COVID-19 in Cambodia

Many have asked how we are doing and what COVID-19 looks like here in Camboida. Thank you for thinking of and checking in on us.

It is quiet in the city of Phnom Penh. Last week, the government placed a travel ban prohibiting those from the US and a handful of European nations to enter. All schools and universities have been closed. Movie theaters and KTVs are closed. Large group gatherings and all religious meetings are prohibited. Supermarkets with imports are slimming down. Tuk tuk drivers go for days without work. Workers left jobless with factories closing down. Many have left the city to return to their hometowns. Many expats have returned to their passport countries.

It is difficult to get an accurate account of the number of people infected with COVID-19 infections. The government haven’t enforced screenings. Cambodia isn’t equipped with medical resources to test and screen much less have the level of care and treatment needed.

Though there isn’t panic, there is an underlying anxiety for everyone. It is easy to be filled with fear and do what we can to feel like we have some semblance of control. Many of us here have self-quarantined ourselves and feel isolated, left to stew in our thoughts and worries. The remedy has been WORSHIP – to turn away from ourselves and to One who is in control and who loves us with an everlasting, steadfast love and faithfulness. We need to be continually, creatively and prayerfully keeping community with and encouraging one another to remind us of these Truths.

PLEASE PRAY for

• Churches
  • Most of our churches do not have an online presence but are quickly learning. Pray for wisdom as they seek ways to worship and shepherd their people.
  • The vulnerable and the poor who are most affected. Pray for the church as they seek ways to respond and come alongside those in need.
• Safety, Protection & Health
  • Our team has decided to stay in country. Pray for our own protection and health, especially for teammate, Dr. Mark, who serves on the frontline at Family Clinic.
  • Pray for the poor; they are the most vulnerable who are limited, voiceless.
• God be Glorified
  • This is a unique opportunity for us to share Christ with our neighbor who are afraid. May we be honest and share our fears as we also are “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

Meanwhile, as a homeschooling family, life for the Lees in Cambodia isn’t too different. The absence of extra-curricular activities, playdates, ministries and meetings has given us some time to rest and do things we haven’t had time to do, like sleeping in or napping, daydreaming, and putzing around. Thankfully Paul is working from home so we’ve had a lot more time all together. Together, we’ve been going through old family pictures and showing them some of our favorite movies of the past.

We are thinking of and praying for all of you all over the world in the midst of this unique time in history. We hope you and your loved ones are healthy and continually find comfort in our Almighty Heavenly Father.

 

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New Beginnings

The new year has ushered in new activities and ministries. Please pray for spiritual protection, wisdom and strength for the our teammates and for our local partners.

TUESDAY THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION CLASS

Every Tuesday, we have a Tuesday night Theology Class. Students come after their long day of work or school, hungry to learn for about two hours. Paul just started and will be teaching on Marriage this new semester.

Pray for these young students who are or will be the future leaders of the church. It has been a place of growth as well as community.

KHMER CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Lots of new beginnings this year for KCC.

The most joyful is the recent baptism of new believers. Some of whom are people Pastor Thet and his wife, Marady, have been evangelizing, befriending and loving for years. Included was the confirmation of their eldest daughter, Nesa, who is also on the new praise team.

Thankful for Marady, the pastor’s wife, who has led praise over the many years and persevered to raise up a team. Thankful for the ways God has been raising up new leaders, with the support of visitors and short-term teams who have come alongside us in creative ways.

In January, KCC started new outreach classes, offering classes in English, Chinese and Computers as well as a Sunday children’s/youth program and service in the evening. All of these classes are taught by members of our church. Please pray that this would be an opportunity to build relationships and share the Gospel.

REDEMPTION IN CHRIST CHURCH

We first began fundraising the purchase of land and building for RCC in 2017.  After fundraising and countless meeting, RCC had their dedication service on Feb 2.

Please pray for them as they continue to work to build community at their new location.

NEW CHURCH PLANTS

This year also meant the start of two new church plants, Phnom Penh Livingstones Church (PPLC) and Door of Hope Church (DHC).

Phnom Penh Livingstones Church (PPLC) is led by Pastor Vanna, who was recently ordained at the end of last year, along with his wife, Vannary.

Door of Hope Church (DHC) is led by Pastor Sam Ath & his wife, Vanvina. They have been praying, evangelizing, meeting with people, and having bible study for a while now but recently started formally meeting for Sunday worship at a cafe.

We are always engaged in a spiritual warfare. The enemy is continually scheming ways to distract and lure us away from our Lord and to attack His Bride. P

PLEASE PRAY for Spiritual Protection. Pray for

• These ministries and leaders, servants and members, both in the villages and city. Those mentioned in this update and those in previous updates.
• Overall health, safety and unity of our team, the presbytery, the church plants, families, etc.
• Encouragement and wisdom – in the midst of excitement and hope, there is always disappointment, struggle, weariness and doubt.
• Our focus, confidence and hope be on Christ alone. In our weakness, may Christ be exalted and glorified.

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Funeral for Brother Thon

Dear Friends,

Our brother has left this earthly home to be with his Heavenly Father yesterday. We want to thank everyone for their support and prayers. We ask that you continue to pray for his extended family and the community of believers at KCC. Please pray for deep comfort and peace that can only from our Father. Pray that God would draw near to his children and be a Light in this time of darkness.

This morning’s KCC Worship service has been canceled. Instead there will be a time of praise and prayer at the family’s home near the New Steung Mean Chey Mall at 8AM followed by a funeral service at 2PM.

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Prayer for Brother Thon

Our dear brother, Thon, who is 38-years old and married with 4 children, ages 18 to 6, has been diagnosed with stage-4 lung cancer. He has been a member of KCC for many years and is the older brother of Marady, the pastor’s wife.

Thon is on the far left, red shirt in front of KCC’s former location.

We are amazed at the joy and peace in the midst of this difficult time, displayed by Thon and his family. Pastor Thet and his wife (KCC) visit almost daily to support and pray for him. Handful of church members have surrounded him with love and encouragement. It has been a wonderful opportunity to strengthen his faith as well as be a light to his unbelieving family as well as others in the hospital and community.

Paul & Susan’s recent visit. Last pic – praying for his hospital roommate who is being reacquainted with Christ after 30 years.

We need your prayers. Please pray:

• Thon – God is able to do all things according to his good will. Pray for healing. Pray for comfort. Pray for continued and daily strength of heart and faith.
• Family – Witnessing the love and faithfulness of the church that has surrounded with hospital visits and prayer, his wife, who has been hostile and disapproving of his faith and participation in the church, has been open and softened to the Gospel, along with his mother. Please pray that God be glorified and that He would draw near to his wife and children, showing Himself as Savior and Friend.
• Thet & Marady – in addition to their usual responsibilities of ministry, family, and work, they have been actively involved in caring for Thon. Pray for physical strength and health as well as encouragement and hope.
• Help – Pray for wisdom in the many decisions that need to be made to ease and care for Thon and his family. Pray for financial provisions to help with all the costs.

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Praise Update: RCC Building Fundraising Complete

We want to praise God and thank all of you who have helped through your prayers and funds towards the Redemption In Christ Church (RCC) building project.

  

We have recently purchased the land and are currently working with a local architect to help design and construct the building that will be used for the church and dorms.

Please continue to pray alongside RCC as they make this big transition.

Please Pray

• Transition – The new church site will be in a different section of Phnom Penh. We hope with the purchase of its own land, we hope there will be more stability to build a continued community but please pray for this transition. The relocation is in a different area of Phnom Penh. Most members are unable to move. Please pray for wisdom in dealing with these changes.
• Outreach – RCC has already begun outreach activities in the new area. The challenge but also the wonderful opportunity is this land is located on railroad tracks. One side of the tracks are the poor while on the other the more wealthy.  Pray for wisdom and leading in knowing how to reach and bridge people of a diverse demographics. Pray for spiritual protection and that God would use them to be a light in the area.
• Pastors & Family – We’ve noticed our pastors and families go through a lot of stress, challenges and spiritual warfare. Please pray for Pastors Hong & his wife, Ratanak, and Pastor Pheakdey & his wife, Kunthea, and son, Nathaniel.

 

Pastor Hong & Rachel at their wedding, later at RCC Sunday worship

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor Pheakdey & family; Nathaniel was recently baptized at RCC

  

 

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Update on Redemption in Christ Church Building Project

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We wanted to express our gratitude for your support and prayers for the church building project. We also wanted to provide an update on the progress of the project.

Thanks to your generous support we have raised $28,000 of the $36,667 we need to raise. God has also been faithful in providing land for RCC to build the church and dorm. RCC was able to put a deposit for a 9 meter x 20 meter which will be perfect for the building. It is also located in an area of the city that will be suitable for the students residing at the dorm as well as church members coming to worship.

Please continue to pray that God would raise additional partners to help with the rest of the support needed and that purchase of the land and construction of the church would go smoothly.

If you have any questions please contact: pl710@mac.com (Paul Lee, MTW missionary in Cambodia).
If you would like to support financially: please visit https://mtw.org/projects/cambodia-city-church-planting

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Happy New Year 2018

Happy New Year’s!

Our family had our fill of tradition korean soup, dduk-gook, while in the States but tomorrow morning we’re headed out to airport to return to Cambodia. We’ll be eating on the go instead.

The last couple of months have been busy. We got our driver’s licenses renews and all our dental and medical check-ups. Every week or two, we’d pack up again and change locations between Paul’s parents’ in NY and Susan’s mom’s in NJ’s. Yet is was also full of amazing gifts from our Heavenly Father – the beauty of the fall foliage, snow and snowball fights with cousins, enjoying delicious, new foods or comfort, childhood foods, and amazing experiences with friends and family.  The biggest gift is the reminder that we are loved and cared for by our Father through the people He’s surrounded us with.

There are times on the mission field you feel alone, wondering if anyone remembers us as the years away increase. There are times where you wonder where you’re place is in this life. Our time back was a constant, overwhelming reminder that we are not forgotten, we are not alone. People were willing to drive or fly hours and miles to see us for just a moment, to make time in their own busy schedule to care for us and to be present with us.  People were praying. People were asking. People wanted to know.

We are thankful that God allows us to get a glimpse at how He is working here – in the States, in the churches we’ve visited, in the individual lives. We are thankful we get to understand more intimately the struggles and the victories. We hope that this would spur us on to pray faithfully and specifically for those He’s placed in our lives. We are thankful we are reminded that we are a part of the global Church and we need one another.

Lastly, we want to share that our last Sunday here, Dec 31, Caleb Lee was confirmed at our home church by our friend and pastor. It’s one of the greatest gifts as a parent. Humbled by our Lord. Please continue to pray for him as he continues his journey of faith with his Lord and Friend. Please pray also for Nate as we prepare him and need wisdom to discern his own faith.

Thank all of you for all the ways you are the hands, feet, mouths of Christ, pointing us to Him. Thank you for the ways you have helped raise Caleb (and Nate) in the ways of the Lord. Thank you for the ways you each uniquely love, care for, and support us so that we are sustained and comforted.

After all these years, you would think it gets easier but goodbyes are so hard. Instead…”See you soon, God willing.”

Please pray:

• Thank God for Himself. Acknowledge and thank Him for these amazing, real blessings.
• We will catch our flight from JFK (NY) to Cambodia at 1PM. Please pray as all of us are sick with a cough, cold and fatigue. Pray for strength and health as we return to water damage to our home that needs to be addressed.
• Pray for our adjustment. January is a very busy month of ministry and homeschool.
  • Jan 9:  Pech & Sok Ny’s wedding. Two young believers from our church, KCC.
  • Jan 11-13: Annual Pastors’ Conference with former co-Leader, Albert Shim, as the guest speaker. Please pray for him as he leaves his busy USA schedule. Pray for his wife, Tina, and three kids, who he leaves behind.
  • Jan 21-27: Two visitors
  • Jan 26-Feb 3: Short-term team from our home church, Sojourner Presbterian Church. Pray for their packed week during which they will be serving at KCC/Prey Thom, Precious Women and Angk’jeay.

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Support Raising: RCC Building

We have been greatly encouraged to see the Khmer Church grow in number and in maturity throughout the country. In Phnom Penh, one such church is Redemption in Christ Church (RCC). RCC was a planted in early 2012 with the goal of being a witness of the gospel in their community called Toul Sangke. They have been reaching out to the community through English and computer classes, medical clinics and children’s ministries. Through these outreach efforts, families and university students in the community have been coming and have become members of RCC. As they have been growing together in the gospel, they have been worshipping together, deepening their relationship with God and each other and reaching out to the local community through evangelism and mercy ministries.

 

Phnom Penh has also been growing at a rapid rate which has posed a challenge to the local Khmer churches including RCC. The cost of rent for a church building has been increasing at a much faster rate than salaries. This has resulted in churches having to move locations after the leases end. This not only effects the churches but also the communities they were ministering in. Because of rising rental prices, RCC had to move in 2015 to another area of Toul Sangke and now they may have to move again.

In discussion with the Cambodian pastors in the presbytery that RCC is a part of, we have decided on purchasing land and constructing a church building to provide a stable location for the church.  Through Mission to the World’s Ambassador’s program, we have been granted a 1:2 matching grant. For every dollar that is raised, Ambassadors will match two dollars.

The total budget is $110,000. If we are able to raise $36,667, $74,334 will be matched. The funds will be used to provide a church building for RCC to continue ministering in their community for many years to come.

Would you prayerfully consider partnering in this effort? 

If you have any questions please contact: pl710@mac.com (Paul Lee, MTW missionary in Cambodia).
If you would like to support financially: please visit https://mtw.org/projects/cambodia-city-church-planting

 

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What’s Susan Up To?

It’s already March 2016!

The last couple of weeks has been a lull after hosting back-to-back visiting teams. It’s been a time of catching up on with family and with our day-to-day ministries. Susan has been keeping herself busy with the usual, driving around town on her moto (sorry, no pic!), and would love your prayers and encouragement.

EVERYDAY LIFE
Most of Susan’s time is filled with typical housewife duties and homeschooling responsibilities. What’s exciting has been seeing how God provide opportunities to form new relationships or how He is deepening existing ones with people in our block or in our everyday lives.

Getting addicted to Bang!

Susan w Michael & their 6M old cousin

Please Pray:

• Be a Light – Pray that our family can be a Light in the darkness. Ironically as missionaries, we too can be busy with ministry that we forget to utter the Good News and share with love. Pray that we can be a witness in both word and in deed.
• Juliette – Susan recently shared the Good News with someone in our homeschool co-op. Pray that the Holy Spirit would change her heart so she could see the light of the gospel.
• Nisah , Michael & Sah Sah – Three of the boys’ friends (cousins with each other) who live on our block. Pray that God would give us an opportunity to share and that we’d be ready with boldness, confidence and love to share.

KCC ENGLISH CLASSES
This month she restarted her English classes at KCC after taking a year break in 2015. Although her weekly Saturday and Sunday classes means she is teaching something and someone everyday, she is genuinely thankful to have a venue to express love and build relationships with her students.

Please Pray:

• Susan’s Health – Please pray that she can keep up with her daily responsibilities. Pray that she has the wisdom and strength to be consistent and faithful.
• Effective Teaching – May the Lord provide the ability and wisdom needed to teach and communicate well and with patience. Through her weakness may God be magnified.
• Above all, Love –  More than everything else may Susan love her students genuinely, pointing ultimately to Christ.

Celebrating a student’s bday – his first time ever.

MTW ASIA PACIFIC REDESIGN
There has been a lot of growth in the work God has been doing with MTW Asia Pacific. With growth and opportunities come challenges. Susan has been asked to be a part of a Redesign Committee that hopes to prayerfully assess what God is doing and where He’s leading and how we can build each other. Susan leaves for her first set of meetings in Bangkok this weekend.

Please Pray:

• Susan’s Health – She is currently sick. Pray for healing and strength hopefully in time for her departure on Thursday. Pray that God would grow and stretch her, be used according to His will and be an encouragement to the others.
• Paul & The Boys – Pray for Paul who will be holding down the fort back home and homeschooling the boys while Susan is gone. Pray that their time together would be a time they can grow closer to each other.
• Paul – Pray for Paul’s health as he continues his work and cares for the boys. He will also be flying out for his 5-day Asia Pac meeting the same day Susan returns.

CALEB & NATE
The boys continue to keep her busy with homeschooling, co-op, and extra-curricular. The boys are slowly kicking their way up to black belt. They switched to an Advanced class full of boys that focus on sparring and they just passed their green belt test.

Green Belt Test: Form 1 & 2, Kicks

Master Yoo Jin Giving Belts

We’re thankful for the many different resources that are available here. We’re especially thankful for our homeschooling coop. Caleb is enjoying a Robotics class while Nate is learning about various cultures from our fellow co-op families who are from all over the world, including Holland, French & Spain, etc.

Please Pray:

• Culture of Grace – Oftentimes the busyness of life causes a lot of stress that is put on the children. We’ve been intentional in slowing down and taking needed breaks. Pray that we can all have a posture of humility and grace with one another. Pray for wisdom for all of us as we learn to be faithful with who, what, where God has given us.
• Learning Khmer – We have been committing more time for the boys to learn Khmer. They meet with their tutor, a student from one of our church plants, RCC. Pray for diligence but also encouraging progress.

 

 

 

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Happy Valentine’s Day

Recently Susan posted an article on Facebook about some of the issues and dangers on Valentine’s Day in Cambodia. Issues that is evident in the fact that guest houses and hotels are unusually packed. Issues that exist beyond February 14.

Mary Flo speaking at Angk’jeay

Yet, we are thankful that God is greater than any darkness and drives out all fear. He works in and through His people. One of those ways was evident this week with our special guests, Mary Flo Ridley, Dave, Hester and Caroline. Throughout the week, Mary Flo spoke at different venues and to different target audiences. Her main desire is to encourage and equip parents to engage with their children in teaching them about sex, marriage and love. She met with people both in Phnom Penh, including  our MTW Cambodia team, our national pastors, university students, and parents at Logos International School, and at one of our village sites in Angk’jeay. For many, both Cambodians and expats, it was something new or something tangible to take back and implement.

Let’s Talk About Love Conference

Please Pray 

• Thanksgiving – We are humbled and thankful for many of you who have been covering us with prayer. We have senses and seen some of the fruits. Though at times there were challenges, God met all of our needs and has protected their time here.
• Mary Flo and Hester Bouwer (UK) – May God give them wisdom and energy and continue to lead them where and how He wants to go. May God bear fruit in the work He’s begun during their time here this week.
• Travel Safety – Please pray for safe travels and health as Mary Flo & Dave Ridley, Caroline and Hester travel back to their homes in Dallas, TX and England.

Another farewell…until we meet again

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