Looking Beyond the Horizons: July Encounters...

This month was filled with travels doing all sorts of ministries--visiting churches, addressing current local church issues and turn-over services for newly assigned pastors The picture below is Ptr. Greg still on his helmet in the boat going to Boengkrum village to meet church leaders on the building of a pastoral house at the church property.The picture above shows Greg handing over a certificate certifying Rev. Kung, Kimsan as the new pastor of the Good News Church in Phnom Penh. Ptr. Greg reminded the members that Wesleyan pastors in Cambodia are now working voluntarily, no more support/salary from the National church, therefore the members were charged that they are to help support their pastor.

Ptr. Romdenh Chamnol was assigned during the District Conference to pastor the church in Kampong Spue. During the turnover service, he challenged the members by saying "I cannot do the job alone, we need to work together. At this point, I believe that spiritual growth of this church is more important than the numerical growth." Burdened with the numerous needs in his church both physical and spiritual Ptr Titus travels from Phnom Penh to Kampong Spue every weekend to minister to th people. He has been working hard to help the members grow, teaching them to share their resources to improve the church. He has also sacrificed his personal resources to show example to the members on self-denial for the expansion of God's work!

During the District conference in June, Greg has been appointed by the GP leadership to be the chairman of the DBA of the Wesleyan Church of Cambodia. During his first DBA meeting in July, he spent more than 2 hours educating the DBA members on the rules of order of a business meeting. The meeting went smoothly due to the rules of order that has been introduced. Educating them is one way for their development towards strong leadership in the future.
Towards the end of the month of July, a team from Rochester, New York lead by Phalkun and Janelle Nov conducted a pastors seminar and did kids ministry in several local churches. During the pastors seminar Dr. Kerri taught the pastors on biblical understanding of emotions and the meaning forgiveness. The lesson was well presented and well accepted as well. There was a question and answer portion of the seminar that allowed the pastor to interact with the the lecturer.

We concluded the seminar praying together with pastors and team members. It was a meaningful time bringing our concerns to God with a unified hearts. As we sung the song, "Cambodia is for Christ", we claimed that Cambodia is indeed for Christ and we are all committed to let this country know that Jesus is the Lord of this nation!

The team traveled to our churches and ministered to hundreds of children and a total of 162 children prayed for salvation. The presence of the team brought blessings and encouragement not only to our pastors and churches but to the missionary families as well! The Cambodian church are blessed to received a fund from the team for several projects in the national church
(Note: Some photos are taken by the team).

Partner with us to build the Kingdom of God in Cambodia by developing the national leaders and the establishment of self-sustainable and strong churches. If you are interested send your donations to Global partners with fund WM06-1080 or click here to give online. For Philippines giving please contact Rev. Joel Pascua (Philippines Mission Director) at drleoj@yahoo.com Every amount you are investing is highly appreciated.

Together we can Accomplish the Impossible,
Rev. Greg, Resie, Aleeyah Charis and Esher Eirene

Highlights from the 12th Pioneer District Conference

Dear Prayer partners and friends,

We thank everyone for the unending prayer supports. Investing in us and for the Cambodian Church is a ministry of sacrifice. Following are highlights or rather a report summary of the 12th pioneer District conference but also some insights to have a glimpse of what lies ahead.

PASSION REKINDLED

“Rekindling our Passion for Ministry” was the theme of the conference. We had been praying that God would visit us and that once again the fire of God in our souls will be set ablaze. The goal of having two nights’ revival services during the conference is to have our passion for God and for ministry refreshed. Although our expectation was not met, we understand that God is the author of revival and therefore we cannot put Him in a box based on our preconceived ideas, biases, and tradition. In our tradition, we were expecting for a fiery preacher with a bombastic style of delivery. We expected someone who would invite people at the altar for prayer. What we expected was the opposite. The speaker was humorous, had a gentle voice, and with a monotonous diction. The speaker obviously does not have the tradition of inviting people at the altar for commitment or prayer. Although what we expected was different from the actual situation, the message he brought remains in the mind of our pastors. While the speaker didn’t speak on how we can rekindle our passion for ministry, he did encourage the pastors to live according to God’s plan--in everything God has a plan for every problems and trials, thus we should say “this is good.”! We gave God the praise, for the messages he imparted.

The first day of the conference was formally opened by Dr. Romeo Caringal, our Asia Director and Mission Director, as he gave a message on Rekindling the Fire Within. We thank Dr. Caringal not only his messages but his presence and chairmanship throughout the conference.

Greg preached a challenging message on Friday morning on our theme, Rekindling Our Passion for Ministry. He stressed that a passion for ministry is the outflow of one’s passion for God. Therefore, passion for ministry starts with our passion for God. Being a typical Wesleyan preacher himsel, at the end of his message he began inviting people to come forward. We have an extended prayer time at the altar as we ended the service. Many of the pastors were in tears realizing that their passion for ministry has been diminishing. Following the prayer time at the altar, there was a sense of joy in the atmosphere as people began talking to one another freely. The schedule was suspended as we proceeded immediately with an early break time. We give God the glory.

REPORTS UPGRADED

Through the hard work of the three missionary families, pastor Titus, and others, planning, preparing documents, reports, and other information, we had a better conference report this year. We were able to create a conference packet or folder that includes all reports and documents that allowed us to have an organized reporting.

This year, we decided to give a Certificate of Ministerial Assignment to every stationed pastor as a proof of that they are bona fide pastor of the Wesleyan church. The certificate also validates their appointment to a specific local church assigned by the conference. In the coming Sundays, as the DBA chair, Greg will be traveling to every church and formally give the certificate to the pastors during worship services.

For peace and security purposes a letter from the National Church office to all commune chiefs where our churches located must be written and permission from the commune chiefs must be obtained for our stationed pastors.

This year, we required pastors to sign a contract agreement with the national Church. The contract agreement shows a proof that pastors will do their best in the ministry according to the Wesleyan Church Discipline. The contract outlines the rules governing the church property and that living in the property does not transfer ownership to the pastors.

We presented a gold plated plaque of recognition to Rev. Kung Kimsan for his 6 years faithful and loyal devotion to the church as District Superintendent. The joy in his face glow even when a momentarily brown out disrupted the ceremony. He was so joyful that he sang a special song and later called his wife and sang another song together.

WESLEYAN DISCIPLINE COMPLETED

After working tirelessly on the Wesleyan Discipline during the previous months, Greg has finally completed the disicpline and we now have an unofficial and unedited copy. Due to time constraints though, the Khmer translation of the Discipline has yet to be completed. During the conference, we presented some sections of the Discipline that has been translated into Khmer for ratification. The editing, revising, and amending of the Discipline has yet to be done in the coming months but its ratification has already established. There will be more sections to ratify as the Khmer translation progress. The Goal is to complete the Khmer translation by the end of 2010.

NEW DBA ELECTED

The new DBA members has been elected and were also appointed as zone leaders: Pastor Kung Kimsan (Zone 1); Pastor Tor Rasmey (Zone 2); Pastor Meng Hong (Zone 3); Pastor Nuv Sopeak (Zone 4), Pastor Romdenh Chamnol (Titus) (DBA Secretary) and Ptr. Hourng, Vandy (WBI President) as ex-officio member, in addition to the three missionary family representative (Greg as the chairman, Tim Gallant and Chet Quinn).

PASTORS STATIONED

On Pastoral assignment, most pastors remain where they are the previous years with the exception of three. Since pastor Kung Kimsan, the former DS chose to step down, he must go back to where his heart is--pastoring a local church and therefore was assigned at Good News Wesleyan Church, Phnom Penh. The new DBA assigned pastor Sethon to his home place, Boeng Krom. Pastor Romdenh Chamnol (Titus) was also assigned in Kampong Spue -- the DBA have confidence that the church will soon thrive under the leadership of Pastor Titus.

Other pastors are without assignment due to the financial challenges we are facing. Shortly, the DBA will make it sure that the list of unstationed pastors will be identified whether a leave of absence must be applied or license will be extended.

FAITH CHALLENGED

Giving the pastors their last pay and will have no more salary from this month forward, was heart breaking. We have come to this stage where there is no more support to give to our pastors. The “No Support” phase in the history of the church is quite a challenge to our pastors because not a single church can afford to support its own pastor. While we believe God is the provider and that the minister of the Gospel should live by the Gospel, it is difficult to live by. Thus the bi-vocational minister policy that has been approved during the Conference last year is still in place this year.

On top of the 'no salary' problem, many of the pastors have standing Motorcycle fund loans a total of almost $7,000. The difficulty arising in the collection of loans was identified. Also how the pastors pay back their loans pose a big challenge because they have no more salary from the national church, unless they have work outside the church. Despite this, the pastors who have standing loans agreed unanimously that they will pay their loan not lower than $10 monthly. During this conference, the treasurer released all funds available including the pastors Pension and Medical fund. Getting their pension plan before their retirement age has been approved due to the current urgent need.

CONCLUSION

Those of us who are in leadership are looking beyond the horisons with renewed hope. A hope that is not based on a fatalistic attitude but a a realistic outlook towards a positive outcome. To move forward with passion, we must move from vision to action. This is our response!

Your prayers are our strength. You partnership is our success.

Together We can Accomplish the Impossible!
Greg, Resie, Aleeyah and Esher

Reviving the Youth!

Youth representing 10 of our churches from 7 provinces of Cambodia filled up the rooms quickly at the Wesleyan Bible Institute as 120 delegates made their way to the convention site mostly for the first time. While there are no delagates from Kampong Cham province (8 churches), we are glad that we are not far behind the goal of 150 youth. Waiting for two years before the convention is finally set is now a reality for those who waited patiently. The theme of the convention, "Running The Race", fit best during these tough times of economic crises and spiritually draining challenges the youth faces. The theme was broken down into four sub-topics: (1) Beginning the Race, (2) Enjoying the Race, (3) Enduring the Race, and (4) Finishing the Race. Our 4 lecturers pastors, Poleak, Tim, Arun, Greg, and 7 chapel services speakers, pastors Kimsan, Chamnol, Banyen, Maam Grace, Vandy, Chet Quin, and Greg, did all their best in making their message and lesson interesting, inspiring, challenging, and life changing.

The person who made the convention possible through his hardworking effort was Ptr. Romdenh Chamnol. He confessed, "This convention confirmed again my gift of ministering to the youth. It was very exhausting but I enjoyed it and I felt fulfilled and could not complain. It was a rewarding expereince for everyone to see how the youth enjoyed the fellowship. It was encouraging to see the youth grow closer to Jesus. It was inspiring to make a difference in somone's life."

The last topic on the last day of the convention, Finishing The Race,was almost cancelled when Resie, our lecturer has been sick with flu prior to the convention. The timing however was providential as Greg took Resie's place and as a result, 25 youth gave their heart to Jesus, and were baptized later in the afternoon. Greg summarised the 3 previous lectures and concluded with how to finish the race. With many youth falling by the way side and with too many begin the race but few finish, the challenge to be faithful till the finish line requires a lifetime commitment, faitfulness, holiness, and obedience.

Swimming has always been a part of the convention because it allows the youth to have fun, bonding, and fellowshipping. But instead of just having fun, it turned out to be a public testimony as 38 young people were baptized by Rev. Kung Kimsan and Ptr. Nit Banyen at the Water Park swimming pool in the afternoon of April the 8th. 15 youth are from Takaeo church, and the rest are from diffrent churches, and many of them just gave their heart to Jesus that morning. While the crowd sings the song I have Decided to Follow Jesus, many onlookers watch as the two pastors baptize the candidates in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. What a joy to welcome these new believers into the family of God!

On the final night of the convention, almost everyone made their way to the altar as pastor Greg Fernandez gave the final challenge to the youth to make their commitment to run the Christian race till the race is done. The race is a life time and wearisome; but the end is glorious and rewarding. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of faith will keep us till the end!
More pictures and stories at
National Church Ministries

Celebrating Women Rights Month...

This picture shows the number of women that attended the women conference held at Ampel Chrum, Kampong Cham province. This conference was not held in a church building, nor in a house church but in a tent set up in one corner of the rice field. Out of the 70 women gathered, half of them are believers and the other half are not. They came from 2 villages and small groups only. Many of those who do not have a Christian experience are interested and hungry to hear about what they call the "Sasna Yesu" which means "the religion of Christ. This was a historic event in Wesleyan church of Cambodia. What made this historic was the fact that it was the first ever local women gathering held in only two house churches and yet 70 women came willing to learn more about Christ. Rev. Grace Tsutada, who was usually called ma'am Grace, was the first lecturer. She presented the Gospel, focusing on a turning point where a sinner can turn his/her life back to God. After her lecture, she gave an appeal to the audience to respond to Christ. In a culture where altar call is unfamiliar practice, the option is to lead those who are willing to receive Christ in prayer while remain seated. When the challenge is given, many of them prayed. Only God can tell how many of these women have actually surrendered their life to God. The Gospel was presented clearly and the challenge was given with power, it is God who will do the transformation. The follow-up next month will tell us how many did respond. Virginia Quinn also taught on Christian marriages and raising children to love God.

Ptr. Eng Kieth is our hardworking layman who works with these two house churches. He is leading two other small groups in different villages as well. He and his wife are very committed to the ministry--reaching the communities with the Gospel. They do not only evangelize and disciple people but they also help empower them to have a better living. At Ampel Chrum he and his wife created a cooperative wherein a family can borrow 100 kilos of rice during the planting season and then during the harvest season, that family will return 130 kilos back to the cooperative. His wife, Nekru Sopheak Mony, was the main organizer of the women's conference. She created this conference in time for the women's right month, but instead of just focusing on the women's right, she focused on the transformation of life that is based in Romans 12:2, with a theme "New Life following God's Will."

Resie was privilege to speak to these women as well. It was her first time to give a one hour and a half lecture and carried a discussion without the help of an interpreter. She taught "A Woman being Rooted in the Word of God and Cultivating a Prayer life." The women were very attentive and participatory. While many of them absorbs the lesson, few others are confuse finding it hard to believe what reading and studying the Bible can do and also what the power of prayer can do. Among the 70 women, only 7 of them own a Bible, and 40 of them are interested to have one. To be able to study the Bible for growth, they do need to own a Bible. For this reason, we are raising $200 to purchase Bibles for these 40 women (20 for Ampel Chrum and 20 for Tropeang Rosey) and $100 to purchase Hymnals. Both hard cover Khmer Bible and Hymbook cost 5 dollars each. If you are interested to donate please contact Rev. and Mrs. Greg Fernandez at greferjun@yahoo.com
More pictures and stories at
National Church Ministries

Work Teams in Action!

In November, a team from Mitchell Wesleyan Church, South Dakota, and a team from Brevard Community Church, North Carolina, came to Cambodia and work with us.

Chad who is from Mitchell Wesleyan Church focused his time doing the landscaping at the Wesleyan Bible Institute. Three men from Brevard Community Church also built ten cabinets for WBI students. The teams visited several provinces and did medical clinics, evangelism and children ministry. See more pictures at National Church Ministries

Note: Photo courtesy of Rolitess Galam Hourng Facebook photos

TRANSITIONS

T R A N S I T I O N S

Greg B. Fernandez Jr.

Transition is the only constant experience in life. You transition from one place or state to another. Transition is indispensable and inevitable. From cradle to the grave, from womb to tomb, transition is constant. Perhaps the final transition is the transition from death to eternity. Although transition creates discomfort, it brings new challenges. It leads to new opportunities. It provides growth. Here in the field, several transitions have transpired that underline new challenges, opportunities, and growth. 

TRANSITION FROM CAMPUS TO A NEW HOME

For the last 6 six years, our home has always been at or by the WBI campus. During those years, we stayed in four different houses. This September, for the first time in six years, we are given the opportunity to moved out from the campus. It took us few weeks to adjust. Less pressure, but less fellowship.

This picture shows our new home. It was taken during the time pastors and students came for prayer the night we moved in. 

TRANSITION FROM ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY TO CHURCH MINISTRY

As we transitioned our housing location there is also transitions in ministry opportunities and responsibilities. We will focus our ministry in the national church. Coaching the national leaders (DBA), mentoring the pastors for pastoral ministry, and visiting our churches every Sunday are some of the responsibilities we are expected to do. This means more travels in the coming months.

TRANSITION FROM PASTORAL MINISTRY TO BIBLE SCHOOL PRESIDENCY

Leadership challenges await the new WBI leaders and staff. After four years of pastoral ministry, pastor Vandy become the first Cambodian to be elected as WBI president. His installation took place last September 4. I gave him a chair as a gift to symbolizes a place to think, plan, dream, and study. I also handed him a key as a symbol of responsibility. Few days after his installment, he was engaged to Rolitess Galam, got married in the Philippines, three weeks later. This is not only a ministry transition but also a transition in marital status.

This will be a transition for the Gallant Trio as they wpartner with pastor Vandy in spearheading the leadership of the WBI. 

This is also a ministry transition for pastor Arun and his wife, Chariya. Pastor Arun and Chariya are the new faculty members, along with Zanda. This will be a transition from pastoral ministry to teaching ministry. Arun brings to the school a rich, fours years pastoral expereince.

TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO MINISTRY

WBI was their home for three years. The theoretical side of pastoral preparation has been completed, but the real test of learning is not in the classroom but in the field. The field is where they are truly shaped and molded. If they survived, they will remained for life. Our six students officially began their ministry on October 12. This will be a one year internship, and if all goes well, they will graduate in 2010.

See more pictures and read more stories by clicking on the links shown on the side bar.

In Christ Alone,

Greg, Resie, Aleeyah Charis and Esher Eirene

August Updates

IT'S HER FIRST DAY TO SCHOOL

At 4 years and 7 months, Aleeyah Charis is ready for school. In fact, she has been nagging us when can she go to school. On August 7, after searching and scouting for the cheapest international school in Phnom Penh, we found one, called "Footprints", a Cambodian owned school but internationally competitive. Footprints is a non-Christian international school but have a good curriculum. Teachers are truly internationals--Filipinos, Americans, British, Australians and numerous Cambodian assistants. The summer school actually started on August 7, the day we were there. The receptionist encouraged us to enroll Aleeyah to try out the school during the summer, so we did. The next day, Aleeyah attended the school without much school supplies ready, but with she went with excitement. Other pictures and stories at http://www.aleeyahandesherscorner.blogspot.com/

THE GALLANTS TRIO HAS ARRIVED

After 10 months of home ministries, the Gallants returned to Cambodia on August 10 for another three years of ministry ventures. Their presence and ministry is a great help to the Wesleyan Bible Institute and the National Church. Please pray that they will continue to be fruitful and productive. And please pray that baby Katie will able to adjust and adapt to the Cambodian climate easier.

WBI STUDENTS & SOME YOUTH

This picture is taken during a youth fellowship the students planned and organized as part of their requirements in Resie's class Worship and Programming. As part of the requirements, they made fliers to invite young people from the school's neighbouring community. More than 50 young people from the community showed up during the fellowship. The students did an excellent job performing their responsibilities for a successful youth fellowship program.
See more pictures and stories at http://www.wbi-cambodia.blogspot.com/

WORDS OF THANKS & PRAISES
To our families, friends, prayer partners and supporters, thank you very much for partnering and praying with us. These past 9 months was extremely busy doing all the teaching, school administration, mentoring, supervising the national DBA and doing other ministries with the national church, besides being a husband and a wife and parents of two active girls. God has preserved our physical bodies, He has grown us spiritually, He matured us emotionally, He provided our needs and taught us many things that we cannot exchange for anything else. We lift up all our praises and glory to God from whom all blessings flow. We continue to serve God and obey His calling, we continue to be ambassadors of peace, love and unity here in Cambodia. We ask for your continued prayers and support. We cannot do it alone.

Gratefully yours,

Greg, Resie, Aleeyah Charis and Esher Eirene

"Together, We Can Accomplish the Impossible"

May, June, and July Updates

This is pastor Vandy, the new elected WBI president, speaking to our students few weeks after his election as WBI president. Although he is not yet installed officially, he begun to connect with the WBI students in May. His election is an important part of the history of WBI, being the first Cambodian WBI president to be elected. To date, he is still pastoring a church in Kratie but he'll move to WBI in September. He is getting married on September 30 in the Philippines.

Seven ladies from Indiana Wesleyan University, ministered in Cambodia from May 22 -June 12. Jewel, the leader of the team however, stayed and did her internship from May 22 to June 12. The IWU team ministered both in WBI and in the local church in 5 different provinces. They taught english classes in the local churches and had children's ministry as well. The IWU team managed to eat less expensive food and fasted to save money to build a pastor's house in Kampong Chennang and a project in WBI. What a sacrifice they made!

Here is Rev. Joel Pascua, preaching during our dawn prayer meeting at WBI. Dawn prayer time is an essential part of the training of students at WBI. Students must learn the necessity of disciplined prayer life if they are to be effective minister of the gospel. In his message, pastor Pascua challenged the students to live a life of integrity as people often read our life not the Bible. Pastor Pascua visited us in June 3-6, together with pastor Jun Rafael and a friend. The students are delighted to have them visit because of the relationship that was built during their 3 weeks visit to the Philippines last April.

Mike Sangers, his wife Cindy and Michelle their daughter, together with Susie, Mallery, and Katrina all from SD ministered in Cambodia for ten days, June 12-June 22. They conducted children's VBS and volleyball clinic reaching the kids and young people from the neighbouring community of WBI. They also did manual labor moving a pile of bricks and cleaning the compound. They also brought some fund from Redfield Wesleyan Church for the operational budget of WBI.

Pastor Kimsua, one of our staff at WBI resigned last June in order to plant a church somewhere in Phnom Penh. Sometime in July, we invited him and his family for a recognition service acknowledging his contribution to WBI from 2003-2009. Here is Greg presenting a plaque of recognition for him and his wife.

Bob lemon from SD taught Church History class for two weeks. Although the course is extensive, the students had a great time learning the history of the church from Jesus to present. Although the time frame is not enough to cover the major events in Church history, they had enough time to learn what they need to know. Greg presented a banner to Bob as a token of our gratitude for his willingness to spend two weeks away from home and be a part of the WBI family imparting gems f wisdom from church history. Beside teaching course, he travelled with us on our weekend ministry visit. He also preached during chapel and Sunday services, during prayer meetings, and during the student's fellowship.

Esher Eirene, our second daughter, turned two years old on July 21. We celebrated her birthday thanking God for two healthy and happy years. Esher has been really super active these days, just as what they call "the terrible twos." Esher speaks a lot of Khmer words more than her big sister does.

We just lost one of our most dedicated and faithful laymen in Cambodia. Lookru Moich had a motorcycle accident in April which lead to a major surgery in his head. After three months of battle with his injury, he went to be with the Lord whom he faithfully serves on July 23, 5 o'clock in the morning. His legacy in the ministry is seen in two churches that he has pioneered and also to his active involvement in the ministry of the local church. Here you can see his wife, and pastor Phen, son-in-law getting ready for the procession.

This is a picture of Adam and his fiancee together with the guests on their engagement party. While Adam proposed to Rachel in the American way on the evening of July 25th, we had an engagement celebration for them the following night in a multicultural setting at the WBI dinning area. Adam and Rachel dressed up in Cambodian outfits, in order to fit the occassion. Different kinds of fruits, the drinks, and the cake is set on the mat in the floor. This is a Cambodian way of an engagement ceremony.

See more pictures at http://www.wbi-cambodia.blogspot.com/

http://www.aleeyahandesherscorner.blogspot.com/

http://www.nationalchurchministries.blogspot.com/

Thank you very much for all your prayers,

Greg, Resie, Aleeyah, and Esher

WHEN EAST AND WEST MEET AND MORE APRIL UPDATES

THE BEAUTY OF NATURE

Seeing the beauty of nature in Cambodia during a recent trip to the mountains allowed us to reflect deeper that there must be an intelligent designer of the universe--the unseen Creator, God Himself. During the Khmer New Year, our Filipino friends, Amy Maling and her family invited us to spend the Holiday in their home in Mondulkiri province over 500 KM away from Phnom Penh. Amy is an environmentalist who works for World Wildlife Fund (WWF) preserving the forest and wildlife in the National Park of Cambodia. We took the invitation as an opportunity to get out of the busy life in the City and from work to see the beauty of nature in a remote province. The trip was not friendly as our van broke down but had wonderful experiences being able to visit several water falls and nature sights. The precious time together as a family and with friends is worth the trip though it costs our van's engine an overhaul.

See more photos at http://www.aleeyahandesherscorner.blogspot.com/

A TRIP WORTH CHERISHING

From March 28-April 18, 7 WBI students, 2 WBI staff, and Ptr. Kimsan from the national church were in the Philippines for the General Conference and the National Youth Congress of the Wesleyan Church of the Philippines. When the students returned, they feed us with experience upon experience that made them not wanting to come back to Cambodia. The experiences of our students are priceless. They were amazed and blessed how our Filipino bretheren had accepted, loved and accommodated them is such a hospitable manner. They learned, they grew, and they were different.

WORDS OF THANKS TO DONORS AND FRIENDS

To Brookings Wesleyan Church, Mitchell Wesleyan Church and other individual donors from the Dakota Churches who made the trip of our students and one WBI staff possible, thank you. Thanks to KCC for sponsoring pastor Kimsan's trip, and the unnamed donor for Rotha as well. Special thanks to the Lumahans family for their hospitality. You did not only give up your rooms for the Cambodian team but also poured out your resources for the team's food and in country expenses. Many thanks to the Rafaels and the Pascuas for your your time and money for the Cambodian team. You surely gave them great experiences that changed their lives. Thanks to all the churches who accommodated them and to all the people who befriended them. Read more testimonies at http://www.wbi-cambodia.blogspot.com/

A HISTORIC CONFERENCE
The 12th pioneer district conference of the Wesleyan church of Cambodia on April 23-25, held at the new WBI campus is considered historic event. The conference decided on to allow a bi-vocational minister in the Wesleyan church of Cambodia. The conference went fine except for some tough discussion on the "no election for DS' and the resolution on bi-vocational minister. We are forever grateful to all the prayer warriors around the world, who were praying for the conference. The enemy tried to disrupt the meeting but we had come out victorious. In this picture you are seeing Pastor Kimsan listening to the questions posed by the pastors after giving his report. Behind him is Dr. Romy, ptrs. Titus, Arun, and Meng Hong. Thanks to the presence of our Asia mission director who wisely and calmly chaired the conference. See the photo of the new elected District Board of Administration (DBA), more pictures and news at http://www.nationalchurchministries.blogspot.com/

WHEN EAST AND WEST MEET

We were privileged to represent Jeff Rasmussen's parents during an initial ceremony in preparation for his engagement with our very own Nekru Channy. In the Cambodian culture, there are 3 stages/steps toward marriage. At the first stage, the boy's parents meet the girls parents and set a date for the engagement ceremony. The second stage is the engagement itself where both parents also talk about the wedding date and the bride's price. Then the third, is the wedding itself. In this picture you are seeing Greg and Resie, and Jeff expressing his desire to marry Channy. I guess, people do it differently but here is what happened when we (Greg and Resie) represented Jeff. After we expressed the marital intention, the girl's father asked Jeff if he really and genuinely loves the girl. Then the girl is asked if she accepts it. When the discussion was over, we enjoyed a meal prepared by the girl's parents and the fruits we brought. Others do it differently, but we went ahead and discussed bride's price or dowry privately. Engagement or wedding follows. More pictures at http://www.wbi-cambodia.blogspot.com/

GUESTS FROM KCC

On April 27-May 3, Steve, Chet and Virginia Quin from Kentwood Community Church visited Cambodia for an exploratory mission. The team brought along with them one brand new computer and one used laptop for our staff and students. Here you are seeing Chet Quin setting up the old computers in the computer lab for the students to use.

The guests also brought KCC's donation to pastor Sideth for his house that was burned down few weeks ago.

To Steve, Chet and Virginia, thank you so much for coming. We were strengthened, refreshed and encouraged to keep on going with our ministries here.

February and March Updates

After seven months of vacation and class interruption, WBI classes finally resumed on February 5, 2009 at the old facility in Boeng Tumpun.

In this picture, you see Maekara Nov, one of the students during batch 2003-2006. Due to serious illness, he quit in the middle of his second year schooling sometime in 2004. But four years latter, few days after class resumed this February, he came to see Pastor Greg expressing his desire to come back and finish his schooling. Being touched with his willingness to serve God, we warmly welcome him back him to finish his studies. Please pray that his passion to serve God will not die but rather burning for Christ.

On Ferbruary 24, Aleeyah Charis celebrated her fourth birthday. She had a simple birthday party with all her friends, students and pastors living in the Campus. To our family and friends who would like to see Aleeyah and Esher growing, visit http://www.aleeyahandesherscorner.blogspot.com/

Although the new WBI facility was not finished, we started moving our stuff to the new campus on February 28. Classes are cancelled for a week to complete the hauling of stuffs and prepare for the new facility. Moving to the new property was not heavenly as many expected. We had some challenges to face since the building was not totally ready for occupancy, and we are far from the city. Also, the electrical power is out 4 to 6 hours daily. Most of the time, power is out twice a day. When the electricity power is out, no sufficient water to use.

In March 27, Pastor Greg and Adam Nash brought the students to Vietnam airport to ensure their safety and destination. Instead of flying from Phnom Penh, they flew from Ho Chi Minh to Manila for a lower cost. Our 7 students, along with pastor Kimsan, nekru Channy and Lookru Rotha are now in the Philippines for almost three weeks. They will all fly back to Ho Chi Minh on April 18 and arrive in Phnom Penh on April 19. We'll give you an update of this visit when they return.

Visit more WBI pictures at http://www.wbi-cambodia.blogspot.com/

Thank you for all your prayers, love, and support. We accomplish nothing without God's power claimed by your prayers.

In His service,

Greg, Resie, Aleeyah and Esher

Celebrating God's Faithfulness and Provision

The 10th of January marked the celebration of God's faithfulness and provision to the Cambodia ministry when the new building of the Wesleyan Bible Institute (WBI) was dedicated to the glory of God. After several years of praying, planning, and giving, a facility is standing tall as a symbol of partnership between different supporters towards the fulfillment of a vision to train young people to become pastors and leaders of the Cambodian church. Twelve representatives from the two major donors for the WBI facility, three from Kentwood Community Church (KCC), and nine from Dakota District, were present during the event. KCC was the major financial force in the history of the new campus and facility. Along with KCC and other unnamed donors, the Dakota District also plays a major financial role for the new facility. To see pictures of the dedication ceremony, visit http://www.wbi-cambodia.blogspot.com/

In conjunction with the dedication ceremony, Dick Crawford, Bob Knoll, and Phil Smart all from KCC, visited at least five churches which KCC built. In the photo (left), the three talk to Vandy, the pastor in Kratie. During their visit to Kampong Cham province, they prayed for pastor Menghong and his wife to be a good leader (photo right).

A medical team came also this January from Brookings Wesleyan Church in South Dakota, headed by Phil Rogness. The team came along with Rev. Keith Nash, the Mission Director of the Dakota district and also the pastor of Mitchell Wesleyan Church. The team shared the love of God to the Cambodians through teaching people about hygiene and health, distributing six hundred health bags containing medicines, a towel, a toothbrush, a comb etc, preaching the gospel with the use of illusions, and having fun ministering to hundreds of kids. The team did a medical clinic in five different locations.

The month of January is also a month of celebration for pastor Rotha and his wife Elizabeth. Elizabeth gave birth to a baby girl on January 28. They named her Koun Malika; they also gave her an English name Karen. Karen was 3.6 kilograms when she was born.

Thank you for praying and partnering with us. Together, we can Accomplish the Impossible!

Servants for the Kingdom,

Greg, Resie, Aleeyah Charis and Esher Eirene