Christian Families

God gave us a very special Christmas. We celebrated Christ’s first coming, and rejoiced that He is coming again. Four of our five children and their families were with us here in Michigan, and we skyped our youngest daughter in Asia. The peace, love, and joy that were present in the gatherings with family and friends were such blessings from the Lord.  The music and Christmas programs exulted God. The special Christmas foods were delicious. God even gave us snow for our Christmas celebration on the 24^th. The grandkids and their Dads and Grandpas had a good snowball fight outside and made a snowman. It was fun exchanging gifts. Truly we have much to thank God for.

But as we were surrounded by our loving family and many friends who are also in God’s family, we thought of our Cambodian believers in Koh Kong who do not share this blessing. Most of them are the only Christians in their families. It is not easy for them living in homes that oppose things pertaining to Christ. They are constantly surrounded by the world. Praise God they have the church as their spiritual family and friends. Please pray that the spouses, siblings, parents, grandparents, and children of these Christians would turn to Jesus for salvation.

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Please pray for paperwork in Koh Kong

Late May through early June 2012 a medical team is planning to come serve the Lord with us in Koh Kong. Mobile medical clinics have been greatly used of the Lord in the past as a means to carry the gospel to large numbers of people in Cambodia. Families bring their loved ones often from remote places to receive medical treatment. They see the compassionate care of the Christian medical team and hear about the loving Savior who invites them to believe on Him. Some make decisions to receive salvation.

Teams are composed of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, other health care workers and helpers who come from the States for about two weeks. Then there are Christians in Koh Kong who preach and witness one-on-one to those who come to the clinics. Besides these there are translators for those who come from the States. Medicines are purchased in the capital, Phnom Penh. Some supplies are brought out from the USA. There are trans-oceanic travel arrangements to be made by the team coming out. We arrange housing, meals and local transportation for taking the whole team around to the clinic sites.     The team must have the permission of local authorities in order to work in Cambodia.

Please pray for the important step we are presently working on – that of obtaining permission from the Koh Kong ministry of health. Since Hubert and I are still on furlough, I cannot talk to the offices directly myself.  I have sent letters to Koh Kong with our requests. L. and Dr. L. in Koh Kong are involved right now to present the letters to the right people and communicate back with me. Let’s watch the Lord work in accomplishing this step.

“Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7

Christmas in the East today

The Christmas celebration at Koh Kong Baptist Church was a joyous feast together. The believers prepared rice and curry, fried chicken, and many other special dishes. The fellowship was great. They praised God for His blessings during the past year. Commemorating the first advent of our precious Lord Jesus is such a special time of the year. What a contrast to the darkness of Buddhists and Moslems around them. The Christians rejoice together in knowing the Savior who came to earth, and is King over all kingdoms and nations.  The dinner was held on December 11 because several of the members will be traveling out of town in the next two weeks. Please pray that God would give them safety and use them for His glory wherever they go.

God continues to help Lalin as he leads the church. He is still unable to get ice cream for his ice cream shop because of the recent flooding in Thailand. Also he needs to go to the capital, Phnom Penh, in order to get a new license plate for our motorcycle. Please pray for God to help him in these matters.

Praise God for His people around the world celebrating, and sharing the good news of Christ. Thank you for praying.

 “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem” Matthew 2:1

Family

This Christmas season as we are in the States, God is giving us many special times with relatives. We appreciate your prayers for a few special requests for some of our family.

-          My mother, Fran Hovingh, in assisted living. She is still able to get out a lot, but tires easily.

-          Hannah and Kevin Sherd, our daughter and son-in-law as they homeschool their six children and as they are trying to sell their house in Carmel, IN, and move to a home in the country.

-          Cherith and Jonathan Teachout, our daughter and son-in-law as they home school their three children and finish up a six month furlough. They plan to return to France Jan. 17.

-          Davar and Shauntelle Broeckert, our son and daughter-in-law in Alberta, Canada. They are planning to fly to Grand Rapids, MI and stay with us for 3 days at Christmas.

May you have a joyous Christmas season and special times with friends and family.

“Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty…”  Rev. 15:3