Groth Report October 2008

From the Word

Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6: 7

As people commit their lives to Jesus as Savior and Lord there is also a change to a new way of daily living. One of the changes may be as simple as changing the way a new believer talks. Foul language, crude references, curses and off color innuendos disappear when a Christian uses his very talk as a witness to the faith that is in him. Here in Cambodia recent conversations have brought further discussion about changes in language to give an opportunity to witness.

One of our students drove to class in a new little Tico car. We were all happy for him and expressed that joy. His answer was a witness to a simple way that language opens opportunities. He simply responded, “Yes, isn’t it wonderful. God gave us a blessing.” I know I have often received support, gifts and other benefits. I know from now on I’m going to share his witness, “Yes, God gave me a blessing.”

When we lived in Ghana Christians often answered the questions, “How are you?” with the words, “By His grace.” Chuck has picked up this response and now our students often answer this question the same way. Isn’t it true that our very health and our ability to face a new day are, “By His grace.”?

Asians often say good-bye by adding the words “Good luck.” It has been a real witness to hear Christians change these words to “God Bless.” A simple change can be a BIG witness. How will you use you daily language to share the Ablaze message?

Current Events

This has been a busy month of teaching. Chuck’s Friday Bible class has continued to expand. We are also excited that many of the Bible students come an hour early for some free English language training. “God has given us a blessing!”

“By His Grace” we have also begun the Village English center Hotel English Course. Each week I work with our national teacher, Naomi, to prepare the lesson. Each week she teaches the lesson to ten center teachers so that they can go to their village and present this training. The goal is that through these lessons people desirous of entry level jobs in the hotel industry will be able to fill out a job application form and use some basic language needed in hotel work. There is a strong emphasis on Christian work ethics and stewardship of resources.

This month “we received a blessing” at our Sunday School Training that brought together fifty-five Christian teachers from all over Cambodia. We reinforced the Adult leaders training from last month by studying Bible accounts that form the basis of the Apostles Creed. We prepared fifty-five flannel boards, and teachers colored and backed the visuals and practiced the Bible accounts. A Christian singer visited and taught some great Christian witness songs. Each of the teachers took home a CD to use in their own areas. Finally, as we said “God Bless” the teachers made applications of the teaching to their daily life.

SS Teachers working with Flannel Boards

Seth & Shannon Receive Trinity T-shirts

Time at Trinity, Battambang, is always a chance to see “God’s blessings and grace at work.” We welcomed our new workers, Shannon and Seth Hoeppner. We are so glad that God has added these new workers in His kingdom.

During the week, Chuck taught the men basics of sermon preparation. His heart was touched as one class member said, “I’m like Peter at transfiguration. I wish we could just stay here and learn more.”

Pastor Kuen Preaching

Devotion writers working

While Chuck was working with the men I led a devotion writers’ workshop. It was a challenge to take something that has been my love (writing devotions) break it down so others could have some insight into the process. It was especially rewarding since presently there are no devotions written by Cambodians. We finished the workshop with eight completed devotions and the challenge to produce sixteen more by our Dec. 10 meeting.
Finally, what could be better than planning for the “blessing” of Christmas in October? The beautiful banners made by the Battambang ladies inspired me to look up Christmon religious ornament patterns. Pastor Kosal said that four or five women would gather to learn. What a surprise when we ended up with twenty-two workers of all ages. They copied the Bible verses to learn to go with their ornament and proceeded to create some wonderful witness ornaments.
Memories

We are leaving Oct. 21 for stateside mission education/interpretation visits. It will truly be a “blessing” to share with you what God is doing in Cambodia. We are also looking forward to some special family time.

 

By His grace and with His blessing,

 

Chuck and Jeanette Groth

 

 

Thanks to God for Prayers Answered:

 

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Our Stateside Schedule

October 26

Trinity Lutheran Church, Crown Point IN

October 27-29

Indiana District Professional Church Workers Conference, Indianapolis IN

October 29

Messiah Lutheran Church, Indianapolis IN

October 30

Our Shepherd Lutheran Church & School, Indianapolis IN

November 2

St. John Lutheran Church, Midland MI

November 3

Trinity Lutheran Church, Utica MI

November 5

Faith Lutheran Church, Arlington Heights IL

November 7

St. John Lutheran Church, Northbrook IL

November 9

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Streator IL

November 10

LCMS International Center, St. Louis MO

November 12

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lexington KY

November 17

St. John Lutheran Church, Lexington KY

November 19

Christ Lutheran Church, Cincinnati OH