2024 1st Quarter Update
God is Changing the Future of Cambodia
There are many things that have happened in 2023 that we want to paise God for. But rather than simply making a list of the ways God is at work in and through the ministry here, we feel it would be good to also share the story of someone whose life has been transformed through the ministry.
This is Meta, a 3rd year student of architectural engineering. When she first came to us she was a shy, quiet, young woman who had never heard the gospel before.
Recently, she applied for an internship with an architecture firm. In that application she shared a bit of our faith journey and how her hopes and dreams for Cambodia have changed now that she has become a Christian. These are her own words - and they are part of her testimony that she shared.
Excerpt from Meta’s application:
“From one generation to the next, my family, including myself, have been Buddhist. But after I graduated high school, everything changed for me. I came to Phnom Penh and have been living as a part of PPT Community Center under pastor Eric’s leadership.
During that time, I have gotten to know and learn about Jesus Christ each day. Now I believe in Jesus Christ! I believe that He is the one and only true God, who loves and sacrificed Himself for us. It was life changing for me to know God. He has changed me dramatically. I’m now not as self-centered as I used to be. I’m not as selfish as I was. My way of viewing other people is different as well. I see now that all benefits in life aren’t just for me, I want to give others the same blessing that I received from Jesus. Jesus Christ allowed me to know and see that if my sins can be forgiven then I could do the same to people who hurt me. The purpose of life is not just to live for myself, but also to live for loving, caring, serving, and helping others. That is true happiness.”
Looking Back at 2023
Finished translating “Core 52” Yearly Bible Devotion into the Cambodian language.
Studied through the book of Luke and Acts with students.
Students learned how to use a Bible study method so they can grow and study God’s word on their own.
Mentorship training - focused on developing long and short term goals, as well as identifying and overcoming barriers.
Age based training - helping the students to work through life problems based on stage of life.
Leadership training - training leaders to begin mentoring and discipling next generation.
Evangelism and Outreach - Kampongcham village - monthly events and helping to plant a church.
Nightly Bible studies
Weekly Prayer Meetings
Became an elder at the church our family worships at (GCBC) - a church that supports missionaries and their families
What to Expect in 2024
As 2024 began, we had just finished 2 weeks of evangelism and a month of preparation to help make 4 separate events powerful moments for people to hear the Good News and meet the God who loves them. As the new year has dawned, its given us a moment to breathe and consider just what God has in store for this year. In fact, because of the work He has done through the partnership we have with you, we see of the many lives being changed!
We believe God is leading us to begin planning for a streamlined model of ministry that allows for duplication more easily. A model where training and discipleship becomes the responsibility of the older students in our ministry. A model that has both a good system as well as training materials available in the Cambodian language for students to use. We believe it is time for the generation we have invested in to begin taking ownership for the direction and spiritual growth of the ministry. This is the next step of discipleship.
What the next steps look like:
Continued leadership training, but adding opportunities for leaders to mentor and disciple younger students.
Focusing on providing quality resources being translated into the Cambodian language.
Providing more classes and training in different fields such as (finance, worship music, computer skills, English language, etc.
Learning about and applying spiritual disciplines to encourage a closer walk with Christ and a more mature faith.
Expanding our ministry by partnering with others who have a similar vision.
Look for locations and opportunities to open another dorm in the next year.
Finding more ministry partners/churches to help us meet our expanding financial needs.
Developing an internship/volunteer program for short-term missionaries to partner with.
Continuing to do the work we have been doing with the students and communities God has put in our sphere of influence.
Time in the US
We want to let everyone know that I (Eric) will be in the US from March 20th until May 30th as the missionary on campus at Ozark Christian College. During that time I’ll be teaching and discipling OCC students as well as reconnecting with churches and supporters. We had planned for the whole family to come back to the US together but due to Liz's work, the kids school schedules, and the rising cost of international flights we decided it will be just me this time.
I hope to be able to reconnect with as many people as possible and encourage everyone about all the amazing ways God is at work here in Cambodia. So please keep your eyes open for upcoming opportunities to reconnect!
Prayer Requests
New Students
Pray for their transition to college, life in the capital city, and community life. Pray also for mature faith to develop.
Older Students
Grow in their faith and ability to lead. Pray for finances for them to be able to afford college.
Our Family
Elizabeth and her teaching responsibilities.
Clara as she begins to consider colleges next year as a senior.
Josh managing ADHD and social issues.
To help Liz and I to prioritize discipling our kids above everything else.
Ministry
New ministry partners to meet our increasing financial needs.
Vehicle for my time in the US.
And finally, we want to say a heartfelt thank you. Everything you see here is an extension of your partnership with us! God is moving in this nation and you are an important part of this work