From Cambodia to Texas: Expanding Our Reach, Embracing Change

When the five of us started our journey in Cambodia over 13 years ago, we had no idea what God had in store for us. There were many unknowns in the path ahead, but we were excited and expectant. Over the years we have seen God do amazing things and we have developed relationships with people who have forever changed our lives. We've seen communities become stronger, healthier and safer. And most importantly, we've seen multitudes who have come to know Jesus.

We hope we've been able to share this journey with you in a meaningful way as you have partnered with us, prayed for us and cheered us on. We again want to say THANK YOU! With your continued support we hope to see the people of Cambodia and the Mekong Region come to know Christ.

As 2024 has developed we’ve been shocked to see what has happened. Wayne and the team at CCPC have trained 250 men and ladies across 5 church planting schools. By the end of 2025, they plan to double that number with 10 new schools and 450 church planters, expanding into new opportunities in Thailand and other Southeast Asia regions. Tricia and the team at University of Puthisastra have developed an e-health records learning system that has now been launched nationwide in 6 universities with over 900 students in the first cohort. Their education initiative has been accepted for publication in a leading nursing journal. This will be the first publication of its kind across Southeast Asia. This will be a groundbreaking publication for the profession of nurse educators in Cambodia.

At the same time God is helping us to expand our reach, we have also felt it is time for a transition. We are excited that opportunities have arisen allowing us to continue work in the Asia region while also allowing us to relocate back to Texas. This means we will be looking for a new place to settle close to the DFW airport at the first of the year. 

 

Wayne  will continue his work in the Mekong Region from the US, focusing on an executive role with international travel. Tricia has been asked to serve in leadership roles at the University of Puthisastra to assist in advancing the nursing program. She is also continuing her research at the university.  We’re still working out the details and plan to take a short time off to transition, rest, and restructure for what God has next. 

After 13 incredible years in Cambodia, we are returning home to reconnect with our community and continue our work in new ways. We kindly ask for your continued support as we move into this new phase of our ministry. As we transition, we face some significant relocation expenses. If you feel led, a one-time gift to help cover our relocation costs would be greatly appreciated. Your generosity continues to be a blessing to us, and we thank you for standing with us during this time of change. If you'd like to partner with us Click Here 

We will have more detailed updates in January once we are settled back in Texas and look forward to sharing what lies ahead and how you can be a part. 

Wayne & Tricia

What Can Church Planting Look Like?

 

Srey Pov has suffered from mental illness. Living in a rural village she lacks access to sufficient medical or mental health resources. She also lacked a relational support system and is the caretaker of her mother. Several months ago Srey Pov began suffering from paranoia. She began to believe that her neighbors were going to steal her dog, who she greatly loved. 

 

So, Srey Pov locked her dog into her small one room house and moved her and her mother out of the house to live under a tree in the yard.  She did this thinking it would keep her dog safe.

One of our church planters, Kim Chheng, began visiting the village where Srey Pov lived. He believed God was calling him to share the Gospel and plant a church in this village. He began visiting homes in the village and soon met Srey Pov.

 

When Kim Chheng saw the disrepair of Srey Pov’s home and that her and her mother were living under a tree, he began to spend time with Srey Pov and her mother. Srey Pov and her mother had been living in this situation for quite a long time.  He was greatly concerned about the mother’s health living outside and Srey Pov’s health. He was moved with compassion to help them, but knew it would take a unique approach. 

 

He gathered some of his church members and they went to Srey Pov’s home and built a nice, secure dog kennel. Once Srey Pov was pleased with the safety and security of her dog, Kim Chheng asked Srey Pov if his team could come and help her clean out her house and pray and spend time with her and her mother. 

 

Soon they had the house cleaned out and Srey Pov and her mother were able to move back inside. Kim Chheng’s team also noticed that Srey Pov’s water well was very primitive and needed to be cleaned out and a small structure built to protect the well in the future. This would keep Srey Pov’s water supply clean and healthy. They even enlisted other villagers to help in the effort.

 

Through Kim Chheng’s display of love and genuine compassion he was able to share Christ not only to Srey Pov and her mother, but also to the other villagers. Soon Srey Pov was doing much better and had a relational group of people around her to provide some stability. She and her mother were happy to open their home to a weekly gathering of people for worship, fellowship and learning God’s word together.  

Over time people came to know Christ, were baptized and a house church was planted. We’ve seen in villages in Cambodia that planting a church can look many different ways. Church planters must look for the most appropriate ways of sharing the Gospel in that specific village and then over time develop disciples and leaders into healthy fellowship.

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. 

 

 

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. 

This Is A Church

Samnang, one of my teammates, was sharing some photos with me recently. He showed me a photo (right). I asked what the photo was about.  Why was he showing me this photo? 

"This is a church" he responded.

When I heard those words something inside me clicked.  

Because the photo was something that is so drastically different from the concept of "church" that I am used to, I had to stop for a moment and process.  At first I was wondering whether this could actually be considered a church, but then I began to consider my own concept of "church".

I asked Samnang to share more about the photo with me.  He said that because of COVID, the church was not allowed to meet in their building.  At that time there was no known community spread of COVID in the nation, but the church leaders were still being careful.  The church family had decided to go to the river, fish, have lunch and worship together.  After fishing and having lunch someone led songs of worship and someone shared from the Word of God. To them this was a natural way for them to continue to live out community. 

Samnang then went on to share that the church planter who planted this church had also planted five other churches in the midst of COVID, using homes, meeting families in rice fields during the rice harvest and just reaching out to people in their normal daily environment.  

As I asked Samnang more questions he shared that the church planter's greatest desire is that people can know Jesus and be discipled.  What that looks like, or how it happens isn't as important as people coming to know Christ.  

I've lived in Cambodia for 10 years, so I am very familiar with how house churches begin and have seen similar things happen over the years.  However, this photo and the conversation really challenged me as I've watched churches around the world struggle during COVID.  And let's be honest, many were struggling before COVID.  What does that mean afterwards?

Are we focusing on reaching people with the message of Christ's redemption and finding ways to disciple them as they grow in their faith in God? Or, do we get sidetracked with trying to make that happen in our current facilities or programs. What can we learn from these church families about adjusting to continue God's mission in the changing circumstances of our world.  How can we enjoy real, genuine relationship?

I'm not writing this to present a definition of "church", to have a theological discussion, or to criticize anyone's current model of a church.  I believe God uses many different styles and models to accomplish His heart's desire of restoring people's relationship to Him through the cross of Christ.

What the photo has done is to challenge me to focus on helping people create communities that fulfill God's mission, where fellowship, communion, new birth and growth in Christ happens.  How or where it happens isn't as important as God's desire that "it" happens!  I've decided I want to be like this church planter when I grow up! 

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

 

I am upset and prayerful.  This post is not about the people or building in the photo, but about the person behind the camera. 

Not too long ago my family had a unique opportunity to be on the Capitol steps in the early night when noone else was there. We were standing on the same spot where the first rioters broke through this week. As we were standing there talking, admiring the Capitol and all it's meaning, a Capitol policeman from the First Responder Unit came over and engaged our family in great conversation. He thanked us for coming. Talked about the Capitol and his long career guarding the Capitol prayerfully. He shared about his faith. Since there obviously weren't any tours at the time, he pointed out significant aspects of the Capitol. He took us to the spot where inaugurations take place ad described what it tis like to be there.  He didn't need to do any of these things, but he did. He took time and showed care. He envisioned our kids for something greater than ourselves.

I'm imagining this incredible man of kindness, integrity and service on the day of the riot and what he must have gone through.  Today, he's mourning the loss of one of his very own unit, who died as a result of the riot.  His boss has been forced to resign. The symbolic building where he so reverently serves has been desecrated.

I wish I could say "Shut up" loud enough that people on BOTH sides of the ideological spectrums would listen, but that's not possible. They are already bickering again and desecrating anew the very house they swore to serve. Good people like this policeman got hurt, and will continue to if the nonsense continues.

What I can do is say to the Capitol policeman who offered to take our photo, is that I'm sorry this happened to you. I can treat others the way he treated my family on that special night. I can pray. Would you join me in prayer for him and those who serve with him?

"if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" 2 Chronicles 7:14

Why I'm writing about a big event a year after it happened! Love Phnom Penh Festival -

I'm writing about Love Phnom Penh Festival because there is more to the story than just the event that happened on December 7 & 8, 2019.  Events come and go, but many ask if they have a lasting effect.  

I'm usually skeptical about big events for the sake of having an event myself. 

However, writing a year later about Love Phnom Penh Festival I want to highlight what happens when events like this are done well, with the right purpose and a well developed approach.  

Most people would focus their celebration around the 1,708 people who made decisions for Christ over those two nights, or over the 23,700 people in attendance.  After spending a year being part of the team that helped coordinate the event that is definitely worth celebrating!!!  Praise God and to Him be all the Glory!

But, that's not why I'm celebrating a year later and not why I'm writing about it.  You see what I want to celebrate and what I want us (who are often tempted to make shortcuts when planning events) to remember is what was done for this event to not only make it a success on those nights, but to have a long-term, lasting effect in the city and nation.  Also, to challenge skeptics to look a little deeper before you cast doubt on getting involved in an event like LPPF.  Now, more than ever, as we are developing new models for reaching people in an online world with the changes brought on by the pandemic, we need to think through not only the online or in-person event, but what we'll do to have lasting impact?  Here's some behind-the-scenes thing you didn't hear about that might help you think through what you do.

What most people will never hear about: 

•  95.95% of those who made decisions for Christ received follow-up through the relationships, people and teams who were developed over the course of a full year before the Festival.  That's right, for months following the Festival someone took the time to make sure as many as humanly possible were followed up.  We actually kept records and held sacred the decisions people made and the trust they put in Christ and His Church. Churches who were deeply involved in the Festival not only learned the importance of following up, but saw the "how to" of planning well to follow-up.

• 
  2,750 believers were equipped and trained in the year leading up to the Festival in evangelism and discipleship.  Meaning, people actually came to know Christ before and are still coming to know Christ now because believers were equipped.  We are still receiving reports of people using the evangelism tools they learned through LPPF to win people to Christ. New people and churches are continuing to be trained in evangelism and discipleship by those trained in the lead up to the Festival.

Believers and churches who fully participated are vastly more connected to the broader Body of Christ and working together on evangelism, discipleship and church planting projects.  At least this is the personal experience of my team and I.  We are working collaboratively with different networks and denominations we developed relationships with during the Festival and we are all seeing the Blessings of God we find when believers develop the unity Jesus talks about in John 17:22-23.  When you work together through all the challenges and differences during an event that takes so much planning and effort you forge understandings and friendships that are lasting.  

• The Gospel was declared without partiality to any one person or denomination. Today, no one is claiming the credit or fame for what happened. It was something God orchestrated and His Church together facilitated.  

As I reflect back over the last 2 years these are the things I celebrate, the things I've seen and the lessons I've learned through being involved in an event, or should I say partnership, of this type. Of course there were huge challenges and I'm sure there were some negatives that people saw in the course of the event. However, given the long-lasting impacts I've seen I would have to challenge the nay-sayers and pessimists to take a deeper look. Maybe consider getting a little more involved next time!   Also, I say a big thank you to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for taking the time and effort to partner with the local church to equip churches to do these types of partnerships so well!

Now enough talking! Take a look at the fun video below put together by the Afters (amazing people who love God) to see some fun highlights of Love Phnom Penh Festival.

COVID Response - Motorcycles, Tuk Tuks, Carts and Trucks, House to House Village by Village

Church Planter posting signs and educating on COVID,
She wanted to show a smile, so lowered her mask :)

Through the COVID crisis knowing what to do has been very confusing. Should I stay home/not stay home, wear a mask/not wear a mask,  stock up on food/not stock up, and on and on!  It took some inspiring people to shake me out of my inward gaze and see that God can do great things when we look at what we can do to help others!

I was inspired early on by seeing church planters who are part of our two year school of church planting.  When we called to check on them to see how they were doing they told us about their work going village to village, house to house posting Ministry of Health posters and educating people about COVID. They were using social distancing guidelines, but knew people wouldn't receive good information to protect themselves unless someone went and told them.  I was shocked by their care and love for others and their selflessness to minister in a time of fear and confusion.  They said they would like to distribute hand soap and masks to the poor, but the need was so great. They were already giving out of their own personal resources.

Church member preparing soap for distribution

Our team at the Church Planting Center were moved. They searched the market and found bulk soap and materials to make masks and asked if we could spare $100 to help these church planters.  That was an easy decision.  We packed up the supplies and sent them to the church planters. They made up 120 bottles of hand soap and handmade 450 masks for distribution.  Other Khmer believers in Phnom Penh heard what we were doing and helped us send a second round of supplies.

About this same time I was hearing about and seeing the economic effects the virus was beginning to have on Cambodia. We only had 122 confirmed cases of the virus and there had been no signs of further spreading since the borders had been closed.  However, because of the global lockdowns, hundreds of thousands of people who lived on $100 - $190 per month had lost their jobs in the tourism, garment factory and migrant farm work.  People with no safety net or savings were without income.

Church member cutting and sewing masks in her home

Again, as we talked to our partner churches they told us how they were giving out of their own resource to provide rice and food supplements to those who lost their jobs.  I was again challenged in my own faith. What could we do to help with so many in need?

Homemade masks 

Thats when I got "a call" (FB Messenger) from a friend. The leader of Element Church in the Czech Republic called to check on Tricia and I and the boys and see how things were going in Cambodia.  Element has been a great partner with Cambodian churches and with our family. After talking a while the pastor shared that the Lord had prompted him to call to see if there was a need. I then shared the need I was seeing and the way local churches were responding.  Element wanted to join and help. The "phone" (Zoom really) rang again and a friend from Prepare International called with the same question. How are you, how is Cambodia, how can we help? Then another call (email really) from Samaritan's Purse Australia/New Zealand. How are you, how is Cambodia, how can we help? More messages kept coming through as God prompted people to contact us.

I was quickly reminded of Jesus multiplying the young boys gift of loaves and fishes to feed 5,000. I was seeing God move through the local churches here and multiplying what they were giving through other believers around the world. Thanks to the love and obedience of local believers and believers around the world we have been able to provide food assistance packs to 350 families for the month of May! We've been blessed to see the unity of the Body of Christ here in Cambodia as we've been able to work with multiple denominations working together to meet the need.

Food packets went out in tuk tuks, motorcycle carts, rice tractors and trucks. The food was all bought and distributed in the locality where the need is to make sure it helps keep markets open in those areas and to lessen the numbers of contacts to reduce the chances of the virus spreading.   

At the same time we've been helping local churches to distribute physical food we are also aware of the need for "spiritual food

Bibles going out to churches

We've still been able to provide bibles to churches and have quickly adapted to online courses and meetings.  Our team at the Cambodia Church Planting Center is assisting with producing 4 different discipleship series for use by different denominations and church networks.  We are working daily to assist pastors and church planters develop online resources and approaches in this new season.

Living In Christ - The first in a series of online discipleship lessons
in the Khmer language

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.

Scarecrows and COVID

Many people have reached out and asked how we are doing and asked for an update. During this challenging time around the globe some have asked if we considered leaving for the US. As you can tell we've stayed in Cambodia and continue to work through this crazy season.

Scarecrow for scaring away spirits

Cambodia has reported a very low number of cases of COVID 19. It is unclear why Cambodia has so few reported cases, but I'm not qualified to understand or discuss why.  The country has banned meetings of more than 10 people and closed schools, theaters, religious meetings, bars, gyms, and KTV's.  They have closed the borders to foreigners entering without meeting very specific requirements. Officials have encouraged those who don't have to leave home to stay at home as much as possible.

It has been a confusing time for everyone around the globe.  Different people have made different decisions based on the information and experience they have.  In Cambodia we've seen a big increase in the number of "Scarecrows" going up in front of homes to ward off the evil spirits.  In many peoples worldview here this is how they process the fear of COVID and respond.

US Embassy Email Notice

Since the beginning of the global pandemic we have received regular emails from the US Embassy here (see right). The number of flights out of the country continues to drastically decrease and most embassies recommended a month ago their citizens return to their home country unless they plan on living in Cambodia for the unknown duration of the crisis.

Reece graduates in June and has
decided to attend Hardin Simmons University

We have seen a number of friends and foreigners leave Cambodia. It has especially been difficult on the boys because some of their friends have had to leave during the social distancing without the chance to say goodbye.  For Reece that has been even harder because this is his senior year and he'll be leaving for university this summer and won't see some of these long-term friends again. Right now, we are just praying that flights hold up, so we can get him back this summer to start in the fall. We also are ready to see Micah! It's been difficult for him and us, being separated during a season like this.

With all of the challenges we are doing well. I won't lie and say that it hasn't been a confusing and emotional experience at times. However, we are confident in the calling God has placed on our family's life.   We are honored to work with our Cambodian brothers/sisters and serve our partner local churches, Samaritan's Purse and New Life as they all follow God through these strange times.

We know God sent us here 9 years ago and while we aren't in "exile" the passage below from Jeremiah has spoken to me during this time.  We are sent to Cambodia and this is our home.  We are living with our brothers and sisters seeking the welfare of the country and praying to the Lord on Cambodia's behalf.  This is where we'll find our own welfare in God's purpose.

"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."  Jeremiah 29:7

Handwashing and Face Mask station
at our local store

The boys have been doing online schooling at home.  We've all enjoyed more family time at home together.  Tricia has been busy providing education resources and advising with Patient Care at New Life during this time and I have been working with Church Planters to respond to a significant economic crisis that is still unfolding.  I wanted to give a family update for now, but will share more about what we are working on in the ministry realm in another post. Please continue to pray for our family and for Cambodia!

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.

COVID 19 Health Information

Church planters providing COVID 19 information in rural villages