Cambodia Missions

Day 10... Kong Pixay Church/Orphan Home

2012-01-29T20:25:00.000-08:00

Our arrival at Kong Pixay.... This was the very 1st home we started to support!

The children singing and praying for us...

After the Pastor shared from the word, there was an alter call made! It's so exciting to be sitting here watching these people accept Jesus for the first time!!

Our wonderful team presenting for the last time the story of Joseph! You all were amazing...

This place is always packed! They do a really good job at caring and reaching their community!!

Some of us brought pictures from last year that we took... This lady and her baby are from the community and a picture was taken with her and her baby last year.... She was so excited to see the picture and our team again :-)

Tim and the Pastor from Kong Pixay... Precious man!

Feeding the community! Living Water not only does this at home, but across the world... Awesome!

Fish Pond at Kong Pixay...

Every girl loves to have her finger nails painted... :-)

Looking at pictures from a team member who's been to this home 2 years in a row and wasn't able to go this year... LOVE

At every home.... They love to bless us with a fresh coconut when we arrive!

Nothing better than seeing kiddos play on a swing set... JOY!

Face painting... You should have seen the line! It was very long and the kids absolutely love this!!

Want to be mobbed? Just bring out the balloon men... :-)

Beautiful girls...!

The Assistant Pastor's wife preparing food...

Praying and prophesying over the children here... They are very special!

Cambodian Videos...

2012-01-29T08:26:00.000-08:00

Here are a few videos from our time here...

Day 9... Steung Somrong Church/Orphan Home

2012-01-28T03:08:00.000-08:00

EXCITED!!

This day was really anticipated as we were going back to the home where we spent most of our time last year. The team members who made many relationships last year were very excited! Not only to see the kids, but to also see how the home had grown... Both spiritually and physically!

Our arrival...

Today was all about outreach, fellowship and food!!!

The Pastor from the home shared a brief message and then an alter call was offered... Thank you Jesus that people are coming to know you!

And once again, our team did a great job at portraying the story of Joseph...

We had an amazing time reconnecting with our family here. The children have grown... both physically and spiritually. The Pastor was great and doing amazing! This home has really been persecuted from the community, so to see where they are and for the community to be there was so JESUS!!

We had the great privilege to pray for people who were there from the community...

Towards the end of our time here, we gathered the children to pray and prophesy over them and the entire home as a whole... Jesus always shows up! It's something we look forward to doing at every home...

It was so awesome to see some of the houseparents and kids wearing our LW Kids T-Shirts from last year...

What a great day! Now, we had to say our goodbye's...

Day 8... Travel

2012-01-26T17:58:00.000-08:00

Today we traveled from Pursat Century Hotel to our favorite resort... "The Picnic"

We experienced quite a bit in less than 24 hours... spiders, large geckos and rats! The rats enjoyed our belongings while we were at dinner... They actually chewed through one team members backpack!

It was an experience... Actually was a place of breakthrough!! Thank you Lord

Day 7.... Work & Fun

2012-01-24T18:58:00.000-08:00

AMAZING is all I can say about today!

We arrived at the home and began working and finishing up what we could before lunch...

Michael Stark and a team of others did wonderful at doing balloon art... Way to go!!

Today was the day that we broke the kids and staff members up with a team member and took them all to the market... Was so very fun!

Once we returned to the home Dr. Lena was there ready to draw blood to test the kids and staff for HIV and Hep B... What a blessing to be able to do this for our family here. Once they get the results back, all of them will be vaccinated for Hep B and will be vaccinated for life... Thank you Lord!

It is time... Time to say good bye to our Prek Bey Family! We all got into a huge circle outside on the front lawn, well, their front yard, and began to prophesy over individuals and the home as a whole. This is a very emotional, moving time.... I think we all ask ourselves how you can make such a deep relationship with the kids and this family in only 6 short days? JESUS... It is only through Jesus!

Before we left, a few of the girls tried on the dresses that we bought for them at the market... BEAUTIFUL!

One more pic... A breakfast for champions! Rice, peanut butter and sweet milk (sweetened condensed milk).... YUM

We'll be without internet for a day or so... See you soon!

Day 6.... Last Full Day of Work @ Prek Bey

2012-01-23T17:00:00.000-08:00

Well, today started off sort of refreshing.... we had a few rain drops! It was actually a little cooler in the morning, but that changed quite rapidly :-)

Today was our last full day of work here, so we all worked really hard to get as much done as possible... We were painting, painting and painting!!

This is how you paint in Cambodia.... Bamboo stick with a paint brush attached!

Some of the Cambodians worked really hard getting the new railings done on the home...

Every day at the home we do devos after lunch in the sanctuary. Today, our team prepared a skit about the story of Joseph... They did an amazing job :-)

Our day always ends with spending time with the family here at Prek Bey! Here's some of those pics and just life at the home..

Also, we have a team member who owns his own bike shop, so he was able to work on the kids bikes and get them into running condition... And we were able to purchase 10 more bikes for the home!!

Will post more soon :-)

Day 5...

2012-01-23T07:04:00.000-08:00

WOW... Today was a fabulous day!

We started off the day by attending church with our Prek Bey Church Home. It was awesome to worship together with our family here...

During the service these lovely ladies danced before the Lord... It was absolutely amazing...! I'll post a video of this at a later time... You'll enjoy it!

We had the awesome opportunity to to dedicate 3 children to the Lord during the service this morning...

After church, the community stayed and the Prek Bey Church/Orphan Home fed the community (this was possible through the generosity of our LW Church Family)... Amazing!

After lunch, we started face painting.... They love it and then they wash it off pretty fast!

We had a special treat today and got to take the entire home to the "waterfall" river.... It was quite the trek to get there, but was well worth it! The kids, well actually everyone" enjoyed the cool water...

Then, to top off the day, we stopped at a member of the church's home on our way back to pray for her and to bless her home.... She's a widow and blessed us on multiple days with oranges, only they were green, from her farm!

Thank You Lord for an AMAZING day!!!

Day 4...

2012-01-21T16:37:00.000-08:00

AWESOME.... Yes it was and we've even gotten some of the kids to say "awesome"!

It was a packed full day. When we arrive at the home every day, we immediately go to work as the children are still at school. We continued painting the "bathrooms", if that's what you call them, painting the rest of the sanctuary, and we begun painting the outside of the whole building...

Where they get water out of their cisterns it gets pretty muddy, so one of our team members had the idea of laying a mosaic type floor with leftover crushed concrete...

Since we had such a nice mosaic tile area, it was a great day to wash the girls hair and give them some hair pretties that some ladies made and brought...

Every day at lunch time the church home does devos, so yesterday Pastor Tim taught on communion and we all participated together in communion... It was a real precious time!

Then of course at the end of the day we love playing and just being with the kids... :-)

Oh, and the team had some fun on the bus today too...

Day 3...

2012-01-20T16:42:00.000-08:00

We've gotten so much accomplished in only a few days... Laying tile, putting up the swing set, painting the inside of the sanctuary, washing the outside of the building before painting...

Enjoy the pics and videos...

This is a video of our children praying for us on the day we arrived... AMAZING!

The guys laying tile in the girls room... They are going to love their new floor :-)

The kids getting ready to play on their new swing set... :-)

You can go to www.facebook.com/lwmissions to view more pics...

Day 2... Prek Bey Church/Orphan Home

2012-01-19T16:53:00.000-08:00

WOW! Our 1st day at Prek Bey.... It was absolutely amazing.

The team arrived and immediately began ministry... This gentleman had a tree fall on his leg and it broke his femur...

When we arrived the children were at school, so we began working right away. The girls rooms need new tile, so we finished tearing up the old and preparing it for the new tile...

The children arrived back from school and we all went into the sanctuary where everyone was introduced, not that we'll remember how to pronounce their names, and then the children sang and prayed for us...

Our time playing with the kids is always a lot of fun... They have so much joy!

Here are some pics just from the life of Prek Bey Church/Orphan Home...

Day 1...

2012-01-18T06:51:00.000-08:00

HELLO! We made it...

Today consisted of seeing a few sights in Phnom Penh before heading out to the province where our 3rd Church/Orphan home, Prek Bey is located.

We went to FCOP (Foursquare Children of Promise) and saw all the amazing things that take place here.

After leaving the Training Center we went to Toul Sleng Genocide Museum. Seeing what happened during the Khmer Rouge is a very sobering time. At the end of our time we were able to see the only survivor Bou Meng. Those who purchased his book, were then able to take a picture with him...Very humbling.

We enjoyed a nice lunch with our Foursquare Missionary, Ted Olbrich. The food was pretty good too... Steve's Steakhouse

On the road... Headed to our Hotel, Pursat Century for the night before heading to see our kids at Prek Bey Church/Orphan home. While driving out we were able to enjoy the beauty of God's creation...

Tomorrow will be an exciting day....

Good Night!

2012-01-17T17:29:00.001-08:00

In Phnom Penh, first Cambodian breakfast...

2012-01-16T11:51:00.001-08:00

Our last American meal :-)

2012-01-16T09:34:00.000-08:00

We're loading up... :-)

4 DAYS...

2012-01-12T22:48:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that in only 4 days we'll be on our way to Phnom Penh, Cambodia! The team is ready and excited. The Lord is always way bigger than our plans. At the last minute, we had 2 team members unable to go on this trip. The airlines worked with us and we were able to change the names on the tickets for two other individuals to go. This wasn't an easy task, but with God anything is possible!!

We'll be posting on this blog and FB (www.facebook.com/lwmissions) as long as we have connection to the internet!

Stay tuned...

20 Days...

2011-12-27T16:59:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that January is just around the corner!! It's that time again... Cambodia Trip 2012!

There will be a team of 24 traveling to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The team leaves on Monday, January 16th and will be returning on Monday, January 30th. There are 4 individual staying longer with Pastor Tim and Dhana to help with a Marriage Retreat for the Cambodian Leaders of FCOP. This will be an exciting time for all of us!

This blog is one way to follow our trip or the LWMissions Facebook page (www.facebook.com/lwmissions). That is as long as we have internet connections where we are! Remember we are in a 3rd world country...

During this trip we will be traveling to the 3 orphan homes that Living Water supports... Kong Pixay, Steung Somrong and Prek Bey. We'll be mostly working at our Prek Bey home, but will also be doing outreaches at all 3 homes.

It's going to be exciting... Stay posted!!

1st Day at Home

2011-01-31T11:51:00.001-08:00

Our first day at the home consisted of removing 100 post of the old fence, removing and rolling 2400 ft of barbwire, removed 2 doors and cleaned out the well!

Before all this work we had a warm welcome from the children! They brought many hugs and then took us into the sanctuary where they sang and prayed over us.... AMAZING!

Getting a lot accomplished!!!

WE'RE IN CAMBODIA!!!!

2011-01-18T17:18:00.000-08:00

Here's the team at the airport waiting for our flight....

Nels already has a friend with his balloon animals.... :-)

Ted & Michael..... Nice hats boys!

Pastor Tim & Norm enjoying breakfast!

Well, we're in Cambodia! The team is good and very excited to get started on what it is the Lord is having us do while we're here. Our first flight was running late, so once in Seoul we ran to catch our 2nd flight as they were holding the plane for us. So, with that, we don't have any luggage! Be praying we get our luggage today at a reasonable time!

Today we'll be touring the Training Center here for Foursquare Children of Promise and also the Killing Fields Museum.

We will keep you updated as much as we can! Not quite sure of the internet access we'll have once out of the city, but we'll try!

Love to all!

Once a Kid Always a Kid....

2011-01-17T10:15:00.000-08:00

Here's Nels practicing making animal balloons for the kids.... Great job Nels!

On The Road....

2011-01-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

SeaTac Airport here we come!

GET OUT!

2011-01-16T20:49:00.000-08:00

It's 2011 and we're off to Cambodia! Tomorrow, January 17th, a team of 20 is headed back to Cambodia to serve the 2 orphan homes that Living Water supports.... Kong Pixay and Steung Somrong! We're excited to serve the homes in many facets, like.... drilling a new well, fencing the property, laying tile, putting in solar panels, etc. We're also excited to be with the children! It's going to be an adventure and we're expectant to experience the encounter that Jesus has for us & them!!!

We'll be posting updates as frequently as possible (this will all be determined on our internet access)!

Stay Tuned....

Our final days...

2010-02-02T23:09:00.000-08:00

Day Ten – Thursday
No Fruit from Buddha
We continue our rest and process time in Phnom Penh. Today, we visited the Royal Palace and the Cambodia National Museum. At the royal palace, we saw the Buddha tree, which was interesting. The flowers, in bloom, are amazingly beautiful. When they fall to the ground, pregnant women actually collect them, dry them in the sun and then mix them in water and make a tea from it. This tea, they believe, helps the birthing process run smoothly. So, back to the tree itself. You have these flowers that draw you in, but then there is the fruit of the Buddha tree. The fruit takes months to mature and then when ready is poisonous (fatal) to eat. The fruit is of no worth to the people, from the Buddha tree. You can draw your own parallel there.

In contrast, I want to share about Jork, our Cambodia team leader with FCOP. (Foursquare Children of Promise) This young man came to live at Chom Chao, one of the orphan homes, around the age of 10. Prior to that, he was on his own, against the odds for surviving and fighting to stay alive and get to school each day. He made friends that cared about him and his passion for school. They gave him money so he could attend English classes. During that time, he compared the Buddhist and the Christians. Yes, at this young age he compared these 2 belief systems. To him, the supposedly wise Buddhist elders did nothing to help the people. The wisdom was just their own and they were too old to go out an share or do anything real with it. In contrast, he liked the fruit he saw with the Christian people. Therefore, he became a Christian and eventually came to live at the Chom Chao orphan home. He became a Christian. Today, this young man loves Christ will all his heart. He has a passion to see his nation come to know Jesus. He now works for FCOP as a team leader traveling to orphan homes throughout Cambodia. Now that is fruit and the harvest is abundant!

Day Eleven – Friday
Farewell Cambodia!
Today is our last day in Cambodia. We all miss our families and home so much, but it’s sad to say good bye here too. Olympia, we’ll see you all soon!

We spent the day visiting the Russian market and Central market. Here we got to practice our negotiation tactics while purchasing a few gifts and souvenirs to return with.

After an early dinner, we headed to the training center just outside of Phnom Penh. Here, we attended a prayer and worship service led by orphans, every Friday night. There were about 150 people present and when we arrived it had already begun. The best way to describe this encounter would be a disclaimer reading Buckle up! Cambodians for Christ are passionate for HIM! They pray and worship with the authority given them by Jesus. It was a powerful time of prayer and worship and again, despite the language barrier, the presence of God was felt. The service ended with our team taking hands and kneeling in a circle. They surrounded us in prayer. Little hands of children and big hands of adults blanketing our backs. It was awesome! Following this prayer, our team handed out ice cream and soda to all in attendance. They were excited.

As we visited for a short time after, it was shared how impactful our time at the home was in the community which Kong Pixay resides. In Buddhist culture, orphans are at the bottom. They explained how our presence, love, work and care for the home and people would greatly impact the way the local community saw these children. How awesome is that!

At 11:50 pm Cambodia time, we prepare to board the airplane for Seoul, Korea. Once in Seoul, we will enjoy a day use hotel for our 12 hour layover. We’ll see you on Saturday Washington state! Much love and here ends an amazing experience in Cambodia.

2010-01-30T00:07:00.000-08:00

We are in South Korea now waiting for our flight back to Seattle which leaves in less than 2hrs. The photo above is our trip from the Airport in Korea to day use hotel where we could take a hot shower and rest a little during our 12 hr lay over. We are so excited to see our families and are so grateful for everything God has done. There will be more stories and pictures to come once we get home!

Protected by God

2010-01-29T22:48:00.001-08:00

After the Worship Service, Ted Olbrich shared the story of one 19 year old boy that lives at the training center. You will probably read this story more than once as it clearly depicts God's protection and love for each of us.

"At the training center there is a healthy and happy 19 year old boy with downs syndrome. His exact age is unknown. Here his story.... When he was about 3 to 6 months old the Khmer Rouge were attacking villages near where his family lived so everyone from the village fled in a hurry accidentally leaving him behind. When the fighting settled down, his family returned to look for him, but assumed he had been killed by the Khmer Rouge or monkey's, since without the men standing guard around the village the monkeys would have had free reign to enter the village. Sometime later a poacher shot a mother monkey living in a coconut tree. We the poacher came in to collect the meat they found the young boy alive and apparently living with the monkeys. Since killing monkeys was illegal the poachers decided to bring the young boy to a community of monks living nearby. The boy lived with the monks for about 4 years(?). The boy was healthy, but didn't talk and seemed to prefer being with the monkeys. The monks decided to release the boy back into the wild to live with the monkeys. Some point after that the boy found his way to the Orphanage (God's guiding hand). He learned to live with people, but they would frequently find the boy climbing coconut trees and sleeping in the branches. One of our team members saw the boy break dance, and he was quite good. I'll post a picture if I have one, but I wanted to share as much as I could remember from the story while it was fresh. What a testament of Gods love for a boy that in the worlds eyes would seem insignificant. I can't wait to see how God continues to use him for HIS glory!

2010-01-29T22:39:00.000-08:00

After Friday Worship, just prior to heading to the airport, Pastor Tim and Mary talk with Ted and Sue Olbrich about the amazing night and how much we will miss our Cambodian Family. Just prior to this picture everyone prayed for our team. We formed a circle and knelt down so everyone could lay hands on us as they prayed there hearts out!

2010-01-29T22:31:00.000-08:00

Friday Night worship and praise service at the Training Center. The service and worship were led by a group of amazing Orphans who definitely have the call of God on their life. Every Friday night all 103 and growing Orphanages gather to pray for the Nation of Cambodia, Government leaders, their Pastors, each other, etc.. for the Glory of Jesus Christ! Cambodia is a changing nation.

2010-01-29T22:21:00.000-08:00

The Royal Palace grounds in the heart of downtown Phnum Penh are about 434 meters square. The King of Cambodia's Permanent residence is in the far right hand corner of the picture. When we asked our tour guide what the King does on a daily basis he said "Nothing". It is unfortunate that the government of Cambodia doesn't care more for its people. During our time on the palace grounds we found ourselves praying repeatedly against the demonic strong holds of Buddhism and Hinduism. We did bump into another Foreign group with "Hands of God" T-shirts. This was refreshing as they were also there to help change the Nation of Cambodia for Christ!

2010-01-29T22:15:00.000-08:00

This monument was constructed at the killing fields to store thousands of skulls and bones from the Cambodia People that were murdered at the killing fields prior to being buried in mass graves. More than 20,000 people including women, children and babies were killed here. The Location is called Choeung Ek.

2010-01-28T00:37:00.000-08:00

We spent the morning at the Royal Palace and National Museum and our now resting as we prepare to travel home tomorrow. Tonight we will be back at Steve's Restaurant as a team for great food and an extended time of prayer over each member of the team. Please pray for the spirit to move!

2010-01-28T00:24:00.000-08:00

Pastor Tim Talking to "Meas Srey P" (Mister P) about how he will lead this community by serving his wife and caring for her like Jesus would. Pastor Tim would like to come back an do a marriage conference in Cambodia, we know Dhana is ready!

Singing for the Lord

2010-01-27T17:40:00.000-08:00

This video was from Sunday Worship at the Orphanage.

2010-01-27T17:34:00.000-08:00

Day Nine - Wednesday

The Wheels on the bus go round and round...

Today we are headed back to Phnom Penh, a 2 hour bus ride. Here, we will take a couple days of rest as a team and have the opportunity to debrief and reflect both together and individually. In our hearts, we just want to go back to the home today, but we know the rest is good and a good bye is inevitable. We are thankful to have worked the purpose and plans God set before us. Thank you Lord!

A painful past

We arrive in Phnom Penh and head to the CHOEUNG EK Genocidal Center, the killing fields. We take a guided tour and it is sobering. It is hard to imagine that so recently, from 1975-1979, such cruelty was inflicted on the Cambodian people. 1 in 7 was killed including all classes, gender and ages. At the fields, we see clothes and bones that wash to the surface with the rains. We walk around them on the path. We see a tree that was used to beat children to their death. We see simple tools used for killing as the Khmer Rouge did not want to "waste" money on bullets. It is more than a person can process.

Yet, the people at Kong Pixay and in Cambodia have JOY. They work hard and they love. OUR REDEEMER LIVES!!

Please continue to pray for us. We can sense the covering and it has made a huge impact on our time here. We love you all and will see you soon!

2010-01-27T17:31:00.000-08:00

Day Eight – Tuesday

Today begins like any other morning we’ve had, but today is different. Today, we must say farewell to our new friends at Kong Pixay. The tears are already being stored up and we know they are going to flow. We will NEVER be the same. We each are so grateful.

On our way to the home this morning we stop to buy rice, oil and salt for them. Staples for us back home, but huge blessings to the people here. On the street, we saw a woman carrying a giant breadbasket and part of our team got off the bus and approached her asking to purchase all of it. As they pantomimed their request, Jork came over to interpret. A sale was made and for $20 a jumbo basket and bread were purchased and this woman was blown away. Her pearly whites shined bright as she walked along, shocked and joyous sharing with her friends. It was awesome.

We arrive to Kong Pixay and there is a parade of children waiting to walk with us. They help carry our water, shoes and anything else they can. They are eager to see us and the feeling is always mutual.

After applying sunscreen, which always entertains the kids, we set to work mixing cement (We are getting good at this!) for continued work on the sidewalk and the brickwork that is along the front fence. Today, especially, we savor working along side the kids. This is their home, their church and their neighborhood and it is so good they are working WITH us to build.

In addition to the projects today, we also bought and installed a hand pump for the well. This hand pump is going to be awesome! Now, they will no longer need gasoline, which is very expensive and the motor will not need to be maintained. This well not only benefits the home but also the local village surrounding the home, as this is the only well in the area. Let the water flow!

We worked in the morning and into the early afternoon, stopping around 4. (Team funds will provide for these projects to be completed by the local people. This means a few more days of work for them!) Now, it’s playtime!! All 12 of us join in. From volleyball to red light green light, it is so much fun to play as one big family. It was a precious time.

After we played hard, we gathered to pray hard! We gathered all the kids and staff in the church and put them into a big circle. Individually, we thanked them for this amazing time together. It was an emotional time for each of us and for each of them. Team members shared prophetic words and pictures over the children and staff. Jork interpreted for us. The staff thanked us as well and shed many tears. As a team, we knew we would be emotional, but to see these kids and staff crying made our hearts ache even more. We will miss our new friends! What they asked of us is that we would remember them back in Olympia and PRAY FOR THEM. Later, Jork said of all his teams ours was the first to prophecy over the children. We were so blessed to be a tool to send God’s message.

After this awesome prayer time, it was time to say goodbye, grab our belongings and head to the bus. By the time we left, it was getting dark and the lights of the church were on. They didn’t have lights prior to this trip, but because of the solar panels they now have the ability to run lights. They are the only place in this village with solar powered lights. Think of the doors this opens for them in their community. They truly are a beacon of light to their village!

Remember the baby we prayed for the day before? Her mother came back and was praising God that her baby had slept through the night. Woop Woop! She and her baby joined us during our prayer time.

Thank you for your prayers! Hear ends another great day.

Moto Ride

2010-01-27T17:25:00.000-08:00

Everyone rides a "moto". Here is a family of 4 out for a nigh time ride. WOW!

2010-01-27T16:37:00.000-08:00

Hello, No better way to show our excitement than to construct a pyramid with the children.

We purchased a quality hand pump for the well with a side valve that allows the use of the gas pump. If the gas pump breaks they won't be without water. These hand pumps are rare to find in Cambodia. One of the pastors from another Province found it and drove 2.5 hrs to bring it to us. With the hand pump the entire neighborhood can get freshwater rather than drinking water from rain barrels and fish ponds. Way to go Family! - You are part of making this river of livingwater flow through this entire community. AS JESUS SAID, "OUT OF THIS PLACE WILL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER!"

Over 250 yards of security fence now surrounds the perimeter of our home.

Many hands make a heavy load lighter. These kids really know how to work!

Jork made sure to pound all the nails to make sure the other guy with the gloves didn't get hurt!

2010-01-27T16:31:00.000-08:00

Volleyball is Cambodia's Football! Everyone is enjoying the new volleyball court we installed!

Sweet Music

2010-01-27T03:53:00.000-08:00

We will miss their sweet voices so much!

Hello

2010-01-27T03:31:00.000-08:00

During the last day at the Orphanage we took some extra time at the end of the day to play with the kids.

2010-01-25T15:51:00.000-08:00

Day Six – Sunday

One “Family” under God

Today is a day of rest. We headed to the orphan home and were eager to join our extended family for church. As we sat in their new chairs, we were infected with their genuine joy for worship. We joined a Hallelujah chorus and they had as much interest watching us worship as we them. Worship and prayer blankets their entire service. It is awesome!

Although the service was in Cambodian, the presence of God is not limited by language and His presence was in the house. In addition, portions of the Pastors message were interpreted to us. Their Pastor read John 4 where it talks of drinking from the living water and here this church called Living Water has come. He shared that a month ago, around Christmas, they prayed as a home for their needs to be met so they could continue living. Our church has answered that prayer and they are praising God that they are now being positioned to survive and thrive. Glory to God who hears and answers our prayers! Glory to God who directs our steps and has sent us, just when it was needed!

The Pastor explained that although these children do not have an earthly mother and father, they all have the same heavenly Father. Hallelujah! The previous evening at dinner, a team member had shared that same impression from her journal. The repetition of that message reminds us that these kids are not fatherless!

They said our arrival and time here has helped to bring their community closer together. As we work each day, the orphans help along side us, but so are the neighborhood children. Thank you God for strengthening their community.

At the end of the service, Pastor Tim spoke and Jork interpreted. PT talked about how blessed we were to be welcomed in peace and that we desire to leave peace in this place when we depart. He told them that our team of 12 represents a bigger family back at Living Water and although many miles separate us, we are ONE family. Hallelujah! Then, he addressed the orphans and told them what Jeremiah was reminded of. That before they were in their mommy’s womb, God knew them. That they have never been forgotten nor will they ever be. He said, God will direct your steps IF you put your trust in him all the days of your life. It was so good.

From pants, to pots, to shoes…

After service, the children and staff all boarded the bus with us. Each child was given $2 and each adult $5. Squeals of delight were had all around! We took them to the nearest market and they were able to purchase something for themselves. It was a blast watching their faces on both the bus ride and shopping.

At the market, we shopped for about an hour. The kids liked looking at everything and then deciding how to spend their $2. In addition, new shoes were purchased for each child. They were so excited! As they boarded the bus, a team member treated them to their own sugar cane juice. It looked so yummy but no one on the team decided to try it. When the bus returned, each child took candy to share with the neighborhood kids so they too would be blessed.

While the kids shopped at market, a few team members purchased items that would help with daily living at Kong Pixay. These things included undergarments, clothes, dishes, utensils, knives, grinding bowl, containers to transport well water for safe cooking, new pots (their 2 major pots were cracked), mops and brooms, and cupboards for storing dishes and food. Again, everyone was so grateful.

Day 7 – Monday

Not by might, not by power, but by HIS SPIRIT!

Today, we are back to work. The sun is shining and a few members of the team have upset tummies. Please be praying for our health!

There are a few projects in progress today. We are working on fastening the chain link to the posts along 3 sides of the property. Also, a whole lot of mixing concrete, remember this is all done by hand and with very simple tools. The concrete is being used for the well pad, brickwork along the front section of fencing and on a sidewalk outlining 3 sides of the home. Shortly after the home was built, the sidewalk around the home began cracking and breaking up because a poor contractor said he did the job correctly, when he hadn’t. We tore up the concrete path around 3 sides of the home and did it right. In addition, we continue to secure the remaining concrete posts on the front fence.

From slap jack, to tic-tac-toe

Every day we take the time to play with the kids. It’s awesome to see the relationships that have formed with individual children among our team. Some have taught them card games like slap jack, songs, tic-tac-toe, water bottle bowling or introduced them to baseball and bubbles. We’ve given jump ropes and soccer balls too. We learned that Cambodians LOVE volleyball! Who knew? We purchased a net, as well as a spare, along with a ball. Today, part of the team secured posts and set up court in a rice patty field behind the home. We are having a blast laughing and playing with these amazing kids! It will be hard to say good-bye.

Your Faith has healed YOU

A woman came to the home today for her son to be prayed for. She said he’s not sleeping and is very fussy she wants him to be healed. He had a necklace around his neck that the Buddhist monks had given him. Pastor Tim, along with Jork our interpreter, led her to accepting Jesus as her Savior and we prayed for healing for her son. The necklace was cut off and in its place a cross necklace was given to the baby. She came asking for prayer and that shows faith that her son will be healed. Thank you God that she is now a sister in Christ.

Here ends day 7 of an amazing trip.

2010-01-24T01:56:00.000-08:00

2010-01-24T01:52:00.000-08:00

2010-01-24T01:41:00.000-08:00

2010-01-24T01:29:00.000-08:00

Sunday - Everyone listening and enjoying the new chairs!

Sunday - Loud Clapping and Praise happened before and after everytime someone spoke!

Sunday - Passion for Jesus!

Sunday - Neighborhood kids join in during worship!

Sunday - Worship and Praise at the Orphanage

2010-01-23T06:53:00.000-08:00

Day Five – Saturday

Good morning! During our bus ride, we sang worship songs and prepared our hearts to serve. As we then prayed, Pastor Tim specifically asked the Lord for physical strength and health today including a God goal of completing more than the last 2 days combined. Do it Lord!

Digging holes in expectation of the harvest!

We dug 60 holes today and secured 6-7 foot logs into each. Can we get a nice loud who-rah! Three sides of the home now have posts set. On the front fence, work continues as concrete posts and brick are secured and laid. We learned today that the fence, when complete, would allow the home to begin a small farm, as the neighboring cows will be blocked from eating and destroying the plants. Also, the home will be able to have more chickens because they won’t be able to wander. All of this means healthy kids and staff at Kong Pixay!

Laying a foundation for the water of life.

Part of the team worked this morning laying brick for the wells foundation. This afternoon, the entire team came alongside the Cambodian workers and children to dig out haul large and small rock and sand. It was awesome! The sense of togetherness and the sense of accomplishment encourage us to dig deep and press on. As I type, the foundation cement is being mixed, by hand.

The joy in simple things.

Here at the home, clothes are hand washed and hung on a partially dead bush next to the bathroom. A few team members just finished building a 20-foot long, 4-cord T clothesline. The Staff is so excited and they immediately began hanging their clothes. This line will be a daily blessing for the staff. Thank you Lord for giving our team ideas which bless the servants caring for your kids! You are so good God.

We learned that we are the first team to visit Kong Pixay. The home has been here for about 3 years and is less established than many of the other homes and had no prior maintenance. We are touched and privileged to be the first team to come serve here. It is such an honor. Thank you church family for covering us in prayer and sending us out. This is all possible because of you. As many of you know, Living Water provides monthly support to Kong Pixay. Without that, these 16 kids (we are believing for a total of 40 before years end) wouldn’t have a home. These kids are your extended family and what’s being done here IS changing a nation from the inside UP. Please continue to pray for them and pray for us as we travel.

Many blessings from Cambodia!

2010-01-23T06:42:00.000-08:00

Saturday - Concrete pad around the well is almost ready for the cement and water!

Saturday - We made a clothesline for the staff (550 cord - Who Rah) so they would have something else besides the bushes to dry their clothes. The house parents showed joy and big smiles!

2010-01-23T06:35:00.000-08:00

Saturday - One of the Orphan boys showed us how he takes a bath using the clean water that was pumped from the well!

Saturday - People from the home and neighborhood just hanging out together.

Saturday - Finishing the wood pole security fence. EVERYONE helped haul water, dig holes, and haul wooden posts.

Saturday - Go Ladies!

Saturday - Building the foundation for the concrete pad around the well

2010-01-23T06:19:00.000-08:00

Friday - The Orphanage house parents sleep in a separate room with a simple hammock.

Friday - Simple Bathroom at the Orphane home with water for keeping things clean.

Saturday - After breakfast we brought bread a jelly to the kids. What a treat.

Saturday - Everyone on the bus.

Saturday - We gave our camera to one of the kids for a while to have some fun. Here is one of the photo's that showed up on the reel. Prefect!

2010-01-23T06:10:00.000-08:00

Friday - The Kids posed for a picture after receiving their new school uniforms.

Friday - Everyone took the opportunity to get their picture taken with the Kids!

Friday - Everyone likes a hug.

Friday - All the Kids with Jenny. Jenny will be here full time for 1 year working with Ted and Sue Olbrich, Foursquare Missionairies to Cambodia. She works along side our team everyday and is such a blessing!

Friday - Looking forward to that next 50kg bag of cement. Who Rah!

Check Out the More Information Section on the Right Side of the Blog

2010-01-23T06:07:00.001-08:00

One of the other team members is posting information as well with more pictures and stories!

2010-01-23T05:53:00.000-08:00

Friday - Look at those big eyes!

Friday - A wise man.

Friday - Hauling Cement and Sand for the Security Fence Foundation.

Friday - A full heart of Joy!

Friday - When Cambodias so affection with a friend they put a arm around on another or hold hands. Relationship with each other is critical as they live in True Community!

2010-01-23T05:35:00.000-08:00

Friday - Preparing for the concrete slab around the pump and new sidewalk around the exterior of the home.

Friday - Taking a moment to talk with the kids in the neighborhood.

Thursday - More Rock. All rock is moved by hand in 5 gallon buckets or small pails. Even the smallest child can't wait to pitch in!

Thursday - 5 bicycles were purchased for the home for the kids to share ridding to school. This was the young boy that tested positive for hepatitis. We prayed for him and are believing for complete healing. Praying in the spirit crosses cultural boundaries. God is so Good!

Thursday - New Chairs, Tables and Bikes Arrive. Everyone is SO EXCITED!

2010-01-23T05:25:00.000-08:00

Friday - Working around the home, hauling rock, mixing concrete, etc..

Friday - Ballon's... Yeah

Thursday - Drawing Blood to test for Hepatitis and HIV

Thursday - More Hole diggin for the Security Fence

Thursday - Need I say more... One happy camper!

2010-01-23T04:53:00.000-08:00

Thursday - Pushing out a truck that was stuck trying to deliver supplies to the Orphange. What a team effort!

Thursday - Three Tumbs Up!

Thursday - Full of Joy!

Thursday - Big Smiles!

Thursday - Coloring with the kids at the Orphanage

2010-01-22T04:47:00.000-08:00

Day Three- Digging ditches! Are you digging yours? Expect and Encounter!

2010-01-22T04:45:00.000-08:00

Day Three - Bowling in Cambodia! Our water breaks often become play time.

2010-01-22T04:42:00.000-08:00

Day Three- The kids prepared songs that they sang for us. Following their songs, they broke out in praise and worship.

2010-01-22T04:36:00.000-08:00

Day Three- our first encounter to Kong Pixay. There was great anticipation and excitement. It was awesome!

2010-01-22T04:34:00.000-08:00

Day Two - Pastor Tim on the tractor at the training center. Here, tractors arrive from around the world in cargo crates. They are then refurbished and sold to help support the orphan homes.

2010-01-22T04:31:00.000-08:00

Day Two - The training center. This is where it all began and now there are over 103 orphan homes. Praise God!

2010-01-22T04:03:00.000-08:00

Tuesday night - This is our first team photo in Cambodia. We are so excited!

2010-01-22T03:53:00.000-08:00

Day One - Tuesday
We arrived! Jork, team coordinator, and Jenny met us at the airport. We gather our things and walk to a guesthouse across the street, thankful for a safe arrival and sleep. Off to bed and excited for our first full day!

Day Two - Wednesday
We are waking up in Cambodia! Woop Woop We eat breakfast and then travel by bus to the training center. Here we meet staff and tour the facilities including the hospital, dental rooms, tractor factory, sewing and weaving, sanctuary, music room and so on. Seeing the center and talking with Jork and the staff shows us the whole picture and how Kong Pixay is a piece of what is happening all over Cambodia.

Next, we go to the Genocide Museum TUOL SLENG, Former Office S.21. Here, the Khmer Rouge questioned, tortured and executed thousands of Cambodians. It’s tough to find words to describe the horrific events that took place upon the Cambodian people at this facility. We each tour through at our own pace and each took away a new understanding for Cambodians.

Following the museum, we have lunch with Ted and Sue Olbrich, Foursquare missionaries to Cambodia. What an awesome privilege it is to sit, break bread and hear the heart and vision for this place. Church family, please know this home and this ministry is changing a nation.

Day Three - Thursday
What an amazing day. We rode for 2 hours, by bus, to Kong Pixay. The rudimentary roads remind us we are venturing to an area of Cambodia that few foreigners ever see. We arrive and walk a short distance to the home. All 16 kids are outside waiting for us. We are so surprised! As it turns out, they’ve skipped school because they are excited to greet us. Hugs, smiles and tears are flowing big time!

We then gather together, and the kids introduce themselves and sing. The songs are beautiful, and we recognize Halleluiah and again tears fall. After their songs, the kids break into prayer and worship, lifting their hands to the Lord. These kids are worshipers! We are amazed. Following, we introduce ourselves, give lots of hugs and play with the kids. Despite the language barrier, an amazing connection is made.

Now, its time to get dirty and get to work! Today, we dug a trench about 125 feet long along one of the front sides of the property. We also dug 39 good size holes and sunk logs into each one for fencing along the side of the property. The security fencing will protect the land from wandering cattle, other animals and provide security. It is hard physical labor, but rewarding. The kids are eager to jump in with shovels and haul water to help. We learn quickly that Cambodians are very hard workers. During dinner, Jork shared that he was impressed with what we got done. He said in all his trips no other team had accomplished so much. Glory to God!

One final happening for today… At lunch with Ted and Sue, yesterday, we learn that most of the orphans and staff have never been tested for HIV or hepatitis, including those at Kong Pixay. With trip funds, we hire the Dr. to come today and test the kids and staff. We pray the results are all negative! The next step will be getting them the hepatitis vaccination to keep them well. The kids are so brave getting their blood draws and they wear their band-aids proudly.

Here ends our first wonderful day at the orphan home.

Day Four - Friday
We woke earlier today departing for breakfast at 6. We arrived at Kong Pixay and set to work. The concrete fence posts for the front of the home had arrived along with solar panels for the roof. As part of the team began the task of setting the concrete posts, others began trench and post digging on the opposite front side. It’s hotter today and the work is hard, but the kids are constantly around us, which is awesome encouragement to keep on digging.

Cambodians are installing the solar panels on the roof. These panels will allow the home to store energy for their batteries. They will be able to have lights in the evening, which opens many doors.

Around Kong Pixay, is a community of families. The neighborhood kids, for lack of a better term, are constantly at the home. Curious about the foreigners we are sure, and also in relationship with those living here. The kids are affectionate and giving to one another. On one occasion, and there are so many, an orphan girl gave her candy to all the neighborhood kids. We have much to learn! Pastor Tim asked how the neighborhood kids treat and respond to the blessings they see the kids at Kong Pixay receive. The answer was, “They are happy for them.” Again, we have much to learn!

The Dr. returned today with test results. All of the orphans and staff tested negative for HIV. One orphan, a young boy, tested positive for hepatitis B. The young boy will receive medical treatment after further tests are done. The other kids and staff received the vaccination. This was hard because the boy sat waiting for his turn, but it didn’t come. The Dr. explained why to the boy. As I sit here at the computer, Pastor Tim just gave me word that the boy was upset about the news. Pastor Tim, along with others surrounded the boy and prayed for him, reminding him how big Jesus is. He lifted his hands to God when the prayers began. The prayer was interpreted to the boy and lots of tears were shared. Heal him Lord! We do not know the extent of tests or treatment costs, but we are committed to see this young man of God healthy.

A few in town purchases were made today too. First, chairs and tables that can be used for eating, doing schoolwork and in church. Also, 5 bicycles were purchased along with new school uniforms for each child. It’s awesome, just a few minutes ago the truck with these supplies pulled in and everyone circled around. I am telling you the smiles on everyone’s faces were gigantic! It was incredible.

One final thought, we are enjoying building relationship with these kids. We felt the connection made yesterday go deeper today and the whole team was touched at every turn. We are reminded that it is about relationship. Working and playing alongside the orphans and staff is life changing. We are already different than when we arrived and there is still much to do and more time together. The team is excited to go deeper into our encounter!

Internet Connectivity Issues

2010-01-21T16:17:00.000-08:00

We will upload more pictures soon. Internet connectivity has been challenging depending upon where we are. Everyone on the team is healthy and full of Gods joy for the children of the Orphanage and the people of Cambodia.

Thank you for all your prayers!

The Gallows part 2

2010-01-20T06:38:00.000-08:00

The Gallows

2010-01-20T06:23:00.000-08:00

Team picture

2010-01-19T18:08:00.000-08:00

Nels and pastor Tim

2010-01-19T09:27:00.001-08:00

2010-01-19T09:14:00.001-08:00

We Have ARRIVED in Phnom Penh! We made it to our guest house and it is12:15 a.m. On Wed. Morning, it has begun...more updates soon.

Anticipation

2010-01-04T23:20:00.000-08:00

Waiting with great anticipation for what God has in store.