Groth Report June 2006

You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue this way. Ephesians 4:3.

Chuck always enjoys observing and pointing out to me the various different construction styles in the areas where we are traveling. I must confess that without him pointing them out they would escape me completely. Recently as we traveled he pointed out to me a particular piece of scaffolding. What was unusual about it? It was made of bamboo, something we often think of as brittle and easily breakable. Then came his question, “Look” he said, “see what makes it strong? It is the material that binds it together.”

What a great observation!!! The strength wasn’t in the pieces of bamboo. It was in what bound the pieces together.

Each month as I write this newsletter I think of the various activities of the month that we want to share with each of you. Sometimes I keep the list in my mind. Other times like today I write it on our office white board. As I looked at it and thought about each of you I was reminded of the scaffolding. What makes us strong is what bind us together. It is the Holy Spirit. It is the love of Jesus our Savior. It is the peace that comes from knowing heaven is our home.

Two hymn phrases come to mind: “Blest be the tie that binds” and “Bind us together, Lord, bind us together with cords that cannot be broken.” May this letter serve to bind you to us and to the work here that we do together for Jesus.

One of the highlights of this month is Chuck’s working session with a pastor from Open Gate Christian Fellowship. In this session they study the Word of God that is selected for the upcoming Sunday and work to pull together sermon ideas and helps. One Sunday when we were out, Chuck’s phone signaled a text message.” I’ve just finished preaching. I feel so good about approaching God’s altar because I was prepared,” said Pastor. What a joy it is to be bound together in studying God’s Word. What joys have you had in such study recently?

Just this past week a Sunday School workshop was held. About 40 young teachers came in from several provinces to plan for the upcoming Sundays. It was so exciting to work with them. We worked on the Sunday texts and discussed how the texts were bound together by a common theme. We discovered that the theme for July 30 was “God has chosen you as His messenger.” We sang songs, and practiced sharing the message of Jesus we are to carry to others. Our partner Peg and several Open Gate leaders carried the theme onward with activities and more Bible study. Have you had a recent experience teaching someone about Jesus?

One of the great things about Asia is the real spirit of teamwork here. The Church of All Nations (CAN) from Hong Kong is embarking on a project to build wells here in Cambodia. The project will be quite extensive, so it is important that the plan is well thought out and the wells do just what the church wants - bring water to needy village people. How wonderful that the Asia coordinator for Human Care ministries, Michelle, found time to come to Cambodia to help think through this important project. Chuck will be the director for the first part of the project and with the local church, Michelle’s expertise, and working together, we feel assured that God will bless the efforts to use caring for others is an opportunity to witness to the caring of Christ. What actions have you done recently that people might ask, “Why would you do that for me?” so you can answer, “Because of what Jesus has done for me.”

We are also planning ways to be bound together with a guest, Rudy Schaser, and his projects of love. It was great having his smile and encouraging visit. It was wonderful to hear more about projects and people who are excited about doing things for Jesus and ways we may connect with this group. His excitement and love of Jesus was contagious. “Who have you encouraged with God’s message lately?”

Finally, although miles separate us we are bound to a fellow Cambodian/American Christian family through their leadership and love for their home area of Battambang. It was wonderful to meet Pastor Peter Sok, his wife and family. It was great to vision about the future and the great things we are asking God to do in this community. While people in the United States support this ministry with dollars we are also bound together by their prayers and interest in God’s work in Battambang. Who are you supporting with dollars and prayers so that the message of Jesus can go out to the entire world?

Another big togetherness is the new team of missionaries that are coming to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. As coordinator of these workers I am anxious to meet them and to introduce them to the wonderful opportunities they will have to serve Jesus here. We thank God for them and ask you to pray for Greg, Kimberly, Bob and Diana, Shannon, and Bethany, who will be partnering in ministry through English teaching, relationship building, pastoral mentoring, and Christian outreach. Have you ever prayed about volunteering some of your time to witness some place in God’s world?

Last, a fun U.S. partner, Messiah, Indianapolis. Do you SKYPE? If you aren’t familiar with this term, it is a wonderful way to send voice and pictures via your computer. Our partners in Indianapolis with the help of the Prahlow family set up a computer with SKYPE at their church. We had the fun of visiting, answering questions and teaching a song to three of their Sunday School classes via SKYPE. God can use technology to tie us together!! Want to SKYPE for Jesus?

Thank God that we are bound together in mission and ministry. Pray that the Fire of the Holy Spirit will truly bind us together in the Ablaze mission of sharing Jesus with the world.

Peace and love - Chuck and Jeanette Groth

 

Prayers Answered

Prayer Requests

Skyping Sunday School – Chuck talking to a Sunday School Class in Indiana via Skype
SS Workshop – Jeanette working with Sunday School Teachers at Open Gate Workshop
One of Trinity’s teachers at Jeanette’s training session