NEW BEGINNINGS

It has already been 9 months since we returned to Cambodia in August 2011. The road is still tough and rough, but its been an interesting journey and adventure that brought many surprises. This blog has not been updated for quite sometime; and our post in October last year 'To the Unknown Horizons' has been reverted to draft and recently re-published.

We thank the Lord for carrying us though the deep waters and sparing us from drowning in the rough ocean waves. We thank those people who have not abandoned us! Lately, friends visited and told us, "We came to let you know that we have not abandoned you." Such words brought tears to our eyes. Friends in times like these are rare. We thank also for the new friends we've met lately. 

In October last year, a pastor, one of our former students sent us money to buy one sack of rice. We did, and it lasted for almost 4 months. We are amazed by the generosity of the Cambodian people. They gave cash and in-kinds. They offer free ride and free lunch or dinner. What an amazing adventure with people who are faithful and generous!

In November, the New Generation Church was started. We meet at the New Generation Dorm, that houses 18 university students. Sry Roath and Cheta are leading managing the dorm as well as the church. Thanks to Kentwood Community Church (KCC) that are currently supporting the university project.

On the second week of November 2011, Khmer Community Church (KCC) was established, and had our first pastors meeting in January 2012. 

In March 2012, Dr. Keith Ritchie, Rev. Keith Nash, and pastor Aaron Nash, visited Cambodia and did leadership seminar in several provinces. The team also did a seminar with us at KCC. We had a great time with them, praying and learning leadership principles.

At the end of the seminar, the Khmer Community Church elected its new sets of officers. Greg is part of the board and he will work closely withe newly elected officer and also travel to churches and do training.

This April, Greg along with his Singaporean friend started an English congregation that believes in market place ministry.

Indeed, these are new beginnings that will paved the way for greater adventures in faith.

TO THE UNKNOWN HORIZONS

Cambodia is our second home. Our life journey in Cambodia for the last 8 years was a learning experience and a growth process.
 
We first came to Cambodia on October 16, 2003 without first raising our missionary support-the norm required for every missionary under Global Partners (GP). Rev. Jun and Mamel, took the responsibility of sharing their financial resources to us during our first few years in the field. For the last 8 years, we survived the ministry and financial challenges through faith in God. Throughout the years, God has faithfully provided our daily needs through different churches and individuals who loves the ministry in Cambodia.Without their faithful supporters, we would have not been able to stay longer in the field.

After completing our missionary services with the Wesleyan Church of Cambodia through Global Partners on July 6, 2011, we went home to the Philippines on July 15, 2011 for a brief visit with family and friends. While in the Philippines we took TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) training in preparation for our plans to return to Cambodia. On August 10, 2011, against all odds, we returned to Cambodia as independent missionaries not associated with any church or organization. We returned with only few dollars in our pocket and started looking for employment as we seek to minister to the people we love. Although, we felt we have been abandoned by the church and many have turned their backs on us, there are those who maintained their friendships and relationship.
 

Our involvement with the ministry we have been part of for 8 years had to come to an abrupt end. Thus, we are no longer part of the Wesleyan Church of Cambodia. God's kingdom, however, is not limited to the Wesleyan church, but encompasses all Christian churches and organization who believe in Jesus. Our vision is not to start another ministry but to partner with existing ministry and churches to make the world a better place to live, and also to make a difference in the lives of people for time and for eternity.

With God, our only refuge, we are confident we can face any new challenges. Indeed, this another step of faith to the unknown horizons.'To the unknown horizons' does not mean that Cambodia is unknown to us; it is the future experience or the journey that is unknown.