PASTOR KONG AND HIS CHURCH FAMILY’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY

The pictures above and below are from a recent 10th Anniversary Service. If you read our Prayer Updates regularly, you will be familiar with Pastor Kong, his wife, and their church family. I had the privilege of teaching Kong at the Bible college we started and later discipling him. For the past six years, he has led the college and interpreted for me when I teach.

Kong also started another church, which he has since entrusted to one of our graduates. He started a Bible institute where I have the privilege of teaching, and he oversees three conferences each year. He is a faithful and fruitful servant of the Lord!

Recently, his church celebrated its 10th anniversary. It is wonderful to see what God has done there. On an average Sunday, 120 to 150 people attend their services. Over the years, they have had hundreds saved and baptized. Please be sure to see his testimony and the end of the update.

“The same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” —2 Timothy 2:2

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING AND GIVING!

Please continue to pray for Pastor Kong, his wife Lily, their church family, and the Bible college students!

VISITING IN THE VILLAGES

Over the past few weeks, it has been a blessing to visit several villages and share the gospel with a handful of people. In many of these villages, our fellow workers gather the children for singing, games, and a simple gospel message while others speak with the adults. I’m grateful for the Cambodian believers we serve alongside and for their desire to reach people for Christ and disciple those with whom they have reached.

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” —Mark 16:15

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING AND GIVING!

Please continue to pray for our soul winning and discipleship in the villages!

PREACHING

Recently, I had the privilege of preaching at our mother church just outside Phnom Penh and at one of our church plants. There’s nothing quite like preaching and teaching believers who hunger for God’s Word. Looking forward to preaching for our Family Conference next week. Covet your prayers!

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season.” —2 Timothy 4:2

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING AND GIVING!

Please continue to pray for all of our church plants and my preaching opportunities here in Cambodia!

DENISE RETURNS TO THE CLASSROOM

For the past two years, Denise has volunteered to teach four days a week at our school, Pacific International Academy. She loves the staff and students at PIA, and they love her. After being away for almost three months, she was glad to get “back in the saddle.” She does such a good job with the students and is a huge help to Kosal, the school principal, and the staff as they lovingly train up the next generation.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord.” —Colossians 3:23

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING AND GIVING!

PIA CHAPEL

Preaching in our school chapel is one of my favorite parts of serving in Cambodia. Over the next few months, I will be teaching a series of simple lessons called “Six Building Blocks of the Christian Life.” We have also prepared a coloring and activity book to go along with the lessons, and the students will have a coloring contest in October.

“Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.” —Matthew 7:24

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING AND GIVING!

Please continue to pray for Denise, the staff, and the students of PIA!

COLLEGE GIRLS FELLOWSHIP

It is always a blessing to welcome the college girls into our home for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship. Denise, Esther, and Reza prepared a delicious Asian dish. We enjoyed Bible trivia, UNO, and Dutch Blitz, along with plenty of laughter. According to our neighbor, who is also a church member, we got a little loud!

“And breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.” —Acts 2:46

CHILDREN’S NIGHT

We also love having some of our “adopted grandchildren” over occasionally. The children made their own pizzas, played games, answered Bible trivia questions about the life of David, and watched a short-animated film about David. It is always a joy to spend the evening with them.

“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not.” —Mark 10:14

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING AND GIVING!

Please continue to pray for our various Hospitality Nights!

COLLEGE CLASSES

For the past 14 years, I have had the privilege of teaching Bible college and Bible institute classes, both in person and online here in Southeast Asia. Investing in the next generation of local church leaders is a joy, especially when the students are eager to learn God’s Word.

A few weeks ago, I began teaching an online class college class. This week, I start teaching a Bible Institute class, and in the coming weeks, I will begin another online college class and teach an in person college here in Cambodia. Altogether, I expect to teach about 70 students this term. Please pray that what they learn will strengthen them as they serve their churches and teach others to do the same.

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” —2 Timothy 2:2

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING AND GIVING!

Please continue to pray for my discipleship, college, and Bible Institute schedule!

FAITHFUL AND FRUITFUL SERVANTS

My name is Kong Xiong, and my wife, Lilly, and I are grateful for all God has done in our lives and ministry. God saved me on June 18, 2015, and I followed the Lord in baptism two months later. On April 18, 2016, while Pastor Johnny was preaching from Matthew 9:35–38, God called me into full-time ministry. During the invitation, I surrendered my life to His call.

Just two days later, I began sharing the Gospel in Thadindeng Village. I did not know what the future would hold or what God might accomplish. I simply knew that God had called me, and I wanted to be faithful. That burden eventually led to the beginning of our church in Thadindeng Village on November 18, 2017. As we look back over these years, we can clearly see God’s faithfulness every step of the way.

By God’s grace, the ministry has continued to grow beyond Thadindeng. The Lord allowed me to start another church about three hours away, and today a young couple has been sent there to serve and take responsibility for that ministry. One of my greatest joys is not only seeing churches started, but also seeing young people trained, trusted, and sent out to serve the Lord and reach others with the Gospel.

I am especially thankful for my wife, Lilly. She has been my partner, helper, encourager, and fellow servant throughout this journey. She faithfully disciples and mentors’ young ladies in our Bible college, spending time teaching, encouraging, and helping them grow in their walk with Christ. Her desire is to prepare the next generation of young women to become faithful wives, mothers, teachers, and servants of Christ.

As I look back, I know this is not a story of our success—it is a story of God’s faithfulness. What began with simply saying “yes” to God has become a growing church family and a ministry reaching beyond Thadindeng Village. Our prayer is that the next generation will continue what God has begun, not for our name or glory, but for the name of Jesus Christ and the spread of the Gospel.

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING AND GIVING!

Please pray for Pastor Kong, Lily, and the various ministries they oversee!

As always, Denise and I want to thank you for your fervent prayers and faithful giving. Your partnership makes it possible for us to live and serve here in Southeast Asia. We are grateful for the love you have shown us and for the part you have in this ministry. We appreciate you more than words can express.

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” —Philippians 1:3

Your missionaries in Southeast Asia,
Johnny and Denise Esposito

I LOVE MY CHURCH SUNDAY

The pictures above and below are from our recent “I LOVE MY CHURCH SUNDAY!” We had such a great day! We had a good crowd, sweet worship and fellowship, and a good Bible message from Pastor Dave. We also spent some time sharing plans for a few new church plants that, Lord willing, will be started very soon.

On Sunday evening, we had Family Night and a carnival for our church family. Our people had a wonderful time! We are so grateful for all that God is doing in our hearts and lives as a church family, as well as what He is doing through our lives and ministries.

Thank you for praying, giving, and loving!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY AND FOR THE NEW CHURCH PLANTS COMING SOON!

RAISING FUNDS IN THE STATES

My wife and I recently finished a short trip to the States. One of the primary reasons we return for a short season each year is to raise funds for various projects here in Southeast Asia.

We are thankful for the many churches that gave sacrificially toward our Christian school here in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, our Bible college men’s dormitory, and several other projects, including the construction of additional dormitories.

Thank you for praying, giving, and loving!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR CHRISTIAN SCHOOL AND DORMITORY PROJECTS!

COLLEGE CLASSES AND DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS

This semester, I will be teaching two Bible college classes. I will also continue working with my two discipleship groups and meeting weekly with two individuals for one-on-one discipleship.

There is nothing quite like investing in the next generation—especially young people who love the Lord and hunger for His Word.

We appreciate my wife, Esther, and Riza preparing great meals for the Men’s Group every Thursday.

Thank you for praying, giving, and loving!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR MY BIBLE COLLEGE CLASSES, DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS, AND INDIVIDUAL DISCIPLESHIP SESSIONS!

PASTOR CHERCHOU

What a blessing it was to hear that our dear friend and fellow laborer, Cherchou, was recently voted in as the pastor of his home church!

I had the opportunity to meet Cherchou about twelve years ago. At that time, and for the next few years, he struggled in his faith. Discouragement and despair had set in, and to be honest, he was not doing well at all. The Lord opened the door for me to begin meeting with him on a weekly basis. We met at least once a week—and often more—for approximately four years.

Cherchou has been assisting at his home church for some time and teaching in a small Bible college. Now, he is the pastor of his home church! Just last week, he had the privilege to baptize nine believers. Praise the Lord! Discipleship really does make a difference!

Thank you for praying, giving, and loving!

PLEASE PRAY FOR CHERCHOU, HIS FAMILY, AND HIS CHURCH FAMILY!

OPERATION SAMARITAN’S COMPASSION

For the past four or five years, through our Operation Samaritan’s Compassion ministry, God has allowed us to help many poor and needy children enroll in school.

As we have mentioned on several occasions, public education is neither free nor compulsory here. Therefore, many poor children never have an opportunity to receive an education. This year, we were blessed to help approximately 100 children enroll in school.

We are especially thankful for White Oak Baptist Church in Stratford, Connecticut. Through their generous support, we have been able to help hundreds of children receive an education and, Lord willing, break the cycle of poverty.

Thank you for praying, giving, and loving!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THESE DEAR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES!

FAITHFUL AND FRUITFUL SERVICE

One of the greatest joys of ministry, especially here in Asia, is seeing young men and women in whom we have invested go on to serve God faithfully and fruitfully for many years. Vannak San and his wife, Samantha, certainly fall into that category.

While I did not lead Vannak to the Lord, nor was I the person who invested the most in his life—that would be fellow missionary Dave Board—I did have the privilege of meeting weekly with Vannak and his brother, Man, for a year. Vannak was also my soul-winning partner for two years.

The picture below is one I posted of Vannak a few days ago after going soul-winning with Man, Vannak, and their team. By the way, the man in the picture trusted Christ!

Thank you for praying and giving!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR VANNAK AND ALL OF OUR NATIONAL LEADERS TO REMAIN FAITHFUL AND FRUITFUL FOR GOD!

As always, my wife and I would like to thank you for fervently praying and faithfully giving toward our ministry here in Southeast Asia. We could not be here, stay here, and do what we sense the Lord leading us to do without your fervent prayers and faithful giving. Denise and I appreciate your love and support more than we could ever express.

Your Missionaries in Southeast Asia,

Johnny and Denise Esposito

My wife and I pray that you, your families, and your church families are enjoying a fruitful and fulfilling summer. We are on a short furlough this summer and have been blessed to spend time at our home and sending church, as well as with some of our faithful supporting churches. It has also been a blessing to raise funds for our Christian school, our present men’s dorm, and our new dorm project in Cambodia. Meanwhile, our teams in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand are “sticking by the stuff” and enjoying fruitful summer months.

Speaking of “sticking by the stuff” and having a fruitful summer, our team in Laos is preparing to conclude its ten-week Children and Teen Summer Camp. I believe this is the fourth year they have conducted the camp. They normally care for somewhere between 100 and 130 young people—24 hours a day, seven days a week, for ten weeks. I get tired just typing those words!

During the summer camp, these young people hear the Gospel repeatedly. They are also taught the Bible, English, computer skills, and how to read in the Hmong language so they can read the Hmong Bible. In addition, they learn how to play the piano and guitar. The girls are taught how to cook and clean, while the older boys learn basic construction skills. We are so grateful for this ministry!

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE REMAINING DAYS OF SUMMER CAMP AND THAT GOD WILL USE THESE YOUNG PEOPLE FOR MANY YEARS TO COME!

While my wife and I miss every aspect of the ministry—soul-winning, discipleship, teaching, preaching, and so much more—during the few months we are away, we probably miss our Thursday Night Discipleship Group and our Christian school, Pacific International Academy, more than anything else.

On Thursday nights, my wife and two of our faithful college girls, Riza and Esther, prepare dinner for us. Afterward, the fifteen of us divide into three small groups. We share what we learned from the week’s Bible reading, discuss blessings and prayer requests, and pray together. We then gather for a time of teaching.

PLEASE PRAY THAT THE MEN IN OUR THURSDAY NIGHT GROUP WILL CONTINUE TO GROW IN THEIR FAITH IN CHRIST, THEIR LOVE FOR CHRIST, AND THEIR SERVICE FOR CHRIST!

Of course, as most of you know, my wife teaches four days a week at PIA. I occasionally help with various projects, including staff training and basketball camp, and we have been adopted as the school’s official grandpa and grandma. We are very excited about our new Discipleship Group made up of some of our best students at PIA (see picture below on the left)!

PLEASE PRAY FOR KOSAL, THE STAFF, AND THE STUDENTS OF PIA!

Speaking of Esther, she and Lyyin—one of our Bible college men and a member of my Thursday Night Discipleship Group—recently got married. Although I was unable to be there in person, I recorded a video challenge for them.

PLEASE PRAY THAT LYYIN AND ESTHER WILL BE A SHINING EXAMPLE OF WHAT A CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE SHOULD LOOK LIKE!

Our church family just outside of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, has had a busy and blessed summer. Along with the “norm” (church services, soul-winning, discipleship groups, Bible college, and the Christian school), we have had tremendous Family Nights, Teen Night, and our Celebration service.

As always, we had a full house for Celebration service, 17 were baptized, and our hearts are filled with anticipation as, Lord willing, over the next year we plan on planting four new churches.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY AND FOR THE 4 NEW CHURCH PLANTS!

As always, my wife and I would like to thank all our family, friends, fellow laborers, and faithful supporters for partnering with us. We could not serve in Southeast Asia and do what God has called us to do apart from His grace and your generosity.

Your missionaries in Southeast Asia,

Johnny and Denise Esposito

A PASSION FOR SOULS

There are so many things about our ministry here in Cambodia that I appreciate—so many things! Of course, one of the things I appreciate most is the passion that both our leaders and church members have for reaching the lost with Christ. Every week, about 100 adults, teens, and children go out into various villages to bring the glorious Gospel to those who need it—many of whom have NEVER heard it before. In most of these villages, we are also conducting Children’s Ministries. Thank you for praying and giving!

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SOUL-WINNERS AND THAT OUR SOUL-WINNING ZEAL WILL CONTINUE TO GROW!

NEW VILLAGE MINISTRY

It has been a lot of fun—and a real blessing—to go soulwinning lately with Man. Talking about a passion for the lost, Man truly has a passion to reach lost people for Christ. A few months ago, they started a new ministry in a village about 30–40 minutes from our church property. Every Saturday, we spend about 2 to 2½ hours there ministering to the people.

Two married couples, Man and myself (when I can go with them), serve in the ministry, along with three of our Bible college students who conduct a children’s ministry. Each week, anywhere from 30–40 children attend. God is blessing our efforts, and we are looking forward to seeing what God will do in the future. Thank you for praying and giving!

PLEASE PRAY FOR MAN, HIS TEAM, AND THIS NEW VILLAGE MINISTRY!

END OF THE TERM

For more than twelve years now, I have been involved in teaching in various Bible institutes and Bible colleges here in Southeast Asia. This past year has been a wonderful year of teaching in three of our Bible colleges and one Bible institute. Between the last two semesters, I have had the privilege of teaching nine courses.

Very few things excite me as much as teaching and preaching the Bible, but it is an especially great blessing to teach young people who have a heart for God, a hunger for His Word, and a fervent desire to be used by God in the harvest fields of Southeast Asia.

The Spring Semester is wrapping up this month. Thank you for praying and giving!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR THREE BIBLE COLLEGES, OUR BIBLE INSTITUTE, OUR STUDENTS, AND OUR GRADUATES!

TEACHING THE PIA STAFF

Over the past three months, I have had the privilege of teaching our school (PIA) staff every Monday for an hour and a half. I have been teaching a series of lessons entitled Living, Loving, Serving, and Teaching Like Jesus. It has been a wonderful time as we have studied the life, ministry, and teachings of Christ and applied them to the Christian school ministry and to Christian school teachers. We have received a great deal of encouraging feedback. Thank you for praying and giving!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR KOSAL, THE SCHOOL STAFF, AND THE STUDENTS OF PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY!

YOUNG MEN’S DISCIPLESHIP

One of my favorite ministries—and one of my favorite times of the week—is our Thursday evening Young Men’s Discipleship Group. We started this group eighteen months ago with five young men, and now we have fifteen young men (and a few older men!) meeting together each week. It has been a tremendous blessing to watch these men grow spiritually.

While we still all meet at my house, we now divide into three different groups for part of the evening. All these men are actively involved in various aspects of the ministry—including our weekly soul-winning opportunities—and they are a tremendous blessing to many people, both young and old alike. Most of them can sing too. Thank you for praying and giving!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS!

TWO NEW BOOKS

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to write two books. Thanks be to God—we got it done! Both books are relatively short. One is just over 100 pages, and the other is about eighty pages.

One of the books, ‘Back to the Old Paths: Recovering Biblical Essentials for the Christian Life’, is filled with short chapters that reflect on some of the things we need to return to in our lives, homes, and churches today. The other book, ‘Our Journey with Jesus in Southeast Asia: Living the Dream’, reflects on how God led us to the mission field, how He has blessed since we arrived, and encourages others to consider Christ’s command to go into all the world.

While we are on a short furlough, we will be offering these books for sale to help raise funds for our Christian school and Bible college students here in Cambodia. If the Lord would lead you, we would greatly appreciate your support by purchasing one—or both—of these books. All proceeds from the sale of these books will go directly toward helping us train and educate young people for Christ here on the mission field.

Thank you for prayers, encouragement, and faithful partnership in the work God is doing in Southeast Asia!

Please take a few moments to watch the short video of Kosal San, our school principal.

“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” — Philippians 4:17

PLEASE PRAY GOD WILL ENABLE US TO RAISE MUCH FOR OUR CHRISTIAN SCHOOL AND MEN’S DORM!

As always, my wife and I would like to thank you for fervently praying and faithfully giving to our ministry here in Southeast Asia. We appreciate it more than we could ever express.

Your Missionaries in Southeast Asia,

Johnny and Denise Esposito

THANKING GOD FOR 13 YEARS IN ASIA!

For those of you who have been longtime supporters of our ministry, the picture above will look very familiar. Each year around this time in our prayer update, we include this photo. It was taken on March 14, 2013—the day we arrived in Southeast Asia. It is hard to believe that my wife and I have now lived and served here for thirteen years.

As I have mentioned before, some people thought we were making a huge mistake when we came. Yet these past thirteen years have been the most fulfilling and fruitful years of our lives and ministry. Considering that we have now been in full-time ministry for nearly forty-four years, that is truly saying something.

During these years, we have lived and served in four different countries—Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and China. We have witnessed many people saved, baptized, and discipled, and we have had the privilege of helping start churches and Bible colleges. For the past ten years, we have also been teaching Bible college and Bible institute students two to three days each week.

In addition to this, we have also been able to help in many ways—both by investing our time and through significant financial support (thanks to folks like you)—in Pacific International Academy here in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Then, five years ago, we started Operation Samaritan’s Compassion, a ministry dedicated to helping the poor, needy, and helpless. As a result of this ministry, well over 1,000 people have come to Christ in the past six years.

It has truly been an amazing journey. Thank you for helping to make it happen!

Denise and I, along with all the people God has allowed us to influence over these past thirteen years, simply want to say thank you. Thank you for praying. Thank you for giving. Thank you for caring for us and for the people here in Asia.

As we look ahead, we are excited to share some of the things the Lord has been doing in recent months and how you can continue to pray for the work here in Southeast Asia.

CONFERENCE IN THAILAND

During the first week of February, it was a joy to once again preach at our semiannual Pastors’ and Church Leaders’ Conference in Chiang Khong, Thailand. We have been hosting these conferences for the past eight years. It was a tremendous conference. I had the privilege of preaching four times and teaching eight sessions on “Living and Serving for the Glory of God.” Many potentially life-changing decisions were made during the week.

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL BRING FRUIT FROM THE SEEDS THAT WERE SOWN!

SERVING STAFF AND STUDENTS AT PIA

In addition to teaching three Bible college classes, discipling twenty-five men and a couple of women in our discipleship groups, and going soul-winning, it has also been a joy to be more involved in the school. It has been a blessing to preach in chapel, organize and run a basketball camp, and teach the PIA staff once a week for an hour and a half. Kosal and his staff are doing a tremendous job loving and teaching the students. My wife also enjoys volunteering four days a week to teach the kiddos.

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS THE STUDENTS AND STAFF AT PIA!

HOSPITALITY MINISTRY

In addition to my discipleship groups, almost every week we have a couple of families—or sometimes groups like our college girls—over to our house for a time of food, fun, and fellowship. It is always a lot of fun! Thank God for a good wife!

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS THESE TIMES OF FELLOWSHIP AND THAT THEY WILL BE A GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT TO OUR PEOPLE!

PREACHING FOR THE VILLAGE CHURCH

I also had the opportunity to preach for our Psa Trach church family. It is always a blessing to preach there. I remember preaching for them when the church first started—they used to meet under a mango tree. They have come a long way. It really is a miracle ministry. Pastor San, his family, and the church family are doing a wonderful job.

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS PASTOR SAN, HIS FAMILY, AND THE CHURCH FAMILY!

As always, my wife and I want to thank our family, friends, and fellow laborers for your faithful prayers and financial support over the past thirteen years (or more). We could not be here, remain here, or do what God has called us to do apart from His grace—and your generosity and prayers. 

Thank you for praying, giving, and loving!

Your missionaries in Southeast Asia,
Johnny and Denise

**Please pray for our upcoming Youth Conferences in Cambodia and Laos, as well as another Bible Conference in Laos. All three conferences will be held in mid-April. We are trusting the Lord to work in the hearts of many young people and believers during these special meetings.

Denise and I pray that you all had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! Our holiday season was both busy and blessed. The picture above is from one of the two conferences that I had the privilege of preaching at over the last two weeks of December. I preach for this conference every year. We had a huge increase in the attendance this year over last year (230/130). To God be the glory.

If you’d like to have some fun, try finding me in the picture. As usual, I am the only non-Asian!

Over a three-week period, I preached in two conferences (eight messages total) and in three different churches in Laos and Thailand (four additional messages). We also managed to find a little time to celebrate my birthday, Christmas, our wedding anniversary (44 years), and New Year’s.

Denise and I have so much to be grateful for—not only 44 years of marriage, but five children serving in ministry, 32 grandchildren, and the opportunity to be “living the dream” by serving the Lord in this needy part of the world.

Many important decisions were made during the two conferences, with a combined attendance of nearly 350 people. We rejoice in what God is doing in the country of Laos and thank Him for our many friends and fellow laborers. It was also a special blessing to have my wife speak three times to the ladies during the two conferences. She was a tremendous blessing!

It is always a joy to speak for our graduates. As always, we had the opportunity to minister alongside Pastor Kong and his wife, Lilly as well as Pastor Tim and his wife, Noy; Pastor Souphan and his wife, Sen; and their church families in a combined service. We also crossed the border to preach for our friend, Pastor Srithone, and his church family.

It was a blessing to spend an afternoon with Pastor Souphan and Sen—and their eleven adopted children and teens. We had a wonderful time together. Sen is one of our many “adopted daughters” in this part of the world; she lived with Denise and me for 18 months. Souphan and Sen are doing a tremendous job for the Lord. If you are interested in investing in a group of young people, this would be a wonderful opportunity, and they could use the help. If you are interested in helping, shoot me an email.

During the month of December, we also had the privilege of helping host seven different Christmas parties in Laos and Cambodia. I taught our Worker’s Meeting twice, and our home church in Cambodia had a blessed Friend Day (140 visitors at our various churches), numerous Christmas activities, our annual New Year’s Eve service, and Our theme for the New Year is: “Rooted and Built Up.” Of course, it is based on Paul’s words to the church at Colossae (2:7).

As always, Denise and I want to thank you for your friendship, faithful support, and fervent prayers over the years. We truly could not be here, remain here, or continue doing what we sense the Lord leading us to do apart from His grace and your generosity. May God continue to bless you as you bless others.

Your missionaries in Southeast Asia,

Johnny and Denise Esposito

PRAYER REQUESTS

·       Please pray that the many decisions made during the month of December will bring forth eternal fruit that remains.

·       Please pray for the new terms for our two colleges in Laos and our college in Cambodia.

·       Please pray for our Bible Institute in Laos.

·       Please pray for my three weekly discipleship sessions.

·       Please pray for continual peace between Cambodia and Thailand.

·       Please pray for the “Do All to the Glory of God” Conference in Chiang Khong, Thailand (February 3–6).

·       Please pray for our Youth Conference in Laos (April 14–16).

Celebration Service

Our Celebration Service was a tremendous blessing! I am guessing we had somewhere between 250 and 300 people in attendance. Folks from all five of our village ministries and church plants were there. We had 21 baptized. I had the privilege of performing the baby dedication for Kosal and Phalley and their baby, Stephanie.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FOLKS, YOUNG AND OLD, TO CONTINUE TO WALK AND WORK FAITHFULLY FOR THE LORD!

Highways and Hedges

We thank God for being a part of a soul-winning church. Especially in an area as needy as ours’. We are grateful to God for our people. So many of them are fervent soul-winners. Every week, we have multiplied dozens go soul-winning in at least one of five different villages.

Occasionally, we have a special soul-winning push that we call “Highways and Hedges Soul-Winning.” A few weeks ago, we held one. Over 100 folks went out to a new village we had not been to before. They saturated it with the gospel. I personally had the opportunity to share the gospel with two adults (one man and one woman). Neither of them had any idea who Jesus is, what He did, or why He did it. Neither was ready to accept Christ. Still, they at least had the opportunity to hear the gospel for the very first time.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SEED THAT WAS SOWN TO BEAR ETERNAL FRUIT. ALSO, PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY TO CONTINUE TO HAVE A DESIRE TO SEE PEOPLE COME TO CHRIST!

Chapel and Field Trip

Grade school chapel is always a blessing! I have been in the ministry for more than 40 years now, 43 to be exact. I was the School Administrator (principal) for two different Christian schools, and I have always loved Grade school chapel. It is a blessing to preach in chapel once every four or five weeks here. The children are so much fun!

It was a blessing to take the kiddos to the zoo! To my knowledge, only a few of them had ever been to the zoo. They had a blast! A special shout out to Don and Diane Jasper, as well as some folks from the White Oak Baptist Church in Strafford, CT for helping to make it happen.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR BROTHER KOSAL, SCHOOL STAFF, AND STUDENTS OF PIA!

Denise’s Teaching

My wife is staying busy in Cambodia!  Denise is my personal assistant and does a lot for me. She also volunteers to teach at the Pacific International Academy four days a week. She also has the privilege to join in various ladies’ events as a speaker and mentor.  Denise has been a blessing to so many children, teen girls, college young ladies, and our married ladies. Besides her already busy schedule, Denise and I get to host folks over our house at least twice a month. We call it our Hospitality Ministry. It’s an encouragement to both young and old alike.

PLEASE PRAY FOR DENISE AS SHE CONTINUES TO MINISTER TO SO MANY, AND FOR THOSE SHE IS MINISTERING TO!

Preaching and Teaching 

I love preaching and teaching God’s Word! As I mentioned in our last Prayer Update, I’ve been staying extremely busy doing so this term. I am now teaching five different Bible College classes. I also teach one Bible Institute class, one rather large Discipleship Group, and three one-on-one Discipleship Sessions. All of this is in addition to occasional opportunities to preach for our church here and one of our extension churches.

PLEASE PRAY FOR GOD TO CONTINUE TO BLESS MY PREACHING AND TEACHING MINISTRY!

Samaritan’s Compassion

Compassion really does make a difference! Over the past five years, by God’s grace, we have managed to help so many individuals. This was possible thanks to the generosity of many of God’s people. These individuals were poor, needy, hurting, and helpless. Once COVID was over, our focus has been widows, fatherless children, emergency medical needs, and educating poor children. So many continue to be blessed.

For the past three years, we have been supporting a young lady in Myanmar, named Kyi Pya Zaw. We have essentially hired her to work at her church so she would not have to work in a sweatshop. This has been a tremendous blessing for her. She also helps support her family, which has been a blessing for them as well. And, of course, it has been a blessing for the church family. She is a faithful servant and a dedicated Sunday school worker.

Recently, her mother, Hoi Nu, became extremely ill and required emergency care. We are grateful that we were capable of sending $500 so she gets the treatment she needed. A special thank you to those of you who continue to support Operation Samaritan’s Compassion.

PLEASE PRAY FOR KYI PYA ZAW AND HOI NU!

My wife and I want to express our gratitude once again. Thank you for your faithful prayers. We also appreciate your financial support and friendship over the years. Your partnership is making an eternal impact in the hearts and lives of many!

Your Missionaries in Southeast Asia,

Johnny and Denise Esposito

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS:

• 12/14         Friend Day (Cambodia)
• 12/16-19 “Two are Better Than One” Leadership Conference (Laos)
• 12/30-31 “As for Me and My House” Leadership Conference (Laos)
• 1/12            New Bible College Terms Begins  
• 1/27-1/30 “Do All to the Glory of God” Conference (Thailand)  
• 2/23-27      Team Southeast Asia Retreat  
• 4/14-16       Youth Conference in Laos

Pastors’/Church Leaders Conference in Thailand

The picture above is from our recent Pastors’ and Church Leaders’ Conference in Northern Thailand. We’ve been hosting these conferences—two each year—for the past nine years. This year, more than 100 people crossed the border to attend. The conference is held primarily for those across the border. It is always a tremendous blessing for all of them.

I had the privilege to preach four times and teach for a total of eight hours. All the messages and lessons were based on the conference theme, “Fear Not.” God moved in a miraculous way. In every preaching service, and in a few of the teaching sessions, when an invitation was given, everyone responded.

Pastor Zer Chang and the church family did an excellent job hosting. It was also a blessing to see Tom and Sue Sutrick again. I’m especially grateful for Missionary Jay Chang, who interpreted for all four of my messages and eight hours of teaching. Very grateful for the few that trusted Christ also!

PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE DEAR FOLKS TO SERVE GOD WITHOUT FEAR IN A DIFFICULT AND OFTEN DANGEROUS PLACE AND TO MAKE A HUGE IMPACT IN THEIR RESPECTIVE VILLAGES!

Youth Camp in Cambodia

Our three-day Youth Camp just outside of Phnom Penh, Cambodia concluded a couple of days ago—and what a fantastic conference it was! We estimate that between 250–300 adults, teens, and children attended the preaching services and teaching sessions.

It was such a blessing to see so many nationals involved in every aspect of the conference—including preaching. Almost all the main preaching services were led by nationals, and they did an outstanding job.

All the music was provided by our people as well, which was a tremendous blessing. I especially love hearing our folks—particularly our young people—sing. They sing not only with their lips but with their hearts.

The theme for the conference was “Continue,” based on Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 3:14. Most of the messages and teaching sessions focused on encouraging everyone to continue in the things we have been taught. I taught a session titled “Continue Growing in Your Love,” challenging our people to keep growing in their love for God, their neighbor, their brothers and sisters in Christ, their spouse, their family, and even their enemies. Many decisions were made, and for this we are deeply grateful! It is such a blessing to be part of a ministry that understands the importance of reaching and teaching the next generation.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR MINISTRY HERE IN CAMBODIA AND PRAY THAT GOD WILL SEAL THE MANY DECISIONS THAT WERE MADE AND THAT THEY WILL MAKE AN IMPACT IN THEIR VILLAGES!

Summer Camp in Laos

For the past four or five years, we’ve been hosting a Summer Camp for our young people—and this is no typical summer camp! It runs for two full months—seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. Yes, you read that right: two full months!

This year we had 125 young people attend. They had the opportunity to learn the Bible, learn to read Hmong (so they can read their Bibles), learn English, develop computer skills, play the guitar or piano, and (for the girls) gain skills in cooking and cleaning. I’m sure I am leaving something out.

This is an amazing ministry! Kong, Lilly, their church family, and our college students do a tremendous job. Honestly, I get tired just thinking about all they do.

Please pray for these young people to remain faithful to Christ and to make an impact in their villages!

Enrolling 192 in School

For the last five years, God has enabled us to help poor children get into school. Typically, we assist between 125 and 135 young people each year. But this year—by the grace of God and through the generosity of His people—we were able to see 192 children and teens enroll in school. For those of you that have given to this ministry over the years, thank you for praying and giving!

Bible College Classes and Discipleship

As always, this fall will be busy! I’ll be teaching four Bible college classes (two online and two in person), one Bible Institute class, leading a discipleship group of 11 young men, another group of five men, and continuing my weekly discipleship meetings with Samnang. It’s also a blessing to be asked to teach another Men’s Disciple Group on the topic of “Lovingly Leading Your Home.” Discipleship does really make a difference! 

PRAY FOR COLLEGE CLASSES & DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS!

Project 1040

As many of you know, my wife and I just spent three months in the States. It was a busy season—I traveled to nine different states and spoke in twenty-eight churches. I had the privilege of sharing what God is doing in Southeast Asia as well as presenting our new ministry, Project 1040. We are very grateful for those of you who have chosen to partner with us and with our national workers.

As always, my wife and I want to say thank you for your faithful prayers and financial support over the years. We could not be here—nor could we do what God has called us to do—without God’s grace and the generosity of His people. Your partnership is making an eternal impact in countless lives!

Thank you,
Johnny and Denise Esposito
 
PRAYER REQUESTS:
*New College Terms in Laos and Cambodia
*New Term for PIA (Christian school in Cambodia)
*Leadership Conference in Laos in December
*Church Leaders Conference in Thailand in January

Thank you for taking the time to watch our video update!