GROTH REPORT JANUARY 2006

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal processing in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him."

2 Corinthians 2:14

One thing you always notice about countries when you travel is the different smells. Sometimes in Ghana you are overpowered by the smells of open sewers, rotting vegetables, and the constant smell of hard working humanity. At other times your senses are awakened to the sweet odor of tropical flowers, the zest of ripe oranges or the smell of freshly sanitized floors. Odors pervade your existence. Now we are headed to Cambodia. I'm sure the surrounding smells may change. Perhaps what we remember from our time in China, the smell of incense, fruit and market spices will again dominate our nostrils. There is one fragrance that we pray to be a part of wherever we work to share the Gospel message. That is the fragrance of Christ and the sweetness of the Gospel message. Through us we pray that this scent will be familiar and lead others to the knowledge of him -- Jesus, the Savior.

This month is a time of transition for us. We have sorted our household things between things that are going back to the United States and the small lot that we will send to Cambodia. Then there are the things that we are selling here. That process is going well. God has been good and directed us to a knowledgeable shipper, and so we feel relieved to have that process initiated. We still are praying for a buyer for our truck and our dog. We have met some of our students and shared their frustration over just how they will complete their study program. This weekend we are traveling to Abrafo to check the school project there and see what we can tie up before we leave. These things are all in God's hands, and we trust His direction and will, will be done.

Our departure from Ghana will be on February 15. We fly through Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and then into Bangkok, Thailand, where we will be oriented for several days. February 21 we arrive in Phnom Phen, capitol city of Cambodia, and begin the process of becoming acquainted with a new county and culture.

We have daily contact with our team in Southeast Asia. Peg Wolfram, a fulltime volunteer there, has been most helpful answering questions about life in Cambodia. She assures us that e-mail will be no problem, so you will hear from us as we transition. We will be learning about leadership training, volunteers, and Gospel sharing in this area of the world. We will stay in hotels until we get a feel for things and then, God willing, find a little more permanent housing. We've got the list of available fruits and vegetables. We've heard about a youth program and opportunities for English as a second language work, so we're off again and thankful for this great opportunity.

My doctoral work continues with the editing process. I'm blessed with an advisor and an editor who is willing and able to work internationally.

This is a bit short, but just wanted you to at least know of our life situation. We ask for your continued prayers for this transition. We ask that you prepare hearts in Cambodia to be ready to receive the scent of salvation that is offered them. We also pray that you will be the scent of Christ in your part of the world. The world so deperately needs to wake up to the fragrance of life and salvation that He so willing offers.

Fragrantly serving Him,

Chuck and Jeanette Groth

Please note that the best address to use for us is charles.groth@lcms.org. Thank you! Pray that the Holy Spirit would fill your heart anew today with His compassion and zeal for reaching the lost! Join LCMS World Mission and a worldwide movement of Lutherans to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with 100 million people by the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. Don't keep the greatest gift ever given to you to yourself! Let God use the passion that burns in your heart for Jesus to set someone else's heart Ablaze! Visit www.lcmsworldmission.org/ablaze to learn more.