The Gift of Children

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3

These last few months have been exciting times for Gospel Community Church Saang! We’ve been seeing a lot of new faces in our services, had several salvations, were able to do some outreaches with other local pastors, and are seeing great growth in our youth-aged members as they help with different areas of church ministry. Since we also recently had two more births among church member’s families, we have even more reasons to celebrate!

Last year, we held our first baby dedication where families and guardians publicly committed to raise their children in God’s ways. Considering the recent additions to our church body, it seemed right to have another dedication service this past week! Before beginning our dedication, we shared with our congregation the significance of this event, and for those who have only recently begun attending we know that this was a message they had never heard before.

Here in Cambodia, children are often seen either as a burden or a source of income. Consequently, family structure has been molded by patterns of dysfunction and exploitation. As Christians we agree with God that children are gifts to be treasured, loved, and raised according to biblical principles. Baby dedications give us a chance to reaffirm this.

As each parent publicly committed to raise their children to love and know God, church members stood and promised they would do their part to help bring this goal to fruition. It was a special time, and we hope to have many more such dedications as Gospel Community Church Saang continues to grow! 

Merry Christmas 2011!

This year's Christmas Program in Saang was a beautiful display of God's love and the message of Christmas, highlighting the talent of local children and youth. After beginning our preparations several months ago, the drastic flooding through our region made us wonder whether we would be able to carry on with the program at all! Thankfully, our Center land dried up in time. All the performers threw themselves into daily practices as our staff hurried to finish final plans and cram what would usually have been two month’s work into one! We’re so glad that God made a way where there seemed to be none, so that the message of Jesus’ birth and salvation could be brought yet again to many who have not yet heard it.

Working Together

​As a ministry, we’re constantly on the lookout for ways to bless and mutually strengthen those in church leadership in Saang and neighboring regions. That often takes the form of training seminars and church visitation, as well as benevolent giving to meet needs in various congregations in Kandal province. By working together with other area churches, In His Steps can bless a much larger group of people than simply those in our own congregation!

We recently received a donation of 200 Khmer-language copies of the book “Bait of Satan” through Messenger International. Having already partnered with John and Lisa Bevere for other projects, we were excited to have an opportunity to bring this resource to Cambodians in their own language. After meeting with their Asia contact in Phnom Penh, we loaded up a tuk-tuk full of books and brought them out to Saang for distribution.

Even in Phnom Penh (Cambodia’s capital city), there are not a lot of quality Christian resources available in the Khmer-language. In rural areas like Kandal province, many pastors have little or no access to Christian books and teaching materials. When we arrived with “Bait of Satan” in hand, these pastors were quick to open their copy and begin reading, hungry to learn more.

As we made our rounds delivering the books, we heard many stories of how devastating flooding in the region has challenged pastors and their congregations dealing with the aftermath. Although things are getting better, many families still have a lot of work ahead repairing homes, cutting down waterlogged crops, and trying to resume life as normal. Eric and Pheaktra were able to offer some advice, but more importantly, listened as pastors shared their concerns and struggles.

The following week, we continued with our next initiative: giving away eyeglasses that had been donated from a family in New York. Re-visiting each pastor and again spending time to encourage and advise them, we also distributed glasses to them, their families, and congregation members with vision problems. It was perfect timing, since many of them had their books on hand to test out the new eyeglasses!

Whether visiting pastors in their homes or meeting with them each month at our pastors’ fellowship, we want each church leader in our area to know that we love and care about them. Being in ministry can be a lonely calling, which is why we emphasize listening to and encouraging each other, not just giving resources or dealing with ministry business. We want each pastor in Kandal province to know that their service to God is not for nothing, and they are not alone! Today, please join us in taking the time to pray for the Body of Christ in Cambodia. 

- In His Steps

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Lives Made New

For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Romans 6:4

Pastor Pheaktra translates as testimonies are shared

In our first post for the new year, we want to share a glimpse into a very special event that happened this past weekend. In His Steps celebrated our largest baptism yet, with 55 new believers testifying to God's redemptive work in their lives. Early on Saturday morning, our Saang staff brought vans full of children from Father's House, Sunday School students, husbands and wives, and elderly grandmothers to a rented hotel pool in the city.

As hotel staff and passersby looked on, we had a time of worship, testimonies, and then of course the main event! After a rush to change clothes and prepare, the pool was lined with eager faces, and an atmosphere of happiness and excitement filled the air.

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Four days after receiving salvation, this man was baptized alongside his wife

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One of three Sak Saum women who were baptized that day

Our oldest church member, newly baptized

Afterwards, we shared a meal and had some free time for swimming

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Others eagerly awaiting their turn

The very first people to be baptized were a blind woman and a grandmother who faces persecution from her family. They braved the cold water with joy on their faces, and many of us watching couldn't contain our tears. It was just the first of many such moments, as husbands and wives, orphans and widows, women from Sak Saum and others took this important step. 

We look forward to many more baptisms as we bring God's light to Cambodia. It is such a privilege to witness firsthand the fruits of our labors in Saang, and to be used as vessels to minister God's love as he draws people to himself. Join us in praying for each person baptized, that they would be bright and shining lamps in their community as they walk in His steps!

We look forward to the great things God has for 2011!

Merry Christmas 2010!

Christmas came early this year at IHSI! Our staff and church volunteers have been working for two months planning and preparing for our third annual Christmas Program in Saang. Yesterday's event was the culmination of all that hard work, and it certainly paid off! About 2,200 people streamed into our Foundation Center land and for nearly three hours experienced the true meaning of Christmas through song, traditional dance, drama, and more. We pray that the message of Christ's birth and the hope he offers will resonate in the hearts of all who attended.