Sunday, July 24

Sunday morning was a delight as we joined the Battambang homes for church services.  All the home participate in the service which is awesome. Savorn spoke since he drove up for the weekend. 

 

Afterwards Zac jumped up to the drums and the kids gathered around as he played.  Back to Grace Place we went for last minute massages and hugs from the kids. 

 

Final massage

We finally had to begin the process of saying goodbye. And believe me when I say process.  It only took 1/2 an hour this time to tear ourselves away from the crying children. This is the most difficult part of the trip for us because your heart just breaks and wants to stay and love on these kids some more. It would be easier to never come, some may say. A part of you is left behind, ripped out of your chest.  You are never again the same. But it is more than worth it. "At least we have more children to look forward to," says my kids. "It makes leaving a little bit easier."

 

We drove back to Phnom Penh, rode around in a tuk tuk with Pkeakdey, had pizza down by the river, started to pack for our trip tomorrow to Thailand. Tomorrow we see Faa and the GROW children and Tutu. And now, I say goodnight!

 

So hard to say goodbye

Gifts from Wooster Grace to Vannak & Home Directors

 

In honor of International Women's Day: Meet my friend ,Faa

Faa is an incredible young lady. She comes to mind because today is International Women's Day (thanks to Beth Kanter for the heads-up). And today she lost her father. After suffering from an illness the Lord decided to take him home to be with Him.

Faa and her sister Ning will gather with family and friends in their village to make preparations for the funeral, vigil, etc. They will need God's strength, Holy Spirit courage, and godly wisdom to minister to all in their village. So please pray.

Faa's story is incredible. She is a rescued at-risk child who now serves as a passionate advocate for at-risk children in Chiang Mai, Thailand. She struggled in many ways, but God helped her.  She did know how to get funds to help her mission but the Lord helped her through many partners all around the world.

Together, all Faa's supporters have helped launch G.R.O.W. (Grace Refuge Outreach Worldwide facebook link).  Their mission is to rescue at-risk children and youth by supporting, educating, and providing them with a safe place to live, grow, and learn about Christ.  

I praise God for Faa. I honor the Lord with words of worship for setting apart Faa to do this work in Thailand. I glorify the Lord who takes care of her even when life challenges or death enters around her life.  May the Lord bring His comfort to them during these days of grief and mourning.

Please send Faa a word of encouragement or offer a prayer to them right now:

• Email Faa: aseufaata@gmail.com
• Facebook: Faa Sumitra

Wooster Grace sends team to SE Asia

This morning we commission a team to go minister to Cambodia & Thailand. Our mission is to develop all people into fully devoted followers of Christ. We empower and send people to minister on our behalf in places all around the world. Through the faithful giving of our people, we can REACH the world for Christ.

The team will travel to Cambodia & Thailand to minister to many people.  They will visit our missionary partners, Kevin & Jill Kane in Battambang. They will be with our rescued orphan homes with Asia's Hope in Battambang, Cambodia, and Weing Pa Pao, Thailand. Likewise they will visit our emerging G.R.O.W. home in Chiang Mai, Thailand and encourage Faa.  More things are listed but these are the highlights.

Please pray for the team:

• Health & travel safety for team members
• Team will be able to love & encourage the children and orphan home staff.
• Open hearts for teammates to understand and address the needs of poverty in a global economy.

You can follow their travels on their blog: www.woostercar.blogspot.com