Settling Back Into "Life"

I have been back in the states for three weeks now. Bouncing between our two homes, America and S.E. Asia, can be overwhelming at times. Thankfully, the grace of God is over us in both places and we can rest in the Prince of Peace wherever we are.

Kristen and I just celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. We were blessed to stay at Locust Springs Christian Retreat in Baileyton, TN. We were in a little cabin built in the 1830's for five nights (two nights with just us and three nights with the boys). It was such a refreshing time. The cabin was updated in the mid-90's and the caretakers of the retreat were great. If you need a get away from the cares of this world, I highly recommend this place. There is no cable TV, your mobile phone may or may not work, and no internet connection. It was wonderful!

All of you who know us, know that Kristen is amazing. I am blessed to have a wife who is passionately in love with Jesus. One who is commited to walking out His will regardless of the cost. She is an incredible mother and a wonderful wife. I am grateful to the Lord for blessing me with Kristen. I look forward to what the next 15 years hold for us.

Heritage House is doing good. They have a new dorm mother and cook. They continue to plug along. Hosanna Cambodia had four visitors this week. Vutha was really excited that they actually had a man visit the Church. Please pray for Jesus to pour out His Spirit in the city of Kampot and for all to know of His great mercy.

Bangkok!

Well Sterling and I made it to Bangkok. He is a trooper hobbling around the city. You have to walk alot in a city this size and he has hobbled through it without a whimper. I keep telling him that he is going to have these huge arms by the time that we get back to the states.

I went to the doctor yesterday and it goes down as the most unusal birthday that I have ever had. I head back to the doctor for some follow up on Wednesday and then we fly out on Thursday morning at 1:20 am. Please pray that we will get a bulk head set so that Sterling can stretch his leg with the cast on it.

This trip has been such a blessing for us. Jesus has been faithful to lead and direct us along the way and we trust that new and increased vision has been set for Lighthouse Ministries. We sure miss Kristen and Benjamin and look forward to seeing them Thursday night.

I will send a complete trip update after we are back and have a few days to get over the jet lag.

and Then There Were Two!

Well most of the team is offically back in the United States. I cannot begin to express how grateful we were for each of them. The example that all of them set for the Khmer Church through their service was incredible. They all cheerfully served in whatever task they were given. They scrubbed dirty bathrooms on their hands and knees, prepared walls to be painted, cleaned windows, washed floors, painted, mixed concrete, and anything else that was asked of them. They also prayed through the city and sat in the floor with the kids during worship and devotion times. Vutha has said over and over again that the example they set is a real boost to Heritage House.

Sterling got his cast on yesterday. Thankfully, they have a new hospital in Phnom Penh and it was actually clean and the doctors were excellent. He got a cast halfway up to his knee and some new crutches (the old ones were really heavy). Pray for him to be able to keep it dry and clean during our remaining time here in Cambodia and Thailand. We do not leave until Oct 2nd.

We made it back down to Kampot today and will be spending the rest of our time here with the staff and children. Vutha and I are going to visit a few villages in the area to see about starting a cell group or two. We are also checking on a building to rent for the new Church plant. Please keep us in your prayers.