January trip

God blessed us with lots of special times with family during the Christmas celebration. Our son from Canada and his family are staying with us for a week. We Skyped our daughter in France and her family on the 24^th while some of our children were together with us. We praised God for the glory to his name through the Christmas program we watched at Hans’ church Christmas eve. Then on the 25^th we Skyped our daughter in Asia. No, our box of gifts did not reach her. Please keep praying that it will yet arrive. God also gave us snow for Christmas.

Please pray for our trip south in January to speak at churches and meet supporters:

Jan. 13     Tipton, IN

        14     Kettering, OH

        15     Parkersburg, WV

        16     Roanoke, VA

        17     Winston-Salem, NC

        19     Greenville, SC

        22     Tampa, FL

         24    home, Michigan

Have a blessed New Year, walking with Christ and watching him work.

“…He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil. 1:6

Merry Christmas

We wish you and your families God’s blessings as you celebrate Christ this Christmas. May you know His peace, love, and joy in abundance as you walk by faith in him.

Pray that more Cambodians will find the PEACE of Christ as the message of the Savior goes forth.

Here in the USA, we praise God for his helping in the Bible Club teaching today and in our church’s Incarnation Celebration yesterday. Thank you for praying.

We have a friend in Grand Rapids, Michigan who invited her unsaved neighbors to her house and asked us to speak.  When we went one day last week, it was very cold weather and none of the neighbors came. She has reset the date. Please pray for God to work in hearts.

Please pray that our box of Christmas presents to one of our daughters serving overseas would reach her by Christmas.

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” Matthew 2:10

Serving

God graciously gave Hubert an opportunity to preach at Mel Trotter Mission in Grand Rapids last Friday night. We pray lives will be changed by the power of God and his Word. Again God protected us on the snowy Michigan roads.

Please pray as I teach Bible Club at the middle school here next Monday. Pray for the children to understand some of how God takes his Word to the whole world and their part in that.

For Christmas, we plan to be involved with the Incarnation Celebration at our church on the 18^th.  Please ask the Lord to bless in that. Please pray for Davar (our son) and Shauntelle (his wife) and our two granddaughters flying in from Alberta, Canada to spend a week with us for Christmas. Pray for smooth travels and time together that exalts the Lord Jesus Christ. Hans and family here in Grand Rapids, and Hannah and family from Indiana will also be coming for the 24^th of December. We plan to meet our other two daughters and their families via Skype.

Please pray for a New Year’s Eve service Hubert is planning for our church. Pray that it will be a time that is used of the Lord to draw his people closer to himself.   

“And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee…” Ps 9:10

Gift of Snow

The Lord was with us in our travels to Indiana on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Our grandchildren’s school Christmas concert was excellent. The choirs and bands brought much praise to God. Time with family and friends was special. We were able to visit a couple that has supported us almost our all our years of serving as missionaries. We are grateful to God for them.

Then on Sunday we went to Lansing, Michigan to visit one of our churches. The fellowship was great as we worshiped the Lord together. In the afternoon, big snowflakes began to fall and by the time the evening service was finished the roads were very snow covered. It was a slow drive back home. We saw several cars that had slipped off the road. We were grateful for the snowplows and sand trucks. God’s hand of protection was on us and we arrived safely home. All along the way, the beauty of the snow-covered evergreens and snow glistening on every brand of the deciduous trees was a special treat from the Lord.

“He giveth snow like wool…who can stand before his cold?” Ps. 147:16,17

The God of Jacob is Our Help

 

We thank the Lord for special times with loving family and friends.  We made good memories at our Thanksgiving Day celebrations. One of those was at Kevin and Hannah’s (our daughter) house in Indiana. We are grateful to God that we can be with family this year and for guarding us in our travels. This week we will be traveling again to Indiana for the Christian school Christmas program of some of our grandchildren. It would be wonderful if God would call some of our grandchildren to serve the Lord as career missionaries. They are old enough to listen to the Lord’s leading.

As usual, furlough is the time for dentist, doctor, and ophthalmologist visits. Thank you for faithfully praying for our health. We thank God for the good health he has granted us.

Hubert has begun studying the Bengali language online to get a jump start for our work in Bangladesh next summer. Please pray for God to help him in this endeavor.

 “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God.” Ps 146:5

Thanksgiving

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

And his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!” Psalm 100:4

Thank you, God, for building your church around the world, including the corners of Cambodia.

Thank you, God, for praise being offered to you in all the different languages you have made.

Thank you, God, that you are still calling people to delight in serving you with their whole lives.

Thank you, God, for enabling for the tasks you give each of us.

Thank you, God, for the beauty of your handiwork in the mountains, seas, grasslands, cornfields, rice fields, jungles, deserts, and beyond.

Thank you, God, that as we labor for you, you produce eternal fruit.

Schedule

God continues to guard His church in Koh Kong, Cambodia. We enjoy getting messages from some of the believers there. Pastor L. tells us people are reading their Bibles, God is helping him as he faithfully studies the Word and preaches. Please keep praying for Cambodian Christians to be strong in their faith in the Lord Jesus and to bear much fruit.

Also please pray for our next furlough ministry meetings:

November 20:   Freeport Baptist Church, Freeport, Michigan

November 27:  First Baptist Church, Alto, Michigan

We have enjoyed a little babysitting for our grandchildren this past week. Pray that God would continue to use us in the lives of our children and grandchildren, encouraging them in their faith in Christ and a close and victorious walk with Him.

“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another, and for all…”   1 Thess. 3:12

Preparations

God gave us a great weekend with First Baptist Church of Rochester at their event called “Missionary Christmas”. The people were such an encouragement to us in many ways throughout our days with them.  We also heard reports of how God is working around the world. Thank you for praying.

Visits with individuals who support us as well as ministering in small ways to shut-ins has been a great blessing this past week. Pray that we would be a blessing as we continue.

Hubert is preparing for his teaching in Bangladesh next April. I am preparing to teach in a missionary nursing seminar next March. Please ask God to help us study well and help us to serve God’s people well through these outreaches.

“The LORD is your keeper…”  Ps.121:5

Looking Ahead

Praise the Lord for allowing us to serve Him in a variety of ways during these furlough months. We pray that God’s people will be edified and that God will send more workers into His harvest field.

We thank God for giving us renters for the other side of our duplex here in Michigan. Thanks for praying for that. They are Spanish speaking. Please pray that God will work in their hearts to come to know Him.

Looking to next year, 2017, we are excited about the opportunity to serve for three months in Natore, Bangladesh. We would like to be there mid-April to mid-July. Dr. Tomioko, a Baptist Mid-Missions missionary doctor there, has asked for someone to fill in at our Baptist Mid-Missions mission hospital while he takes a short furlough. They would like Hubert to teach Bible courses at the Bible School and in other class settings. Please pray for God’s guidance in preparing to go to Bangladesh, for Hubert preparing to teach, and for God to bring people to Himself in Natore.  

“…For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”  Is 52:12

Visiting

Praise the Lord for the many special people we visited while my sister and brother-in-law (Joan and Ralph) were here with us these past few days.  They are flying back to California tonight. Pray for God’s leading in their lives. They love the Lord. We appreciate them so much.

I am sorry for the incorrect date given last week for our next speaking and reporting on God’s work in Cambodia. The following is our schedule for the next couple weeks:

October 25:  Mary speaking at a Ladies’ Missionary Meeting in Wayne, Michigan.

October 30:  Grand Valley Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, MI

November 4,5, & 6 Missionary Christmas at First Baptist Church, Rochester Hills, MI

November 12 & 13 Missionary conference at Berlin Baptist Church, Marne, MI

Please pray for our travels, for our saying what God wants us to, for God’s Spirit to speak through his Word, and for lives to be changed.

“The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!” Ps 113:4

Partners

We are keeping in touch with the church in Koh Kong, Cambodia and thank God for His people there. Please keep praying for them.

God has raised up many people who support us and the work in Cambodia by prayer and financially. It is a joy to meet with these special servants of God now during furlough. Please pray as we tell them of God’s work and as we together give thanks to God. Pray for God to send out more laborers into the harvest fields. We desire to be used of God to challenge others to be involved in carrying the Gospel to the lost.  October 23 we will be reporting on our work to our home church, Grand Valley Baptist Church.

We just ordered a new computer and are looking forward to using it for serving the Lord.

Please keep praying for God to send us good renters for the other side of our duplex.

“O that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”  Ps. 107:21

Romania

God blessed the medical mission trip to Romania these past two weeks. I have just returned and am rejoicing having seen the Christians there and the church planting being done among the Roma people. The medical clinics went smoothly. We know of one decision for salvation. Some people returned to church after having come to the clinics. Please continue to pray for more lives to be changed as God works in hearts.

Next week my sister and brother-in-law are planning to come from California to visit us and the rest of the family that are in this area. We thank God for my extended family that loves the Lord and for the fellowship we can have.

We have fixed up the other half of our duplex and it is now ready for new tenants. Please pray for God to provide good renters to live next to us here in Allendale, Michigan.

“Show me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.” Psalm 25:4

New Believer

USA:

Praise the Lord for the good furlough ministry meetings we are having. What an encouragement to us to fellowship with people who are faithfully praying for us. We rejoice together in what God has done. Please pray for Hubert as he will be ministering without me in churches the next two week-ends.

Cambodia:

Praise God for Mr. N. who accepted Christ recently at Koh Kong Baptist Church. Pray for him to grow in the Lord and be faithful in God’s house. Please continue to pray for McKong ice cream shop to have good business and be able to support Pastor L. Please pray for jobs for SM and P. They are leaders in the church and need God’s provision for their family’s needs.

Romania:

This week Friday I fly out to join the team of five traveling to Romania for medical clinics. Pray for us, for the Christians in Romania whom we will be serving with, and for wisdom from the Lord in all things.

“…To the praise of his glory…”  Ephesians 1:12

Romania Trip

Thank you for praying for our trip and visits in Ohio. God blessed richly. Thank God also that we now have internet at our house.

Prayer Requests for Romania 2016 Medical Mission Team


- Team Members from USA: Judy, Kaitlyn, Debbie, Dr. Joy Anglea, Dr. Mary
- Missionaries in Romania: Nicki Carr; Luke and Kim Warner; Travis and Becky Gravley; 

    Dave and Ruth  Kimmel

- Romanian assistants and translators 

1) Openness of Roma people (Gypsies) to the gospel, and the salvation of lost souls through the mobile medical clinics

2) Wisdom and strength for church-planting missionaries (above) working with the Roma people 

3) Health and safety for our entire team of Romanians and Americans 


Requests for each day:


Friday, 9/23 * Travel from each of our homes (OH, MI, PA, CA) to Atlanta airport * Pray that we all will be able to connect in Atlanta, then travel on together to Budapest, Hungary, followed by a 5 hr. drive to Oradea, Romania  (roughly 24 hours of travel) 


Saturday, 9/24 * Arrive in Oradea, Romania


Sunday, 9/25 * Pray that we will be a blessing as we serve and worship in Roma churches


Monday, 9/26 * Team Orientation and organization of medical supplies * Pray that we can also learn some basic greetings and be ready for mobile clinics tomorrow


Tuesday, 9/27 * CLINIC Day #1


Wednesday, 9/28 * CLINIC Day #2      Also pray for health/hygiene classes held along with the mobile clinics.


Thursday, 9/29 * CLINIC Day #3


Friday, 9/30 * CLINIC Day #4


Saturday, 10/1 * Preparation for Sunday services. May have some time to tour Oradea. Pray that everyone will stay healthy for clinic ministry next week. 


Sunday, 10/2 * Pray as we participate in church services, that we will be a blessing/encouragement to the Roma


Monday, 10/3 * CLINIC Day #5.  Usually we are getting weary at this point, so pray for our strength and health, and for good team spirit. 


Tuesday, 10/4 * CLINIC Day #6 


Wednesday, 10/5 * Pack up supplies; Travel to Budapest (5 hrs.)   


Thursday, 10/6 * Tour sites in Budapest


Friday, 10/7 * Fly out of Budapest in early a.m., thru Amsterdam and then to our respective homes late at night. (One team member will stay in Budapest for a few days before traveling home.)  * Pray that the Lord will renew the strength of the Warners, Gravleys, Kimmels, and Nicki Carr


Thereafter…  * Much of the real ministry is done after our departure, through contacts and relationships established through the clinics. Pray that God will continue to work in hearts and lives of those in the various villages, and for the Warners, Kimmels, Gravleys, and Nicki Carr as they follow-up contacts from the clinics.  * Pray that the Roma believers will be encouraged and strengthened in their walk with the Lord.  * Pray for each of us team members as we reflect on our trip, share what the Lord has done, and follow the Lord’s leading in our own hearts and lives

Reporting to Churches

Thank you for continuing to pray. We thank God for letting us serve Him in reporting to our churches. Pray that God would challenge people to serve Him full time in missions and pray for God’s work in building His church around the world.  The weekend of September 10 we plan to travel to eastern Ohio to speak and hope to make several visits with special people along the way as well. The Sundays following that will be in churches in Michigan. Throughout the week we meet up with prayer partners. Please pray for a ladies’ meeting where I am scheduled to speak Tuesday, September 13. May God be glorified.

My trip to Romania for mobile medical clinics with a Baptist Mid-Missions medical team is fast approaching (September 23). Please pray for all the participants, for the purchase of meds, the travel, the gospel going forth clearly, the national Christians who will work with us, and the lives that will be changed by the power of God. We watch to see what God will do.

Our home here in Michigan is getting more settled. The new washer arrived. We are working on fixing up the adjoining duplex to rent. Pray for that to go well. Hopefully we will get internet this week.

“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:8

Furlough

Thank you for praying for our trip home to Michigan. Things went smoothly. We made all the connections, including changing planes in Iceland. Loving family met us at Grand Rapids airport. We stayed with my sister Sue for two days and then were able to move into our duplex in Allendale. God provided many people to help with cleaning and moving furniture and belongings in. It was amazing to see so much done in one Saturday. Please pray that internet service will be hooked up soon. We also have ordered a new washing machine. Please pray that it will come soon. Also please pray that the second side of the duplex would soon be completely vacated so we can work on fixing it up.

It was a joy to be in our home church here in Michigan this past Sunday and fellowship with God’s special people. Please pray for our speaking engagements to report on God’s work in Cambodia. They begin this coming Sunday.

Please pray for Pastor L.’s ice cream shop in Koh Kong Cambodia to have more customers. He sent us a message that there have been very few customers for the past two weeks. We rely on the Lord to provide all that is needed for him. The church is continuing fine. Thank you for praying for it.

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light…” Isa 60:3

Travel to USA

Please continue to pray for our travels. Wednesday, August 17 we plan to fly from France to Michigan. Please ask God to give us smooth connections for all our flights and help us adjust to the time change when we arrive.

God has given us a profitable time here in France these past weeks. It has been refreshing to be with our daughter and son-in-law and our three grandchildren here. They have done so much for us. We thank God for the ministry He is doing through them. Meeting Christians in churches here has been a blessing. God helped Hubert as he preached last Sunday. Please pray for the salvation of G. and H. whom we visited at their home a couple hours away yesterday.

After arriving in Michigan, one of the first jobs is setting up our home after the present renters are out. We thank God for his provisions for us. Pray for His guidance. 

“And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads...”  Isaiah 35:10

                                                               

Farewells

We thank God for the people who have thanked us for coming to Cambodia and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many are now part of God’s family and on their way to heaven. God has been so gracious to build His church here and to allow us to serve Him. Sunday evening was a celebration of God’s work here. Please pray for Koh Kong Baptist Church to grow and be strong in faith. Pray that God will protect them from false teachings. Pray for them to joyfully serve the Lord.

God has been helping us with packing and getting the house cleared out. Things are ready for us to leave Koh Kong tomorrow (the 19^th). We look forward to our trip and then the time in France with Cherith and Jonathan and family as well as the Christians they work with. Pray that God will use us in every way He chooses during our time with them.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!”  1 Peter 1:3

Baptism

Praise the Lord that Miss M. was baptized yesterday! After the morning services the people of the church took motorcycles over to the estuary. We climbed down the steps of the park and walked on the sand into the water. It was raining only lightly. The tide was out just right. Miss M. was so happy to obey the Lord in this step. She continues to come to our house daily for Bible studies.

Hubert has been emailing electronic copies of his books to other missionaries who requested them. Pray that they would be useful to them in ministry.

Next Sunday evening the church is planning a farewell meal for us after the service. Pray for God’s blessing in that time together. We desire to encourage God’s people.

“The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high…” Isiah 33:5

Packing

Thank you for praying. The Waldock family arrived in Phnom Penh safely on the 28^th. Please continue to pray as they settle in there and begin language study. Also pray as they plan to come visit Koh Kong soon.

God has helped us with packing up our household things. On the morning of the 29^th He provided good help to load a truck (in spite of the rain). The things arrived at their destination in Phnom Penh that evening. Praise God for a buyer in Koh Kong for our motorcycles. Please pray as we conclude things here in Cambodia.

July 4 several missionary families celebrated Independence Day together in Phnom Penh and also said farewell to us. Thank you to the Freeze family for organizing it. The encouraging words and large gift were touching. We thank God for them. We will continue praying for them and see God continue to reap a harvest here in Cambodia.

Pray that God will keep on working in the lives of people we have had contact with at the Koh Kong hospital here. June 30 was the staff farewell party for me. I am sad that most of them are still on the broad way leading to destruction.  

Praise God that today electricity was restored to our home after 11 days without it. The lights seem so bright compared to candles; and having internet, and the ability to charge the phone, and having hot water and fans are all more appreciated than ever. God has kept the weather a bit cooler by sending over 20 inches of rain in the past 9 days.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  Matthew 6:33

 

Koh Kong Baptist Church

Praise the Lord for the church’s smooth transfer of location over to meeting at Lalin’s shop. The songbooks, Bibles, children’s church teaching materials and craft supplies, church records, adult Bible study books, and cloth covered stand used as a podium were taken in a couple loads in a cart behind a motorcycle on Friday. On Sunday we were welcomed by Pastor Lalin to the new meeting place all set up ready for worship. The room is bigger and brighter than when we met in our house. The place for children’s church outside in back had fewer distractions than before in our garage. The two adult Sunday School classes in different places of the same big room worked smoothly. Rejoice in this progress of Koh Kong Baptist Church. Pray for God to strengthen and guard his people. Pray for the church to grow.

Next week we plan to go to Phnom Penh to meet the Waldock family arriving. They plan to do language study in Phnom Penh. Please pray for their travels and then settling in. We have other errands also to do while in the capital such as dental work and visa renewal.

“…How blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!” Ps. 144:15

 

Sharing the Truth

Today at the hospital one of the workers talked with me about the Buddhist heavens. She expects to go there because of her good works. A couple of the staff are fasting right now for Moslem Ramadan month. It is so sad to see people depending on their own works and false religious systems. Please pray for God to open their eyes to the truth of Jesus Christ. Only He can save people and give eternal life.

Each day we try to get more sorting and packing done around our regular work at the hospital and Bible and English classes. We can see God is helping us.  Please pray for someone to buy our motorcycles if it is God’s will, and that the proper transfer paperwork will get completed on them.

We thank God for His faithfulness to us. We need Him every moment.

“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” 2 Thess. 3:3

Moves

Thank you for praying for my trip to Phnom Penh last week. I took the three short termers up. When I saw some flooding from the day’s rain outside the city I prayed we would be able to get around in town if the flooding was on the streets there. But praise God there was no flooding inside the city. We got two of the students to their plane Friday evening. I enjoyed the evening with the remaining student nurse and also another missionary. We discussed God’s working in lives.  She left on a van in the morning to visit her sister in another province. Praise God for helping me get dental work done and make it to my van in time for its 1:30 departure to Koh Kong.

Please pray for our children’s Sunday School teacher to be faithful each week. When the church moves over to the new meeting place there may be new neighborhood children who will attend. Pray for them to turn to the Lord. Pray for wisdom in deciding where to have the various classes meet.

Continue to pray for the Waldock family preparing to come to Cambodia this month and begin language study. Pray as they say good-byes in the States and as they get settled here. We look forward to God using them in wonderful ways.

“…That I might be glorified.” Isaiah 60:21

 

Water

Give thanks to God for good rains now and therefore water for our home. The rain tank keeps refilling. It appears that rainy season has truly arrived.

God blessed in the party Saturday for the English classes. There were three new people in church Sunday evening. Two of those were from the English classes. Please pray for the salvation of the students who come to study.

We have bus tickets to go up to Phnom Penh this coming Friday. Our three short term missionaries, Gabriella, Emily, and Charles, will be leaving. Thank God for the many ways He has used them here. We pray He will continue to guide their lives clearly. We would love to see them go into full time missions.

Mr. P. who serves the Lord in our church here in Koh Kong is in need of a job. Pray for God to lead and provide. He and his wife were hoping to manage with their new little bakery business, but it is not sufficient. With rainy season here, and the school year soon ending, the customers will probably decease even more.  But God is able to open doors for them according to His plans.

“But my God shall supply all your needs…” Phil. 4:19

 

New in Christ

God was working greatly in the dermatology and neurology clinics last week. Drs. Love did consultations in the morning and taught lectures in their specialties in the afternoon. People came from the church each day to do one on one witnessing to the people who came.  Praise God for the many people who heard the gospel and also received medical help. The Loves are traveling back to the USA now. Please pray for them and for more fruit to come from this outreach.

Also last week, one young lady accepted Christ following a Bible study in our home! Praise God for working in her heart and drawing her to Himself. Please pray for M.H. Pray for her family to also follow the Lord.

This coming Saturday Hubert is planning a party for his English students. Please pray for it to go smoothly and that it would contribute to helping them know Christ. Our two American nursing students and one pre-med student are reaching out to these youth.

“For great is his steadfast love toward us…” Psalm 117:2

 

 

Medical Clinics

Praise God for safe travels for Emily and Gabriella who arrived in Cambodia last Thursday evening. We came by bus to Koh Kong on Friday. This week Hubert will go to Phnom Penh to meet Drs. Love and their son Charles. Their clinics and lectures in dermatology and neurology are scheduled for May 18, 19, and 20. Continue to pray for all who will be involved. Pray for the Cambodian doctors and nurses, for the patients, for the American short term workers, for the Christians witnessing, for the equipment to work well, and for God to provide every need. We desire to see people come to know Christ through these.

Please pray again for needed water for Koh Kong. There is very little city water and very little rain. It is difficult for us and for the Christians in the church. God is able to provide and we look to Him.

Praise the Lord that Miss M. wants to begin Bible studies with me. Please pray for her salvation. Pray that God would guide my teaching to be clear to her.

Also please continue to ask the Lord to help the Nathan Waldock family preparing to come work in Cambodia. We praise God for calling them here.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace…” Hebrews 4:16

 

 

Student Nurses

Praise the Lord for the couple rains He has sent. Between collected rain water and the city water which is better pressure than before, our water supply is improved. Thank you for praying.

It is a joy to teach the students coming to our house to study English and to study the Bible.  Pray that Cambodian Christians will keep growing in grace and that God would use them to lead others to Christ.  Pray for the unsaved to see their need and receive the Lord Jesus.

Gabriella and Emily, student nurses, are flying this week from the USA to Cambodia. I have a bus ticket to go up and meet them in Phnom Penh on Thursday.  Please pray for their trip, their adjusting to life in Cambodia, their families back in the USA, their witnessing,  their teaching the Bible, and their encouraging Christians. Pray for their work at the hospital. There are several Cambodian student nurses working at our Koh Kong hospital this month. Pray for my travels and for wisdom and protection. We anticipate seeing God doing great things.

“Declare his glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples!”

 1 Chronicles 16:24

God Provides

Thank you for praying for our trip to Bangkok. We thank the Lord for the medical care available there. We got home yesterday, Tuesday afternoon, in time to meet with a Christian young man from Koh Kong who now works in Viet Nam. He made a special trip from Phnom Penh to see us, returning the same day. What a blessing. Pray for God’s continued hand on P. as he seeks to walk with the Lord. Following that two patients needed consultations, one at our house and the other at our friend’s house. That led to a trip to the hospital with the patient for an X-ray. Yes, the leg was broken. Please keep praying for the people we work with. It is a joy to serve.

Both the city water and electricity were off for much of the time this week. God graciously gave us electricity again. It would be nice to have city water again since we aren’t getting enough rain water to keep up. Please pray for a good supply of water.

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!” Ps. 95:6

 

 

 

 

May Medical Team

God answered prayer and gave me a refreshing time at the Christian medical conference in Greece. The fellowship was great, the medical lectures informative, and the spring weather delightful. Thank you for praying. Keep asking the Lord to help me share the medical knowledge with the hospital staff here in Koh Kong and to proclaim clearly the knowledge of the Most High.

The May medical team from the USA, two doctors and 3 students, will soon be arriving in Koh Kong. Please pray for God to work in a mighty way through their ministry with us. Pray for the clinics to go smoothly, the lectures to be well attended, for the translators, and for the gospel going out to bear fruit. Pray for the Christians in the church to be encouraged through this time with believers from the other side of the world.

April 22 Hubert and I plan to travel to Bangkok for medical appointments. We would appreciate prayer for that.

“Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name...” Psalm 79:9

God Hears

Thank you for praying for the Easter celebrations here. God answered. It was lovely sitting outside as the sun rose and peeped through the clouds during the sunrise service. Both morning services were well attended. Only a handful came in the evening. The messages from God’s Word and the fellowship were a blessing.

Mr. L.'s and Mr. P.'s shops are doing a little better this week. God hears. Keep praying.

Mr. T. asks for prayer as he travels to Phnom Penh to seek treatment for an eye problem. His wife’s health is poor again as well. It is still dry season and his orchards are at risk of being damaged with the annual dry season grass fires. Please pray for God’s protection.

April 4 I plan to travel to Athens for a medical conference. Please pray for God to make me a blessing and help me learn well. Pray for Hubert as he continues his work in Koh Kong.

“O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer…”Ps. 84:8

 

Easter

Koh Kong Baptist Church is looking forward to celebrating Christ’s resurrection this coming Sunday.  A sunrise service, the regular service, and Sunday School will help us focus on the Lord and His wonderful work of redemption. Then a fellowship meal together is planned. Please pray for God’s blessing.

Please pray that Christians in Koh Kong would be more faithful in attendance at church. Remember also the people who have moved away and need to be regularly in the house of the Lord in their new locations.

Pastor L.’s shop is not getting enough customers again.  P’s donut shop also is in a slump. Please pray for God to prosper these businesses or show these men what God wants them to do instead for earning a living. It would affect the church if they had to move.  They desire God’s will for their lives.

“And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him.” 1 Samuel 18:14

 

 

Serving

It was a great two weeks having Abigail working here with us in Koh Kong. She served the Lord well.   Last Monday she traveled back to her family in the Cambodian province of Svey Rieng. Please continue to pray for God’s leading in her life. Pray also for God’s blessing on His work through her parents, our coworkers, Michael and Michelle Freeze.  

That same day, Hubert and I traveled to Bangkok for medical visits. Hubert is still wearing his special boot for another 4 weeks. God gave us a good trip on vans, buses, taxis and the elevated train. We did a little shopping too. Thank you for praying.

Today in Koh Kong I taught a class to doctors on ultrasound techniques. I am prepared to teach another session in a few days. Thank you for praying for God’s help in every opportunity for service that he gives. Please pray for some of these Cambodian doctors to turn to the Lord.

“I delight to do your will, O my God…” Psalm 40:8

 

 

 

 

God's Grace

Praise the Lord for bringing more customers to Pastor L.’s hamburger shop recently. Continue to ask God to bless his business. Mr. P. and his wife have a donut shop in front of their home. Please pray for God’s provision for it too. We thank God for providing ways for Christians in our church to earn and provide for their families.

Saturday Hubert had a party for his English classes. The youth enjoyed the food and games.  It was great having Abigail here to talk with them. We thank God for a good turnout and that the gospel was given as we talked together after the games. Please keep praying for Hubert’s classes.

Please pray as we are now scheduling dates with our churches for reporting during furlough. We love to tell what God is doing in this part of the world for His great glory.

“And the grace of our Lord overflowed for me…” 1 Timothy 1:14

 

 

The Lord is Upright

Our home church, Grand Valley Baptist Church, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is having their missions conference March 4-6. Please pray for God to bless and accomplish great things through that.

Abigail arrived just after 4 pm today by bus and is eager to begin at the Koh Kong hospital tomorrow with me. Pray for God to prepare hearts and lead us as we interact with people during these two weeks together.  

Attendance at Hubert’s English classes has been very low lately. In the past God has sent good students and used these classes as an outreach for sharing the Gospel. But now it seems difficult to get students. Please pray.

Yesterday I visited Mrs. K. at her home. The boardwalks above the water to reach her house are steadier than before for which I am grateful.  We are asking the Lord to restore her health if He wills. Please pray for her family caring for her. She loves the Lord.

“To declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock…” Psalm 92:15

 

 

Witnessing

Thank you for praying for our trip to Bangkok and Hubert’s foot surgery. Things went very well and we were so aware of God’s answering prayer. He has had very little pain. A special boot he wears protects the toes to some extent. We need to return to the hospital in Bangkok in three weeks to have the wires removed. It was a joy to visit the mission church of our friends in Bangkok for two Sundays.

The dates for Abigail Freeze coming to work with us are February 22 – March 7. She is coming from another province in Cambodia where her parents and family work. Her Khmer language ability is very good. She would like to see more of medical missions and how God uses it. Besides learning medicine, please pray that God would use her time with us to help people come to know Christ. Pray that we would be a blessing to her. Pray for God’s guiding in her life as she chooses her course of study to prepare to serve the Lord in the years ahead.

Please pray also for Mrs. M. who is in our church here in Koh Kong. She wants to spend time with me at the hospital regularly in order for us to witness together to patients and staff. We so desire to see God work through us and draw people to Himself.

“Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22

 

 

 

Fixing our Eyes on Jesus

Praise the Lord that yesterday Koh Kong Baptist Church called Mr. L. to be their pastor! We have been preparing for this step for a long time and are excited to see it happen. Please pray for continued wisdom from the Lord and for all of us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Our trip to Bangkok for medical care was postponed a week. Thank you for praying and please keep on. God must have something special happening in Koh Kong this week and wants us to see it. Hubert is happy to have more time teaching the new students in his English class before being away for a time. This evening his lesson was by candlelight since the power was off in our house and neighborhood. We are grateful to God that it is back on now so I can use the computer.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2

Look What God is Doing

Showing our visiting missionary friends some of what God is doing in Koh Kong and introducing them to some of the Christians this week was delightful. They have traveled on now and we continue to pray for God’s leading in their lives. Thank you for praying.

Next week Tuesday afternoon (we are twelve hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time), Hubert is scheduled to have surgery on his toe. It will be done in Bangkok. Please pray for the medical staff, for our accommodations near the hospital, for our travels, for strength and healing from the Lord, for God to use us throughout the days we are there, and for God to be glorified in all.  

Praise God for cooler weather today. It was down to 72 outside this morning. I even put on a sweater to ride the motorcycle to the hospital. Miss L. joined me there for the day to serve the Lord. In a couple days more she will return to her medical studies in Phnom Penh. This truly is a beautiful place to live and work. We pray God would continue to build His church here.

“But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord…” Psalm 141:8

 

 

Opportunities

Praise God for a small group of new students that have asked Hubert to teach an evening English class for them. They plan to begin on Wednesday this week. The main one is a neighbor who lives a few houses down from us. Please continue to pray that these new students would be receptive to the gospel and follow Christ. Please pray that we would see more neighbors turn to Christ.

We thank God for the many opportunities He is giving to witness and to teach Bible lessons. It is amazing to watch God work. Pray for people to see their need of salvation and to accept the Lord.

This Friday we anticipate the arrival of a missionary couple doing a field survey. Pray for God’s leading and blessing in our time together with them. We are eager to show them the many avenues for serving the Lord here.

The church plans to vote on calling Mr. L. as their pastor soon. Pray for God to be glorified in His church here in Koh Kong and that the church would grow in the Lord. Pray that God would guard and guide Mr. L. Thank you for your faithfulness in intercession.

“…We recount your wondrous deeds” Psalm 75:1

 

 

 

Precious

After months of waiting and praying, we now have the renewed church permit! Praise God we were able to pick it up in the Religious Affairs Office in Phnom Penh last Friday. It is good for two years. Then the church will go through the renewal process again.

My mother was taken home to heaven on December 28, 2015. God was her faithful sustainer throughout her life. She was a great children’s Bible teacher and her love for people all around her was evident. She was 91 years old. God gave me a smooth trip to Michigan to be with my nine siblings for the events surrounding the funeral. I had time with so many precious people there, as well as interacted with many interesting travelers during my flights. Thank you for praying.

Please continue to pray for more students for Hubert’s English classes, and for God to guide as Hubert teaches. We desire that through these contacts, people would come to know Christ.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15