Family fun in ministry! Sharing gifts from New Zealand.

Making sure every child has a box

Before we moved to Cambodia, Wayne and I visited the country about 7 times  over a period of about 8 years.  I would travel to Cambodia for medical outreaches while Wayne would travel for evangelism and community development outreaches.  During those trips we always traveled seperately while one of stayed back in the US with the boys. 

Micah cutting tape off the boxes

Kyler ran back and forth for more boxes to hand out

It was during that season of my life that I often dreamed about what it would be like for our family to minister in Cambodia together....as a family.....joining together to accomplish a vision.  This dream became a reality for me when our family moved to Cambodia in 2011. Sometimes I have to "pinch" myself when an experience and opportunity like what I am sharing about in this blog actually happens.



The children lined up anxiously awaiting  their box

This past week our family traveled to Kraing Thnong Village with a team from Samaritan's Purse Australia to distribute Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to the children in this area. When we arrived, the children had gathered and were patiently waiting inside New Life Fellowship Kraing Thnong church. I was so elated to be able to experience this as family!

We had the privilege of serving beside Pastor Pros and his church staff in handing out  shoeboxes to over 300 children.  The shoeboxes were shipped from New Zealand  with items inside such as dolls, hats, clothes, shoes, soaps, toys, and school supplies. It was so much fun to see the faces of these children as they opened their boxes. Laughter, screams, and smiles filled the building. For many of them, it will be the only gift they will receive for the year.



Reece showing a boy how 
to operate a new toy

Playing with the children after they open their boxes!

What made the day so special was seeing Micah, Reece, and Kyler helping with enthusiasm, curiosity, and compassion.  This was a great opportunity for our family to minister together and for the boys to engage in tangible acts of love and giving!