Groth
Report August 2007
From the Word
One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!! John 9:25
In Cambodia vision is an extremely loaded issue. During the time of the Pol Pot Regime anyone who wore glasses was in danger of death. The reasoning was that if you wore glasses you were able to read and the plan was to exterminate the educated class in order to dominate the country. Other vision issues here are the environment itself. The dust and dirt in the air provide a catalyst for trachoma and cataracts. Many people have clouded or diminished vision.
But even more serious than the detriments to physical vision is the spiritual blindness that is so much a part of this country. So many people have never heard of the saving love of Jesus. So many people are blind to the love, joy, peace and forgiveness that he brings. So many are searching for the way, the truth and the life that Jesus has to offer them.
Current Events
Much of this month’s newsletter will focus on the “vision and sight” that Jesus comes to bring to those who are BLIND.
July saw our first team from M.O.S.T. ministries arrive. They were here to bring physical and spiritual sight. Their first job was to build a basketball court at Trinity Lutheran Church in Battambang. Now, you know the weather here is hot, but this did not stop them. They were out and busy and quickly connected to the youth of the congregation. They worked together, and the youth quickly SAW that Christians cared for them and wanted them to have a place to enjoy and learn about a game and learn about eternal life. Youth and team members prayed together, worked together and enjoyed the VISION of what Christian fellowship is really all about. By Monday morning anyone could SEE the finished basketball court. What could never be SEEN was the Christian love, the sharing and caring that developed with this project.
Monday started as a bit of a rainy day. We wondered what we would SEE when we arrived at the church for the beginning of the eyeglass clinic and the basketball camp. What we SAW was a welcome banner and people waiting to be examined. We SAW that Pastor Kosal had done wonderful advance planning with his team. The tents were set up, the rooms were ready, the tickets were handed out and congregation members were there to share the message of Jesus and assist in numerous ways in the running of the clinic. The spirit that was there and developed over the next days was clearly VISIBLE. The response to this work of love was overwhelming. The team saw 750 patients in the three days of the clinic and gave out 970 pairs of glasses (reading and distance glasses are two separate prescriptions). The look on the face of people as they could SEE was a spine tingling, indescribable experience.
At the same time this was happening some team members were teaching the basics of basketball. You should SEE the excitement of the youth as they learned a new game and formed new friendships. They played together and they prayed together. What a wonderful clear VISION of what Christians do together in the Body of Christ.
Both of these activities helped CLEAR the VISION in spiritual ways. The support and sharing of fellow Christians from the US was awesome. The sharing of the Trinity Congregation with fellow Cambodians was moving. Their witness was strong and their invitation CLEAR. They had a real VISION of this week’s goal to share the love of Jesus and the message of salvation with the people in their village.
Also this month we were privileged to share the VISION with Darin Storkson, the Asia director of Lutheran Church Missouri Synod World Relief and Human Care. It is clearly a privilege to understand the ways that we can partner and bring the message of salvation through projects and ministries that point to our Savior Jesus Christ. Keep WATCHING for more of what is happening with this partnering ministry.
This month we also SEE our move to Sihanoukville. We really feel that God is directing us there and that we have much work to do in helping Christian leaders there learn more about the faith and to help them improve their English. Also we will be working with the school that has been waiting for a teacher, as now one will be provided. We want to be sure that we SEE quality education and strong emphasis on learning faith in Jesus in this classroom.
How is your VISION? Who have you helped to SEE that Jesus is Savior and Lord? Perhaps this month someone will say because of your witness - “I was blind but now I see.” After all, isn’t a clear vision of salvation and heaven the best eyesight of all!!
Focused on Him,
Chuck and Jeanette Groth
Thanks to God for Prayers Answered
