Greeted on Arrival

After we said morning “good-byes” to our hosts in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Tutu Bee & Mike and Debbie Flinchum, we flew to Bangkok, a monstrous international airport. As I walked off the plane, I noticed signs held by airline employees welcoming certain guests to Bangkok.

That’s not uncommon. It’s seen in just about every airport these days. In fact, I’ve seen it often enough that I’m not the least bit offended that no sign welcomes me when I arrive after a long flight (ok … it might be nice – but it’s not going to happen!).

These signs were unusual because they appeared just as I stepped off the plane onto the jet-way. They must have welcomed some business or political dignitary. Usually these welcome signs are seen at baggage claim or somewhere outside the terminal.

I instantly thought of our missionary friends from this trip: Kevin and Jill Kane and Kent and Becky Good. Like other missionaries representing Wooster Grace, they left the comforts of American living to take the Gospel to “the ends of the earth.” No sign welcomes them when they walk-off the plane to the jet-way. In many cases there’s no sign to welcome them anywhere at the airport.

But someday, they’ll receive a hero’s welcome in heaven. Jesus Himself will say to them, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25). I hope I get to hold the sign for them!

Pastor Bob

Slimed by an Elephant

Several years ago, I saw the movie, “Beethoven,” with my daughters. The star of the movie is a huge St. Bernard that loves to “slime” his family. (You just have to love dogs to love that movie).

I can beat that! I was slimed by an elephant! Today we sponsored our Grace Place children for a picnic and a visit to an Elephant Show about an hour from the orphan home in Wiang Pa Pao, Thailand.

The children loved feeding bananas & sugar cane to the elephants, watching them shower each other with water from the creek, paint pictures (!), play soccer and dance.

After feeding the elephants, the trainer invites any brave soul to step toward the elephant and be “hugged” by the massive animal’s trunk. I tried it … and that’s when it happened…. I got “slimed” by an elephant! Jim Pike thought it was funny, until I put my offended arm around his neck :-).

Of course, the best part of the day was expressing the love of God to these wonderful children.

They long to be hugged and held in a wholesome way. I can’t help but wonder what would have happened to them just in the two years since Grace Place was built. All would have suffered much hardship, some would have been abused, a few probably would have died.

What an honor to be used by God to express His love to them. I can’t help but think of the words of Jesus, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14). It’s worth it to be “slimed” just for them!!

Pastor Bob

Nothing quite like it... this side of heaven!

Sunday morning began with an excellent, American-style breakfast before we headed to Grace Place in Wiang Pa Pao. It's impossible to describe all we experienced in just a few short hours.

Here's a quick list:

1. Growth of Grace Place - In just two years - our home has grown from 20 children to 41 children. All this is possible because of the faithful support of God's people at Wooster Grace for the last, the least. and the lost.

2. Heartfelt, intense worship - I just wish you could watch the children as they worship God, pray and celebrate together. Frankly, this puts most of us, who are often inhibited in our emotions with God, to shame.

3. Diverse ministry - We were excited to see, not only the orphan home, but a new boys' dorm, the widows' home, the worm house, the mulberry trees used for creating silk products and much more because of the eternal investments of God's people.

4. Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude - Whether we passed out candy (what child doesn't like that?!!), gifts, pictures of our family, purchased small items from widows, or just worshipped with the children - everyone was so appreciative of our presence. Just can't be described!

5. Still a great need - Our church helped construct a bamboo boys' dorm so, as the children grow older, the boys and girls live in separate buildings. However, this dorm is temporary and needs to be replaced by a more permanent structure.

After several hours in Wiang Pa Pao, we returned to Chiang Mai where we visited the GROW home and enjoyed, the familiar face of Pastor Ivanildo, fellowship with Faa, the love of her 8 children, and DQ ice cream cake to celebrate a birthday (That's right ... DQ!!).

What an amazing day to experience a taste of what heaven will someday provide!

Pastor Bob

Angkor Wat & Our Culture

We met this morning for prayer and final words of encouragement for our Cambodian Ministry Partners who partner with the Kanes and the Goods to plant churches in this country. It was moving to hear one of these godly men pray for our safety and health before we departed.

We then "enjoyed" another eventful drive through the countryside as we headed for Siem Reap. I have new passion to pray for our missionaries safety in light of the dangers they face on the roads.

After lunch, we spent the afternoon touring the ruins of a Cambodian landmark, Angkor Wat. Known for its massive handcarved temples, Angkor Wat stretches over 100 square miles and is a huge tourist attraction.

One of the intricate & massive carvings (maybe 100 yards long) depicts an ancient battle between two groups. A plaque describes how modern culture really doesn't know why the battle was significant. Lesson: How many times do we fight over things that really aren't that important in light of eternity?? Hmmm...

Throughout human history, mankind has built monuments to the gods that stretched toward the heavens. Angkor Wat is no exception. Dozens of temple steps had to be climbed by these ancient people in order to pray. Lesson: We have the opportunity to enter God's presence at any time without rituals all because of the finished work of Christ (Heb. 9:24) Hmmm...

Tonight we hosted a delightful dinner with Pastor Chom, his family, and the leaders of the White Dove Ministry, which rescues women from the sex slave trade. What powerful reminders of the power of the Gospel to transform lives!

Please keep praying! Your prayer support makes a big difference for all of us!

Pastor Bob

Sensory Overload

Greetings from Battambang!

We safely arrived in Battambang yesterday afternoon through the driving skill of one of our hosts, Savorn Ou, Executive Director of Asia's Hope, who successfully navigated the roads from Phnom Penh.

Jim Pike described our trip as "sensory overload." It's true! How can you describe a country where you see water buffalo & ox-drawn carts while electronic signs advertise the latest in cell phone technology??

Cambodia is indeed a DEVELOPING country! Everywhere you see educational and economic development. New hotels & schools are under construction in the largest towns & cities, and as I write these words, I hear electric saws and hammers outside.

GRACE PLACE CHILDREN & WELCOME PARTY

But we came to SE Asia for the people- especially the children! We were greeted at our hotel by about 15 of our Grace Place children.

After dinner last night, we headed to Grace Place for a welcome party, which included ice cream, candy, chicken eggs ... and, with all that sugar, DANCING!

CAMBODIAN MINISTRY PARTNERS

Today we hosted a breakfast at local Battambang restaurant for about 10 Cambodian Ministry Partners and their families. along with our friends, Kevin and Jill Kane & Kent and Becky Good.

We heard the powerful testimony of a young man whose life has been radically transformed by the power of the Gospel and is being discipled as a future leader in the Cambodian church.

CONGRATULATIONS ON NEW PROPERTY!

Just as we arrived at the current Ministry Center, Kevin and Jill Kane learned that the purchase of the property has been completed. The property stretches from the Ministry Center on the left below to the pole on the right. It may not look like much in this photo, but it represents a powerful statement about the future ministry opportunities in this city. A future building will house worship services, English classes, student conferences, children's classes, dormitories for university students, and offices for the ministry. Pray for all the necessary funding to be supplied.

BACK TO GRACE PLACE

By late morning we returned to Grace Place where our children shared three worship songs complete with choreography! Nothing is more precious than watching children worship the Lord! We were overwhelmed with hugs and love as only these children can express. I distributed pictures of our family (including, of course, our new grandsons) to each child at Grace Place. We concluded the morning visit with a prayer of dedication for our staff and children.

Many of us "eat out" regularly in the U.S. That's not a privilege our Grace Place children enjoy. So tonight we host all of them for a Barbeque at a local restaurant! Savorn tells us the kids will love it!!

CONTINUE TO PRAY

Please pray for the health, safety, and effectiveness of all three of us during this brief and hectic visit to the "Land of the Smiling Eyes!"

Pastor Bob

Drinking out of a fire hydrant

Well....... we made it safely! After more than 24 hours of travel, Jim Pike, Roger McManus and I made it safely to Phnom Penh, weary - but grateful for God's care. The only injury so far was a broken wheel to my big suitcase. Nothing serious - just a bit tricky to navigate from here on.

We were met at the airport by our dear friends, Kevin Kane & Savorn Ou. Savorn guided us through the afternoon as we visited Toul Sleng, the penitentiary where Pol Pot tortured anyone he considered "educated." It's sobering to remember that 3 million Cambodians were killed during his reign of terror.

A visit to Phnom Penh is hardly complete without a brief visit to the massive Russian market, where everything jackhammers to silk scarves are sold. I decided the jackhammers might not make it past the TSA agents in my carry-on luggage and opted for the scarves.

We concluded the day with a delightful meal at the Khmer Surin Restaurant, as we hosted Savorn, his wife, Sony, and Kevin for dinner. It was challenging to hear again about the great ministry of these dear leaders who are making such an impact on this country for Christ.

Nothing quite matches the introduction to the traffic, sounds and sights of this city. Traffic lanes & lights, while observed by some, are a suggestion, at best, to others.

Your prayers are appreciated as we embark this morning on a 6-hour ride, "water-buffalo-dodging" ride to Battambang where we meet our children tonight. Can't wait to see all of them! A big party is planned. Wish you were here to enjoy it!

Maybe I'll get really brave tonight & try to post some photos on this blog!