United That Others Might Know Him

" I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." John 17:20-21

This month Christian leaders gathered from all the different provinces across Cambodia for a National Congress. It was a time for us as national leaders to reflect, discuss, pray and to look forward to the next decade. We thanked God for what He has done, and committed ourselves to completing the Great Commission. 

We celebrated that Cambodia now has at least one church in every province and every district in the country. With only 2% of Cambodians professing to know Christ, we have a long way to go. Our commitment in this next decade is to see at least one group of believers meeting in every commune (county) in the country and ultimately every village. Continue to pray with us as we equip believers to share the Gospel and make disciples. 

Cambodia Meets Texas

 

It was a great privilege to host 3 families from Cambodia who we've worked with over the last 11 years.  They had the opportunity to learn about life in Texas. We went to a rodeo, rode horses, ate barbeque, attended church, learned line dancing and saw oil wells.  Most important we spent time with some amazing people. 

Over and over again our Cambodian friends were surprised at how friendly people are in Texas. For me, it was an opportunity for my Cambodian friends and colleagues to meet my Texas family and experience my home and culture. We have shared life and culture over the last 11 years and this was a great opportunity to deepen our understanding of one another. 

We were also able to participate in a retreat in the mountains of New Mexico with Prepare International. This was a time of refreshing for us all. A time to slow down and spend time with God. Please pray for our Cambodia friends as they return home to resume ministry. Please also pray for the Hester family as we process the time we had to rest and reflect in the US this summer.

A Committed Church Planter

Neakru Phally's home being disassembled in 
Oddar Meanchey Province

Recently I received this picture through Messenger. I wondered why anyone would send me a picture of a house being taken apart.

Then I saw that the house belonged to Neakru Phally. Neakru (Teacher) Phally has been part of our two year School of Church Planting.  

During lockdowns and all of the challenges of the COVID pandemic Phally continued to safely do COVID health outreach and provide COVID food relief in a new village where the Gospel had not been shared.  Her heart was to assist those in need and share about the amazing God she serves. She simply wanted the people of the new village to know Jesus.  She found innovative ways to continue to do that in the midst of great challenges.

Neakru Phally and her family

Over the course of two years people came to know Jesus and commit their lives to him.  A small group of believers formed and a new house church was planted. As the small church developed Phally felt the call to move to the new village to lead the church and reach out further to the other people in the village.

As I think of Phally I am reminded of Jesus' words in Mark 1:38   - Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”

Following the call of God, Neakru Phally decided to move to the new village.  She did not have the resources to buy a new home, so she has disassembled her current home and is rebuilding it in the new village.  

This reminds me of Jesus' words  "Take up the cross and follow me".  

I am challenged and inspired by the commitment and obedience of Phally and her family.  

As I look forward to the next year I am asking God to develop in me this kind of heart to serve Him.

Your gift makes the work of the Hester family in Cambodia possible, and we work hard to maximize each dollar entrusted to us. We are grateful for the generous support of many individuals and organizations that share our commitment to informed, responsible and effective service in Cambodia. To partner with us Click Here.