored pencils, plus lunch; many were undertaken only as funds came in. The photographic evidence is overwhelming; Peter received 473 pictures at the last count! I’ve attached just a few of them to give you a taste.
As mentioned in our November newsletter, the Children’s Christmas Outreaches, which take place where projects already exist (either a Kid’s Club or church plant), have been VERY successful in the past. Attracted by the fun, food, skits, and prizes of the Christmas celebrations, neighborhood kids hear the Word of God, sometimes for the first time, and can join the group in the following weeks if they wish. Parents, too, often become interested as they hear what their children are learning from people who care about them, and this can lead to a church plant. Team leaders, who are excellent stewards of God’s money invested in Kingdom work, keep careful records of how many children are added after Christmas. In some cases, the projects doubled! We are thrilled to hear the numbers of children and adults who surrender their lives to the LORD at these events and are so grateful for those who sent a “little something extra” to make these celebrations possible! Just know that for us it has been a joyful time being the conduit of your gifts and God’s Word to children halfway across the world.
Every day, Peter and I discover more about these kind and gentle Cambodians, whose culture and heritage are so very different from ours. Some concepts are hard to grasp and/or remember, such as their overwhelming desire to follow rules and “save face.” We’ve learned that NO ONE must be blamed for any mistake…but sometimes we are “culturally forgetful.”
Here's one small example. During a recent attempt to check into a hotel, the clerk conducted an extensive search on his computer before politely informing us, “Bong” (a respectful Khmer term for brother), we don’t have a reservation for you.”
Peter showed him our emailed reservation confirmation. This prompted more diligent searching on the computer, with the regretful response, “Bong, we have no reservation for you.”
“Well,” said Peter pleasantly, “I do have one. Here’s my reservation confirmation. Please read the details. It’s paid for.”
“It’s not in our system,” was the sad reply.
“I understand, but your system sent me a confirmation, so there’s a reservation somewhere.”
“But we don’t have a reservation for you in the system.” This was expressed as a gentle statement, not really an argument.
“That’s not my problem, it’s yours. I made the reservation. You sent me a confirmation. Perhaps someone forgot to enter it.”
“Oh, no, Bong! No, no, no! That didn’t happen. It’s not our fault!”
“Whose fault is it then? Is it mine?”
“N-n-n-o-o. But it is not our fault. We don’t have a reservation for you.”
This loop was repeated several times, before Peter paused, thought for a bit, and ventured, “Do you have rooms available?”
The smiles broke forth. “Oh, yes, Bong! We do. Lots of rooms.”
After a silence during which we both considered the aspects of Cambodian culture we had yet to properly assimilate, Peter said cheerfully, “Ok, then. Give me one.” And so they did.
As we look back on 2025, capped by December’s enthusiastic children’s outreaches, we are deeply grateful for so many opportunities to make a difference in Cambodia, the Dominican Republic, Thailand, and M_______: the many native language Bibles purchased and distributed through various missionaries to hungry new believers; the hundreds of life-changing water-filters purchased and installed to impact the lives of villagers; the eight 6-week training sessions (20-40 each) for Disciple Makers conducted in three countries; the 19 church planters supported monthly; the pastors receiving leadership training; the emergency relief provided for health/vehicle/family issues; the dozens of children’s outreach events; the teaching of English and coaching of mission staff…all of which was made possible by your encouragement and support!
Our greatest wish is that those of you who have so faithfully supported us for so many years could come with us...for just a week... to see what a difference your contribution is making to the Kingdom! Maybe soon in heaven, you will see the souls won to the LORD!
As is our custom, we will start the year with 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, from January 5-25, following Church of the Highlands’ online services. If you’d like to join us and honor the LORD by giving Him the first month of the year, check out these resources. https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/. The messages are saved for 24 hours, so you can access them when convenient.
Let me close out 2024 with our favorite prayer and hymn (The Blessing):
https://youtu.be/uZ55mDL7dA0?si=t70EAn34i2uGqXrQ
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24-26