Groth
Report May 2008
From the Word
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24
If there’s one thing that lights up every day in Cambodia it’s the smiles here. One time when we were riding in a tuktuk in Phnom Penh we accidentally got on a route that was being readied for a visiting dignitary. What do you do when you’re embarrassed to be in the wrong spot at the right time? You make a joke. We rode down the people-lined street and waved like dignitaries. You should have seen the smiles. Every time when we drive out to Trinity in Battambang the waves and smiles are some of the best part of the drive. A compliment to a hotel employee or waiter brings such a smile that it lights the whole room.
When I think of God’s face shining upon us, I think of Him smiling on us. What makes God smile? When is He looking with favor and lighting up our world? He smiles when he sees His people following His will and living as forgiven children of God. When have you seen God’s smile in your life and work?
Current Events
This month was our Christian leadership training in Battambang. Twelve leaders came together to learn about Lutheran worship. After they had learned about parts of the Lutheran service, Chuck showed them a DVD of two Lutheran worship services in the states and asked them to identify the parts they had studied. Then he asked for observations about the service. One of the men said, “There sure are a lot of old people.” Now remember that Cambodian population has about 70% under 30 years of age. Of course, the churches reflect this youthful population. While we smiled about the observation, I am sure God smiled when He saw people learning and worshipping His majesty!!
I did my usual work with the English and Bible teachers in Battambang. I always smile at their willingness to learn, to try new things, and to spend time working with me. This time I also asked to meet with the women’s team. We had had such wonderful sharing and Bible discussions at the retreat the ladies from the US provided, and I wanted to extend this experience. First I gave them pictures that were sent by the American ladies as part of a prayer partnership that was created. That brought some smiles. Then I helped them hang the banner that they had made at that event. Let me tell you there were plenty of smiles as that was in place in the church. Finally we studied the Trinity together. After all, Trinity is the name of their church, and it seems fitting they learn more about just what this means. After our study I left them with material to create their own Trinity banner. That brought some smiles as they began to figure out just what the banner should look like. I’m sure God smiled, too, as He saw his people working to share more about Him and beautifying the house of the Lord.
It always makes me smile to work at New Life Christian School. The teachers there are so diligent in their work. They are so capable of working and loving the children and sharing God’s Word through their actions. I was there to do an in-service on ways to get increased participation in the classroom. We had a wonderful morning learning by doing. I smiled at their creative ways to accomplish our learning. I’m sure God smiled too, when He saw these faithful workers.
Chuck has smiled all week with His work crew. About thirteen church leaders have spent days at our house finishing tables that will go out to our sites for ministry, English, Agriculture and health. We needed forty tables. The first tables were built by students from Hong Kong International School as part of a service learning project. These local leaders built the last thirtysix. They smiled as Chuck taught them to use power tools, sand to perfection, and varnish things to a shine. They loved eating lunch together. The biggest smiles of all came when they saw the completion of a job well done. Surely God smiles when He sees His people working together.
This month also I had the privilege of visiting a boarding home and orphanage run by a Christian group in Phnom Penh. Someone from the Lutheran Church in Hong Kong had heard about this group and wanted to provide toys for the children. Let me tell you that I smiled when I met the young students at the boarding home. While the places were far from lush by my eyes the young people from the rural areas were so glad to be together and have a place to stay in a Christian environment while they studied at the university. Before I got to go to the orphanage I did not smile because the heavens broke forth with a tropical downpour, and since I was riding in a tuktuk I got more than a little wet. We delayed the visit and started out for the orphanage the next afternoon. We drove down a rutty puddle-lined street along a railroad track, into a slum surrounded by garbage, with no toilets, and arrived at the orphanage which was a room about 8 ft. x 10ft. Thirty children spent some part of their day here. An orphanage in Cambodia means that either the children have no parents or have one parent or two parents that cannot provide for them in any way. I did smile when I met the caretaker. She had taught these children about Jesus, as well as provided some general education and also made an attempt to provide food for the kids. While many had no clothes they all had smiles. It was such a privilege to be able to bring a bag of rice, some great learning supplies and hugs!!! I am sure God smiled at the Hong Kong donors when he saw their care for these children. Prayerfully we will be able to continue some future work together. It would surely make me smile.
Finally we have big SMILES over the hiring of a translator and administrative assistant, Jesse. He will be working with us on translating, helping us with our short-term missionaries, and smoothing out our constant transition to life in Cambodia.
Where have you seen the smiles of God’s children? What has made you smile? Most of all what part of your life do you think brings a smile to God’s countenance?
With the life of smiles that only He can bring,
Chuck and Jeanette Groth
Thanks to God for Prayers Answered:
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Good health
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Progress on Silas’ stateside trip – Jason and Cara now have a date to travel
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Good teaching sessions
