Groth Report July 2006

The Son of man came to find lost people and save them. Luke 19:10 NCV

 Although I love to swim laps I have never really wanted to be a lifeguard. The possibility of facing someone sinking and desperate as they gasped for breath seemed far too scary. Yet here I am!!! Chuck and I - lifeguards??? All of you who know us well must be chuckling at this picture.

This past week a US colleague wrote an e-mail to explain some difficulties with a project we were working on. She had found out she had a serious health issue, and her response was, “I feel like I’ve been thrown into a huge wave, and I have no life jacket.”  Boy, do we have good news for her!! We have a wonderful God who has given us the life jacket of forgiveness, love, eternal life, and His constant saving presence.

So here we are - you and I - life guards. We have a terrific message to throw out to the world. “If you are lost we have a Savior. If you need love and support our Jesus is always with us and in us!!” What part are you playing as part of this life saving team?

Chuck has been busy helping a local pastor work through the Sunday texts so that he can share God’s Word in cell groups in a meaningful way. It is always good to hear of people who are about spreading the Gospel message. Who have you sat with to explain God’s Word?

Chuck has also accepted responsibility for major human care projects here in Cambodia. The Church of All Nations in Hong Kong is supporting the digging of wells in thirty Cambodian villages. Of course, there has to be someone on site to search out the best method of doing this, make reports, record progress, etc. That will be Chuck’s job. He has connected with a local NGO and is busy collecting information so that this project can go forward successfully. Have you been involved in actions that give you a chance to share the Gospel message?

One of the gifts of the Spirit that gives me a lot of joy is teaching. This month I have had the privilege of teaching teachers. A Saturday morning workshop gave me a chance to share ways of teaching Bible stories with eight preschool teachers at Open Gate church here in Phnom Penh. It was also fun to do activities with them that will help them teach English to their students. What gifts of the Spirit have you used to share God’s message?

This past week we spent our monthly time at Trinity Lutheran in Battambang. Chuck had great time working with Pastor Kosal. He preached a Sunday morning message that reminded the young Christians there that the mission is God’s and that He provides everything they need to do what is part of His plan. How important this encouragement is to them as they struggle to be Christians among countrymen that do not recognize their Savior, Jesus Christ. Who did you encourage in their Christian walk this month?

Battambang always gives us so much joy. This time we saw more students in the English school. We saw the Bible teacher putting up Bible pictures colored by students on the walls. Perhaps a high point for me personally was to hear a students sing a song I had taught her teacher. “God bless you everywhere you go in all you say and do.” And we are truly blessed!!! So are you!!  For wherever you go you have the constant life-saving support of your Savior, Jesus Christ.

We are thankful for God’s presence as we plan our trip stateside. We will be seeing some of you as we speak at your churches or visit with you as much missed friends and family. While Jesus is our support, He also works through you and we are anxious to tell you about His mission here in Cambodia and just share some special times with you. You are such valuable parts of the life saving team!

Peace and love -

Chuck and Jeanette Groth

Prayers Answered:

 

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