“…There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children and lands…” (Mark 10:29)
This verse was shared with me twenty-seven years ago as Rodney, Ryan, and I prepared to leave everything and everyone we knew to move to the place God had for us. We did not know the language, the culture, the food, or the people of this strange new world, but we knew God wanted us here and that He would keep His promises.
In those years, God has blessed us incredibly! He allowed us to plant New Hope Baptist Church in Phnom Penh and gave us a whole new family here. We have fallen in love with the people of New Hope. We have led them to Christ, discipled them, taught them, been taught BY them, laughed with them, cried with them…
Now it is me to claim this promise once again. New Hope Baptist Church has a Cambodian pastor, Cambodian Sunday School teachers, and faithful members. They have their own building and support their own ministry financially. We are no longer “needed.”
God has led us to a new place within Cambodia. We will be going to help the Brown family in Memot. As we prepare for this new phase of life, I feel so many emotions – fear, excitement, the pain of leaving family once again… However, I have seen God keep His promises before and I know He will keep them again. We will be working together with the Browns for one year and then covering the ministry for them during their furlough. I am excited to discover the opportunities God has for us there. Rodney will also be starting the online Bible college during this time.
As we leave those we love here in Phnom Penh, I am reminded of God’s blessing in allowing us to have more than one family. Finding a new family in Cambodia did not mean we lost our family is America. Our family just grew! I know it will be the same as God moves us to this new area and new ministry. The people of New Hope will always be in our hearts and lives.
Please pray for us as we say our goodbyes and our hellos! We will make the move to Memot in August and we know your prayers will help us as we make the transition.
Thank you for your support and for your prayers on our behalf.
