we arrived safely to banan province on tuesday evening after another crazy eight hour bus and van ride. our hosts, pastor sokhon and his wife, along with thirty of the orphans, welcomed us with open hearts and arms. it did not take us long to settle in and feel at home. we are in the gorgeous phnom kol village and find life here very simple and peaceful. our team seems to be doing very well without the luxuries of electricity and running water – God’s grace i am sure.
the pastor and his wife, kong weanna, met while mining precious stones when they were in the refugee camps during the civil war; both became christians during this time. kong lost her parents in the khmer rouge massacres and knows well the life of an orphan. they have three beautiful daughters who love the Lord as much as their parents. the four square children of promise orphanage was started in 2000 and is sponsored by the four square church in battambang. they began with twenty children and now have over 40, ages 10-20. eight staff people and their families assist with the many duties. the children are provided $13.00 a month by the church which pays for their food, clothing, school fees and supplies, and medical necessities. the pastor’s and staff’s small salaries are also provided by the church. although their needs are many, transportation is perhaps the greatest. it has been humbling and convicting observing them live on so little. their joy is endless it seems and is quite infectious. the love of Christ is evident in the youngest to the oldest.
our ministry activities have been varied thus far: attending a home cell group where several of us were able to share and give encouragement; going door to door meeting our neighbors and praying for the sick and grieving; visiting schools; teaching english classes to the orphans and staff (brandon is the bomb) while learning the khmer language from them; administering first aid to the children; playing with and loving on the children; building relationships with the pastor, his family, and the staff; getting to know our amazing translator, seong.
please continue to pray with us! our requests include: a growing, deeper relationship with Christ and each other; continued building of team unity; an outpouring of God’s wisdom and discernment upon each of us; servant’s hearts and actions; surrender of self every day to His will; good health; sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance; open doors for evangelism; complete provision for the needs of the orphanage; unconditional love for everyone.
we would not be here without your love and support! thank you so much for traveling with us on this journey of hope. it is for God’s honor and glory that we persevere.
