Groth Report July/August 2008

From the Word

Though one person may be overpowered by another, two people can resist one opponent. A triple-braided rope is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

It’s always fun to ride along in Cambodia and see the number of things that are tied to cars, vans and motorcycles. Huge plates of glass, refrigerators and beds are often secured to small motorcycles. Just yesterday as we traveled to Sihanoukville from our trip stateside we saw the back of a vehicle raised and three suitcases tied to the lock opening. Secure cords are a part of daily life here. But secure ties are also part of the everyday life of a Christian missionary. These ties that are part of our security as family and supporters are bound together with Christ in our daily ministry. We thank God for these ties that bind and are not easily broken because Christ is a part of “strapping” us together. Our stateside time always renews these ties for us in special ways.

Current Events

Our first “binding” experience came with our visit to the Indiana District LWML convention. It was a joy to be back in our home district and to renew friendships there. Of course we also made new ties with people who are planning to come with a team to experience Cambodia first hand, as well as people who have found creative ways to supply people’s need here in our field through surplus toys and clothes. We rejoiced that we could share what God is doing in His mission in Cambodia. We also rejoice that the Indiana District LWML once again supported our work here through a $10,000 grant for the work in Battambang.

Another renewal of ties was from members of the ladies’ team that visited Cambodia for the Peace retreat. We were excited to see and share again with Julie Prahlow, Alice Farley, Ruth Everson and Jean Janetski. We hugged and talked about the exciting ways that God used their experience. We had the chance to help with a grant proposal going to the International LWML. We also heard the words of encouragement they gave others to “get out of their comfort zone” and become a part of missions first hand via a short-term mission experience.

We were privileged to make new ties and strengthen old ones through visits to TIM congregations at Zion, Decatur IN; Concordia, Greenwood IN; Christ Lutheran, Anderson IN;

St. Paul, Webster City IA; and Zion, Humboldt IA. In Humboldt we finally got to meet and hug Ed and Ann Lee who have been our faithful supporters for over eight years. What a joy to see them in person!!!! It was also a renewal of ties as we visited Immanuel, Richton Park IL. It was almost ironic that Chuck’s sermon there was on the 33rd anniversary of his first sermon there as Immanuel’s pastor. We are praying for partnerships at Immanuel that will bind us together in new ways. 

 No trip to Iowa would be complete without a stop at Mission Central in Mapleton. What an affirming experience it is to be prayed for, cared for, and sent out again by the loving Christian folks there. We thank God for our ties there and for the “Boss” that we all share, Jesus our Lord.

Mission Central Folks sending the Groths


Chuck & Jeanette with the “Boss”

It is also wonderful to share the ties that bind us together as family. We can’t say enough about the joys of being with our grandchildren. What fun to bake cookies together, visit a zoo, put grandchildren together with TIM partner friends the Julie Prahlow an her three boys. What a joy to meet, love and baptize our wonderful new grandchild from China, Silas Charles.

How can anyone express the joy of being part of our daughter Kristyn’s wedding to Mark Rupp?  As our families visited together and shared good times with the Rupp family we once again thanked our great God that He provided Christian partners for our children in ways too marvelous to imagine!!!!


Mark & Kristyn Rupp


Bea Benidt & Jeanette

We were especially touched when one of our special donors, Mrs. Charles Benidt, took time to remember the tie we share by being part of Kristyn’s wedding event. What wonderful supporters God provides.

Now we are back in Cambodia. We thank God for the ties that also bind us here as we share and grow in the mission that our great God has planned. We pray for each of you as we thank God for the tie that binds us to you. May the joys and sorrows we share continue to bind us together in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

 Bound with you in Christ’s love,

Chuck and Jeanette Groth

 

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