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

God Doesn't Have Age Limits!

Roundtable Discussion Group

Kiew wasn't sure what to expect when he was invited by a pastor friend to share his experience and wisdom at our recent church planting leadership roundtable in Takeo Province. Kiew is 70 years old and had been asked by his denomination to retire from pastoring a few years ago.

Church Planters Writing Their Church Planting Plan

During the roundtable Kiew was inspired by the 34 leaders from 6 different denominations as they passionately discussed church planting in their province.  On his way home he stopped in a village for lunch and ran into an old friend. The friend asked what he had been doing that morning.  Kiew began to share with him about church planting and sharing Jesus in villages with no church.

During lunch the friend explained to Kiew that there was no church or Christian witness in the village where they were having lunch. The friend asked if Kiew would consider coming to the village and sharing with people about Jesus in his home.  Kiew recognized the calling of God's voice at that moment and decided to heed God's call and begin a weekly bible study in this new village with the goal of planting a church.  He was surprised, but excited that God was calling him and giving him the opportunity to start a new work and plant a church! He has begun meeting weekly with those who are hungry to know God! Please pray for Kiew and for our work with equipping and inspiring church planting in the nation of Cambodia! Also, remember that God doesn't put age limits on who is called to share the Gospel and plant churches, it's usually us who limit ourselves!

(Kiew isn't included in any of the photos :), but wanted to give you an idea what the roundtables look like)

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 in 2020 Click Here

Scouting Fun! Another growth opportunity in our family journey.

270 Campers in Chiang Mai, Thailand

As you probably have noticed our family has been pretty involved in Boy Scouts the last few years. It's been a big part of our journey as a family and  a great learning, relationship and fun opportunity for the boys (and Tricia and I).  I haven't posted a blog in a while, so I thought I'd highlight a scouting trip Kyler and I took at the end of July.

Kyler and I had an exciting time in Chiang Mai, Thailand at the Boy Scouts of America Thailand Camporee. We took 9 scouts from Troop 73 in Cambodia and camped out with 270 other scouts from 20 nations from all over the Asia region. We survived seven rainy nights in tents, learned new skills, and

had lots of fun.

Troop 73 Cambodia

Kyler qualified as a Master Knot Ninja and received the King Cobra Award!  Now you may ask "What is a Master Knot Ninja?"  That means you have to tie 8 different types of knots in under 45 seconds.  I have trouble tying one knot in 45 seconds!

Our food pack for the Doi Gong Summit hike

One of the things we've really enjoyed about scouting is the adventure side.  We've done rock climbing, scuba diving and lots of hiking. During our week in Thailand we hiked to the top of Doi Gong Summit. It was a beautiful hike with great scenery and the meal we carried to the top of the mountain with us was delicious!

We also brought a little Texas culture with us to the camp by entering a black forest cherry cobbler made with Dr Pepper in the Dutch oven cobbler cookoff.

It was delicious!

Scouting also has an emphasis on preserving the environment and conservation.  We topped off the week with a visit to an elephant conservatory learning about conservation initiatives in Thailand.

Kyler loves animals and found a new friend.

I Do Not Want to Sleep in the Forest on Banana Leaves

Part I - Two-Wheeled Cayon Tractor

I wasn’t quite expecting for nightfall to come and the day to end like it was.  My knees were crying for relief after over almost 2 hours of hiking in the dark. The harsh uneven terrain of the trail was sprinkled with mud holes, large protruding tree roots, and jagged rocks.  Our small medical team was desperately trying to make it the next closest wooden-stilted house from where we had been stranded deep in the Cambodian forest near the Vietnam border. The front axle of our South African host’s truck had broken, leaving us stranded on a path that was only meant for motorcycles and small tractors. We had run out of water and our last meal had been lunch.

Front Axle Broken

Earlier, about mid-morning after we had abandoned the truck, we decided to hike the remaining 30-minute path to our original planned destination. We carried a gym bag of pharmaceuticals, reading glasses, toothbrushes and Khmer Christian literature. We were heading to meet a family at their wooden stilted house. They were the only Christian family in the region. Our South African host had arranged for us to run a small clinic at their home and invite their Buddhist neighbors to come.

The family hosted us for lunch that included rice, fried fish heads, omelets, and canned tuna in tomato sauce. After lunch, we ran the health clinic under a wooden covering. Mid-afternoon we finished the clinic and wandered back to the truck that was now perched up on its side on a giant log (photo left).  

Part II - I am NOT a princess!

Our South African host had fetched a mechanic from the nearest village (photo: left). I peered from a distance as the mechanic attempted to repair the axle with a welding torch. It was not looking hopeful. It was about one hour until sundown and a 3rd attempt by the mechanic to fix it. Our medical team decided to hike to the next wooden-stilted house in hopes of hiring a Khmer two-wheeled cayon tractor to carry us back where we had left our second vehicle.

I had felt proud of myself up to this point. I had been sleeping in a hammock at night, falling asleep to the sweet sound of giant rats gnawing on wooden planks. I was the only female and eldest on the medical team. My pride surfaced, making  every attempt not to be perceived as “a princess”. Our toilet in the evening was an outhouse with a bucket of water for bathing. Unfortunately, I was way too tall compared to the average Cambodian woman and the top of the door of the wooden outhouse met belly height. Therefore, squat bathing had become a new technical skill I acquired on this trip.

Hammock Style Sleeping

During the clinic day, I had adopted the perfect hiding spot in the field behind our host’s home that was absent of an outhouse. I had decided that it had been about 35 years since I had peed in the woods. I was hoping the Cambodian farmer in the adjacent field wouldn’t notice the glare of a white woman squatting, naked from the waist down.

Did I mention the bees?  I jumped out of the truck earlier that mid-morning when the axle broke on the truck. Our South African host barked at us when the truck had come to a complete halt “Get out! Get out!” Hastily exiting the truck,  I became pinned between the truck door and a solid wall of brush. All a sudden, my right bum lit up on fire! I had stuck my butt into a bee hive when I exited the truck! I gave up at that very moment on the attempt to NOT be a “princess”. I screamed at the top of my lungs that blood curdling female yell that gives men a reason not to take princess women on camping ventures. My reputation quickly recovered when most of the remaining team members shared in my surprise.

Part III- Is this Suppose to be An Adventure or Lesson Learned?

I had volunteered to join this small short-term medical team for a medical outreach in a remote village.  We were going off the grid so to speak into a region that had no electricity, running water, or cell phone coverage. Now we were hiking out of the forest, tracking our truck’s tire tracks from earlier that day by cell phone light. Randomly we had to stop and investigate which trail our tire tracks originated from earlier in the day to determine our next direction. While hiking, I had a serious discussion with God, “What am I doing here? What difference does it make to go through all this just for 15 people? People who are younger than me should be doing this! I am hungry, thirsty, and in pain. I do not want to sleep in a forest on banana leaves!”

I was coming to a very stark realization. First, we underestimated the distance to the stilted-house with the cayon tractor. Second, we had no water. Third, my knees were starting to become very painful, and I was not sure if I was going to make the remaining hike. I had asked about 10 minutes earlier if anyone had any water so I could take some pain medicine for my knees - none.   I hated my weakness in this moment.

Medical Outreach Northern Cambodia, Vietnam Border

It was about that moment that I heard Tim, another teammate, yell from the front of our hiking line.  “Look! Look what I found!” In the middle of this Cambodian forest in the dark, Tim found a fresh unopened bottle of water lying on the ground in the middle of our trail. My team generously gave the water to me.  When we are weak, He is strong and meets our needs no matter how little they may be. God gave me fresh water to fill my thirst!

Funny enough, about 15 minutes later, there came a bright light that shone from behind us on the trail.  The mechanic had finally successfully welded the axle, and our host was rescuing us! We piled in the truck, my knees were thanking me, and I stopped to reflect on the day’s events. The day was both an adventure and a lesson learned. The 15 people we served at our clinic that day fulfilled His purpose. God knew my limitations and met me there. My faith was strengthened that day through an adventure and a lesson learned.

                                                                                                                                              Tricia

Latest Highlights of Working with Cambodia Church Planting Center

Baptism in Kampot Province

This is a little late, but I wanted to share some of the exciting things that happened in 2018 with the Cambodia Church Planting Center. I have truly been blessed by the opportunity God has given me to be a part of this ministry.

Here are a few of the "stats"

• Church Planting Leader Roundtables – 174 Leaders Attended

• Church Planting Boot Camp Training – 172 Leaders Trained

• Churches Planted by participants in Boot Camps, Trainings, grants and resources – 169 Churches

• Church Planting Resources – 2,205 Resources Provided

• Overall number of leaders trained in Roundtables, Boot Camps, Consultations and Conferences - 742

Developing Church Planting Plans
During Church Planting Boot Camp

Every year when I look back at what God has done, I am amazed. 2018 is no exception. By God’s grace my education work with Samaritan’s Purse expanded into projects in the Philippines and our work at New Life in education, leadership development and social business ventures has also expanded giving us the ability to reach an ever-increasing number of people for Christ. 

Church Planting Leader Roundtable

Baptism in Kampot Province

While those are exciting, my greatest joy has been to see the growth of the Church Planting Center. New leaders were inspired and joined us in a vision to see churches planted across the nation. As a result of their help we were a part of 169 new churches being planted. Just one example of how God is moving is a new initiative for 2019. In Kep Province we have been honored to launch a group of church planters who aim to see Kep be the first province to have a village in every church before the year end. Please join us in prayer to see this milestone goal achieved.

 Click here to partner with us in 2019 at the  Cambodia Church Planting Center