June 2009 Prayer Update

Dear All,

The months of April and May seemed to vanish as routine schedules quickly filled up the space. Everyone had "cautiously" enjoyed the Khmer New Year, April 14-16, as most people, especially those in Poipet, tent to be on the "wilder" ends at these festive times.
Meanwhile, the six key church leaders have been studying the last book of the Life and Letters of Apostle Paul, where everyone was (still is) deeply moved by such hardships and perseverance that Apostle Paul had endured throughout his ministry life, thinking of how would we have reacted IF similar situations happen to us. But God, in His merciful way, allowed us the privilege, just a small taste of knowing the "joy"
of carrying the cross that Apostle Paul was experiencing.
It happened immediately after Khmer New Year (and a short time before that), as everyone had safely returned home to Poipet, we began to notice problems, one after another, took place, so far, in six of the eight house churches! Though all locate in distant places from each other and each situation is unique of its own, all six villages seem to share similar situations where one or more church members, for whatever reasons, decided to leave the body of fellowship. Then, some of those who left immediately began to persecute the church. They'd stirred up gossips and lies, spreading hurtful rumors that are causing such heartaches and tensions among the church families. All of us agree that we're under spiritual attacked by the enemy. At times like these, we are thankful that Paul had set a good example for us, and we are to "press on toward the goal" knowing who is waiting for us at the finish line.
But GOD is still at work. Being that you are very much our partners in the Poipet ministries through your love and devotion, faithful prayers and financial support to the GCF, we want to share with you some of our joys and concerns about the ministries as well.
- The students from the two TEE classes had successfully finished their final exams. This week we still have 25 students who are continuing with TEE Book 3 (4 TEE students, due to the above situations and other reasons, recently dropped out of classes), plus with the five on-going discipleship classes. So far about 50 new believers are studying in baptismal classes where the date of the coming event is yet to schedule for this summer. We appreciate you praying for these classes and new believers.
- We are desperately looking for a place to rent in order to facilitate the growing numbers of students enrolling in the evening English classes. With over 140 students, 8 volunteer teachers, and 10 classes per day, we need a bigger space, which presently seemed rather impossible to find such a place in Poipet. But our God is able.
- On May 15- 29, we had a privilege of hosting four wonderful young ladies from Crown College, who not only came to serve with the English classes, youth ministry, and others, they took back with them some of the life-learning and life-changing experiences from Poipet as well.
May God continue to be their source of guidance as they search His will for their life journey ahead.
- We opened our home to host five KEC youth committees from the northwest region, as they came and spent two full days with us, May 29-31, in hope to see and experience the growing youth ministry. It is our prayer that God would enlarge their visions to see the needs for reaching out to the Cambodian youth and young adults. Their visit was meaningful when they were able to be part of the youth rally set on Saturday, May 30th. It was a joined gathering for all the youth and young adults in Poipet, where due to heavy rains, only about 70 youth came- a smaller scale compares to the previous gathering. As always, everyone was waiting for and looking forward to this gathering, and despite of rains and difficult roads and all, they all came a had a great time fellowshipping with others, and most of them had a fantastic time playing games of soccer and Ultimate Frisbee in the mud!
- At the end of that busy day, May 30th, Soeuth and I were able to sit back and took time to reflect of the many blessings that God has graciously granted us as we quietly celebrated our 17th anniversary.
And a perfect way to celebrate this special occasion is to have our older son, Justin, coming home for the long summer break. These couple days spending at the Alliance Guest Home have been such a refreshing time of just rest and relaxation and renewing of our spirits. We came to BKK a few days before Justin arrived. And it's been a tremendous joy to our hearts watching the two brothers, Justin and Jonathan, spending endless time together catching up of what's been going on in their separate lives. The trip must end, however, as we're heading back to what awaits us in Poipet, this afternoon.
Please continue to pray for safe traveling for us all. Our ambulance team has been very busy picking up people that have been involved in traffic accidences. In the past 8 weeks, we transported 43 cases of accidents just in Poipet alone, with three deaths and many heard injuries! People were so used to bumpy roads that they are not prepared to drive carefully on smooth paved road! It's becoming more dangerous to be on the main road.
Please also to include these date on your prayer list as well.
- 6/18, a joined gathering for all the youth from the northwest region including three provinces. Pray for safe trip and a good day of fellowship with all.
- Between July and August, we'll have some short term teams coming to Poipet to help in various ministries. Pray for safe and healthy traveling and a good visit there.
- July 6-8, our Poipet teammates, the Copeland and Kandi Lay, are coming back. Yea! Pray for their pleasant good-byes and safe traveling.
- July 14 -20, our mission field will have an annual Field Forum at Kampongsorm Province. There will be many transitions for our missionary team this coming year; but everyone is willing and in good spirits that with God's help, we will make it through. Pray for a wonderful week together.
- Aug. 7th, Justin will be returning back to Dalat to begin his second year at Dalat as an eighth grader!
That is all for now. We appreciate you sharing with us of what is at work in your life as well. Have a wonderful summer.

Love,
Soeuth, Syna, Justin, and Jonathan Lao