My first Sunday back in Phnom Penh was a real blessing. In spite of Chinese New Year (think of July fourth in the States on a Sunday), our morning service was packed out. Our afternoon Children’s Ministry definitely took a hit, as was expected. The fellowship was great, the music was sweet, and the message was powerful. While I do not understand most of what was preached, it was apparent that God was moving when the invitation came and many decisions for Christ were made. God is definitely using the preaching of His word to change lives here in Phnom Penh!

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS OUR SERVICES IN PHNOM PENH!

Our Sunday evening English Only Small Group was fantastic. It had a little taste of the United Nations. We had one lady from Russia. Another lady from Cambodia. My wife and my niece from the United States. My daughter Joy was in the nursery. We had one man from South Africa. Two men from Kazakhstan. And, of course, I was there! 🙂 Regrettably, our folks from Nigeria missed. We are taking a few weeks and teaching on the importance of prayer, and especially emphasizing “The Lord’s Prayer” or “The Model Prayer” as found in Matthew chapter 6.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SMALL GROUP AND PRAY FOR VOLARE’S (one of the men from Kazakhstan) SALVATION!

It’s always a blessing to preach for our English Chapel service. Once a week all of our missionaries, as well as a few other missionaries in the area and their children, and some of the nationals who understand English well enough gather together for a service. We always have great singing, games, and of course, the preaching of the word. This week, after our men got totally shut out by the ladies in a game of pictu-nary, I preached on “The Spirit of Nehemiah.” As always, a great response to the message!

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR WEEKLY ENGLISH CHAPEL SERVICES TO CONTINUE TO BE A SOURCE OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE MISSIONARIES, THEIR CHILDREN, AND OTHERS WHO ATTEND!

Nearly every update I mention our discipleship sessions. The reason for it is simple. I love spending time with these men and love having a small part in their lives. I especially enjoy watching their growth over time. On Mondays, I meet with four Cham men and their hunger for Christ and the cause of Christ is so encouraging. On Tuesday’s and Thursdays, I meet with Both. On Thursday evenings, I meet with Kosal and beginning this past week, I started meeting with him and his new bride Phalley. Kosal is an avid reader and unfortunately there isn’t a lot of decent books to choose from over here. So recently I purchased a Kindle for him. He is excited to say the least! Check out his Instagram post the day after he received the Kindle with 25 books downloaded on it below.  On Fridays, Adrian and I meet with Abraham, his wife, and his brother-n-law. On Saturdays, I have the privilege of meeting with another Cham man named Chaay. There is so much potential in these men’s lives.

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL USE THESE MEN IN A MIGHTY WAY TO REACH THE PEOPLE OF CAMBODIA AND POSSIBLY BEYOND!

Of course, another thing that I mention just about every update, and I surely appreciate your prayers about it, is Steung MeanChey. We do soul winning and follow up visitation in Steung MeanChey on Tuesday morning and Sunday afternoon. Lord willing, some time in the near future, we will be starting a Children’s Ministry and possibly an adult Bible study. This past Sunday afternoon was a real blessing. We had a few folks who do not normally come out with us come. On Sunday, one lady was led to Christ by fellow team member Grace Ortiz. It was a thrill for Vannak, Kosal, and I to be able to share the Gospel with nine different people between Tuesday and Sunday in Steung MeanChey, including two men, who recently moved from the village to Phnom Penh, who claimed that had NEVER HEARD OF JESUS. It was also a joy to hear about Phat standing for Christ during Chinese New Year. She was asked by neighbors why she wasn’t sacrificing during the New Year and her reply was, “Because I serve the True and Living God!”

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD WILL OPEN UP A DOOR AND PROVIDE A LOCATION FOR US TO MEET IN STEUNG MEANCHEY!

As I mentioned above, on Thursday evenings, I meet with Kosal for a time of discipleship. We have been meeting for about 14 months now. The growth in his life has been a great blessing. This past Thursday, his wife Phalley, Samantha (Vannak’s wife), Kanha (Man’s wife), and Srey Nech, along with Denise, Joy and Sue had a great time of fellowship and baking brownies from 4:30-5:30. At 5:30, Phalley joined Kosal and I for some good Mexican food (Her first time) and a time of discipleship. We just started going verse-by-verse through the Book of Philippians, pending a lot of time this week on “A Spirit of Gratitude.” Lord willing, in May I will be preaching a Missions’ Conference in China and will be taking Kosal with me to give a testimony of what God has, and is doing in his life.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR KOSAL AND PHALLEY THAT GOD WILL USE THEM IN A SPECIAL WAY TO REACH THEIR PEOPLE AND POSSIBLY OTHERS IN THE 10/40 WINDOW!

One last note. Just before leaving China I had the opportunity to FaceTime my brother and his wife Mary. Of course, it was the burden that God had laid on my brother’s heart for China and his last words prior to being hospitalized, “China or Bust,” that have been the impetus towards our desiring to send a team to China, and thus the primary reason I am making a few trips there this year. As I talked to him about China and the needs of the Chinese people he was so alert and hanging on every word. It is very apparent that Pastor Joe still has China on his mind and in his heart!

PLEASE CHECK OUT THE FOUR MINUTE VIDEO, “KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE,” THAT WE PUT TOGETHER FOR MY BROTHER. IT CAN BE FOUND JUST BELOW THE PICTURE OF HIM AND HIS WIFE MARY!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR PASTOR JOE, HIS FAMILY, AND THE POSSIBILITY OF SENDING A TEAM TO CHINA! 

Team SE Asia from carrithelight on Vimeo.